CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, is sad to announce that long standing member of staff Iain Loe is set to hang up his pub guides and statistical handbooks and retire from the Campaign’s headquarters at the end of March.
As CAMRA’s Research and Information Manager, Loe’s 23 years at the St Albans based headquarters have seen him become an invaluable source of beer and pub knowledge and a hugely respected figure within the industry, acting as an ambassador and public spokesperson for CAMRA on a number of high profile issues.
Loe joined CAMRA in February 1989 just a month before the Monopolies and Mergers Commission report into ‘The Supply of Beer’ was published, changing the whole structure of the brewing industry. Soon after, in 1990 he initiated the setting up of the European Beer Consumers Union – the federation of national beer consumer groups across Europe to give beer consumers and pub goers a voice in Brussels and Strasbourg.
Over the last 23 years, Loe has represented the Campaign countless times on radio and television, and has become an ever present figure at industry conferences and events.
Mike Benner, CAMRA Chief Executive, heralded Loe’s contribution to the Campaign. He said:
‘Iain has been a great source of wisdom for many people in CAMRA, and has played an integral role in helping further our campaigning in the corridors of power. Not only has his ability to absorb a wealth of information been second to none, he is a popular individual in the CAMRA team, and has helped many a new member of staff settle into their role.
‘Iain will be sorely missed by the Campaign’s staff and volunteers and it will be difficult to replace someone with such a passion for and expansive knowledge of the beer world. I hope everyone in the industry will join me in wishing Iain a much-deserved long and healthy retirement.’
Despite retiring, Loe hopes to maintain his interests in the brewing industry both in the UK and beyond, building on his wide knowledge of the brewing industry, and will still be available for consultation. He also hopes to join the blogging scene and has already set up a page at
www.beerandpubsloedown.blogspot.com .
END
Notes to editors-
On leaving CAMRA at the end of March, Iain Loe can be reached by email on iain492002@yahoo.co.uk
For further information-
CAMRA Press Office, 01727 798443