Fifty years ago, on a freezing January night in Cheadle, the Campaign for Real Ale's Stockport and South Manchester (SSM) branch was formed. 

The first attendees - 71 of them, in all - gathered in the garden of the Printer's Arms. Chairman-to-be Dave Hall stood on a chair as he proposed establishing a local branch for CAMRA, the first of its kind in the region.

"What a night that was", said Neil Kellett, one of the attendees. Neil had joined CAMRA nationally in 1973, and was among those who proposed setting up the SSM branch. 

He added: "Those present demonstrated their love for real ale by drinking the pub dry, to the amazement of the tenants, Harold and Neil Worsley."

CAMRA, by this point, was a fairly novel organisation, having been founded in 1971. 

A blue plaque to mark the founding event, funded by branch members, now adorns the front of the Printers Arms, Cheadle (Image - SSM CAMRA)

Since then, it has become the largest single-issue consumer group in the UK, with almost 180,000 members across the globe. 

Stockport and South Manchester CAMRA has contributed in no small part to this growth, with 1,550 members and an estimated quarter of a million hours of time dedicated 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 meet-ups. SSM CAMRA, then, has a lot to be proud of. 

As Neil put it: "I am proud to be one of the founders of one of the UK's most successful branches, and still support branch events whenever I can".

And the momentum continues in earnest. At the beginning of the year, CAMRA's Chief Executive, Tom Stainer, spoke at an anniversary event in Heaton Mersey, alongside Damien O'Shea (of the award-winning micropub Heaton Hops).

Branch founder members Alan (left) and Neil Kellett cut the special anniversary cake, baked by one of the branch members (Image - SSM CAMRA)

Furthermore, the Mild Magic beer trail returns in April for its 30-year anniversary, with around 100 pubs expected to take part. 

Locals can also look forward to another beer festival at Stockport's Masonic Guildhall from 20-22 June, and a Winter Warmer Wander Trail before the end of the year. 

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".

Find more information HERE.

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