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Trip to Dudley Winter Ales Fayre

Sat. 29th November 2008

After a slightly delayed start (the bus wouldn't go), twelve of us set off for Dudley on a cold & foggy morning. The festival is held in the town's Concert Hall, an ideal venue. Saturday was the last day and consequently following exceptionally busy nights on Thursday & Friday, the beer selection was a bit reduced. Having said that, although there were some beers missing I would like to have tried, there was still plenty of choice. Hot & cold food was available in a separate room. The 'main attraction' of the afternoon was an auction of 60+ lots of brewery memorabilia - not having a lot of experience of such things, I can only say it's remarkable what some people will pay money for!

Two of our number, Brian & Tony, decided to submit to the pressure & join CAMRA at the festival. This could have been prompted by numerous beer mats lying around advertising a year of membership for £8.00 - this seemed to be an absolute bargain, until the expiry date (1993) was noticed! Even after this trauma, Brian was brought to his knees by the experience (see photos).

We left the venue at about 4:30 & headed towards home. With it being so far, a comfort stop was made at the Church End Brewery Tap for a quick refresher before arriving back in Hinckley at about 7:30pm.

Photos:

The venue	The stillage with a few spaces	Bill checks his glass is empty	An unusual combination of cooling & insulation	A general view of the hall	Tony with his reward for joining	Brian begging to join!
	Chris obviously crept out for a pint of Bathams			Don't start them singing!!	At Church End

Photos by Chris Davies
Words by Alan Cooke

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