Diary
When does the local branch meet?
We usually meet monthly for an open branch meeting where we discuss current matters and decide such things as which pubs to nominate for the Good Beer Guide, which to award a Pub of the Season and/or Pub of the Year certificate to, all done democratically and as fairly as we can.
Other topics include beer festivals, pub preservation and local pub news, which is the main source of content for the news pages of our quarterly branch magazine, Real Ale Talk.
All 7pm unless otherwise stated:-
- April Branch Meeting
Wednesday 8 April 2026 19:00
Thornhill Cricket & Bowling Club
Standard agenda items plus selection of the Club of the Season for Spring from the nominations made at the previous meeting.
- Social, Norristhorpe
Thursday 23 April 2026 19:00
Norristhorpe
Social starting at the Norristhorpe, then 7:45 at the Rising Sun, Norristhorpe then anywhere requested by those present
- Club of the Year runner-up presentation
Sunday 26 April 2026 18:30
Hartshead Social Club
Presentation of the runner-up award for branch Club of the Year 2026.
The layout is open plan, featuring a large horse shoe bar, comfortable seating, full-size snooker table and a small stage regularly used for live music and open mic sessions on Fridays plus quiz night on Wednesdays. The friendly community club, popular with walkers and ramblers, also serves non-members and has carefully chosen guest beers. There are good views of the South Pennines from the small beer garden.
- May Branch Meeting
Thursday 7 May 2026 19:00
Knowl Club
Our May monthly branch meeting.
This includes nominations for the Pub of the Summer Season - Pub of the Year presentation
Thursday 14 May 2026 19:30
West Riding Refreshment Rooms
Presentation of our latest Pub of the Year winner, well deserved.
Gather from 7pm for presentation at 7:30 or 8pm. - Branch Social, Birstall
Thursday 21 May 2026 19:00
Irish Democratic League Club
Optionally starting in the Pheasant at 6:30 (buses 229 and 281 stop nearby), then Birstall Nash (IDL Club) from around 7pm, then 1931 around 8pm, Black Bull 9pm
The 281 leaves Dewsbury at 17:58 and stops just past the Pheasant around 18:35. Walk 10 minutes down the hill or the 19:11 229 goes from opposite the Pheasant to Birstall Market Place, close to 1931 and Birstall Nash. Then it's 11 minutes walk to the Black Bull
Return to Dewsbury/Batley is via 21:50 or 22:50 283A a minute from the Black Bull or a 8 minute walk to market place for the 229 at 22:36 (or 23:36 to Heckmondwike).
Bus times are not consistent so it is recommended to check on www.bustimes.org when you are out and about.