The former Tolly Cobbold brewery in Cliff road was also in the news when local members of the Ipswich branch were told about it's current plight. In particular we most concerned to hear that the site has been vandalised in recent months with some parts of various listed artefacts have actually been removed from the historic building. After four years of closure the building is also slowly deteriorating too, and so a petition was organised at very short notice. Over 600 names were put to the petition at the Ipswich beer festival and the petition is now being used to urge action from various interested parties, including the East of England Development Agency (EEDA) and English Hertiage to ensure the site is better protected and also to encourage the current owners – called Cliff Quay Developments – to reveal and progress any plans they may have for the site's redevelopment. The site still needs to be used and either a new leisure facility, light-industrial or another brewing role needs to be found for the site soon, else further neglect and deterioration is very likely and one of the towns most distinctive and loved landmarks will start to blight the prestigious new dock developments rather than complementing them.

Many congratulations to Trevor Johnson (former organiser of Colchester beer festival) and Jo who were married in early October. A large (mainly CAMRA) group from Colchester (plus others) enjoyed a splendid Stag weekend in Belgium in mid-September. Brugges, Poperinge, Ypres and many friends helped to make it a very special occasion for Trevor (and his dad). Amongst the revellers was also an unnamed brewer from Nethergate who managed to keep his clothes on for most of the time!

The EGM held in West Suffolk in late September was much anticipated by some local campaigners concerned that this years East Anglian Beer Festival ( in Bury St Edmunds) might have been the last – but not so, with thanks to Guy Ransome and other branch members who have since come forward. Next years event is now in the planning stage. Guy will be the main organiser and has already created a draught list of about 75 beers and will be publishing a volunteer staff form on the branch website (westsuffolkcamra.org.uk) soon. Charities for consideration also need to be nominated by the West Suffolk AGM. More information about the event and copies of the staffing form can be obtained from guy.ransom@btconnect.com or by post to Guy Ransom, EABF Organiser, Limetrees, The Coppice, Great Barton, Bury St Edmunds IP31 2TT. Tel. 07979 708514

Finally, yours truly was suddenly requested by Regional Director, Mike Harvey, to assist in organising a visit to Ipswich by the CAMRA National Executive and Regional Directors at very short notice. It was over twenty years since they had previously visited the town, and with many thanks to Ady and Karen of the Dove it all went off very smoothly. They also enjoyed some time outside their meetings to visit other pubs in the area including the Framlingham Station, Earl Soham Victoria and Swilland Moon and Mushroom on the Saturday evening. Many thanks to all these licensees for their usual warm welcomes, despite it being a very busy time of the week. Karen and Ady were also presented with their Regional pub of the Year certificate by National chair, Paula Waters during the lunchtime recess.