444. 10-01-90 LONDON - WEST END: WPR; Rick, BS; Karen, Jan. The WPR and Rick met in the "HOLYROOD" before joining the others at the BBC Paris studios for a recording of "I'm Sorry I haven't a clue". Afterwards drinks were had in the "CAPTAIN'S CABIN".

445. 12-01-90 LONDON N1 - ISLINGTON: COB; SAR & N, WPR, Rick & Judy, BS. This meeting was organised by the COB in order to add the "MARQUESS TAVERN" to his list of Youngs pubs.

446. 14-01-90 LONDON SW19 - WIMBLEDON: Maria; Chair & K, SAR & N, Rick, COB, SOS; Marta, Marzena, Ivona, Stanislaw, Duncan & Barbara. A record turnout appeared at the "CROOKED BILLET" for the celebration of the Hon Member (Poland)'s birthday. Members came from the North, South, East and West. A considerable part of the meeting took place around the Trivial Pursuit Machine, led by the First Lady, with the SOS providing most of the answers. Meanwhile, a discussion of eastern European Integration occurred.

447. 02-02-90 LONDON SW1 - PIMLICO: SAR & N; WPR, SOS. The SAR & N arrived in time at the "ROYAL OAK" in Regency Street, which had recently become a Young's venue. They had to wait over an hour for the WPR and SOS, who arrived together. Some food, mostly of a sausage nature, was had. The SOS reminisced about a romantic encounter he once had in Pimlico.

448. 03-02-90 LONDON SW20 - RAYNES PARK: Maria; SAR & N, WPR, COB, Marzena. A meeting took place at the "RAYNES PARK TAVERN"; the COB having arrived an hour before everybody else, and was in the process of going home when he met the WPR, who cajoled him into returning, using suitable epithets.

449. 10-02-90 LONDON N1 - ISLINGTON: WPR; Patrick, BS, COB, Rick; Hoppo. The WPR convened a meeting in the "PINT POT" before his holiday in the USA. A rare and surprising attendance was made by the Hoppo, who thought the WPR was emigrating. The BS and WPR also visited the "NORTH ONE".

450. 24-02-90 LONDON SE27 - NORWOOD: SAR & N; COB, Sec, Maria. The meeting convened at the SAR & N's residence for food and Marston's Pedigree in cans, following which, the SAR, COB and Sec walked to the "HOPE" in Norwood. Two potential 135 Club members engaged the party in conversation about various Youngs pubs. The meeting closed at 22.45 and the Sec went back to the SAR & N's residence to listen to music, while the COB caught a green 196 bus.

451. 09-03-90 LONDON W1: Rick; COB, Patrick. A brief meeting occurred when the COB and Patrick encountered Rick in the "FITZROY", after which members retired to opposite corners of the bar.

452. 13-03-90 LONDON EC1 - CLERKENWELL: COB; SAR, WPR, Sec, Anth, SOS. Members met at the "PHEASANT & FIRKIN" in Goswell Road. The pub was empty by ****** and Firkin standards, and the Society was entertained by Live Entertainment by a guitarist, including "Femme Fatale" and a Stone Roses song.

453. 16-03-90 LONDON NW8 - ST JOHNS WOOD: WPR; Chair, Sec, Rick. Members met in "CROCKERS" and discussed the Russian alphabet. The WPR produced holiday photos. The AGM venue and date were fixed during the course of an Indian meal in Edgware Road.

454. 01-04-90 LONDON W1: WPR; Rick; Simon (future BRA). The WPR, Rick, Simon and the BS attended a bizarre and challenging musical and poetic performance by Viv Stanshall, John Hegley and others at the Arts Theatre in Little Newport Street. Afterwards the damage from the previous day's poll tax riots was inspected. The BS left, feeling unwell, and the others continued to "THE IMPERIAL".

455. 06-04-90 LONDON W1 / WC1 / WC2: BS; WPR, COB. Youngers pubs. "PILLAR OF HERCULES". Central and very packed; disliked by the COB. "OARSMAN". Smoky. "SHIP TAVERN". Unnecessarily long walk through parts of Holborn. "THREE COMPASSES". Food consumed at "My Old Dutch".

456. 09-04-90 LONDON EC3 / SE1: Patrick; COB, BS, WPR. Youngers pubs. "UNDERWRITER": surprising entrance to this underground pub. "MAIL COACH": also underground. "SHIP". "ARCH 970": as name suggests, in railway arch. Burnt food at Sweeney Todd. COB departed, and remainder took bus home and phoned COB from the bus.

457. 14-04-90 LONDON N1 - ISLINGTON: BS; WPR. Notable meeting in the "RISING SUN" where members entered at 10:50 pm and left at 2:50 am. The pub was due to close 3 days later.

458. 16-04-90 LONDON N6 - HIGHGATE: COB; WPR. Easter Monday. The COB was working on the Bank Holiday and convened a lunch time drink fairly near his office, in "THE WOODMAN".

459. 20-04-90 LONDON EC4/EC2/WC2 - CITY/COVENT GARDEN: WPR; SAR, COB, BS, Anth, SOS, Rick, Sec. This was part of a WPR and BS-led William Youngers pub investigation which took place between April and May 1990. The meeting began in the "GREEN MAN" in Bucklersbury - large selection of beers, 2 bars, crowded at first. The second venue was the "HOLE IN THE WALL", Mitre Court; small - problem finding pub among back streets. Thirdly, the party found "YE OLDE LONDON", Ludgate Hill; small bar at ground level, ginormous bar underground with toilets - totally different. At this point the meeting was threatened with dissolution by City closing times, so members were forced westwards, some on buses, some on foot, to the "EDINBURGH TAVERN" in Milford Lane, where a long time was spent on the trivia machine, though the Society broke even in this regard, and strict drinking-up time occurred.

460. 24-04-90 LONDON W1 / SW1 / W2: Chair; BS, WPR. Youngers pubs. "VIGO'S": missed by the WPR and BS first time. Guitar player. "THREE CROWNS". "WOODSTOCK". "DUKE OF KENDAL" (not Chair).

461. 05-05-90 LONDON W1: BS; WPR, Patrick; Paul, Fiona. After a television recording of "KYTV", Patrick generously drove members back, during which they saw Telecom Tower spectacularly lit up, and stopped at a hostelry just north of Cleveland Street to watch. This was followed by a midnight curry.

462. 07-05-90 LONDON SE10 / SE7 / E1 / N1: WPR; Sec, BS. May Day Bank Holiday. The Sec, WPR and BS assembled at the familiar "RICHARD I", Royal Hill, Greenwich on an uncustomarily fine Bank Holiday. Youngs was taken in the garden in the company of various sparrows before further research was conducted in second-hand bookshops in the market, a pie and mash restaurant and the "GIPSY MOTH" Public House. The party then proceeded laboriously by bus to Charlton, where the Thames Barrier was inspected and further refreshment taken at the "ANCHOR AND HOPE". The Sec then returned eastwards, whilst the WPR and BS continued back to Greenwich to the "SPANISH GALLEON" (Courage). There they met a local who talked about the weather and looked like John Silver only older. Then via the Docklands Light Railway to the "TOWN OF RAMSGATE" (Charrington), E1 - Stepney, where they met another local old boy, who dissuaded them from going to the "PROSPECT OF WHITBY", so instead went to the "CHINA SHIP", E1. By now desperate for food so moved to the "AGRICULTURAL" (Watney/Truman), N1 - Islington.

463. 18-05-90 LONDON N1 - ISLINGTON: COB; Patrick, WPR; members of Xionics. COB celebrated last of spots with drinks in the "PINT POT", a vegetarian curry nearby and then more drinks in the pub.

464. 26-05-90 LONDON WC1 - ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING: The Society; (in order of arrival) Anth, WPR, Sec, Patrick, BS, Chair & K, SOS, COB, GR, Rick (at 20.30). Members assembled in the "LAMB"'s diminutive back yard, with the COB having been obliged to use 5 buses to get there, and the SOS having narrowly escaped contact with a falling tree branch in Soho Square. At 20.40 the meeting moved indoors and temporarily split into two groups, until the Society's customary skill in driving out other customers was exercised. The meeting diffused from 21.20, with the departure of Anth to an all night party, and soon after the Chair, having performed Clive Anderson impersonations. Subjects discussed during the proceedings included members' proposed travels in Eastern Europe, an attempted review for the minutes of Public Houses visited in 1989-90, and debate on London bird life prompted by the appearance of large numbers of predatory-looking pigeons on neighbouring rooftops during the outdoors part of the evening. Meanwhile, in Miami International Airport, the SAR & N were holding a meeting in the bar, where Corona Mexican Beer (with a slice of lemon), and dry white wine were had.

465. 28-05-90 BUCKINGHAMSHIRE - AYLESBURY: COB; Patrick, WPR. Bank Holiday. Pints of ABC were had in the "MILLWRIGHTS ARMS". Patrick lost his jacket. Amersham. COB made sudden exit.

466. 01-06-90 LONDON SE10 - GREENWICH: WPR; BS, Patrick; Karen, Jan. Greenwich Festival. The WPR and BS met on the train, and on arrival at Greenwich hung around the "PRINCE OF ORANGE" by the station to meet Patrick. The SAR, who had indicated he would be present, was not, and a tedious delay ensued while it was established that he was nowhere in the vicinity. The party rejected the "TRAFALGAR TAVERN" as too busy and progressed to "THE CUTTY SARK", an old pub by the river, nowhere near the ship of the same name. Returning along the river, they entered "THE YACHT" and stood outside on a balcony overlooking the Thames. Still no sign of the SAR. Attempted once more to buy drinks in the "TRAFALGAR TAVERN" next door but gave up and instead had food and watched the festival fireworks, where they met Karen and Jan from Logica. This meeting was celebrated with drinks from the "GIPSY MOTH" nearby, which ran out of glasses, before members returned home on a late westbound train.

467. 13-06-90 LONDON SW8 - BATTERSEA: COB; SAR & N, WPR, Patrick, Xionic Nigel; Paul. The Society met for a pre-COB birthday celebration at the "DUKE OF CORNWALL", an obscure venue which had been spotted from trains by the WPR and COB several times in the past. Though it was a Free House, the only beer available was cloudy Youngs Special, so some members partook of lager and Guinness, until the second round when a new barrel had been installed. The pub is surrounded by railway lines, and the Orient Express was seen to pass. The COB evolved an anti-World Cup strategy by moving the meeting further from the television, however this did not prevent some members watching at least some of Argentina v. USSR. Paul spoke about the provision of cable television in Croydon and then left on a bicycle.

468. 16-06-90 LONDON N6 - HIGHGATE: WPR; Patrick, BS. Post Kenwood Concert rendezvous. The WPR had been unable to attend the concert because England were playing Holland in the World Cup but joined Patrick and the BS in the garden of the "WOODMAN" afterwards. After being taken to task for not choosing a title at previous meetings, Patrick settled the question by taking the title "(The) DOWW (!)", although uncertainty still remained concerning spelling, punctuation and use of the definite article.

469. 19-06-90 LONDON W1 - WPR'S BIRTHDAY: WPR; COB, BS, Patrick, Sec; Fiona, Karen, Jan. Members met to celebrate this event at the "GLASSBLOWERS" in Glasshouse Street. After the Sec left, Patrick, Karen and Jan joined and there followed a long drawn out Indian Meal, after which some members departed in a collective minicab northwards. The WPR and BS continued to the "NEW INN", where the barlady gave the WPR a free drink to mark the occasion.

470. 22-06-90 LONDON WC1 - BLOOMSBURY: Chair; WPR, BS. Members braved the wind and stood outside the "SUN", Lambs Conduit Street, to further celebrate the WPR's birthday in the presence of the auspicious Chair. Discussion re: Nazis and Radio Times layout. "CALTHORPE ARMS" (Youngs): Halves had, and money lost on ridiculous machine with bars and nothing else. "CARPENTERS ARMS" (Taylor Walker): Dog (ursine). 60 year old Bros fan. BS hauled back to get kissed by dog (or its mistress). Circle / Metropolitan line felt underground. Stack of 2p's glued together with beer. "PRINCE ALBERT" (Watneys): Marble tables / "Terrazzo" flooring. Muito dinheiro been spent here! Deserted bar downstairs. "FOUNTAIN" (Ind Coope): Nice area, seedy, basic, "local", pub. "GEORGE IV" (Courage): Chair left to get to King's Cross. BS and WPR failed to get Tandoori take away. It is interesting to note that the SAR overflew this meeting at 20.06 on BA416 from Luxembourg.

471. 25-06-90 LONDON WC2: COB; WPR, BS, Anth, Patrick; Karena, Viv. COB's birthday. Members met in "THE BATTLE OF TRAFALGAR" before witnessing a theatrical performance of "Gasping", in a particularly stifling theatre. A rather desperate search for late night drinks failed and quick doubles were had in the "HAND AND RACQUET".

472. 07-07-90 KENT - RAMSGATE: BS; SAR & N, WPR, Sec. A reduced party assembled at the traditional location. A notable absentee was the COB, owing to the excesses of the previous evening. The WPR-led car party arrived at Ramsgate station at 12.20 where they collected the Sec, who had been pacing up and down like a caged polar bear. The WPR made contact with the BS by telephone, but then failed to find his residence, and instead went to the motorised party's overnight residence and phoned him again. After overcoming his objections, he joined the party at the "OAK HOTEL/OAK AND SHADES", and revealed himself to be particularly battered, having worn out his face and elbow against numerous walls, pavements and gutters a few days previously. Two rounds of Bitter/Lager and Lunch were had. This was followed by a cultural interlude in which an exhibition of photographs depicting people buying, and subsequently disposing of in a controversial way, Stella Artois in a Calais supermarket, was inspected, followed by the model village. The party passed in a funfair and then proceeded to the "STAG'S HEAD" for a round of Lager and Peanuts, and a WPR photo display. The party then moved 20 yards in the drizzle to the "HORSE AND GROOM" (only customers), where Bitter and Lager were taken. Then members moved seawards to "HARVEYS", which was fairly empty too. Halves were had by way of Pedigree and lager and Dry Cider, and navigation in the English Channel was discussed with reference to a map. The WPR investigated a collection of metal weight, which members were asked to quantify in terms of heaviness. It is thought that the Sec left at around this point. A cash-neutral situation, facilitated by a few lucky guesses by the BS, was gained on a suit-pursuit trivia machine. It became evident that Members had missed the first half of the third place play off of the World Cup, and so they proceeded to a venue with a television, namely the "QUEEN'S HEAD" on the Esplanade. The venue was full of nautical paraphernalia attached to the ceiling, including a boat above the bar. The audience for the World Cup match was judged to be insufficiently vivacious by the WPR, who stood in front of the TV, obscuring the view of the rest of the party. Therefore, after England equalised, the party moved to the "SHIPWRIGHTS ARMS" to watch the remaining moments in the bar at the back. Halves of lager were had in both places. At the end of the match, members moved to the "Peking Dynasty" Chinese Restaurant, where a 6 course meal was had, which was relatively quiet apart from tea-spillage by the WPR, followed by departure of BS.

473. 08-07-90 KENT - SANDWICH: BS; SAR & N, WPR. A largely cultural meeting revolved around the visits to four English Heritage sites, including a non-existent Roman Amphitheatre. A mostly non-Bacchanalian stop was made at the "SANDWICH ARMS" in Sandwich, where the party sat in the rather tatty garden. In the evening, it should be noted that the WPR had dinner at the SAR & N's residence and a bottle of Youngs Ramrod was consumed.

474. 21-07-90 LONDON W1: COB; Anth, WPR, Patrick. "WATERSIDE INN". Outdoors being too cold for the COB, the party moved inside where lots of bawling kids were tearing about. Patrick made a late arrival.

475. 26-07-90 LONDON W1 - BS'S BIRTHDAY: BS; Chair, SAR & N, WPR, COB; Fiona, Simon, 5 Logicians . An advance party met at Oxford Circus and liaised with the BS and his Logicians upstairs at the "GLASS BLOWER", where the meeting took place in a relaxed manner surrounded by the pub library which largely consisted of rejects from Shoeburyness Secondary School. The Chair presented the WPR with maps of Berlin. The WPR presented the BS with a book of the photos from the exhibition in Ramsgate (see above). The COB revealed himself to be allergic to laser printers. The Chair partook of cigars with the WPR, and described a recent trip to Portugal.

476. 30-07-90 LONDON NW1 - CAMDEN TOWN: WPR; SOS. "WORLD'S END". Loud music. Outside turned inside. "HALFWAY HOUSE". Bad beer, expensive, dull lifeless pub, boring posters. "CAMDEN STORES". Recommended. Not sure if a pub or a shop, but voted the best of the evening. Members sat outside drinking Ruddles Best.

477. 04-08-90 LONDON N6 - HIGHGATE: WPR; Chair. A lunch time meeting took place wherein the WPR guided the Chair round his local pubs, starting at "THE WOODMAN", moving to Highgate village where "THE FLASK" was visited followed by "THE ANGEL" where a quiz game was attempted, and the WPR spotted Nick Hancock, a comedian with whose work he was familiar. On the way back "THE WOODMAN" was revisited.

478. 04-08-90 LONDON - KING'S CROSS / ISLINGTON: WPR; BS, Rick, COB, Patrick, Karen, Steve. The WPR convened another meeting outside "THE WATERSIDE INN", in the extreme heat. Later the party moved indoors where Karen won a lot of money on a trivia machine and then put it all back in again. A late night excursion for more drinking outside the "THORNHILL ARMS" was made by the BS, WPR, Rick and Steve.

479. 06-08-90 GERMANY - BERLIN: WPR, SOS. The meeting opened two hours late on Monday 6th August somewhere over the North Sea, on board a Dan-Air plane reminiscent of an old fashioned railway carriage. The in-flight meal had previously been taken in complete safety while parked at Gatwick Airport. The SOS attempted to point out places in Kent but got a little confused, however the east end of the isle of Sheppey was definitely seen. Lowenbrau was actually consumed in-flight. After a period settling down in the palatial hotel room in BERLIN, a meal and drinks were had in "DIE GOLDENE PFARNE" (Ku'damm). Pleasant - SOS.

480. 07-08-90 GERMANY - BERLIN: WPR, SOS. It being essential to go straight away to the terminus in East Berlin to book hotels in Prague, the party therefore went to find an hotel for the next week, and then went to the Europa Center, a Brazilian style shopping centre where an ingenious water clock displaying binary time by way of syphons was discovered. A passing attempt was made to buy a ticket instead in West Berlin but rapidly abandoned as being too slow. Not sure where the wall had been breached, the party decided to play safe and head for Checkpoint Charlie and accordingly took the U-Bahn but were subject to "All Change" half way, where a bus connection was to be taken. Determined to walk to Checkpoint Charlie, the party found themselves walking instead across where the wall had been and into East Berlin, where enterprising locals were hammering away chunks off the wall and selling it. A walk was then taken between the inner and outer walls, and souvenir lumps of wall picked up by the WPR thus at a stroke doubling the weight of that day's baggage. Returning via No Mans Land, the party remembered their objective and aimed again for the station, only to see Checkpoint Charlie to which they then headed and crossed once more into the West where lunch and special Berlin beer were had at a snack bar on the former border. Proceeding once more to the station, via Alexanderplatz and an S-Bahn ride, the destination was finally reached and tickets and reservations procured. The WPR then led the party further into the east to Warschauer Strasse to see his ancestral home and the SOS joined in the occasion by convening a meeting in the pub directly below the Ancestral Residence. An abortive attempt to find a building that no longer existed was made and then a return to the West was decided upon. After a foul smelling but short lived chemical rainstorm, the party crossed back over a recently opened bridge noting a recently abandoned watchtower. After yet another ancestral address had been visited, the U-Bahn, bus and U-Bahn were taken back to base and a short break ensued before the evening meeting. The evening meeting began at the nearby "CITY-LORETTA BEER GARDEN" which had just opened and was being heavily promoted. Confusion was experienced distinguishing between Weissen Bier (which was available in either Red or Green), and Weizen Bier which was had instead. The beer garden was quite lively and consisted of tables and benches on several levels, drink and food stalls and a small big wheel on which rides were not taken. After an evening meal at a place where the menu was displayed outside but not inside, an attempt was made to sample the night spots mentioned in the Rough Guide to Berlin but after a long underground journey all that could be found were two busy motorways and a car showroom which was closed. The party returned to the Bier Garden and had crepes and some more beer.

481. 08-08-90 GERMANY - BERLIN: WPR, SOS. The comrades decided to be "anti-social" in the morning and met at the Alexanderplatz at 14.00. The WPR had eventually found his way into the Tiergarten and wrote some postcards there after being helpfully warned not to sit on the bench under the water sprinkler. The SOS had been to a Turkish bazaar and two disused metro stations, but had turned down the chance to have a borek. A trip was taken up the tower (but not its non-revolving restaurant) and the previous day's sightseeing was reviewed. The WPR then had part of a 6 foot vegetable dish which worried the SOS. The Brandenburg Gate was then reached via Friedrichstrasse Station and Unter den Linden, and the party then entered the Reichstag Museum, but immediately had to leave again because it was closing. After inspecting the possibly wax soldiers outside the Soviet War Memorial, Potsdamer Platz was searched for but found to be non-existent and instead represented by a vast tract of scrub and grass which had formerly been No Man's Land. This led to the main objective of the day's visit, namely the Fuhrer Bunker. A small hillock north of the general region of the Potsdamer Platz was ascertained to be the aforementioned bunker. Photographs were taken and a conversation ensued with an American who seemed to be quite knowledgeable about the Bunker. It was also ascertained that the Chancellery had stood at this spot. After a while here it was decided (mutually) to have some beer, but the party was sidetracked into helping to demolish the Berlin Wall (or at least the wall on the E. side of No Man's Land which was not the actual border). The SOS signed his name on the Berlin Wall but in doing so ruined his pen, thereby preventing the WPR from adding his signature. Eventually, the Brandenburg Gate was reached again and a meeting ensued, approximately 150 metres inside E. Germany. The party then walked down Unter den Linden towards the heart of E. Berlin again, noting the Soviet Consulate on the right, and finally reaching Marx-Engels Platz was directed across the street by police. It was discovered that the reason for this high security was that the Volkskammer were in session deciding whether to vote themselves out of existence, and if so, when (Yes, in October 1990). This was kindly explained to the WPR by a member of the DDR Polizei whom some Italians nearby automatically assumed was a Russian. Eventually the far end of the platz was reached, and a local E. Berliner explained that a beer could be obtained in any one of four directions, but the party decided to meet at the nearest cafe, where some beers were consumed. The Stadtbahn was then taken to the Zoologischer Garten. At Alexanderplatz there were a large number of yobs fighting, the WPR rushed away from the action up the nearest staircase while the SOS showed interest in seeing what was going on. The WPR's wishes on this occasion prevailed, the SOS gallantly following the WPR despite initially crying "Oh look! It's the yobs!" and haring off after them. A pizza was taken at the Zoologischer Garten (with beer by the WPR) in a "pizzeria". Then the party returned to the hotel.

482. 09-08-90 CZECHOSLOVAKIA - PRAGUE: WPR, SOS. The early morning bus ride through East Berlin afforded another view of the FB which by now had a large bulldozer on it, and members congratulated themselves once again on having seen it just in time. The train journey to Prague passed smoothly and by lunch time the border had already been crossed. The SOS, having changed money on Decin station, was able to pay for the meal in the local currency, an act which so impressed the harassed waiter that he relaxed considerably, and told the SOS that he had been to Cork. On arrival in Prague things started to go wrong, and members had an awful time trying to work out the system for getting taxis, train tickets and left luggage. A pointless walk was made to the Cedok office, where members were told to go away again, followed by a return journey to the station which inadvertently took in several other stations on the way. Nevertheless, Hotel Balkan was finally found with the aid of a taxi driver who also ran an ad hoc in car foreign exchange bureau at competitive rates, and the party "czeched" in to the evident but unexplained irritation of the staff. The party then walked into the middle of Prague and found a little difficulty in establishing the exact nature of various eating/drinking (or eating +/- drinking) establishments. However, some food and beer was consumed, firstly at a rather plush cafe/restaurant. Then the old Town Square was visited and the unusual clock was noted. Following this the party went to Wenceslas (Vaclavske) Square and saw a memorial full of candle wax to various people who had died in fighting against the Russians including Jan Palach. Thereupon, following a Heisses Bratwurst each, the party adjourned to a "stand-up" bar where beer could be had for approximately 7p. a pint. Some of the locals almost started a fight, and then the beer ran out, so the party had to recourse to orange juice and jelly type cake before the orange juice in turn ran out. Finally the metro was taken to the station nearest the hotel, the station having changed its name from Mouskosko to something like Andel (which the SOS had written down as Engel).

483. 10-08-90 CZECHOSLOVAKIA - PRAGUE: WPR, SOS. After a late start, it was decided to make straight away for the Cedok offices with the aim of procuring rapidly the tickets/reservations for Prague/Wroclaw. En route to the station a fire engine was seen billowing carbon monoxide smoke from its roof engaged in a race with a tram. At the Cedok office it soon became clear that there was one queue for everyone wanting an international ticket from Prague and that a very long wait would ensue. The nearest queue to the entrance was numbered 1, the next 2 and the next (the very long one) was numbered 3. The party spilt into two at various stages for sorties and finally at about 14.45 a second desk suddenly opened, and the SLBS made its way to the desk and procured a reservation for Wroclaw. However, the party had to return to desk 2 in approximately 30 minutes to actually procure the ticket, having changed money at desk 1. Buying the ticket was accomplished, and finally an attempt was made to obtain lunch; however after a few enquiries it was ascertained that it was far too late and the party then split in a department store, the SOS having tea and cake and then walking towards the Karlov Most, while the WPR explored the Jewish quarter. The evening meeting started with some wine in an outside cafe next to the clock in the old town square. This was followed by an extensive and wearing search for food reminiscent of the same at SLBS meeting at 23.00 in London, except that here places started closing five hours earlier. "It is not possible", one place stated in perfect but unhelpful English. Finally a beer garden was found, which was tucked away off a shopping arcade behind some lavatories. This beer garden turned out to be an excellent place, and a welcome hot meal and beer were had before the SOS led the party across the river to the lower part of Hradcany via Radov Most. Various attempts were made to enter the local Vinarna but most seemed to be in the process of "machen zu" when the SLBS arrived. One was located at last, though, and a good quantity of wine was knocked back, setting members up for the walk back to the hotel via Soviet Tank Square and shops with Eastern European style food displays, which were duly photographed. The SOS noted that the hotel foyer was full of Italians discussing hair care things which were on sale.

484. 11-08-90 CZECHOSLOVAKIA - PRAGUE: WPR, SOS. Members once again spent the morning going their own way, one member departing earlier than the other, and met once again under the clock, this time punctually and so being able to watch the procession of carved figures as it struck the hour. The SOS guided the party along an increasingly crowded route to the Hradcany (Castle), along which way a difference of opinion was expressed relating to the benefits or otherwise of the whole town being packed out with Italians. With the aid of a Berlitz guide provided by the SOS, the whole castle was carefully inspected including the site of a famous defenestration in 1618, which started the 30 years war. The party returned to the old town via the Jewish Quarter, and saw a Christian band which attracted a massive crowd including the SOS. Musically it was not very inspired being typical Jesus rock sung in American English. A restaurant half way to the Powder Tower, which had been passed several times a day previously was this time visited successfully despite a horrible queue jumping German brat. Neighbours at the table were firstly an elderly German couple who had a row with the waiter, and then a couple from Hong Kong who had two hours left in Czechoslovakia and therefore ordered two meals each to try and use up their currency. It was felt vital at this point to return to the Beer Garden visited the previous day, and after some uncertainty especially on the part of the WPR, the SOS displayed great navigational ability in guiding the party back there (located in Slovensky Dom). After a successful evening there, food was deemed necessary, and a "fast food" place was found and entered just before it was closing. The style was slightly reminiscent of Burger King in terms of service, but the food was better and cheaper, involving juice and various cakes. The establishment boasted the name "Arbat, Restaurance Moskva", one of the few signs of USSR influence. The juice was taken home by tube for consumption in the hotel.

485. 12-08-90 CZECHOSLOVAKIA - PLZEN: WPR, SOS. The party left their hotel and, the friendly proprietor having ordered a taxi, arrived at the station but unfortunately found no free luggage lockers in which to place all their carefully checked valuables. The SOS decided that it would be fitting for the SLBS to visit Plzen (Pilsen) and its brewery, so a two hour first class rail journey was taken. On the way, an enormous decayed factory was passed, which was engaged in minerals of some sort, and covered the whole area, trees, houses and countryside with a uniform light grey ash. In the heart of the hoisted mass of pipes, tubes, rivets and turbines, the WPR thought he saw a turbine rotating, and felt that the next Batman film's representation of Gotham City should be made there. At Plzen, masses of Germans in beach wear poured out of the station and the WPR assumed that there must be something "going on" which involved beer, but it soon became apparent that the town, pretty though it was, was stone dead. The WPR dragged the SOS to the Pils brewery (not open to the public) and the next door bar (full) in a vain attempt at bacchanalian research, but in fact the Plzen meeting had been opened more successfully by the SOS on arrival at the station where Gulash and Beer were consumed. Man Fu Kung style accounting methods were noted. Returning to the old town, which was very hot and deserted except for the occasional trio of bemused Germans who also looked to be wondering where the action was, a long search was made for the Brewing Museum. Tucked away in a back street, this turned out to be a charming old museum run by a friendly man of a similar description, who kept statistics on where all his visitors came from and carefully noted the origin of the SLBS party in his notebook. The party went on to sign the visitors book in the name of the SLBS and recommend a visit to any member visiting the Plzen district. Yet another tour round the entire town turned up one buffet which had somehow forgotten to shut, wherein djus and lemonade were had to the great refreshment of both members. Finally it was time to go back to the station, where another beer was had in the restaurant before boarding the train back to Prague. It should be explained at this point that the WPR, in his care not to leave any valuables behind, had also taken one of the hotel's valuables away with him, viz. the room key, and the SOS gallantly volunteered to take this back to the hotel. This he duly did, even though it was quite some distance, and on returning reported that the hotel owner had been very pleased to see him, and had said that it was all his wife's fault. The final task for the day was to locate the night train to Poland. The SLBS's carriage turned out to be on an ancient Russian sleeping car run by an ununiformed woman who caused the WPR some anxiety by directing him to the wrong compartment and indicating with vocal inflection and many gestures that all would be OK but he had to give her his ticket now. The SOS put the WPR's mind at rest that this was indeed fine and only to be expected as a traditional Eastern custom and so, locked into an unbearably hot and stuffy Russian railway carriage, the party crossed in to Poland.

486. 13-08-90 POLAND - WROCLAW: Maria; WPR, SOS; George. The party was woken at approximately 02.15 by customs officials and visas etc. were in order. The SOS was keen to get dressed for this occasion, the WPR less so. Eventually the party obtained a little sleep, but the WPR proved to be very anxious at the possibility of over-running Wroclaw and ending up in Minsk or Warszawa. Eventually, at around 05.50 Wroclaw was reached. It had been suggested that Maria could meet the party at about 07.30 but the members had no Polish zlotys, and could not even telephone. The WPR noted that all financial transactions involved large amounts of small notes and no coins. Maria arrived early at about 07.15 and after a coffee at the station, she conducted the members to George's flat. George was acting as host to the SLBS. Maria provided an excellent breakfast and then escorted the members around the town. Weather was extremely hot but Maria insisted on walking members a substantial distance. Eventually the middle of the town was reached. The WPR wished to convene a meeting but Maria preferred to visit a non-alcoholic bar where coke, lemonade which was in fact coke, and "sok" which was juice was consumed. Then a meeting, the first meeting in Poland was convened by the WPR. Zwybrac beer was consumed, The WPR paid 2000 zloty for using the WC and got 1900 zloty in change, including 7 notes totalling 12p. After lunch in a restaurant that seemed in a hurry to dismiss members c.15.00 the party went its own way and reconvened at 18.00 with Maria and went to George's flat. A 3rd rate US video was showing of which Maria seemed very keen to keep the sound on, but not watch. More food was taken, again very kindly prepared by Maria. The WPR was keen to adjourn to bed, having got up over 4 hours earlier than his usual time, however Maria prevailed upon him to wait for George. Beers were consumed, both Zwybiec again and some Warsaw beer, although the resident fauna seemed very keen to interrupt the meeting, in the case of the cat by sitting on the table, in the case of the O.E. Sheepdog by licking the SOS' glass, at which point he decided it would be unwise to finish his beer. Shortly afterwards the evening ended, with members concerned about the proximity of the O.E. Sheepdog.

487. 14-08-90 POLAND - WROCLAW: Maria; WPR, SOS; George. After the very early morning the day before, the party got up late. Breakfast had been finished, but the SLBS had not fully cleared up when Maria arrived at 10.30. She proceeded to very kindly wash up for the members, despite protestations by the WPR. The members were escorted to the Orbis office to see if their provisional reservation for the train to Berlin the next day was in fact going to turn into an official reservation. The procedures were quite complicated, fortunately Maria proved to be of great help, as she knew about half the people, having previously worked there. Staff assumed different roles, i.e. people were directed by someone to another desk which was empty and the same person moved round to the desk, probably an example of undermanning or Jaruzelski style Thatcherism. The reservation and tickets for Wroclaw-Poznan-Berlin were duly obtained, Maria by now having left, and the party adjourned to a Polish cocktail bar, which sold no cocktails and not even coffee, but something of a cross between a yogurt and a milk shake was consumed by members and the WPR having ordered an ice cream, then ascertained from his dictionary that his ice cream was served with egg. There followed an abortive search for postcards of Wroclaw before the party went their separate ways, the WPR eventually obtaining 2 postcards of Wroclaw. The SOS bought some corn on the cob costing c. 12p and got 14 notes in change. The members met again at approx. 17.15 (convened by the SOS), and a different kind of Polish beer was consumed. At 18.00 members met with Maria and George and treated them to dinner in a plush restaurant, combined bill of 1/4 million zlotys excluding coffee, sweets and tips. Only German beer was available, but some Russian borscht soup was sampled as was, appropriately, East-West cake (unhelpfully named in the menu as W-Z cake). Some interesting items on the menu included "tinned ham", "early potatoes" and above all "boiled pickled knuckle" which was not sampled; however judging by the price, it seemed to be quite a delicacy. The members then returned to the flat, despite the tram breaking down en route. Beer and food were had, followed by vodka when George returned. The vodka, which was drunk in the Polish Manner, roughly translated as "down in one", caused members to sleep soundly and rapidly, although the WPR later woke up with a shout because he had been bitten by a mosquito, while dreaming that he was trying to buy a ticket to Dresden.

488. 15-08-90 POLAND - POZNAN: WPR, SOS. The party got up late, and Maria again got to the washing up first. Farewells and promises to visit again were made, and the newly installed Honorary Member George took the members to the station in a car whose luggage section had previously contained a front seat. Poznan then having been reached by first class train, hot dogs were had while members walked half a mile out of town. On the way back the SOS was accosted by some over-familiar natives, whom he suspected of having had a drink. Making their way next to the other side of the station, the district deteriorated still further until it resembled a sordid Polish version of King's Cross's seediest parts. At this point, the WPR decided to go back to the station but the SOS strode bravely out into a dark park, to be surprised a minute later by the WPR who had changed his mind and followed him. By this means the old town of Poznan was (briefly) visited, although the party had to turn round as soon as they got there. A short schism occurred in which members made their own ways back to the station, where they caught the train to Berlin, the WPR purchasing some beer and juice on the way. The train chugged its way across Poland to Rzepin, near the German border, where a train consisting of several Russian carriages and one Belgian coach was noted. During the next 2 3/4 hours, this train, the SLBS train, several freight wagons and a steam train were shunted to and fro while the sun slowly set and night fell. The Belgian coach was seen passing the SLBS compartment eight times, sometimes stuck in the middle of the Russian coaches and occasionally appearing almost to break free of the pack before its inevitable grim recapture. Meanwhile, on the other side of the train, Polish soldiers carried buckets of water about and stood guard over an engineless freight train, while the steam engine shot up and down pushing things out of the way. The SOS later compared this scene to an enormous model railway gone wrong. These events produced a party atmosphere in the nearby 2nd class compartment but in the SLBS's 1st class seats the opposite effect occurred and the WPR kept trying to lie down at which point the train would inevitably start shunting about. After using up all but a paltry 7000 zlotys on a meal including coffee scalded in glass, the members were starting to get hungry and also concerned that a queue would be forming outside their hotel in Berlin waiting for their room to be given away. The party were relieved to be finally taken back to Germany via Frankfurt an der Oder where DDR stamps were gained in passports and a vast convoy of CCCP military vehicles was seen, although who was about to invade whom was not clear. East Germany passed by surprisingly quickly and the members arrived at Zoo Station where the SOS conceded the WPR's demand for a taxi back to the hotel, while back in East Germany the government collapsed. The taxi was actually a small minibus and the driver being from East Berlin did not know West Berlin and asked the SOS for direction as to how to get to the hotel, even stopping the minibus for the SOS to consult the map. The hotel was reached shortly before midnight.

489. 16-08-90 GERMANY - BERLIN: WPR, SOS. Having been informed that access to the hotel was available at all times, the party departed at about 00.15 for the Beer Garden formerly visited where Weizen Bier was consumed, despite off putting comments by the barman that it was too warm, also Pils, as was Heisses Wurst and Crepes. The meeting ended at about 01.50. The members, after a night's sleep made their own way for much of the day, the SOS visiting a Palace, the WPR visiting East Berlin, crossing the Iron Curtain safely without a passport. Both members visited the Checkpoint Charlie museum, but anti-socially at different times. The WPR also investigated the Fuhrer Bunker and found it relatively intact. At 18.00 members reconvened for the prospect of a scintillating last night in Berlin. "DERBY" (appropriately chosen by the Epsom-born WPR) - a bar next to the restaurant visited on the first night. Having spent a substantial time getting ready, the WPR now decided that it was too cold and had to return to the hotel for some warmer clothes. The members discussed what they had done, rivaling each other for the times the Iron Curtain had been crossed. Food, Weizen Bier and Malz Bier were had in a restaurant, 3 full salads plus 2 small garnis between 2 members; SOS not quite able to eat all WPR's salad. Bread appeared rather like chapatis, which reminded the SOS of East London. This took place in an area behind the K'damm which the WPR felt bordered on the dubious. There followed a lengthy walk down the so-called red light area of Kurfurstenstrasse; the area was very quiet, plenty of banks and furniture stores. Finally car showrooms were discovered. The whole area seemed as bright as the scintillating area visited earlier in the holiday - finally at the self-same Wollinger Platz the SOS made a sudden start on hearing a noise inside the station, jumped on and off a train, and the WPR took the initiative and bundled the party into a taxi to make for the Biergarten already visited several times. At the Biergarten red and green beer was consumed - very fruity in taste.

490. 17-08-90 GERMANY - BERLIN: WPR, SOS. The party decided not to ask the hotel to look after its luggage, having been woken at 08.15 by a maid knocking on the door, possibly mistaking the SLBS for an OAP group, but instead to take it to the Zoo (BF). Problems occurred in obtaining a left luggage locker big enough for the WPR's suitcase, but a left luggage office was located which caught the members by surprise, but which was positively snappy by Cedok standards and a locker was obtained. The SOS guided the WPR to a nearby cafe which was finally located for coffee and cakes. The WPR refused the SOS's wish to sit outside next to some garbage bins. A visit to the Reichstag then ensued with the WPR finding the History of Germany a much more compelling subject than he had imagined he would and he then convened a meeting in the Reichstag cafe of Eintopf, Wurst and (for him) beer. The party then split into two to search for souvenirs, the SOS taking it upon himself to search out (successfully) his signature on the Berlin Wall, as well as the Fuhrerbunker. The party met up by accident at Friedrichstrasse Bahnhof in East Berlin before taking the Stadtbahn to the Zoo and thence a bus to Tegel (TXL). The WPR was taken aback by the fact that the time sped by so quickly at the exciting TXL airport, and that the flight was only 15 minutes late. The members requested back-facing seats, the SOS being concerned for the party's safety, and so once more in Row B, the party made a safe flight, landing at Gatwick only 10 minutes late. After a quick train to Victoria, the party then split at Victoria to travel home by public transport, having already convened a meeting for 19.00 the next day.

491. 18-08-90 LONDON SE1 - SOUTHWARK: WPR; SOS, BS, Patrick; Simon, Fiona. Members met in the "GEORGE" where the WPR and the SOS gave their first debriefing on their Eastern European experiences to an astounded meeting, the conduct of which was often made difficult by the arrival and departure of enormous coach parties.

492. 22-08-90 LONDON SW1 - ST JAMES'S: WPR; SAR & N; Robin. This was the WPR's second Eastern European debriefing, in the "THREE CROWNS" Babmaes Street. The SAR & N were presented with a piece of the Berlin Wall and a small amount of Polish currency.

493. 25-08-90 KENT/ESSEX - GRAVESEND/TILBURY: Sec; SAR & N. An Historical/Bacchanalian investigation of the Sec's riparian haunts began with a visit to Milton Chantry, which contained an exhibition of an Arthurian nature. The Sec exhibited Brazilian cunning by getting in without paying. Lunch accompanied by Holsten Lager was had in the "NEW FALCON" by the river in Gravesend. The menu explained that the venue was previously known as the "RUM PUNCHEON" because its patrons used to pillage cargoes of rum as they arrived in the docks. Then members moved across the river by boat to Tilbury, where further lager was had by way of refreshment at the "END OF THE WORLD", an austere largely timber hostelry on Tilbury marshes, before Tilbury Fort itself was inspected, after which the party took the return ferry to Gravesend.

494. 27-08-90 LONDON W11/W10/NW1/N6 - NOTTING HILL/NORTH KENSINGTON/CAMDEN TOWN/HIGHGATE: WPR; SAR & N, BS. An ethnomusicologicobacchanalian meeting which in fact was pre-convened at the Wimpy Bar at Kings Cross, where the WPR was found to be having breakfast. Members then approached the Notting Hill Carnival by way of the Hammersmith and City Line; first taking a pre-prandial in the "FROG AND FIRKIN". The pub, like others in the carnival area, had all superfluous effects (chairs, tables, etc.) removed and glasses replaced by plastic receptacles. A Brazilian Snack was had by the SAR & N and the WPR; later a drink was had outside the "EARL OF LONSDALE" (it being forbidden to drink IN the pub). There being not much action of a processional nature to be seen, members took a general tour of the side attractions and the WPR blew his whistle. A move to Ladbroke Grove occurred and here Members managed to see a considerable amount of the procession in reasonable comfort, though they had to proceed in the opposite direction to it because it moved so slowly. During this episode, a further drink was had outside the "EARL OF PERCY". The SAR & N then departed by the northern flank. The BS and WPR had more stamina and, after purchasing T shirts and chicken, took the tube and then a walk through Regent's Park to Camden Town, and the "SPREAD EAGLE" (Youngs). Outside, a stupid drunk pestered members with jokes so they moved to the "CAMDEN STORES", where they also sat outside. Another tube was then taken, to Highgate to polish off some village pubs not previously visited. "ROSE AND CROWN". Members sat in the beer garden and speculated about an adjacent unreachable stores room. Finally they found themselves part of a "lock in" at the "KING'S HEAD", where they were overcharged but nevertheless enjoyed their late night drinking.

495. 01-09-90 LONDON - BRIXTON: WPR; BS, Rick, Judy. The BS and WPR met for a "Hawkwind" concert at the "BRIXTON ACADEMY", which also featured a number of other bands. They decided to miss the first one and had a drink in the "TRINITY ARMS" (Youngs) nearby; on returning they witnessed a mass extravaganza of psychedelia from "Bevis Frond", "Magic Mushrooms" and "Ozric Tentacles", before being joined by Rick and Judy for the main act.

496. 08-09-90 LONDON E15 - STRATFORD: SOS; WPR. After drinks in the "TWO PUDDINGS" and an Indian meal at the "Shimla", the SOS gave the WPR a car tour of most of East London.

497. 10-09-90 LONDON - WEST END: WPR; COB, BS. Visit to the film "Total Recall", after previous attempt failed due to excessive time in "Wong Kei" Restaurant. Before the film, happy hour pints were consumed at �1 in the "BATTLE OF TRAFALGAR". The WPR presented the COB with 600 zlotys. The BS missed happy hour, but caught up by drinking pints purchased in his absence. He therefore had to buy a full priced round in the "WHITE HART", where interpretations of the film were discussed.

498. 12-09-90 LONDON - VICTORIA: COB; WPR, Chair, BS; Bruce. A long meeting occurred outside the "ORANGE BREWERY", followed by an interior adjournment after a temperature drop. Imaginary Indian not found and comparative languages discussed. The "BAG O'NAILS" was also visited, where a Saturday meeting in Oxfordshire / Berkshire was proposed. Afterwards, a search for food in the Victoria area ultimately located a chip shop where members bought some rotten chicken and chips, and the BS ate half a chicken and the remains of the WPR's and COB's meals.

499. 15-09-90 BERKSHIRE - CAVERSHAM ETC: WPR; Chair, Kath, Sec, BS. WPR chauffeured party round Caversham and hinterland. "BIRD IN HAND", Sonning Common. Having arrived at the Chair's residence by car, an intensive day's programme began in this Courage house, featuring a rustic garden containing curiously shaped huts alleged to be "crocodile sheds". "CROOKED BILLET", Stoke Row. Remote location down lane. Brakspears, Barbican. No bar as such; beer fetched from cellar. Attentive house dog and exotic menu, though not sampled by members. "GOLDEN BALL", Lower Assendon. Popularly known locally as the "Gilded Gonad". Brakspears. Large garden, where lunch taken. BS discovered that lasagna off menu, but relieved after learning subsequently that it would have been vegetarian. "THREE NUNS", Henley-on-Thames. Brakspears, Kaliber. Small back yard in town centre. Conversation interrupted by well-Brakspeared elderly local resident reminiscing about his youthful courtships on the site. "ANGEL ON THE BRIDGE", Henley. Brakspears. Outside seating on classic site overlooking the Thames. Discussion of the appetite for spittle of passing ducks. "ROSE AND CROWN". Henley. Inevitable Brakspears, also lemonade and lager. Desolate back lard of pub in the same group of buildings as the brewery. An unsuccessful tour or Shiplake, Dunsden Green, Play Hatch and Emmer Green ensued, with no hostelries being open between 5 and 6 pm. Thence back to Caversham, after which the Sec returned to London by train and Kath joined the remainder of party who returned to the "CROWN", Play Hatch for further research, followed by yet more research and use of a trivial pursuit machine at the "FLOWING SPRING", Sonning. Finally a visit was made to Emma Green for a curry at the "Jalsha Tandoori".

500. 22-09-90 LONDON N6 - HIGHGATE: WPR; COB, BS, Patrick. A tour of the WPR's and Patrick's local area was undertaken, visiting the "ANGEL", the "OLD CROWN" and the "DUKE'S HEAD".

501. 24-09-90 LONDON - COVENT GARDEN: Sec; GR. The "FREEMASON'S ARMS", Long Acre: seedy Sam Smiths venue; "KEMBLES HEAD", Long acre: traditional basic Covent Garden pub; "LEMON TREE", Bedfordbury: friendly "theatrical" pub.

502. 26-09-90 LONDON - WEST END: Chair; WPR; Rick, Judy. Members paid a traditional visit to the "IMPERIAL". After the Chair departed, the remainder relocated to "Mr. Kong", where Rick order a portion of the mysterious Geoduck.

503. 18-10-90 LONDON SW4/SW18 - CLAPHAM/WANDSWORTH: COB; SAR & N, WPR (partly), IO (Xionic Nigel), Single Pippin, GWR. This meeting was convened to mark the termination of the Youngs pub tour by the COB. Members initially met at the "WINDMILL" on Clapham Common, where three rounds were had. At 19.50 members gave up waiting for Richard and proceeded across Clapham Common in darkness to the 37 bus stop on the north side, where two events occurred; (a) Richard joined the meeting by way of a randomly generated event, and (b) on arrival of the 37 bus the WPR failed to board (the antithesis of a COB-style getaway), thus absenting himself from subsequent proceedings. The COB proposed a motion of censure, citing the WPR, but a secondment from the SAR was not forthcoming. Suspicion of corruption was extant. Remaining members then proceeded to Wandsworth, where they proceeded through a deserted industrial area where Simon joined the meeting by way of another randomly generated event. Finally, the party arrived at the "SHIP". By way of heating, it was noted that the heating control thermostats were in a "two-fold redundancy situation". This unnecessary redundancy was felt decadent - and was condemned. A discussion about megabytes, gigabytes, terabytes and whatever comes after that took place, and the COB quoted from a popular song; "The money you're supplying is electrifying". Due to excesses of zeal, beer and confusion, further inauguration, reinauguration and rereinauguration of members took place, as follows: Xionic Nigel was inaugurated in the Windmill as Intelligence Officer (IO) and his manifesto consisted of the purchase of a round therein. Richard, who had already been inaugurated into membership with the title "Single Pippin" on two separate occasions previously, was mistakenly inaugurated in the Ship as the Man on the Clapham Omnibus (MCO) and forced to produce yet another manifesto consisting of the purchase of another round therein. Simon was inaugurated for the second time as the Great Western Representative (GWR) and his manifesto consisted of a statement of intent to uphold the aims of the Society and to produce a Western outpost to continue Society business in the event of a nuclear holocaust diminishing the ability of the central administration to carry on (Beer will be provided on request). He also purchased a round after this speech. The COB, in reply to the new members' manifestos, spoke in his position as Convener of the Meeting, urging Members not to purchase Tuna products that endanger dolphin life. Following this ceremony, the meeting continued largely in French.

504. 20-10-90 LONDON N6 - WPR'S WINE TASTING: WPR; SAR & N, COB, BS, Patrick; Solange, WPR's neighbour's cat (Pepsi). The WPR threw open his residence for the purpose of Wine Tasting. Food from Texas and Streatham was had by way of accompaniment. The wines were as follows: (a) British Home Stores Medoc. No comment. (b) Domaine de Bel Air Bordeaux, 1980. Light, good, but needed decanting. (c) British Home Stores Claret. Another red wine. (d) L'auberge du Noyer, Bergerac, 1988. Had with food. (e) St. Pantaleon des Vignes, Cotes du Rhone, 1979. Aged well. At peak now. (f) Bourgogne. After most members had left, largely undrunk. In addition to the consumption of wine, members were treated to quizzes on compact discs played backwards, which the BS won, and Asian languages, in which nobody distinguished themselves. The WPR demonstrated his new organ. Solange left to take COB home, SAR & N stayed the night, Patrick & BS had short and long walk home respectively. Meeting closed at 02.00, all drunk (except cat).

505. 21-10-90 HAMPSHIRE - SOUTHAMPTON: WPR; SAR & N, COB. Members met at Waterloo (after the SAR & N had been treated to a hearty breakfast by the WPR), and caught the 11.30 Wessex Eclectic. A walk was begun, but Members soon caught a taxi to the "HEDGEHOG AND HOGSHEAD" near the University; a new Bruce's venue, where pints of Belcher's Best were had. Another taxi was called to take the party to a pub which the first driver had recommended, but this had ceased to trade, so members went to the nearest existent venue, the "DUKE OF WELLINGTON", where the taxi driver informed members that the French had invaded the city. Gales HSB was had. Then a quick stop at the "QUEEN OF CLUBS" which misleadingly advertised Phoenix but only sold standard beer. A visit to the Medieval Merchant's House (English Heritage) was had, followed by a walk on the derelict pier, and a visit to the Tudor House, now the City Museum. The COB became exponentially more bored with each of these events, starting with the non-existent pub, and partly as a result of this, and partly due to the consumption of various unpalatable B.R. snacks on the station, the meeting abruptly ended with a return home.

506. 30-10-90 LONDON W8 - HIGH STREET KENSINGTON: Chair; WPR. The "PRINCE OF WALES" and "GOAT TAVERN" were visited.

507. 03-11-90 LONDON - PRIMROSE HILL / ISLINGTON: BS; WPR. After enjoying the fireworks on Primrose Hill, it was decided to research the local area. The "HAVERSTOCK ARKS", Haverstock Hill was deemed dull and boring, and there were no other pubs around, so a move to Islington was made. There, the "LORD WOLSELEY" was visited and acclaimed for its nice warm fire and quiet atmosphere, the "CROWN" featured the usual good Fullers and lots of people, and the "DRAPERS ARMS" (Free) was also visited and approved.

508. 15-11-90 LONDON - HOLBORN: COB; Patrick, WPR. The COB convened a meeting in the "RUGBY TAVERN" (Fullers), Great James Street.

509. 17-11-90 LONDON - WAPPING: WPR; Sec, COB, Anth, SOS. "PROSPECT OF WHITBY", Wapping High Street: still fairly undeveloped; "CAPTAIN KIDD", Wapping High Street: rather more yuppified, Sam Smiths and superior quiz machine, in converted ground floor of former warehouse.

510. 24-11-90 LONDON - BLOOMSBURY / WEST END: Sec; GR. Members attempted to visit the "OLD CROWN", High Holborn, but were unceremoniously turned out due to a private party occupying it, and proceeded to the "BLOOMSBURY TAVERN", Shaftesbury Avenue; this claimed to have 6 real ales available, but 5 of them were off, the only feature of interest being a huge Chinese urn over the door. Thence the "CROWN", fronting both Shaftesbury Avenue and New Oxford Street was sampled; the Sec was under-charged by the barmaid, who appeared to be about 13, but soon after a hurried departure seemed advisable when another customer stormed out pursued by fist-waving bar staff. Members then continued to the "TWO BREWERS", St. Martin's Lane, before concluding at the more familiar surroundings of the "SHERLOCK HOLMES", Villiers Street.

511. 30-11-90 LONDON E14 - POPLAR: SOS; BS, WPR. The SOS convened an exceptionally hard-core meeting in the "East End Chinatown" area around Ming Street, but it turned out to have been demolished. The BS and WPR travelled east and after much searching eventually encountered the SOS in a dark muddy street, from which he led the party through a building site and concrete works to "THE GRAPES", next door to David Owen's house. Politics discussed. Friendly bar lady; whitebait and other fish consumed; peerish woman at next table. "ONE THEY LEFT BEHIND": perfunctory attempt at trivial pursuit, and 1799 map of local area. "BENJY'S BAR": river inspected, followed by a walk to Aldgate.

512. 06-12-90 LONDON SW1 - WESTMINSTER: WPR; COB, BS; Jan and friend. The COB and WPR made an initial visit to a drinking house in Palace Street, before attending a recording of "I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue" in the Westminster Theatre next door. A return was made afterwards with other members. Stale peanuts upset the BS who insisted the WPR get them replaced.

513. 08-12-90 LONDON - ISLINGTON: BS; WPR. A good post midnight drink was savoured in the "RAILWAY" (Fullers).

514. 10-12-90 LONDON NW1 - CAMDEN TOWN: WPR; Sec, BS. The WPR convened a meeting in the "MAN IN THE MOON", Chalk Farm Road, where Scotch bitter was 50p a pint to celebrate J D Wetherspoon's 11th birthday. Some very cheap rounds had by members. Disappointing turnout. Note: the BS drank bitter! Difficulty experienced finding the right door. Very large, empty, different style in different part of pub - back part likened to a Gentleman's Club by the Sec because of its books. Good pub - worth another visit. Range of real ales, good value food, large portions. One gent who alternately sang and slept, otherwise well behaved. Got more crowded after 9:00. Barman made a series of comments to members on their choice of cheap beer, e.g. " you're predictable aren't you", and "I can't guess what you want", but these were taken in the spirit in which they were made (assumed to be jocular).

515. 15-12-90 LONDON - ISLINGTON/ ESSEX ROAD: BS; WPR. A comprehensive and dedicated programme of research covered 14 pubs in one day. "THATCHED HOUSE": Ordinary; John Bull, Skol; Jukebox competed with TV football results. "LEOPOLD BLOOM": Cold, gas log fire. "MARQUESS", Canonbury Street: Youngs Ordinary and London. "CANONBURY TAVERN", Canonbury Close Park South: Comfy, spacious, large restaurant area; Charringtons. "BELINDA CASTLE", New North Road: Half closed for private party, standard plastic seats; Taylor Walker; Tetleys, Skol. "OLD PARR'S HEAD", Upper Street: Vivaldi four seasons; smelt of Ajax; candles on tables; looked like wine bar; Courage Best and Fosters. "MITRE", Upper Street: Furniture looking like cheap cafe; Carling and fizzy bitter. "SIR WALTER RALEIGH": Outside window/doors open up in summer; Adnams and XXXX ; plush toilets. "ISLAND QUEEN", Noel Road: Busy, 4 Alice in Wonderland doors over bar; IPA and Carling. "EARL OF ESSEX", Danbury Street: Free sandwiches, pleasant atmosphere; Courage Best and Hofmeister. "PRINCE OF WALES", Graham Street: Small but quiet and not smoky; Skol, Ind Coope. "GERRARD ARMS", Gerrard Road: Pool table, live singer and band; orange juice and lager. "MARKET TAVERN" (Youngers), Essex Road: orange and McEwans lager. "SOLOMON GRUNDY", Upper Street: Better, typical Upper Street; gin and orange, and Fosters.

516. 18-12-90 LONDON EC3/E1 - CITY/SPITALFIELDS: SOS; Chair, SAR & N, WPR, COB, Sec, GR. A good turnout for the SOS-led incursion into the East End. Members assembled in the "LAMB" Leadenhall Market, which was heaving, and nobody would admit to having had the idea of meeting there. Then the SOS led the party eastwards, to the "PRIDE OF SPITALFIELDS". A bag of coal was observed in the Gents. Cosy, smoky local; Fullers, Marstons. "ALMA", Greatorex Street. Following the COB's discreet departure, the remainder of the party moved into the Brick Lane back streets, discovering this to be apparently closed, but in fact open on closer inspection, for the consumption of Thwaites. The Sec. then departed for London Bridge, and the society proceeded to witness a commemorative fireworks display to mark the closing of the Hanbury Street brewery, and then to sample curries at the "Taj Mahal". Finally the Chair, SOS and WPR closed the meeting in the "ARCHERS".

517. 22-12-90 LONDON SW1 - WESTMINSTER: SAR & N; WPR, Sec, Rick & Judy, SOS, BS, Patrick. Early arrivers found "OLD SHADES" closed until 7:00, so proceeding began in the adjacent "CLARENCE", where pricy Wadworths/Abbott Ale etc. were had. At 7:00 the party moved back to the "OLD SHADES", where the SAR and N were taken aback by the initial absence of other members and then their sudden arrival en masse. Thence a relaxing evening was spent consuming Youngs, gin, Lamot Pils et al, with Colombian toy buses being distributed by the SAR.

518. 24-12-90 LONDON SW19 - WIMBLEDON: Rick; WPR, Aardvark-Bong. "ALEXANDRA". Traditional meeting to see in Christmas Day. Lack of atmosphere mitigated by friendly girl at next table.

519. 28-12-90 SURREY/LONDON SW20 - STONELEIGH/WORCESTER PARK/MOTSPUR PARK/RAYNES PARK: WPR; Chair, SAR & N, COB, Sec, SOS, BS. Final accomplishment of a much speculated-upon plan of the WPR for research in his native parish along the Railway line from Epsom to Wimbledon, visiting a series of (largely eponymous) pubs. The meeting was opened at the "STONELEIGH INN" Stoneleigh; the Sec having arrived early, passed the time acquainting himself with local history in the local library. The pub had a mock Tudor exterior but a surprising neo-oriental interior. Members then moved one stop north to Worcester Park, where the WPR was raised. The WPR, in a boorish "We can do lots of pubs today" mood led members to the "WORCESTER TAVERN". The SAR was being individual, insisting on going in to remote bars. The main bar had William Morris wallpaper; the side bar was more rustic. The meeting continued to the "HUNTSMAN'S HALL", with a moderately wood-oriented ambiance and curious stock of books. The SAR was still stroppy, but mellowing. The party then moved another stop north on the line to Motspur Park, and the "EARL BEATTY", which was very wood oriented. The pub, beer, and the trivia machine were enjoyed by all. Finally, members took the train one more stop to Raynes Park, and the "RAYNES PARK", a cavernous pub with semi-circular roof shapes. At this point, the meeting fragmented, with the Chair returning to Reading, the COB continuing to Wimbledon for solo research, the WPR and BS proceeding to Waterloo, and the Sec joining the SAR and N in retiring to Streatham.