Steve Collins, a long serving member of Croydon and Sutton Branch, passed away on 2 November.

Steve was for many years an active campaigner for CAMRA, having been a member of the branch since its inception. Over the years his roles have included Branch Chair, Festival Organiser and Committee Member. In the 1990s, Steve edited the branch’s local newsletter, the 'Croydon Crawler & Sutton Staggerer'. He was also at one time involved in ordering beer for the Great British Beer Festival. Latterly he looked after the casks for our own festivals at Wallington to ensure good quality ales were always served. He was also an avid home brewer; the annual invitation to his home was a highlight of the year, as he would brew up to ten ales of different types and strengths, all of course excellent. One of his brews was developed by Clarence & Fredericks to be sold as Cascadian Black. Steve is survived by his wife, Maureen.

Congratulations to The Hope, Carshalton for winning the Greater London regional Pub of the Year competition. The presentation took place on Thursday 30 October. Ellie Eames, London Regional Director, presented the certificate to representatives of the staff. (Photo: Bob Bone)

On 10 June, we presented the Croydon Borough Pub of the Year certificate to Matt and Maria, owners of the Golden Ark, Selsdon. Their colleagues Ewan and Jonah also joined in the presentation.

On Saturday 17 May, members of South Hertfordshire branch visited Carshalton, and were joined by Croydon & Sutton branch members. We visited the Railway Tavern, the Sun, the Windsor Castle, the Whispering Moon, Cryer Arts Centre, and the Hope. The picture shows us enjoying the beers at the Cryer Arts Centre.