Ayrshire & Wigtownshire Campaigns

At the 2025 AGM, members agreed on the following campaigning targets. They are as follows:

Target 1. Encourage younger people to attend CAMRA supported social events.

We realise we’re not attracting any young active members, so let’s reach further and focus on getting young people interested in trying ale and joining CAMRA.

How can members support this target?

  1. Invite a younger family member to a CAMRA event.
  2. Canvas for new members highlighting membership concession for 18 to 25-year-olds at £22.00 per year.
  3. All members receive £30 of real ale, cider and perry vouchers per year.

N.B. Young people are everyone younger than oneself!

 

Target 2. Raise the branch profile within local media and utilise advertising to promote it.

This was a successful target last year, but our profile still needs to be maintained and grown. We have available funds so let’s reach further and advertise within our community.

How can members support this target?

  1. Like, share and contribute to our social media platforms.
  2. Sharing ARAF advertising material – digital and leaflets.
  3. If something is happening that you think deserves an article in “Full Pints” or a mention in “CAMRA Calling” get in touch with the committee.

 

Target 3. Increase member awareness, engagement, and participation in branch events.

Of the 566 members in our branch, we estimate about 20% engagement. Many don’t even receive our email circulars but are not aware they need to set membership communication preferences. This target is aimed at reaching existing members, raising awareness, getting them to events in person and aligning active members with committee posts for the future.

How can members support this target?

  1. We all know members who just need a little push to get them involved. Put your arm around them and invite them along.
  2. Spread the word about membership communications preferences and all the informative communications members receive. You can review your communication preferences at account.camra.org.uk
  3. Do you visit ARAF? How about volunteering to work at the festival?
  4. Do you already volunteer at ARAF? Would you consider joining the festival planning committee? Without member’s support, ARAF won’t happen. Check out https://ayr.camra.org.uk for the date and location of the next planning meeting.
  5. Fresh new faces and ideas are always welcome at our branch committee meetings. They are always held in ale pubs and members are always welcome to attend, contribute and enjoy a few pints. Check out https://ayr.camra.org.uk for the date and location of the next meeting.

 

Target 4. Promote the availability of real ale pins to publicans.

This was a soft target in 2024-25 but has led to the Fairlie Village Inn having 2 ales permanently available. The committee feel that this proven model could be used as an example to pubs struggling with full cask shelf life and new pubs introducing ale like the Portland has. N.B. A pin contains 36 pints. A regular cask is called a firkin and contains 72 pints.

How can members support this target?

  1. Ask for ale in a non-real ale pub – show there is demand.
  2. Talk to the publican. If he/she doesn’t stock ale, ask why not.
  3. Suggest a pin on the bar served by gravity as a low-cost, low risk means of introducing real ale.
  4. Several breweries and distributors offer ale in pins. Many deliver locally for free. We have a growing list that can be made available to publicans.

Our Brewery Liaison Officers and trained cellarmen can support pubs considering stocking real ale.