The DBMA has been awarded by the South Herts Branch since 1997. Dave Burns died suddenly in 1995 aged 45. The driving force in South Hertfordshire CAMRA throughout the mid-1970s and 1980s, he had been Secretary and Chair of the branch, edited two Hertfordshire Beer Guides and the Hertfordshire newsletter, the forerunner to Pints of View. He was also active with other branches. A committed campaigner, at the Great British Beer Festival he was a bar manager in the early years of the festival when it was held at Alexandra Palace and was a key member of the branch team that organised the Hertfordshire Beer festivals of 1978 and 1979, held at Hatfield Polytechnic.
The South Herts Branch set up the award to honour individuals who have made a significant contribution to the real ale cause in our area and the county.
The DBMA is not an annually made award and is presented only when the branch feels it is warranted. There have been eleven awards made to date:
2024 – Steve McConnell, in recognition of 25 years of commitment and dedication to the real ale cause as landlord, brewer and CAMRA supporter at the White Hart Tap, St Albans, a regular entry in CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide.
2023 – John Lightfoot, for over 25 year’s tireless, meticulous and dedicated support as Treasurer to the South Herts branch of CAMRA and the St Albans Beer & Cider Festival.
2021 – John Bishop, for over 25 year’s tireless and dedicated Branch and Committee work in South Herts and at the St Albans Beer & Cider Festival.
2020 – Tom Blakemore, for his award-winning work on the South Herts Branch website and WhatPub, and for his unstinting work in the Campaign both locally and nationally.
2018 – Iain Loe, for services to CAMRA Headquarters, South Herts Branch and its Committee. Iain was instrumental in the setting up of the European Beer Consumers Union.
2017 – Phil Defriez, the branch’s and CAMRA’s longest running branch Chair with 20 years’ service in the role, for services to the branch and to the other Hertfordshire branches through Herts Liaison and for his 19 years tenure as organiser of the St Albans Beer & Cider Festival.
2012 – John Green for services to CAMRA Headquarters and South Herts branch over the 40 years of the Campaign.
2012 – Tony Dawes for Committee work in South Herts branch including the setting up of the Branch website. Awarded on his move away from the area.
2009 – Bob Muir, landlord of the Elephant and Castle, Amwell, for services to real ale and the trade.
2007 – Steve Bury for 35 years’ service to CAMRA in Hertfordshire and beyond, having held most positions in the branch, been a senior member of the Hertfordshire Beer Festival and St Albans Beer & Cider Festival Committees and editor of Pints of View.
2002 – Paul Ruane for services to South Herts branch, its Committee and CAMRA in general. Awarded on his move away from the area.
2001 – John Tibble, landlord of the Carpenters Arms, Harpenden, for his support of Mild particularly, and good beer in general.
2000 – Dennis Rutledge, McMullen’s Public Relations Officer, Brewery Tour Guide and friend of the Campaign.
1999 – Eric Sim, long standing active member of the branch. Previously Chair, Financial Secretary and Newsletter co-ordinator. The award was made on his retirement.
1998 – Richard Steward, CAMRA’s first McMullen Brewery Liaison Officer, awarded on his retirement from the role after some 16 years.
1997 – Graham and Roz Craig, leaseholders of the Woodman, Wildhill, for their stalwart promotion of real ale and support.