We once again thank Chantal who has invited us to the Earl of Dalkeith for pre-tasters prior to the Wetherspoon’s Spring Beer Festival which runs from Wednesday 4th to Sunday 15th March. Due to a special request, this event will take place on the Monday, so expect to be invited to sample a few beers from the cellar along with nibbles. Meet at 18:00.

Our popular games night with a skittles match usually amongst ourselves. However, tonight we have invited the Rugby Branch along so can have an inter-branch competition. No pressure then! This regular event is on the first Wednesday of the month at the Phipps’ Albion Brewery Bar who have offered a £10 voucher to the monthly winner. If you don’t play skittles, you are still more than welcome at this monthly event and you can always play cards or dominoes instead. Meet at 18:30, starts at 19:00.

I was asked to arrange some trips by rail, so with this in mind, we head for Burton-upon-Trent for the Burton and South Derbyshire Beer and Cider Festival which is being held in Burton Town Hall. Now free to CAMRA members although there is a non-refundable £3 charge for a festival glass. If you intend going, you are advised to purchase your festival tickets on-line in advance. If you just want a day out visiting the local pubs, then a map with suggested pubs will be provided. Leaving Northampton at 10:10, a Railcard is £18.95, Groupsave around £26 each, and normal £28.50. Programme and map issued Tuesday 18th March

Our seventh “Out of County Experience” takes us to Leicestershire featuring two National Inventory pubs, two brewery taps and a few other GBGs. So, visits will be the Waggon and Horses, Ibstock; Three Horseshoes, Whitwick; Black Swan and Hall Croft Tap, Shepshed; and free time in Loughborough with pubs amongst others owned by the Moonface Brewery, Castle Rock, Blue Monkey and micros.Pick-ups Northampton (09:00), Wellingborough and Kettering (10:00), returning to Northampton by 19:00. There will be no food arranged. Please book, joining instructions sent on Wednesday 25th.

We are pleased to announce that we have arranged a minibus for Saturday 18th April 2026 to St. Albans. This is when they are hosting the CAMRA Members weekend so there are lots of events going on including Beer Festivals, Tap Takeovers etc.

We will pick up and drop off at central Northampton and aim to arrive at 12.00pm and leave at 5.00pm. Please note the Conference itself starts at 10.00am, so should you wish to be there for this we advise you take a different transport.
If you are interested, please contact Richard Burgham at ku.gro.armac.stnahtron@riahc.

A full minibus works out at around £10 each, and then you will need to register to attend the event which includes talks, debating, Beerex and much more in St Albans and the local area. Check the CAMRA website for an up-to-date programme.