Records relating to CAMRA (The Campaign for Real Ale)

Scope and Content

This collection consists of nationwide records

  • Corporate records 1984;
  • Promotional material 1981-c1997;
  • Public relations 1973-2005;
  • Historical notes 1983;
  • Annual reports contained in What's Brewing 1973-1995;
  • Good Beer Guide 1992;
  • St Albans 1991;

Administrative / Biographical History

A consumer pressure group CAMRA was formed in 1971 in protest against a powerful beer industry that was taking over and closing small breweries and producing flavourless national brands. A membership was set up and branches were formed throughout the UK. In 1974 the Good Beer Guide was first published listing 1,500 pubs recommended by branch members.

A public company was launched CAMRA (Real Ale) Investments Ltd to run CAMRA's own pubs. In 1983 CAMRA Investments changed name to Midsummer Inns. In 1985 Swithland Leisure took over Midsummer Inns. Events include the Great British Beer Festival and in 1997 the first Winter Beer Festival was organised. Publications include monthly What's Brewing. Many branches publish their own magazines.

Arrangement

The material is arranged according to the Scottish Brewing Archive classification scheme used within all SBA collections.

Access Information

Access to records within this collection is open, however an appointment may be required. Please email Archives and Special Collections for advice: library-asc@glasgow.ac.uk

Acquisition Information

This material has been collected by the Scottish Brewing Archive since 1991

Other Finding Aids

See also University of Glasgow Collections

File level list available in searchroom

Alternative Form Available

No known copies of this material

Conditions Governing Use

Applications for permission to quote should be sent to the ArchivistReproduction subject to usual conditions: educational use and condition of documents

Appraisal Information

This material has been appraised in line with standard GB 248 procedures

Custodial History

Unknown before its transfer to Scottish Brewing Archive. Custody of the Scottish Brewing Archive was transferred to Glasgow University Archive Services in 2008.

Accruals

None expected

Related Material

  • GB 248 AR: Records of Argyle Brewing Co Ltd;
  • GB 190: Records of Swindon and North Wiltshire Branch of CAMRA;
  • GB 192: Records of York Branch of CAMRA.

Location of Originals

This material is original