Many members are mourning the loss of friend and CAMRA stalwart Chris Gillette who died at the end of June aged 73.

He started work in social services and went on to IT security as a civil servant, retiring in 2010. During his retirement he took on several posts for CAMRA – regional secretary, South Wales and Good Beer Guide co-ordinator plus more at regional level.

He was also part of the Gwent branch committee, looking after various positions. 

Chris’ sister, Rosemary Jenkins, said: “We as a family are devastated at the loss of Chris. We understood he was going to get well, so this was not the outcome we expected when he went into hospital in March.

“Chris had many interests and hobbies, the diabetes group in Cwmbran, being of major interest to him. He was shocked when he was diagnosed with diabetes and so, with the help of the group, he wanted people to be more aware of the symptoms. He would give talks and share information to help people help themselves manage their condition more successfully.

“His other main hobby was CAMRA. This was something he really enjoyed over many years, visiting and working at beer festivals all over the country, judging the best pubs around and editing the Good Beer Guide. For a number of years, he helped produce a local magazine called Beer Necessities which proved to be very popular. The Mount Pleasant was his local pub. He loved meeting up with friends there, particularly on Saturday evenings."

CAMRA Welsh director Chris Charters said: “Chris campaigned tirelessly for the Campaign over many years and will be greatly missed. Chris has left a large void in CAMRA Wales and filling his position will not be easy.”