Flood victims get boost from CAMRA

CAMRA will be holding a charity auction this Friday at the National Winter Ales Festival, Manchester, to raise money for the victims of the Cumbria floods.

The event is being held in conjunction with Jennings brewery which has still been unable to reccomence brewing after being devastated by floods at the end of the year.

Up for auction will be special editions of the Cumbrian Breweries poster, signed by broadcasters including Richard Madeley, Judy Finnigan and Eric Robson, along with by as mystery lots donated by UK brewers and supporting organisations.

All proceeds will go to the Cumbria Community Foundation,which was set up in November last year to give aid to individuals and groups in the county who suffered due to the severe floods.

Graham Donning, CAMRA National Winter Ales Festival organiser, said: "In total there are 26 breweries in Cumbria, making it one of the most prolific brewing areas in the UK. We hope our support will help reinvigorate tourism, and give aid to the many historic pubs and breweries affected by the floods in November, most notably Jennings brewery, who were forced to divert part of their brewing schedule to their sister breweries as a consequence."

Jennings brewery will be taking an active role in the auctioneering, with marketing director Peter Jackson and head brewer Jeremy Pettman assisting in auctioning off the lots.

Peter Jackson said: "It is hard to imagine the devastation caused by flooding in such a short space of time. Many people including workers at Jennings Brewery were badly affected by the floods and continue to be so.

"At Jennings Castle Brewery there was significant damage, and repairs are on-going but we are hopeful to recommence brewing shortly. We would like to thank CAMRA for their support and hope the auction will be a real success and help the people and businesses, including pubs, that were affected by this tragedy.'

The National Winter Ales Festival charity auction takes place at the Sheridan Suite, Oldham Road, Manchester, from 7pm on Friday January 22.