It is with great sadness that we have to inform members that Gerry Keay, a long-standing and much-loved CAMRA member, passed away on 17 August following a spell in hospital, with his wife Gill at his side.

Gerry was a well-known and much-respected character within CAMRA, having served as Chairman of the Canterbury, Herne Bay & Whitstable branch for 30 years. He will be remembered by many for his entertaining speeches at meetings, his love of beer and, of course, his enthusiastic lead in the Christmas carol singing.

Locally, he was involved in the Kent Beer Festival and was bass guitarist in the band which played at many of the festivals. Gerry was a leading light of all the CAMRA cricket tents from 1983 onwards. His chilli con carne had people queuing out of the door.

Gerry was also a familiar face at CAMRA Members’ Weekends and gave many years of his time volunteering at the Great British Beer Festival. His contribution to CAMRA and the wider real ale community was considerable, and he will be greatly missed.

Gerry was a very good friend of The Unicorn, where he and Gill had been regulars for many years. In its announcement, The Unicorn said "It was an immense pleasure to have known Gerry, and he will always be a part of The Unicorn. He will never be forgotten."

Gerry's funeral was held at Barham Crematorium on Tuesday, 15th September.

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