What is CAMRA?

CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale is an independent, voluntary organisation campaigning for real ale, community pubs and consumer rights.

CAMRA was formed in March 1971 by four men from the north-west who were disillusioned by the domination of the UK beer market by a handful of companies pushing products of low flavour and overall quality onto the consumer.

In the present day, CAMRA has over 192,000 members across the world, and has been described as the most successful consumer campaign in Europe.

CAMRA supports well-run pubs as the centres of community life – whether in rural or urban areas – and believe their continued existence play a critical social role in UK culture. CAMRA also supports the pub as the one place in which to consume real ale (also known as cask-conditioned beer, or cask ale) and to try one of over 5,500 different styles now produced across the UK. A full definition of real ale can be found at 'About Real Ale'.

CAMRA is governed by a National Executive - a board of directors - who are elected at AGM for a three-year term. At local level, CAMRA has over 200 branches across the UK, enabling members to campaign and socialise in their local area. CAMRA also has a professional staff of thirty people responsible for central campaigning, research, membership services, publishing, marketing, press and administration.

CAMRA is financed by membership subscriptions, sales of books and merchandise and proceeds from national and local beer festivals. CAMRA is a not for profit company, limited by guarantee.

Why not join us today if you care about great quality real ale and pubs?

Ashford, Folkestone & Romney Marsh Branch of CAMRA has around 420 members and we hold regular meetings and socials, these are always listed on the Diary Pages of this website and in What's Brewing, CAMRA's monthly national newspaper.

Our Branch covers the largest area in Kent, stretching from the Sussex border to the west, Charing in the north, Folkestone in the east and Dungeness at the southern point.

We currently know of around 170 outlets that sell Real Ale, so we are kept very busy, further details can be found on WhatPub.

Disclaimer

The views expressed on this site are not necessarily those of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), Ashford, Folkestone & Romney Marsh branch of CAMRA nor the webmaster. Whilst every effort is made to ensure that information on this site is accurate and up to date, no responsibility for errors and omissions can be accepted.