On Saturday 16th may 2026 local CAMRA members met for its pre arranged meeting at the Elan Hotel, Rhayader.

This was the branch's first visit to this pub for some years. 5 members were present including Chris Charters our Chair. (Its worth noting that Chris is an extremely busy CAMRA member both locally, Regionally and Nationally. He is currently Regional Director for Wales.)

The Elan Hotel bar was clean and well presented. Two cask beers were available (sometimes that increases to 3). Ludlow Brewery's Gold and Wye Valley Butty Bach were on. Both served by a friendly local young bar person. This is a fairly recently renovated pub/bar so the accommodation/toilets etc are to a high standard. There is also an extensive bar menu and beer garden at the back.

As well as exchanging beer stories and personal catch ups the meeting also concluded some serious business.

Dave Gill the Branch's long standing officer who held a number of posts has stepped down ( although continues in membership). Members present expressed their gratitude to his long service to CAMRA and sent a card to him stating that point.

Revised Key post holders until at least our next AGM are : Chair - Chris Charters

WhatPub, Pub of the Year, Club of the Year and Cider Pub of the Year - Dave Drewitt

Treasurer - David Strachan

Good Beer Guide - Terry Taylor

Branch Contact/ meeting secretary - Graham Haslock

Web Master - Graham Haslock

It was agreed that a timetable ( to be provided by Chris C.} would be followed this late summer/autumn for POTY, COTY, Good Beer Guide etc recommendations and voting.

Next meeting is arranged for June 20th at Knighton. - details to follow