MEMBERS of Keighley and Craven CAMRA were lucky enough recently to be invited behind the scenes at Colin Farrar Brewery Services (CFBS).

Readers may already have seen the goal post pumps that were commissioned for the Rugby World Cup, but they company does so much more.

Colin Farrar has had a long association with Keighley and Craven CAMRA.

In his previous life he was landlord of the Haworth Old Hall pub, which was voted local Pub of the Season on many occasions, and Keighley and District CAMRA regularly held branch and committee meetings there.

It was while he was at Haworth Old Hall that Colin started his brewery services business, initially developing the quarter pint beer cylinders for Tetley’s (now used across the brewing industry and which replaced the old “Autovac” system).

He went on to design and make beer pumps; the pub was his showroom!

At that time his company was known as Worthside Beer Pumps. He sold out in 1991 to Hopkinson Holdings Limited, but carried on working for the company.

He left and started CFBS in 1996 and now employs around 25 people.

In his time, Colin has developed the beer nozzle (“sparkler”) and swan neck spouts, and was commissioned by Tetley’s to add the cooling jacket to all their cylinders. Now everyone in the industry uses that system.

CFBS refurbishes beer dispense equipment, develops new designs, manufactures various beer pumps and ancillary equipment, and has just employed a specialist design engineer.

The company provided bicycle handlebar beer pumps for the Tour de France and very recently provided folding bars for the Conservative annual party conference.

CFBS products are used extensively across the globe by all of the industry’s major breweries and are exported all round the world.

Timothy Taylor’s was one of the first to adopt Colin’s first-ever beer pumps and as near neighbours to CFBS together they have developed a strong working relationship.

The company has moved from its original, small (5,000 ft2) premises on Parkwood Street to its current 27,000 ft2 site on St Paul’s Road.

Colin has the energy and drive of someone half his age and has had a fascinating life. As well as his massive contribution to the brewing industry, he is well known locally as a former chairman of Keighley Rugby League and is also a Life Member of Keighley Cricket Club.

Colin, along with other members, played a prominent role in enabling the cricket club to purchase its own ground.

He really should write his biography! When he eventually decides to retire it would become a must read for everyone associated with the brewing industry.

Keighley and Craven CAMRA website is keighleyandcraven.camra.org.uk.