It is with great sadness that I report the death of Colin, a long-standing active member of CAMRA’s South West London branch. Colin volunteered primarily as a steward at CAMRA beer festivals in and around London, especially at his local festival, Battersea, where he was chief steward for some years. He also volunteered at the GBBF, where he had the delicate task of being the press office steward. When I was manager of the foreign and strong beer bar at Battersea, I once witnessed Colin using tact and firmness to successfully escort from the premises a gentlemen who had consumed a pint of all ten of my beers, the weakest of which was 9% ABV.
Colin was a scientist with a doctorate in organic chemistry from Salford University. He worked for many years at British Aerospace and latterly at Imperial College. Colin had a great love for and knowledge of rock music and briefly played in a Cream tribute band. Colin and his wife, Helen Saunders, who sadly died a year ago, were both keen beer aficionados and pub goers, also sharing a love of cinema and theatre. Both were also keen bridge players who often participated in our pub bridge sessions around London. A favourite location was the Royal Oak in Tabard Street, especially on London Drinker pick-up days!
Peter Sutcliffe
Editor’s note: Colin was chief steward at Battersea Beer Festival during my time as festival organiser. He was very easy to work with and I had the greatest respect for him. Helen’s obituary was printed in our April/May 2023 edition.
Editor’s note: Colin was chief steward at Battersea Beer Festival during my time as festival organiser. He was very easy to work with and I had the greatest respect for him. Helen’s obituary was printed in our April/May 2023 edition.