A lively West Country tradition that's still going strong.

Have you heard of Wassailing? The word wassail is believed to come from the Anglo Saxon toast "waes hael" meaning good health and it was traditionally on Twelfth Night that celebrations took place, it was a way to ensure a healthy harvest of cider apples for that year and to scare away any evil spirits.

The festivities include the banging of pots and pans, the singing of traditional songs, such as Here We Come a-Wassailing, folk dancing and, of course, enjoying a drop of the wonderful cider for which our area can be justly proud.

If you would like to go along and join in the fun and frolics there are several Wassailing events taking place across the county, a few of which are listed below.

11th January 2025 Rural Life Museum, Glastonbury: www.somersetheritage.org.uk/rural-life-museum

17th January 2025 Carhampton Community Orchard, near Minehead: www.facebook.com/CarhamptonCommunity Orchard

18th January 2025 Rich's Cider Farm, nr Highbridge: www.richsider.co.uk

18th January 2025 Bere Cider, near Langport: www.berecidercompany.com

19th January 2025 Clark's Village, Street: www.shoemakersmuseum.org.uk/wassail-with-us

31stJanuary 2025 Sheppy's Cider Farm, nr Taunton: www.sheppyscider.com/the-cider-farm/events

We recommend checking with the venue that the event is going ahead prior to travelling.

We’re thrilled to reveal the incredible breweries joining us at Great British Beer Festival Winter 2025 with their own exclusive bars. Not only can you sample their exceptional brews, but you’ll also have the chance to meet the brewers and discover what makes their beers unique! This year’s line-up is overflowing with talent and flavour, including some debut appearances too.

Book here: https://winter.gbbf.org.uk/tickets

Our exclusive Brewery Bars pouring at Magna Science Adventure Centre, Rotherham 12-15 February, 2025. Abbeydale Brewery

Brew York

Chantry

Radio City Beer Works

Theakston

Thornbridge Brewery

Wantsum Brewery

As well as our exclusive Brewery Bars we'll also have our CAMRA bars featuring a huge range of beers from the best breweries across the country. From rich winter ales to bold stouts and everything in between, there’s something for every palate.

Check out our Brewery Bars page at https://winter.gbbf.org.uk/brewery-bars to discover more about our exclusive Brewery Bars before your visit!

Open to all members - and free to attend!

Taking place at the Riviera Centre (https://www.rivieracentre.co.uk/) in Torquay from 11-13 April, Members' Weekend, AGM & Conference is a chance for members from across the UK to socialise in the on-site Members' Bar, take part in discussions and activities and experience the local beer (and cider) scene. You can check the sample schedule on the site to help you plan your travel and accommodation.

Details to register attendance is on the members web site, it is very easy to travel to/from with many trains direct from Highbridge, Bridgwater & Taunton Rail Station's, and also Yeovil Junction & Crewkerne changing at Exeter St David’s.

You may arrive without registering, although it is preferred you do, you must have your Membership Card with you at all times.

If it’s just the members bar you are interested then, no problem, after check in the bar, which this year will offer a large range of Ciders, as this is the 50-year CAMRA has supported them, from Friday 16.00 to 23.00 hrs. Saturday 12.45 to 13.45 hrs. and 15.00 to 23.00 hrs., Sunday 12.00 to 16.00 hrs.

It is a good event worth attending, so let’s hope you are able to do so.

In addition to the formal AGM and Conference, there will be organised trips, activities, talks and tastings over the weekend. By registering to attend Members' Weekend, you'll receive an email by late January, with details on what's happening and how to book your place/s. Register to attend here: https://camra.org.uk/members-weekend.

All registered attendees will receive key information about where to register on site, and reminders about activities via email at the beginning of April.

You can also register in person over the weekend and come for a drink in the Members' Bar. The area has several pubs featured in the Good Beer Guide 2025, and local volunteers will have recommendations for pubs and brewery bars to visit over the weekend.

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CAMRA Conference 2025

Will be held at Rivera Centre Torquay Friday to Saturday 11th to 13th April 2025, (the weekend before Easter) same venue as last time in 2012. The conference before that was held at Exeter University in 2003.

As you can see it doesn't come around too often so if any one is interested in serving on the organising committee, many various positions to cover, then please let Phil Emond know.

if any one interested in joining Committee arraigning next years conference in Torquay. SW Region responsible for this. Next monthly committee meeting Sat 28th September

If not on Somerset Branch CAMRA Committee you might still like to volunteer at any time from Monday 7th to Sunday 13th April 2025 from the 7th to 11th setting up to 11th to 13th for the actual conference. The event can have as many as 8-900 members from all over the UK. Please let Phil know.

The weekend will need many Staff Volunteers for all weekend or just a few hours. The venue is with in 10min walking from Torquay Rail Station, which has through and connecting services from Higbridge, Bridgwater, Taunton, Crewkerne and Yeovil Junction.

You may like to attend as a member and join the tours on both Fri/Sat to various Pubs, Breweries and Cider Producers. Full Conference details will be available to all members later in the year from H/Q. 2025 celebrates 50 years since Real Cider/Perry was taken on by CAMRA they are hoping to have a strong presents at the Conference.

Members Bar will also be open with access through main reception by producing your Membership Card if not attending Conference.

Any member interested in volunteering for the conference please contact.

Phil Emond moc.yks@tm7tm4.ejp Conference 2025 Committee.

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Come and join Team Torquay - Applications being taken now!

Volunteers are also needed to help in all areas over the weekend - including set up, behind the scenes, behind the bar, counting votes and general assistance.

Sign up to volunteer here: https://camra.org.uk/members-weekend/volunteer.

We look forward to welcoming you to Torquay next April.

Neil Leeson, National Organiser, Members' Weekend, AGM & Conference.

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