There was much sadness this week on hearing the news of the passing of Bob Phillips, a true stalwart of the cask ale scene, supporter of pubs and breweries and an early pioneer in the local Campaign for Real Ale – he was one of the best. If it were not for Bob, 40 years ago when he sent me a handwritten note about a local social in the Bell at Whitchurch, I would never have been such a supporter of the pub as such an important social centre for community life. (John B.)
---------------------------
Bob and CAMRA and Beer Festivals
Bob was among the earliest members of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and was instrumental in fighting the 'real ale cause' in the days when traditional cask beer was under threat of extinction.
He was involved in the first local beer festivals in north Hampshire, and living in Overton with his family he instigated the long-running Overton Beer Festival as well as events in Andover and Basingstoke.
Events, bus trips, visits
Bob also organised many events with local pubs, sometimes taking a cask of beer to place on the bar to introduce the traditional brew to local drinkers. For many years he arranged 'Beer Buses' to rural hostelries for CAMRA members to compete with local customers at darts, pool and dominoes all with the aim of widening the appeal of his favourite drink through socialising. Countless breweries were also visited, throughout the south, with full coach loads being the norm.
Marches and campaigning
He was also very active in campaigning matters, taking part in marches to condemn brewery closures when the big brewery companies of the 1970s/80s like Whitbread, Allied and Watneys were closing local breweries and monopolising beer supplies, restricting drinkers' choice throughout the UK.
Kind, warm-hearted, community spirit
Bob was down to earth, kind and a friend to many, and worked as did so many other local people at the Portals Mill in Overton. In more recent years he had moved to Whitchurch, where in one role he drove the Community Bus helping elderly residents with shopping, their Post Office visits to collect pensions and in reaching the doctors' surgery for appointments. Of course in his social time he was often found in several of the pubs with his pint in hand and was always willing for a friendly chat.
He tragically lost his first wife Chris at a young age, but then later met Alice with whom he settled with much contentment. Sadly Alice passed away just two months ago, and now Bob has joined her in peace.
They will never be forgotten.
RIP
