Salford & District branch of CAMRA Independents' Day Treasure Hunt 2019

This annual event will be held on Saturday 6 July starting at 11 am. Further details from ku.gro.armac.droflas@yraterceslaicoS

What's it all about?

In 1992, Rhys Jones – then of Stockport & South Manchester Branch – approached Pete Cash of North Manchester Branch with an idea for a joint celebration of CAMRA’s National Independents’ Day, which had recently been established as the first Saturday in July.

This being the closest Saturday to the American "Independence Day" – 4th July – the idea was for Branches to celebrate the large number of Independent Brewers producing Real Ale in Britain. In 1993 this was 179. Now there are over 1000.

Rhys's idea was for a "Treasure Hunt" – an excuse to visit a large number of pubs, each selling at least one real ale from an Independent Brewer. The two Branches jointly purchased the first Trophy Shield (the smaller, inner one). The larger, outer shield was purchased later by North Manchester Branch.

It is a day of three stages:

1) Meet in the Host Pub (usually The New Oxford, Salford) where you register your team (£1 per person) then solve a not-too-difficult puzzle. This gives you the names of eight pubs in inner Salford and Manchester – all within walking distance, though there are some free buses.

2) Most of the day is spent browsing the pubs, looking for the answers to 24 cryptic clues (3 per pub) and sampling the occasional Real Ale.

3) Return to the Host Pub by a pre-set time where question papers are handed in, checked and scored. The winners will receive a cash prize or sometimes beer tokens.

It is the duty (and privilege) of the winning team to engrave their name on the next available badge, to be the custodians of the trophy for one year – usually displaying it in a pub of their choice – and to return it at the start of the following year’s competition.

They also have the dubious honour of setting next year’s competition!

Although Independents' Day is under the aegis of CAMRA, you do not have to be a CAMRA member to take part, though of course we would be delighted if you decide to join us.

CAMRA Independents' Day Treasure Hunt 2018

This was held on Saturday 30th June 2018, with teams meeting at New Oxford at 11 am.

CAMRA Independents' Day Treasure Hunt 2017

The 2017 event was held on Saturday 8th July from the New Oxford.

CAMRA Independents' Day Treasure Hunt 2nd July 2016

The 2016 event was held on Saturday 2nd July.

CAMRA Independents’ Day Treasure Hunt – 2015

The North Manchester CAMRA annual pub treasure hunt was held on Saturday 4th July 2015.

Starting and finishing at the New Oxford pub in Salford contestants were challenged to visit eight other pubs around Salford and Manchester city centres.

This year’s winners were 'Cows No More, Only Beef' in a close finish over a field of sixteen teams. The team consisted of three members (Malcolm Cornelius, Helen Warburton and Alan Dobson) and we congratulate them on their victory. They now have the dubious honour of setting next year’s treasure hunt which we expect to take place on Saturday 2nd July 2016. Watch this space!

Thanks to:

Last year’s winners 'Rat & Handbag Darts & Dominoes Team' for setting this treasure hunt.

The New Oxford for hosting the event and providing food for the teams.

All the teams who took part for their enthusiasm and endeavour.

The licensees and staff of the participating pubs for putting up with people carrying out minute examinations of their premises.

CAMRA Independents’ Day Treasure Hunt – What’s It All About?

In 1992, Rhys Jones – then of Stockport & South Manchester Branch – approached Pete Cash of North Manchester Branch with an idea for a joint celebration of CAMRA’s National Independents’ Day, which had recently been established as the first Saturday in July.

This being the closest Saturday to the American "Independence Day" – 4th July – the idea was for Branches to celebrate the large number of Independent Brewers producing Real Ale in Britain. In 1993 this was 179. In 2015 it is over 1100.

Rhys's idea was for a "Treasure Hunt" – an excuse to visit a large number of pubs, each selling at least one real ale from an Independent Brewer. The two Branches jointly purchased the first Trophy Shield (the smaller, inner one). The larger, outer shield was purchased later by North Manchester Branch.

It is a day of three stages:

1) Meet in the Host Pub (This year it was the New Oxford, Bexley Square, Salford, from 11a.m. onwards on Saturday 4th July) where you register your team (£1 per person) then solve a not-too-difficult puzzle. This gives you the names of eight pubs in inner Salford and Manchester – all within walking distance, though there are some free buses.

2) Most of the day is spent browsing the pubs, looking for the answers to 24 cryptic clues (3 per pub) and sampling the occasional Real Ale.

3) Return to the Host Pub by a pre-set time (usually 6pm) where question papers are handed in, checked and scored. The winners will receive a cash prize or sometimes beer tokens. Then there will be some food, this year kindly provided by hosts Tim and Paulette of the New Oxford.

It is the duty (and privilege) of the winning team to engrave their name on the next available badge, to be the custodians of the trophy for one year – usually displaying it in a pub of their choice – and to return it at the start of the following year’s competition.

They also have the dubious honour of setting next year’s competition!

Although Independents' Day is under the aegis of CAMRA, you do not have to be a CAMRA member to take part, though of course we would be delighted if you decide to join us.