THIS WEEK we have a good news story as opposed to the more serious reports of our recent columns.

We are celebrating of the great achievement of 10 consecutive years in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide by one of our local pubs, the Kings Arms at Silsden.

The branch made a visit to the pub on November 18 to present Francis Huggins and Lisa Keeley with the certificate.

In the current climate of pub closures and licensee changes it is great to have some continuity in a venue, and Francis and Lisa have worked very hard to build a proper “locals” pub which caters for all-comers.

This hard work is not only reflected in the regular appearance in the guide but also in the string of other awards which grace their walls… Pub of the Season, Pub of the Year and Community Pub of the Year to name but three.

As this presentation had not taken place at the time of writing, we thought we’d include a blast from the past and show a picture of them receiving their Pub of the Year 2011 plaque from branch chairman Colleen Holiday… obviously taken at a slightly warmer time of year than at present!

The current 2018 Good Beer Guide is celebrating its 45th edition by reflecting on the massive changes to the beer industry since it started in 1974. It recognises that just five pubs: the Star Tavern and the Buckingham Arms in London, the Roscoe Head in Liverpool, the Square & Compass in Dorset and the Queen’s Head in Cambridge – have been in EVERY edition of the guide which is a massive achievement.

So how does a pub get into the Good Beer Guide?

In our branch area we have 168 pubs and clubs which serve real ale but our allocation for the guide is just nine in West Yorkshire and 11 in North Yorkshire.

In order to reach our decision, our hardy band of CAMRA volunteers visit venues throughout the year and are able to score for beer quality and range by using our online voting system.

CAMRA members from outside the branch area may also register using the WhatPub.com site but no money ever changes hands for inclusion in the guide.

People can join CAMRA and vote online through the app.