Brewing up a storm (part 2)

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Storming the AGM

It has been two weeks since James Frinley-Hughes last spoke to his son Nolan. The Mill Brew Society meeting had taken an unexpected turn when Nolan had suggested involving local Indian businesses to save the organisation. Tonight father and son face each other warily at opposite ends of the table for the AGM.

Where is Shania, thinks Nolan, hoping that she won’t let him down. Just as Frinley-Hughes is about to announce the start of the meeting, in marches Shania flanked by a small group of local Asian people.

“Not her again,” yells James. “What in the devil’s name is going on here? This is a private meeting.”

Morris, Treasurer of MBS, adjusts his glasses. "Sorry James but this is an AGM of a local association not a private club.”

Shania ushers the visitors to some chairs.

Nolan starts speaking, “Ladies and gentlemen, thanks for joining us here tonight. I’m afraid that the Mill Brew Society is at a crisis point and without financial support it may end soon."

“Stop this nonsense at once Nolan,” James barks, “I’m warning you.”

Shania stands up to continue, “It seems to me that you've got two problems. Money and members – there’s not enough of either. I thought the point of this society was to make beer."

History divides the ranks

James starts to fidget uncomfortably in his chair as Morris clears his throat and remembers, “It began a year ago when the council offered us this building along with a starter grant. I had the idea of creating a beer for Millcaster. It was simple. A group of us who’d been on beer-making courses could create a new local beer to revive this space and potentially bring revenue to the town.” Morris sits down as Nolan takes over.

“The starter grant was supposed to buy three fermentation tanks but we've only got one. The ‘research’ phase, which involved sampling sixty-five types of beers, lagers and ales from all over Britain, took over. Now the funds have been consumed and we haven’t delivered any of what was promised.”

James Frinley-Hughes reacts to his son, “Shut up! Who gave you the right to come in here and take over this meeting? What do you know about it anyway? We tried jolly hard but we did not PROMISE anything, did we boys?"

A problematic proposal

Shania turns to the visitors she brought with her. “I know I spoke with you all about Millcaster's historical links with the Indian beer trade. How about we create a new Millcaster Blaster? You could invest in this exciting opportunity and bring together the wider Asian community. What do you think?” There is an uncomfortable silence. 

Frinley-Hughes stands up and starts towards the exit, “That’s the final straw. Millcaster Blaster, my foot! Call these local people investors. Investors indeed! Love and chapattis, that’s all it'll come to!" He slams the door on his way out. There’s an awkward silence but Morris steps in as vice chair and calls the meeting to order.

Mr Abdul Hoque, owner of Moonlight, the largest and most modern Indian restaurant in town, had been silently observing the meeting.

“It’s a very interesting idea. Linking up Millcaster’s connection with old India and its new Asian community. But it's going to require a lot of investment on our part and what is the guarantee that these gentlemen will even be able to create an ale? They have only proved that they can drink it.”

Morris stands up and says, “As I mentioned, Malcolm, Bob and myself have been making quality beers at home for at least five years now. I would be really happy to teach what I know to the new members and we get can on with creating an ale. It would take us around three to six months to get something of quality. I’ve got a spreadsheet with the costs if you’d like to take a look.”

Mrs Rupa Patel, who owns the very first convenience store in Millcaster, glances over the figures. “I would be happy to stock and sell your beer in our store once it’s ready, at no profit for six months, and then we’ll talk again.”

Mr Hoque speaks for the Asian group, “Why don’t you leave this with us and we’ll get back to you in a week or so. But there is one condition: the gentleman who left earlier will not be heading up this project as I do not feel we will be able to do business with him.”

A new leader

No-one from the society speaks. Shania nudges Nolan, “Say something, he’s your father.” Nolan takes a moment before addressing the businessmen. “Our sincere apologies if his behaviour offended anyone. Mr Frinley-Hughes’ abrupt departure may be indicative of his passion and, although he is part of this association, I would like to propose that Morris lead on this. All those in favour?”

The hands shoot up, accompanied by the chorus of support.

Morris feels touched by this. The future of the organisation was uncertain but at last it looks like a doorway has been opened that may help them get closer to their goal.

Shania leaves the meeting with Nolan. "You did great back there. Your dad’s no easy cookie!” Nolan takes a deep breath as they reach the corner where they usually say goodbye, "Can I buy you a drink to say thanks? Without your help MBS would be a gonner." Shania looks down for a moment then smiles, “As long as its not a beer, you’re on!”

Have your say

• Was James right to storm out?
  
• How can partnerships with the local businesses help save MBS?
• Should the council investigate how MBS spent the grant?
  

Have your say on the Millcaster Tales Forum.

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