Camra appoints new chairman

The Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) has appointed Colin Valentine as its new chairman.

Valentine is a former Camra national vice-chairman and has taken over the role from Paula Waters, who will remain on Camra’s board of directors.

Mike Benner, Camra’s chief executive, said: "Camra has grown in stature since Paula Waters took over the position of Camra’s National Chairman in 2004, and through her leadership, Camra surpassed its 100,000 member milestone, and has campaigned successfully on many levels to promote and protect community pubs and local brewers and consumer rights. 

"The appointment of Colin is an exciting one for the Campaign, and we’ve no doubt Colin will provide the strong leadership and direction necessary when tackling the major issues affecting the future success of the organisation."

Speaking about his appointment, Valentine said: "Even with record number of members signing up, we still face challenging times and I aim to be as strong a champion of the pub-goer as Paula was. Camra has helped create the circumstances where consumers are increasingly demanding quality and provenance. The competition to be included in our Good Beer Guide is as strong as ever, even in these difficult times, and proves that if you offer the consumer a quality product in good surroundings, they will spend their hard earned money in your pub."

GMB to hold 16 public meetings on the beer tie >> 

OFT opens surprise Camra super-complaint consultation >>

By Neil Gerrard

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