Cornwall-based Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) has won bigger backing from one of the county’s best-known breweries to boost its campaign in its 20th anniversary year.
SAS has agreed a new two-year sponsorship deal with Skinners Brewery, of Truro. It involves increased financial support together with new beer mats, posters and a monthly draw all designed to create even more awareness for the campaign.
SAS, which is run from St Agnes, was formed by a group of local surfers anxious to stop sewage pollution at their Cornish surf breaks. They were swiftly joined by like-minded water users all over the UK campaigning for clean and safe recreational waters.
They have been supported by Skinners ever since the brewery’s own launch in 1997, with members of the brewery-owning family being accomplished surfers themselves.
Chief executive Steve Skinner explained: “We are increasing our sponsorship for SAS because we feel it is both appropriate in their 20th anniversary year and more necessary than ever.
“They have come a long way in their first 20 years. I personally can remember very clearly the days when we would be surfing in brown water at Newquay’s Fistral Beach, with hotels dumping their sewage straight into the sea.
“Mercifully, that is now history, but it is equally clear that there is still much work that needs to be done in creating even more momentum to protect beaches, oceans, waterways and waves right across the UK. We like the direction in which SAS is going and are delighted to be able to increase our support for them.”
The beer mats that are part of Skinners’ increased support will include details of a monthly draw for everyone joining SAS. Each month for a year, Skinners will give away an 18-pint ale polypin to the winner.
The brewery is also planning to host a big thank-you party at its Newham base for sponsors and supporters of SAS.
SAS director Hugo Tagholm commented: “We are delighted to further develop our association with Skinner’s Brewery, who have generously increased their sponsorship towards our vital projects to help protect beaches, oceans and waves right around the country, not least right here in Cornwall.
“As one of our long-term supporters, Skinners have seen first hand the positive difference SAS has made and continues to make to our shores, and we are grateful for their support in making sure the campaigns are as hard hitting and effective as possible. A big thank you to Steve and the whole Skinners team.”
