Here is the branch diary of meetings and socials for the next few months

Some events will need booking, so please do so in good time

Events requiring booking:

Email ku.gro.armac.stnahtron@laicos to book

Branch Diary to download

BRANCH SOCIAL- URBAN PUB OF THE SEASON PRESENTATION – GREAT BILLING – LocAle - MON 10th FEBRUARY
We have great pleasure in returning to the Elwes Arms, Great Billing, a surprise oasis in this village that has now been swallowed up by the ever expanding Northampton. The pub dates from the 17th century and we are delighted to present the Urban Pub of the Season Winter Award. Meet from 19:30

BRANCH SOCIAL - CURRY NIGHT – NORTHAMPTON - FRI 21st FEBRUARY
A favourite on the calendar is the annual curry night. We usually change the venue each year, so this year we make our first visit to the award-winning Tamarind at 151 Wellingborough Road, also rated top curry house on social media in Northampton. The tables are booked for 19:50, so meet in the Princess Alexandra which is a ten minutes’ walk away. Afterwards we will return to the nearer Crown and Anchor for final drinks. Please book by Tuesday 18th February as I need to advise the restaurant on our exact numbers

BRANCH SOCIAL CRAWL - DAVENTRY – LocAle - SAT 8th MARCH
For a change, we have a Saturday lunchtime social crawl around three pubs in Daventry. Starting at 13:00, we will be in the Saracen’s Head, an old pub that is now under the control of Wetherspoon’s. From here, it is a short walk at 14:00 to the Early Doors, one of the Branch’s past favourites and a Pub of the Year winner. Finally, we will move on at 15:00 to the Ale Pole, operating for around a year now. Suggested buses from Northampton are at 12:04 (D2), returning at 16:22 (D2).

BRANCH SOCIAL - TOWN PUB OF THE SEASON PRESENTATION – BURTON LATIMER – LocAle - MON 17th MARCH
Our Town Pub of the Season Winter Award goes to the Olde Victoria (GBG) where Simon Reavley and his team are at the helm of this favourite pub located in the centre of the town. With two bars, we will be holding a social here with reserved tables where on the bar is a choice of four ales; two Greene King and two guest beers with one usually from Potbelly. Why not come earlier for the Monday pie and dessert for £15 night – book on line or call 01536 721286 and quote CAMRA. Otherwise meet in bar from 19:30.

BRANCH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING – NORTHAMPTON – LocAle - WED 26th MARCH
Advance notice of the AGM and as always, we still require a few posts to be filled to spread the load. The meeting will be held at the Albion Brewery Bar where we will have a private function for our meeting. The pub will be opening especially for us, so should not be too busy at the bar. We have a guest speaker and Tom Stainer, CAMRA’s Chief Executive has offered to talk about CAMRA and its latest campaigns with a Q&A session afterwards. Please attend and volunteer where necessary. Proceedings will begin at 19:30

BRANCH SOCIAL CRAWL - NORTHAMPTON – LocAle - FRI 18th APRIL
A favourite on the calendar is the Good Friday pub crawl around Northampton. Keep the date clear for a teatime start and the usual finish at the Cordwainer (19:00), a large Wetherspoons pub with at least eight different ales on, including LocAles and offering the usual comprehensive range of food. Dip in or out as you please.

BRANCH SOCIAL – WOT NO HANDPUMPS III -LocAle - SAT 26TH APRIL
As part of our Golden Celebration year, I am re-running one of the “Wot No Handpumps” to Essex and Hertfordshire. Originally an idea of Barry White’s, this trip involves a run down to the Chelmsford area once more to cover eight pubs (for the gallon) selling their beers by gravity. Three of the pubs featured on the 2nd May 1998 trip, while one was visited on the Triple Stamps in 2003, so all deserve a revisit! The major beers are from Essex breweries with Bishops Nick, Colchester, Mighty Oak, Moody Goose, and Wibblers. We will leave Northampton at 8:30, although plan to be back at the Malt by 22:00. Please book.

To book any trips, please email ku.gro.armac.stnahtron@laicos

Further information from Karl Tecklenberg on 07723 858069 (M). To receive the latest diary by e-mail each month, please e-mail ku.gro.armac.stnahtron@laicos