This year marks a big anniversary for CAMRA’s Stockport & South Manchester branch as it's 50 years since the branch’s formation, 40 since the branch started publication of its Opening Times magazine, and 30 since Mild Magic, the annual beer promotion, was launched.

Celebrations kicked off in January when 50 members enjoyed an anniversary meal at the Nursery pub in Heaton Mersey.

CAMRA’s chief executive Tom Stainer and Damien O’Shea, of the award-winning micropub, Heaton Hops, were the guest speakers.

Also present were founder members Alan and Neil Kellett, and there were plenty of documents and artefacts on show from the early years.

Neil Kellett said: “Having paid my 50p and joined CAMRA nationally in 1973, I met founder member Graham Lees at the Save Joules brewery march in Stone.

“Some of us then decided to form a local branch, and after a meeting to test support, we held our inaugural meeting at the Printers Arms in Cheadle on 15 January 1974.

“What a night that was. Because the pub could not accommodate the 71 attendees in one room, chairman-to-be Dave Hall proposed the setting up of the branch standing on a seat in the pub’s garden.

“And it was very cold! In spite of this, those present demonstrated their love for real ale by drinking the pub dry, to the amazement of the tenants, Harold and Neil Worsley.

“I am proud to be one of the founders of one of the UK’s most successful branches and still support events whenever I can.”

A blue plaque to mark the event, paid for by branch members, is now on the front of the pub, which remains part of Robinsons’ estate.

It is estimated that since those early days, branch volunteer members have spent something in the region of 250,000 hours to produce around 2,500 events and publications. This includes 35 beer festivals, as well as ale trails, brewery visits, and monthly branch meetings and social meetups.

And this activism continues. Planning for the 2024 Mild Magic, starting in mid-April, is in the final stages and around 100 pubs are expected to take part.

Contributions continue to flood in for the free local magazine, Opening Times, and the May/June edition will mark the anniversary of its foundation in 1984. The magazine will contain historic articles, as well as the regular features including pub and brewery news.

Looking further into the future, the annual beer festival will return to the Masonic Hall in Stockport from 20-22 June, and a final treat for beer fans in 2024 will be another Winter Warmer Wander Ale Trail before Christmas.

Branch chairman John Clarke said: “I would like to thank all the volunteers who have given their time over the last half century to organise and produce our local events and publications promoting real ale, pubs and breweries.

“The fact that our area has a thriving beer scene is no coincidence, as we have worked with local publicans and brewers to advance the cause of good beer. We will continue to do this, and already have a full programme of activities for the next 12 months.

“However, we are not complacent, as the hospitality industry still faces many challenges. If anyone fancies joining us as we do our bit to help, you are welcome to come to any of our meetings and events."

The 2024 Mild Magic event will run from Friday 12 April to Sunday 19 May. By visiting a minimum of 12 pubs and drinking at least a half-pint of cask mild ale in each, participants can start to win prizes such as bottles of beer, bespoke clothing and be entered into a draw for brewery visits and a hamper of beer.

Pictured, from left, branch founder members Alan and Neil Kellett cut the anniversary cake