SIBA presents Lifetime Achievement Awards

The Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) concluded last week’s “celebration of British Beer”, BeerX, with the presentation of the organisation’s first ever Lifetime Achievement Awards.

Peter Amor (left) receives his SIBA Lifetime Achievement Award from chairman Keith Bott

The awards were given to two individuals “who have made an outstanding contribution to SIBA and the broader brewing industry”.

The first two recipients of the SIBA Lifetime Achievement Award were Dave Wickett and Peter Amor.

Ed Wickett collected the award on behalf of his father, who died last year but whose “legacy lives on as bright as ever”, SIBA chairman Keith Bott said when announcing the award.

Mr Bott added: “Through his pioneering work in setting up Kelham Island Brewery, Dave changed the beer scene in Sheffield from one of devastation to the thriving capital of beer it is today.

“Kelham Island has spawned many local brewers who have gone on to forge their own breweries and his influence on them and many other breweries and pubs is testimony to his passion.”

The former chairman of SIBA, Peter Amor, was praised for his long-term support of the organisation and of brewing as well as for his charity work; an annual charity beer festival at Amor’s pub, the Barrels in Hereford, has raised over £250,000 for local charities in the past 25 years.

Bott said: “As one of the organisation’s earliest members, Peter campaigned for Small Breweries’ Relief for many years. As chairman from 2007-2010, Peter steered SIBA into becoming the modern professional organisation it is today, by formalising its aims and policies and appointing its first full time chief executive.”

Accepting the Award, Amor said: “It is an honour to be linked with Dave Wickett, one of the true greats of British brewing. I am delighted to accept this award, and do so on behalf of the many people who have worked with me over the years – it is their efforts who have made possible everything I’ve achieved.”