The National Brewery Heritage Trust (NBHT) is having its formal launch with a reception at the National Brewing Centre in Burton upon Trent on 8 October at 11.30am for a 12.00 start.
The NBHT supports the work of the museum at the National Brewing Centre, its collections and to advance the education of the public in the history and heritage of brewing.
The group was initially formed following the closure of the then Coors Visitor Centre in 2008.
The NBHT is an independent not for profit charity comprising a small group of unpaid trust directors chaired by Keith Norris.
The NBHT seeks to broaden the scope of the museum’s collections, and ensure that historical brewing records and artefacts from across the United Kingdom are preserved.
The NBHT’s ambition is to fund exhibitions, acquisitions and development of the NBC’s facilities by encouraging individual and corporate membership of the trust.
NBHT Chairman Keith Norris said: “This is a defining land mark in the development of the working group culminating in the successful registration as the National Brewery Heritage Trust.”
“This not only enhances the prestige of the centre but will enable us to accept charitable donations in order to expand and renovate the existing collection. We will also be able to bid for funding to support major development projects.”
Invited guests include: The Mayor of East Staffordshire, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire, senior executives from the brewing industry and its trade associations as well as leaders of local industry and commerce.
NBHT Chairman Keith Norris will open the proceedings and outline the aims of the Trust.
Jonathan Neame Chief Executive of brewer Shepherd Neame Limited and Chairman of the British Beer and Pub Association is the guest speaker
Former Bass/Molson Coors brewer Steve Wellington will announce the Trust’s first major project.
Robin Manners former Chairman Bass Brewers Ltd & Director Bass plc and former Chairman Staffordshire Archive Trust will make the closing remarks.
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Notes for editors
Contact: NBHT Chairman Keith Norris 07837215632
The key aims of the NBHT are:
* Preservation and restoration of the archives and artefacts.
* Expanding the collection to reflect the national brewing heritage.
* Increase public access to the unrivalled archive material.
* Support educational displays and events focused on the impact of the brewing industry on the social and economic development of the company.
To achieve these aims the NBHT:
* Works with Planning Solutions, the operators of the NBC, to ensure its continuing success.
* Works with the volunteer groups who support the activities of the NBC.
* Works to secure the funding for the maintenance and development of the collection.
Origins
In 2008, Molson Coors took the commercial decision to close its Visitor Centre (formerly the Bass Museum) as it was losing £1million a year.
Within days of the announcement, the then Burton MP, Janet Dean, called a meeting which led to the formation of a task group determined to save the Museum and maintain it as a focal point for the town and the region.
In November 2009, Molson Coors reached an agreement with the leisure company Planning Solutions to run the museum and visitor centre and it reopened in April 2010 following some refurbishment work.
A successor to the task group, began working with Planning Solutions to ensure the future success and vitality of the museum and its collections.
The NBHT was incorporated at Companies House in August 2011 and registered as a charity in July 2012.
The initial working funding for the trust was provided by Burton Civic Society and the Campaign for Real ale (CAMRA).
Who runs the NBHT?
The NBHT is run by a small group of unpaid volunteers (the Trust’s directors), which currently includes representatives from: Burton Civic Society, Burton Chamber of Commerce, CAMRA; British Guild of Beer Writers and former brewing industry executives.
Chairman: Keith Norris email: Keith@knorris.orangehome.co.uk;
Company Secretary: Valerie Burton email: ValerieB43@aol.com
Treasurer: John Arguile email: johnarguile@yahoo.co.uk
Marketing: Tim Hampson email: Hampson.tim@gmail.com
Directors: Nik Antona, Janet Dean, Andrew Griffiths MP, John Haywood, John Polglass, Martin Thomas, Dr Harry White, Ruth Evans and Steve Wellington.
www.nationalbreweryheritagetrust.co.uk
National Brewery Centre
Go to www.nationalbrewerycentre.co.uk for information on the museum, opening times and events.
Email: info@nationalbrewerycentre.co.uk – telephone: 01283 532880.
The National Brewery Centre, Horninglow Street, Burton upon Trent DE14 1NG.