Jim Sargeant

Passed away 24th January 2024

Jim, a larger-than-life happy smiley gent, had been a member of Shakespeare CAMRA for many years. He was a real asset to CAMRA and was such a very passionate, efficient reporter and surveyor of pubs. Known as our ‘roving reporter’ he provided detailed information on all that was going on within the branch area. Jim's input into helping us keep all things pubs up to date was immense. Whilst carrying out this important task, Jim always was to be found with supplies of the branch magazine ensuring its circulation.

Way back in 2009, Jim’s passion was such for Hook Norton and their beer, living so close to the brewery, he published a guide of how to reach all 47 of their pubs by bus! See Hooky_Pubs_By_Bus_2009. Hook Norton Brewery posted a tribute to Jim on their Facebook page.

All at Shakespeare CAMRA will be the poorer for his passing and his laughter and kindness will be missed very much.

Portrait by Sue Bains

Reverend Canon David Capron

Passed away 21st September 2023

David was born in Somerset and moved to Warwickshire at an early age. He became Rector at St Nicholas Church Alcester and found that he shared a love of real ale with parishioners, in particular Bob Macvie.

In 1981 David, Bob and Alan Whitbread became the founding members of Shakespeare CAMRA. Without the great efforts and enthusiasm made by David to bring Shakespeare CAMRA to fruition, it is questionable whether the branch would have succeeded at that time.

David will be greatly missed by those who knew him.

See Rev. Capron for a personal obituary from Bob Macvie, seen below with David in 1990.

John Ross

31st January 1948 – 6th August 2023

Born in Sheffield, John had a life-long passion for beer and was a member of CAMRA since the early 1970s. John was in his element when he joined Bass Breweries in 1984 until redundancy in 1992. John was a stalwart of Shakespeare CAMRA, moving into the branch area in 1997. He became a great fount of knowledge for all things beer and breweries. With a lively character and a passion for distinctive red clothes, he was recognisable everywhere, and was seen at many CAMRA events over the years.

John took on various volunteer roles within Shakespeare CAMRA including Secretary, Cider Representative, Website Support and, until his untimely death, Membership Secretary. John’s input to Shakespeare CAMRA will be greatly missed.

Alan Whitbread

2nd January 1946 – 4th March 2020

Born in Brixton, Alan moved to Stratford to join Warks County Council. He was a statistician, achieving a BSc, Masters degree and then an MBA.

Alan was involved in many clubs, including the Stratford Bridge Club and the Stratford Chess Club where he was president. Alan had a love of real ale and in 1981 was a founding member of Shakespeare CAMRA, becoming the first branch chair. Alan was a singer, musician and morris dancer, his love of real ale continuing into his role as Ale Taster of the Alcester Court Leet.

Later in his life, Alan was a regular contributor to the branch magazine, Shakesbeer, regaling readers with old shanties and folk songs, which he performed at a number of festivals in the UK and abroad.

Alan’s contribution to Shakespeare CAMRA will be missed.