848. 06.01.95 LONDON - CLERKENWELL: Sec; SAR & N. The SAR & N met the Sec at Great Ormond Street Hospital Museum, the contents of which were shown to them. After that, the Sec introduced them to the highlights of his local investigations, starting at the "CLOCK HOUSE" in Leather Lane, where pints of Abbot were had. The spectacular mirrored ceiling was noted, and the venue was remarkably empty for a Friday night. Then the party moved to the "MITRE" near Hatton Garden where Burton Bitter and toasted sandwiches were consumed. The pub dated from 1546, has associations with the Bishop of Ely and is divided into two minuscule bars, in one of which the meeting succeeded in purloining a table by the fire.

849. 14.01.95 LONDON SW16-STREATHAM: SAR & N, BS & E, Suely, Solange. The party met in the "HALF AND HALF" by virtue of the fact that the Society had not visited the venue for some time.

850. 25.01.95 LONDON W1: COB, BS, Sec, BS & E, Nadir, Suely. Members celebrated Burns Night in the "JACK HORNER" in Tottenham Court Road, formerly part of the Bedford Hotel. Busy, book-lined bar.

851. 12.02.95 LONDON SW2: SAR & N, BS & E. The meeting was in the "CROWN & SCEPTRE" and all members arrived somewhat late.

852. 18.02.95 LONDON E13 - PLAISTOW: SAR & N, BS & E. Prior to the wedding of the SOS with Valrita, two independent meetings took place although neither the bride nor the groom were present at either of them. One meeting involved the SAR & N, who located the "VILLAGE" which used to be the Phantom and Firkin, and the other involved the BS & E, in the CASTLE".

853. 23.02.95 LONDON EC1 - CLERKENWELL: Sec, WPR. "CROWN" Clerkenwell Green (Sec. only); smart Nicholson�s house with self-consciously trendy clientele. Adnams. The WPR appeared at the "OLD MONK", Grays In n Road, a busy "neo-Wetherspoon" establishment, for pints of Speckled Hen. The tour then extended eastwards to the "GUNNER�S ARMS", Eyre St. Hill, a tiny basic "family" pub, for Bass & Fullers, where were the sole customers; the "HAT & TUN" , Saffron Hill (Adnams, high density paintings & photos on walls with no obvious theme); "BETSEY TROTWOOD", Farringdon Road (Huge and disconcerting cut-outs of Dickensian characters; Shepherd Neame).

854. 11.03.95 LONDON EC1 / W1 - "DON�T EAT OUT ON A SATURDAY EVENING" tour: Sec, GR, WPR. Members met at the "OLD MONK" (as above) for Newcastle Exhibition Ale, before proceeding to the "GUNNERS ARMS" (as above) for IPA. Attempts to obtain food at nearby hostelries resulted in perambulation of the "City Pride" (closed); "Eagle" (closed); "Thomas Wethered" (private party) and 3 others around Clerkenwell Green, of which 2 closed and 1 private party. Members then walked back along Holborn in the rain to the "ENTERPRISE", which proclaimed itself modestly as "London�s Ale Shrine" outside, with huge board advertising food, but none to be had within. After a disgruntled half of Harveys, the "City of York" was visited, but found to contain yet another private party, at which point the WPR hailed a taxi to the West End in the hope of better things. The "Newman Arms", "Wheatsheaf" and "Bricklayers Arms" were all found to be food-free (the latter also sporting a large food board outside, but the only contents of the food cabinet were found to be 6 green apples; barmaid not amused when asked by WPR if they were for sale). "Last resort" catering was finally obtained at the "MOON & SIXPENCE" Wardour Street, though even here half the Wetherspoon�s menu was off.

855. 08.04.95 SUFFOLK - UPPER LAYHAM: Sec, GR, Fiona, John. The party assembled at the Sec�s residence and drove up to Hadleigh, Suffolk, where the pubs were found unwelcoming, but a good discovery was found for lunch at the "DUKE OF WELLINGTON" in the nearby village of Upper Layham, where Adnams, Brie pancakes and other delicacies were consumed. The tour continued around the "Constable Country" sites of Stoke-by-Nayland, Nayland, Dedham, East Bergholt and Flatford Mill, before returning down the M11 with coffee break at the Chelmsford "Little Chef" (where the GR was not impressed by the authenticity of the Cornish cream tea).

856. 15.04.95 HERTFORDSHIRE - ST. ALBAN�S: Sec, COB, WPR. Members assembled at King�s Cross Thameslink, contriving to get a non-stop Luton train and have to return southwards to St. Alban�s. Proceedings belatedly got underway with castle Eden consumption at the "FLEUR DE LYS" Castle Gardens, a cramped Tudor house in the town centre. members then wandered the river banks to the "OLD FIGHTING COCKS", a curiously shaped hostelry claiming to be both the former Abbey dovecote and the oldest licensed house in England (Pedigree). The site of the Roman town was crossed for lunch, Benskins, Ruddles and philosophical discussion about the evolution of the Society at the "SIX BELLS" Fishpond Street. After an interlude inspecting the Abbey church, Bacchanalian research resumed later in the afternoon at the "COACH" High St. (Boddingtons); the "PHILANTHROPIST & FIRKIN" (huge new Firkin in former public library; Philanthropist/Dogbolter); "MIDLAND RAILWAY"; appropriate last stop before train home, for Hook Norton and Matthew Browns.

857. 27.04.95 LONDON SW1 - PIMLICO: SAR, WPR. Members met in the "ORANGE BREWERY" and consumed SW1 by way of Beer, them moved on to the "EBURY ARMS" which was decked out with VE-Day bunting but otherwise empty.

858. 13.05.95 LONDON SE1 - ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING: Sec, BS, Paul, Fiona, Anth, Rick & Judy, COB & friends. "FOUNDERS ARMS". Rather a diffuse gathering, with members coming and going in the course of the evening, and few people present at any one time.

859. 27.05.95 EAST SUSSEX - LEWES: SAR & N, Sec, COB, BS & E & N, Suely. It was felt that a Field Trip was called for and members proceeded by Train to Lewes. An advance party consisting of everybody except the S and family indulged in cultural activities until the latter's arrival. The meeting began in the back room of the "BREWERS ARMS" (Harveys) which the Society had largely to itself with the exception of a television showing the Rugby World Cup. The meeting continued to the "PEWTER TAP" (Shepherd Neame), a small friendly venue, and then wound up at the "ROYAL OAK" (Shepherd Neame), where the party sat outside in a somewhat concealed yard.

860. 05.06.95 LONDON EC1: Sec, GR. "OLD MONK" Grays Inn & "OLD MITRE", Hatton Garden.

861. 07.06.95 LONDON SW1: SAR & N, WPR. The meeting convened at "OLD SHADES" as nobody could think of a more imaginative venue. As the pub was somewhat crowded because of a private function at the back, the meeting moved to the "SHERLOCK HOLMES" which as usual was populated by visiting coachloads of Conan Doyle fans from around the world.

862. 28.06.95 LONDON W1 - ROSE & CROWN QUIZ: BS, Sec, Paul & Fiona, Oracle.

863. 06.07.95 LONDON W1 - EUSTON: Sec, WPR. "HEAD OF STEAM"; new bar with heavy railway memorabilia, on 1st floor of station concourse; large selection of real ales. "SKINNERS ARMS", Judd Street; Abbott (special summer brew), and WPR greeted with relief as the first (only?) food customer of the evening, being given gigantic meal to eat outside as a result. "NORFOLK ARMS" Leigh St., "LORD JOHN RUSSELL", Marchmont St., Wadworths 6X.

864. 08.07.95 HAMPSHIRE / SURREY - CHAWTON / SURBITON: Sec, GR. Members travelled from the GR�s residence to Chawton, where Jane Austen�s house was inspected and lunch/Gales taken in the "VILLAGE PUB" opposite, which featured a taciturn proprietor and the nastiest Ploughmans that the Sec. had eaten for many years. Selbourne, Old & New Alresford, Bishop�s Waltham (Palace) and Wickam were then visited, with halt for a notably strong pot of tea at the Wickam Tea Room, before admiring the coastal panorama from Portsdown Hill and driving back to Surbiton and the inevitable pint at the "VICTORIA", with some of the new and sleazy nightlife of Surbiton High St. being drawn to the Sec�s attention.

865. 12.07.95 LONDON W1 - ROSE & CROWN QUIZ: BS, Sec, Steve, Tim, Paul, Fiona, Phil (Winners).

866. 29.07.95 LONDON SE1: BS, COB, Anth etc. The "ANCHOR".

867. 06.08.95 LONDON SW2: SAR & N, BS & N. "CROWN & SCEPTRE". The party sat outside on the west side. Adnams Special was sampled by way of guest beer.

868. 12.08.95 LONDON SW16 - STREATHAM: BS & E & N, SAR & N, Anth, Suely, Sue and Steve etc. (Bowling only). The meeting started at about 3 o�clock at the "MEGABOWL" where the SAR & N arrived nearer 5, in time for an extra game for �1. After that the meeting moved south and sat outside at the "GREYHOUND" where Streatham Special was had but found to be vinegary in taste. A notable absentee was the COB, who was keeping a low profile.

869. 14.08.95 LONDON SW1: SAR & N, WPR. The SAR & N made another expedition to meet the increasingly choosy WPR at the "LORD MOON OF THE MALL" after which they moved to a maritime destination viz. the "TATTERSHALL CASTLE".

870. 15.08.95 LONDON W1 - ROSE & CROWN QUIZ: BS, Paul, Fiona, Sec, Simon, Tim (not PRS); won.

871. 19.08.95 KENT - RAMSGATE / BROADSTAIRS: BS & E, Sec, GR & Fiona, Anth, Tim, Suely. The party assembled at the BS�s residence before crossing to the "VALE" where were joined by the BS�s parents for Worthingtons, Dr. Peppers Lemon Ale etc. The party was joined by various wasps, and by another child named Natasha playing adjacent. The party then moved on for a commendable meal and Timothy Taylors etc. at the "CHURCHILL TAVERN", before dividing to wander the front and take to the beach respectively. The GR, Fiona, Sec & Anth left by car at 5 p.m., continuing their Thanet tour with stops at Broadstairs (Further drinks at the "DICKENS BAR & RESTAURANT" overlooking the harbour, and inspection of very Glastonbury-ish craft fair run by ageing hippies); Margate (ritual visit to waterfront amusement arcades) and Herne Bay (further food take-aways had from hectic seafront restaurant; 20� high wooden statue of sea god Poseidon being readied for ritual burning on the beach as part of the town festival). Thence back to Gravesend and London in gathering darkness.

872. 25.08.95 LONDON SW1: SAR & N, WPR, COB, Sec, Suely, Bison and Patricia. The meeting took place in the "LORD MOON OF THE MALL" and food was had. A rare appearance of the WPR at a meeting consisting of more than three people, though he chose to ignore all female members who were present.

873. 30.08.95 NORFOLK - BRANCASTER STAITHE: SOS & Val, SAR & N. The SOS conducted the party on a mostly cultural expedition around Norfolk, however despite his protestations that he did not really go to pubs any longer and did not drink, and should not be considered as a member of the SLBS, the SOS \was persuaded to sit in the garden of the "JOLLY SAILORS" so that a Norfolk meeting could be said to have happened.

874. 10.09.95 LONDON SW16 - STREATHAM: BS & E & N, SAR & N, Ryan & Terry. The meeting consisted of two Bowling games at the "MEGABOWL", which the BS won convincingly although an end of game replacement of the SAR by N resulted in their score recovering to near that of the BS.

875. 27.09.95 LONDON W1: SAR & N, Sec, COB, WPR (partly), BS, Anth, Robin, Paul (of Lloyds Bank). The meeting took place upstairs in "THE GLASS BLOWER", and food was had by some. The WPR left early after studiously ignoring many of those present, allegedly for California.

876. 01.11.95 LONDON W1 - ROSE & CROWN QUIZ: BS, Sec, Paul & Fiona, Simon, Phil. Winners through strength-in-numbers. Rowdy clientele on next table, with playful light bulb smashing occurring, which the landlord seemed curiously unconcerned about. Sam Smiths etc.

877. 04.11.95 HAMPSHIRE - HAVANT: BS & E & N, Bruce, Sec. The party assembled at the "OLD HOUSE AT HOME", the only pub of antiquity in Havant, for a good lunch and sampling of Gales� Best and HSB. The day continued with a drive along the coast in the BS�s car, under Bruce�s local guidance, with walks around the harbours at Bosham and Emsworth. The party then returned Bruce to Havant before driving up to admire the coastal sunset from Portsdown Hill, after which further non-alcoholic refreshments were taken at the Wickham Tea Room. The Sec. returned to London by train, and the BS�s household by car.

878. 10.11.95 LONDON EC1 - CLERKENWELL: Sec, WPR. "OLD MITRE" Hatton Garden (Tetley). Having failed to get into the overfull "Eagle" Farringdon Road, members went on to the "ROSEBERY TAVERN", Exmouth Market; busy no-nonsense local (Felinfoel Double Dragon). "CROWN" Clerkenwell Green (Morland); busy and trendy, with Victorian themed decor. Lavatories advertised as "Ladies and Gentlemen�s Ablutions", but proved to be ankle-deep in urine. "CITY PRIDE" Farringdon Lane (Fullers); very diverse range of customers.

879. 15.11.95 LONDON W1 - ROSE & CROWN QUIZ: Phil, BS, Sec, Tim. PRS Tony. Phil was Setter, BS was reader out. Non-winning team. Sam Smiths.

880. 15.12.95 LONDON SW1: Chair, BS, SAR & N, Anth, COB, Sec, SOS & Val, Rick & Judy. The traditional Christmas meeting was held early because of the impending departure of the BS for Brazil. The venue was supposed to have been the "LORD MOON OF THE MALL" but as members turned up, they found the door bolted, therefore an ECM was collectively assumed and the meeting started to assemble in "OLD SHADES". Later, Nadir, Val and the Chair turned up and succeeded in convening in the former venue and were discovered there by the SOS who sat down and joined them., returning later that he could not persuade them to cross the road. However as the BS had already ordered food in "OLD SHADES" and the SAR then crossed the road and managed to get the whole meeting together through the use of more persuasive language and the (incorrect) promise of good food in Old Shades. The meeting broke up at closing time with the BS leaping on to a 159 in a COB-style manner while the SAR & N got the next one.

881. 20.12.95 LONDON SW16 - STREATHAM: SAR & N, Suely, GR, Lucy and Christina, Jeremy, Phil, Martin, Rita (of Emsworth Court). A joint SLBS and residents of Emsworth Court meeting in the "HALF AND HALF", at which the party unintentionally became a team in a quiz. Despite early promise, the team ended up coming 5th.