CAMRA Young Members
Welcome to the Young Members page of Derby CAMRA. If you have found us here then we are guessing you have an interest in beer, cider, pubs, etc, in which case you’re in the right place. Here is a little bit about what we do and what CAMRA can offer you...
Who Are CAMRA Young Members?
On a national level, Young Members in CAMRA are considered to be 18-30 years old but their activities are not exclusive. Our Working Group, which is made up of Regional and Branch Young Members reps from across the country, keep in regular contact to discuss how we as younger drinkers can promote the real ale and cider/perry industries, as well as protect pubs from closure. We are a mixed bag of various characters, backgrounds and occupations. Some of us work within the industry, others signed up because we enjoy a good pint.
On a local level, Branch Young Members Contacts (BYMCs) represent young members in their area as part of their branch committee. It is their job to bring CAMRA to a younger audience, encourage young members to support their local pubs and arrange social events that bring young drinkers together. This might be as simple as a local pub crawl or it could be making sure CAMRA have a presence at other events such as local festivals.
For Derby CAMRA, your BYMC is Heather Knibbs and she can be contacted on ymg@derbycamra.org.uk, or via the Young Derby CAMRA Facebook and Instagram pages. She is working hard with Natalie Bullin & Cathal Walker, BYMCs for Nottingham & Leicester, to bring you not only local events but regional meet-ups too. We enjoyed some great Young Members events in 2018/19 including:
- Our first ever bar at the Derby LGBT+ Pride Festival
- Hosting the National Young Members Forum at the Brunswick Inn
- Inviting all young members in the East Midlands for a social at Derby Winter Ale Festival
Why Should I Join CAMRA?
With our reputation for old men in socks and sandals, drinking warm beers and stroking our very long beards, you might wonder what can CAMRA possibly offer to young people? Well, quite a lot.
If you are looking to build your CV then CAMRA membership can actually be a huge benefit. Derby CAMRA runs one of the biggest beer festivals in the East Midlands every year. Volunteering can provide experience in customer service, marketing, finance, manual handling, people management and many other skills. Many of our managers are also happy to provide references to potential employers.
Outside of festivals, CAMRA branches campaign tirelessly to promote and protect pubs, breweries and producers. We liaise with local businesses and local press, offering valuable networking opportunities in your area and beyond.
Being in CAMRA is actually really fun - the choice of beer and cider has never been better. Craft breweries and cider producers are bringing out new names several times a year, giving you plenty to choose from. The number of Micropubs has exploded in recent years and many well-established pubs are holding live music concerts, street food festivals and other great events for your entertainment. We hold regular socials in Derby and beyond so you’re never short of a great day/night out!
Plus, it is cheap as chips! CAMRA membership for under-26s starts at just £18 and for joining you get £30 of beer and cider vouchers - so you are already in profit ! On top of that you get discounts at over 3500 pubs across the country, free or discounted entry to loads of CAMRA festivals (including free entry to the Derby Winter Ale Festival) and so much more. Check out camra.org.uk/10-great-reasons-to-join-camra.
Young Members Socials
Saturday 28th September is the presentation of the Derby CAMRA Young Members Award 2019 to the Brunsiwkc Inn.See the socials page for more details.
For more info check out Young Derby CAMRA on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, or email ymg@derbycamra.org.uk.
