Tributes have been paid to an Oxford real ale enthusiast who also represented pensioners.

John Mackie, a familiar figure in the Oxford branch of CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale), died aged 85 on June 27 and his funeral is at 3.30pm on August 1.

Originally from Scotland, Mr Mackie was a civil servant for HM Customs & Excise, working in various parts of the country on VAT issues which brought him into contact with a wide range of people.

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When he moved to Oxford in the 1980s he became a member of CAMRA and was often seen at social events and branch meetings, with an eye for detail meaning he could audit branch accounts.

Dave Richardson, who has written a tribute for the Oxford Drinker, CAMRA's magazine, said Mr Mackie was particularly keen on campaigning issues, encouraging the branch to reward pubs, breweries and individuals who had done something special.

Mr Richardson wrote: "John was involved with the Campaigner of the Year award nationally and took his beer tasting seriously often to be seen making notes as he went around. Even when he could no longer stand to serve at the Oxford Beer Festival, he came along to help with staffing.

"On his 80th birthday, he was presented with a long-service award and a Dundee cake baked by Oxford CAMRA’s then chairman, Pete Flynn."

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A committed Socialist, Mr Mackie’s other great interest in later life was the Oxfordshire Branch of the National Pensioners Convention (NPC), campaigning on issues affecting retired people nationally and locally.

He was treasurer of the branch until a few years ago, and wrote lots of letters to the Oxford Mail.

(Image: Mark Kent) Iain Blacklaw, formerly of Oxford CAMRA, said: “I moved to Oxford in 1985 and joined the local CAMRA branch where I met John. I moved to Ipswich in 1996 but we kept in touch by sending each other our respective CAMRA newsletters, Last Orders and the Oxford Drinker.

"More recently we met at various Oxford beer festivals and an occasional branch social during my visits to Oxford. I had known him for almost 40 years. He was a very nice man and it was always a pleasure to meet him, and have a pint or two and a chat. He will be sorely missed.”

Barrie Finch, of Oxfordshire NPC, said: "After John moved to Oxford he became involved in pensioner issues through the campaign group OX-PAG.

"In 2015 that group changed its name to become the present Oxfordshire NPC Group and John was involved in its local work."

Mr Mackie’s funeral will be held at 3.30pm on August 1 at Oxford Crematorium.

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

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