It is with great sadness that I need to inform everyone that our long-serving member Douglas “Dugg” Polman passed away on Sunday 12th October following a long battle with cancer. Dugg played a pivotal role in the success of the Cornwall Branch for over 30 years. During this time Dugg carried out many roles including Branch Social Secretary, Festival Caterer, Festival Entertainments Officer, Festival Chairman, Deputy Branch Chairman, Branch Chairman and more recently Newsletter Editor and, once again, Beer Festival Organiser.

He was also BLO for several breweries in the last 25 years including Paradise, Cornish Chough, Blue Anchor, Cornish Crown, Lizard Ales and Shoals. Dugg was also a member of Cornwall Tasting Panel for more than 20 years. The Branch extends our deepest condolences to Duggs’ family and friends. A celebration of Dugg’s life will be held at Penmount Crematorium on Thursday 30th October at 12.00 noon. Dugg’s wish was that people attending are to celebrate his life and not mourn so no black is to be worn please but plenty of bright colours. Following the service you are invited to the Old Ale House in Truro to raise a few pints of real ale in his honour and share memories in celebration of Dugg’s life.

Please can any members who wish to attend let us know as we have been requested to forward estimated numbers to allow Dugg’s family make the necessary arrangements.