Members of CAMRA’s East London and City branch and Pig’s Ear Beer Festival organisers were saddened to hear the news that ELAC member and Pig’s Ear volunteer Peter Needle died on 12 May after a period of poor health. Peter was an active member of ELAC for over 40 years and had worked at most Pig’s Ear festivals. He was also a regular volunteer at the London Drinker Beer Festival, where he worked in the kitchen. In his younger days he enjoyed rambling, especially with Peter Roberts, and, after Peter’s death, he helped inaugurate the Roberts Ramble.
The photo shows him enjoying the Roberts Ramble in 2007. Peter lived in Leytonstone all of his life and worked in various staff canteens, including those in BT buildings. He was notorious for collecting things that might later prove useful, particularly for Pig’s Ear. Peter will be sadly missed; he was a stalwart of ELAC and Pig’s Ear, a one-off character! With thanks to Ron Andrews for the photo.