John, who died on New Year’s Eve aged 88, was an active campaigner and influential voice in the early days of the Campaign. Some sources also credit John with inventing the term ‘real ale’. He will however be remembered chiefly as the editor, in 1974, of the first edition of the Good Beer Guide. He secured a place in the annals of CAMRA with his description ‘Avoid like the plague’ for Watney’s beers. Alas, it was changed when the GBG was reprinted to ‘Avoid at all costs’ at, I am told, the insistence of the publishers. John’s particular distaste for Watneys was because of their closure of two out of three breweries in Norwich, along many pubs throughout the county. His funeral took place in Watford, close to his home, on 23 January.