Much has been discussed in quiet groups and corners as to what CAMRA Vancouver really is all about, what we are doing and what we should be doing. Perhaps this is the time, before we launch into our next AGM, to start the discussion.
The first question – What is CAMRA Vancouver all about? First of all, CAMRA Vancouver is a consumer advocacy group, speaking and taking action for those who appreciate real beer, created and served according to traditional methods with real ingredients – and then buy it. What constitutes “Traditional methods” is a debate unto itself.
In BC, traditionally, beer has been available as one beer from one mega brewery per one establishment. We do not have a tradition of regional or local brewers, craft brewers, or cask ale. Our tradition is “this is your beer, like it.”
In the UK, there is a longstanding tradition of a production of beer, served from casks and barrels where it is naturally carbonated. The consolidation of breweries under corporate umbrellas, run by accountants and those who did not have an appreciation of the quality of taste and the resultant factory output, gave rise to CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale. This group has done exceptional work and quite frankly saved real ale from extinction in the UK.
Other countries have their traditional beer consumer groups. The BC consumer group came into being because of a few travelers that had their taste buds awakened during their travels and brought back their love of real ale– thus CAMRA BC. CAMRA Vancouver is, you guessed it, the Vancouver branch of this BC consumer group.
In recent years CAMRA Vancouver has worked to expand its membership and build awareness of our local brewers mostly through support of events such as cask nights and brewer’s dinners.
So, that is the historical summary. Given the history, where do we go from here?
Advocacy – it’s more than getting up, shaking a stick and shouting blue murder. To be credible, we need to be able to back up our assertions and demands with facts as well have a message that is clearly understood. That means research. What changes need to happen in order for us, as consumers, to enjoy the beer we want, served in the manner we want it, available where we want it? What are the repercussions of these changes? Who is most likely to resist the changes?
Education – we are not talking classroom stuff. Or are we? Restaurants and bars need to know how to serve beer in the way that gives the best experience to the drinker. Cask ale is a tricky thing. Handled well, it’s a beautiful thing. Handled badly and we’ve got a murky mess in a glass. Then there are other beer drinkers, those not experienced in beer outside the commercial palate. How can we cross their tongues with something more flavourful in a way that excites their palate to the point where they pursue the same values as us? Twenty-five years ago few in this city knew any taste of beer beyond the then big three breweries. At that time, Rickard’s Red was as about adventurous as you could get on tap anywhere.
Events – how is there a limit to how many beer events Vancouver can handle? Looking across the fence to Seattle, we see events happening every day. Not one a day but events, plural. Restaurants, breweries and tap houses are all holding their own events. Does CAMRA Vancouver have a role in helping them get going?
All these are powerful and worthy discussions. Few would stand up and say we should not be involved in these areas, and yet the bigger question remains. Who is going to do this?
As a volunteer run organization with a handful of members elected to an executive, time is a limiting factor. In the past, CAMRA Vancouver has had all of its activities driven by the executive. As all on the executive have full time jobs and other lives outside of beer (yes, really!) perhaps it is time to open the process to the membership at large and give all members the opportunity to get involved.
May we suggest, for discussion before the AGM, the creation of three ad hoc committees: Policy, Education and Events, each chaired by an executive member, each open to members who wish to put in a few hours to make things happen.
Members, what do you think? Would you step up and be an active part in one of these committees as part of your desire to see things change?
Send your feedback to either:
Lundy Dale, President – pres@camravancouver.ca
Martin Williams, Vice President – vp@camravancouver.ca
Please download the print/PDF version of this letter:
>> CAMRA Vancouver Letter to Public (304KB PDF)
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