#ISBF7 - Wrapping Up
So. Time to say a few bits. Hopefully without getting too emotional.
There have been some lovely words said about this year's event, for which I (and the entire ISBF Family) are very thankful. This year was a bit of a struggle to put together - after 3 years “off the bike”, I couldn't get my head round what to do - but the comments and smiling faces made it all worthwhile. Thank you.
ISBF exists to raise money for a good cause. That good cause is a rather lovely charity called Start Inspiring Minds (or START in Salford), a charity which seeks to improve the mental health of those who are struggling. To prevent suicides. By the use of the creative arts.
It's personal. To both my family and the ISBF Family.
And - as seen in this post - it really IS a magnificent facility. A great bunch of people. Doing great things.
Those who attended #ISBF7 also did great things, as you'll see later.
ISBF is a precarious construct, held together by filigree and spider webs. A thing brought together by the love of a number of people. People who need to be thanked.
Firstly - Andy Heggs & Drumbeat Creative (Mr “Art by Volume”). For the look of the event. The design. Website and sponsorship. One of the very first people to offer help (to someone he had never met) back in early 2014. He's stuck with us throughout. And he's a lovely human.
Chris Dixon & Denis Teece for managing both bars superbly. And keeping me well away from both. They did brilliant. More lovely humans.
To the entire ISBF Family for making the event FEEL like it always does. This event is not really focused on the beer, more on the feel. And The Family make that happen. Many of whom have become good friends, both of mine and the other ISBF Family members. These aren't simply “volunteers”. They're lovely humans.
To Sean & Jacqui Ayling of Tom's Tap and Brewhouse for the fabulous Glassware Sponsorship (DAMN but those glasses were pretty!) Even more lovely humans!
Again, to Denis Teece of Old School Taphouse (in Clowne, Derbyshire) for sponsoring the lovely programme (again designed by Andy Heggs)
To John Tweedie of Playhouse 2 for the lovely Poster Sponsorship.
To Claire (Brewery Jewellery) & Daisy - we had some fun with our new Geordie friends! And she makes great jewellery. Click that link!
(Lovely humans in abundance!)
To my dear friends Jo & Mike Dewsnip - for the tunes and all the effort that went into what you do. (Other than THAT THING 😁 Jo's a lovely human, Mike however…… (Along with John O'D and the Batcave crew - “It” wasn't funny you know! But took some planning…..)
To Daisy Turnell - for allowing me to use her lovely photographs throughout this post
To Lee, Sam & Gaz from All Flow Dispense for the bars and the kit.
To MSS for the most chilled security staff - as always.
And to Stan, Andy & Jackie & team at Hemsley House. You did us proud.
To all of the following beer and Cider Sponsors, whose contributions make SUCH a difference to the end result :
Alan Gent (Petersgate Tap), Alex Koval, Alison & Mark Boast, Alun Williams, Andy Marsh, Ann and Andy Packwood, Bob Preece, Chris Airey, Chris Clough (aka Toshi & Yuki) Chris Dixon, Claire Fisher (House of Hops), Claire Moore (Brewery Jewellery), Daisy Turnell (Craft Beer Newcastle) Darren Berry, David Marchment, Denis Teece, Des Fisher, Drumbeat, Eliot Jones, Gavin McCloskey, Glenn Johnson, Grant Maconachie, Iain Peacock, Ian Sutton, James Burnham, James Mawson, James Stephens, Jay King (Craft Brewtique, Urmston), Jo & Mike Dewsnip, Jo Whalley (Wigan Central), Jock Joyce, John & Mary Durkan, John Clarke, John Jackson, John O'Donnell, John Ogdon, John Tweedie, Mark Hush, Mark Pursey, Mark Smith Magee, Martin & Laura Gunning, Matt Curtis (Pellicle Magazine) Mike Jones, Monton Tap, Neptune Brewery, Nick Clarke, Nick Moss, Nick Payne, Paul Birkett, Paul Boardman, Paul Delaney, Paul Flint, Paul Harland (Harland Electrical), Pete Ryan, Phil Greenwood, Phil Kyte, Rebecca Nicholl & Martin Clarke, Reich Insurance, Rob Shorten, Robert Baker, Robert Dunbar, Simon & Charlie Hooson - Sykes, Simon Gare, Stephen Donaldson, Steve Hewitt, Stuart Neilson, Taylor Brothers Skip Hire, Zoe Pearson (if I've omitted anyone, I apologise and will add)
ALL the beers were sponsored. A first for ISBF. Thank you all.
Beer of the Festival?
@ElusiveBrew @ckdsaddlers @PolymathTim - Dubious Legal Status
@tomstapandbrew - Barley Wine
@doiscorvos - While My Barrel Gently Weeps
I was lucky enough to try all 3. All were bloody lovely. Congratulations to Young Mr Parker on his SECOND BOF at ISBF to go with his win in 2016 with “Love Action”!
So. To the point of ISBF.
On Xmas eve at approximately 5:30, I chatted with Michelle Dennett of Start Inspiring Minds and transferred £8.5k into the START bank account. She was a little overwhelmed. That money that will make a huge difference to the work they can do. That's the difference that YOU, those who attend ISBF make.
Drinking great beer leads to doing great things. Who knew?
Enjoy the festive season. I'll leave you with this….. And thanks for coming. You were ace.
Be kind to one another J x
One more thing. As the Year turns to 2023, Support Your Independents.
Be they breweries, pubs, bars, food traders, whatever. They need you now more than ever.