The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) was founded in 1971 as a pressure group which strove to stem the tide of keg beers produced by a handful of national brewing companies, sole survivors of the internecine take-over wars of the 1960s and 1970s. During this period, many of our finest regional breweries were closed, with the permanent loss of their distinctive beers, with their local following.

In order to gauge CAMRA's success since its inception, reflect upon the fact that in 1971 there were just six home-brew pubs or micro-breweries in the country; there are now hundreds! Details of all of these, together with a selection of pubs serving the best quality beer, can be found in the Good Beer Guide, a CAMRA publication which is completely updated each year (unlike many 'rival' publications).

The battle is not yet won, however. Although CAMRA can now boast a membership of over 50,000, breweries still continue to be taken over and closed. CAMRA is, at the same time, battling against the upsurge of smooth nitrokeg beers. The closure of many rural pubs, and the unsympathetic and inappropriate refurbishment of many others with no thought for the needs of the local community, is also being strongly opposed.

There are more than one hundred and eighty branches and sub-branches of CAMRA throughout the country, of which White Horse CAMRA is one. Most of the area covered was formerly part of Berkshire before the boundary changes of 1974, and includes, as well as numerous villages, the market towns of Faringdon and Wantage, the latter being the birthplace of King Alfred the Great in 849. Formed originally as a sub-branch of the Oxford branch in the early 1990s, it fills a rural area not covered by the City branch or other neighbouring branches in Oxfordshire, Wiltshire and Berkshire. During 2004, some changes were made in the area covered, and the new ACTIVE MAP and PUB DATABASE have been updated to reflect this.

Ever since the Romans (and probably before), ale has been the most popular national drink, and a good beer, well kept and served, is a true delight; this is part of our National Heritage. Full of vitamins and nutrients essential for well being, it is now universally accepted that a moderate intake of beer is beneficial for good health and a long life. Beer is however produced by a biological process, and hence has to be carefully treated and has a limited life. Unfortunately some of our pubs do not always serve the product in the best condition. If you have never experienced the delights of the best beers, served in top condition, join us at one of our evening meetings (see DIARY), whether you are a CAMRA member or not, and we promise you will not go away disappointed!