April 2012 has been declared Community Pubs Month in a national initiative organised by CAMRA to champion the importance of local pubs. It's aim to encourage more people to appreciate their local pub, to increase the awareness of pubs as invaluable community assets, and encourage licensees to organise and promote events to attract further trade. It’s all about giving community pubs as much publicity as possible during these tough times. 

On Monday April 2nd, Community Pubs Day will kick off the month. CAMRA is then encouraging pubs to lay on community events throughout the month. 

The Branch Committee has assembled a list of favourite community pubs in the branch area who will receive before April a promotional pack of ideas for events and material to display. If your local is not on the list and you'd like it to receive a pack (whether as licensee or pub regular) or if you just want to know more about the event then visit www.communitypubsmonth.org.

All CAMRA members can now go online to nominate their favourite beers for entry into the North West Champion Beer of Britain competition. The winners from this area competition will go forward to the national Champion Beer of Britain competition at the Great British Beer Festival in August.  To make your nominations click here.  Note that to enter the site you will need your membership number and password (your postcode unless you’ve changed it). Closing date for nominations is 29th February.

The Waters Green Tavern, Macclesfield received the Branch award of Winter Pub of the Season at a well attended social evening on 27th December 2011. The award was presented to Brian and Tracy by Branch Chairman Rob Nicholson who reminded us that despite all the new and improved outlets for real ale in Macclesfield that have opened in recent years the Waters Green continued to stand out for the quality and variety of the beer served.  On these winter nights the friendly staff and real fire guarantee a warm welcome.