The Building Societies Association (BSA) has teamed up with co-operatively-owned Hesket Newmarket Brewery to craft a special commemorative beer.
Ketley’s Golden Cross celebrates the 250th anniversary of the world’s first known building society, founded in a Birmingham pub in 1775.
The story goes that Richard Ketley, landlord of the Golden Cross Inn, invited his regulars to save a little each week until they could afford to buy land and build one of them a house. The group drew lots to decide who would get the first house, then they all kept saving and building until each of them had a new home. The first building society in the world had been born, based on the principles of mutual support and financial cooperation.
Ketley’s Golden Cross is a classic English golden ale. It has been made using predominantly classic English hop varieties as a base and a good dose of US Citra hops to give a modern twist. The addition of oats gives a smooth finish.The beer will be served for the first time at the Building Societies Annual Conference, taking place in Birmingham on 7th and 8th May.
“It was important to us that we worked with a co-operative brewery to commemorate the proud heritage of the building society sector, while also demonstrating the power of consumer-owned organisations working together to make their communities a better place,” said Robin Fieth, chief executive of the BSA.
“This beer is not just a nod to history, it’s a toast to the future of co-operation, community, and shared success, and I look forward to toasting the history and future of building societies in Birmingham.”
Richard Lowth, chairman of Hesket Newmarket Brewery, added: “We are delighted to work with the Building Societies Association to brew a commemorative golden ale for this very special anniversary. As a co-operatively-owned microbrewery — one of the first in the country — we are proud that our business embodies the ethos and the benefits of community ownership.”
