Bateman’s chairman dies

Batemans Brewery chairman George Gunson Bateman died on Monday. Bateman, who was born in 1927, joined the family brewery in 1950, going on to become chairman and managing director in 1970.

He founded the Linkage charity in 1976, which aims to provide residential education for those with learning difficulties and disabilities.

Bateman’s grandfather founded the brewery in 1874. Before joining the family business, Bateman trained as a brewer at Greens of Luton. From the late 1950s, Bateman began to build an estate of pubs. He also actively supported naturally produced cask conditioned beers throughout his career, together with The Campaign for Real Ale.

Linkage is now a significant charity, with 240 students, 200 staff, and a turnover of £5 million per annum.

Clinton Cawood, 27/06/07