For the first time the traditional Annual Dinner was combined with the presentation of awards to the winners of this year’s BBI Ales, Lagers and Ciders competition which had taken place in July.

This new event was held at the London Marriott, Grosvenor Square, on 20th September, and judging by the high degree of networking, during and after the dinner, was seen as successful by the participants.

During the course of the evening, Sir Henry Cooper presented the awards to the winners of the competition. David Kaye, Managing Director of Krones UK Ltd followed this, by announcing that a ‘one off’ supplementary award was to be presented to mark the fact that 2004 was the 40th anniversary of Krones entry into the UK market. David duly presented a crystal decanter to Fuller, Smith & Turner, the company who had achieved the highest number of awards and aggregate points in the competition.

In responding to the toast to the BBI, the National Chairman, John Yates, highlighted the significant changes the Institute has gone through during the last eighteen months. These included new arrangements for the administration of the Institute being handled through the Binsted Group. John noted that the Institute is most appreciative of the efforts of Ed & Jan Binsted and their team.

A series of very successful visits to prestigious companies had been arranged during the last twelve months, which had fostered the principle aim of the Institute, that of networking. It was pleasing that a number of the hosts were present on the evening. John paid tribute to the hard work put in by the Section Co-ordinators Jeremy Browne, Cedric Pettitt and, particulary Brian Gibbs, in organising these visits.

The primary role of the BBI is to foster networking opportunities for its members and we do greatly appreciate receiving as much feedback as possible both to the events which the Institute organises and to thoughts on any future events. In particular, we would welcome constructive suggestions regarding the Awards Dinner for next year.

In recognition of Don Kelly and Eric Palmer’s overall outstanding services to the BBI, they were each presented with a silver salver, following their recent retirement from the BBI Council.

The BBI Achievement Award, sponsored by Krones UK Ltd, was presented to Bobby Neame, Chairman of Shepherd Neame, in recognition of his lifetime commitment to the British brewing industry and small brewers. It also recognised the ongoing investment that has been made at Shepherd Neame Brewery for the continuing bottling of British beers and other products.

Sir Henry Cooper presents Bobby Neame with the BBI Achievement Award with John Yates

Bobby Neame in responding to his award provided us with an insight into his early training and experiences within the brewing industry together with his thoughts and views on the current state of the industry.

Sir Henry Cooper rounded off a very enjoyable evening by regaling us with anecdotes and stories from his youth and, of course, his highly successful boxing career.

The medals and certificates were presented by John Yates our National Chairman and all entrants are to be complimented on their high standards and achievements.The winners of this year’s competition are listed below and our thanks to all the competition entrants.

BBI COMPETITION FOR ALES, LAGERS, CIDERS IN BOTTLES & CANS – JUDGED – 29th JULY 2004

CLASS A AWARDS

GOLD- Blue Label, Harvey & Son (Lewes) Limited

SILVER- Summer Ale, Fuller Smith & Turner Plc

DIPLOMA- Best Bitter, The Hook Norton Brewery Co. Ltd

DIPLOMA- King & Barnes Ale, Hall & Woodhouse Ltd

CLASS B AWARDS

GOLD- Fursty Ferret, Hall & Woodhouse Ltd

SILVER- London Pride, Fuller Smith & Turner Plc

DIPLOMA- Landlord Pale Ale, Timothy Taylor & Co Ltd

CLASS C AWARDS

GOLD- ESB Extra Special Bitter, Fuller Smith & Turner Plc

SILVER- Twelve Days, Hook Norton Brewery

DIPLOMA- Haymaker, Hook Norton Brewery

DIPLOMA- Old Bob, T. D. Ridley & Sons Ltd

CLASS D AWARDS

GOLD- Broadside Strong Original, Adnams Plc

SILVER- Brewsters Bundle, Hogs Back Brewery

SILVER- Old Jock Ale, Broughton Ales Limited

DIPLOMA- Border Gold, Broughton Ales Limited

CLASS E AWARDS

GOLD- Wobble in a Bottle, Hogs Back Brewery

SILVER- Golden Pride, Fuller Smith & Turner Plc

SILVER- Christmas Ale, Harvey & Son (Lewes) Limited

DIPLOMA- A T Over, Hogs Back Brewery

CLASS G AWARDS

DIPLOMA- Angel Organic Lager, Broughton Ales Limited

CLASS J AWARDS

SILVER- Gaymers ZEROo Cold Filtered Cider, Constellation Europe Limited

CLASS K AWARDS

GOLD- Premium Medium Dry Cider 330ml, Merrydown Plc

SILVER- Vintage Medium Cider (Can), Merrydown Plc

DIPLOMA- Suffolk Cider Premier Cru, Aspall

DIPLOMA- Suffolk Organic Cider, Aspall

CLASS M AWARDS

GOLD- Packaging of Range of Ciders, Aspall

SILVER- Range of Bottle Dress, Fuller Smith & Turner Plc

DIPLOMA- New Bottle Dress, Adnams Plc

CLASS N AWARDS

GOLD- Vintage Medium Cider, Merrydown Plc

Contact details: The British Bottlers’ Institute

Tele: 01420 568901

Email: info@binstedgroup.com

Web Site: www.bbi.org.uk