1114. 16.01.06 LONDON SW18 � WANDSWORTH: Rick; NLR, Sec, BS, SAR & N, Iran, COB and Adrian. The meeting was convened in Wandsworth, Rick's locale, to investigate his contention that new gastropubs in the area were ruining both traditional pubs and restaurants. The NLR, Sec, Tony, SAR & N, Iran and Rick began proceedings in the �SPREAD EAGLE�, a "splendid Victorian pub" (as described by www.pubs.com) opposite the Brewery, the Brewery Tap itself being unaccountably closed in the evenings. The architecture and fine original features were admired, as was the very well-kept Young's beer. The only down side of it was that appeared to be the assembly point for Wandsworth's miserable old men. Rick accepts that it won't be long before he fits in completely with the ambience, but is not quite ready yet. It being a Monday, the pub was very quiet apart from the said miserable old men. Members then made their way to the �CRANE�, passing the Brewery en route and noting the pleasant-looking but decidedly shut �BREWERY TAP�. The �CRANE� was completely empty but the idiosyncratic d�cor (strange lamps and statuary, and multicoloured flashing lights) made it seem less so. The COB joined the meeting at this point, having been guided there by mobile telephony (for which the NLR appeared to be exceptionally well prepared). The Young's beer here was not as appetising as at the �SPREAD EAGLE�, and the meeting moved on to the �QUEEN ADELAIDE�. The �QUEEN ADELAIDE� was central to Rick's motion in that Young's had recently converted it from a pleasant and comfortable local pub to a noisy and packed gastropub and had consequently driven Rick, Judy and a large number of previous regulars out and across the road to the more traditional �HOP POLE�. On a quiet Monday, however, its horrors were less apparent than on Fridays when Rick and Judy usually visit these establishments, and the beer was as good as that at the �SPREAD EAGLE�. In the circumstances, Rick's motion (which had originally been something along the lines of "The Society should encourage and participate in the razing to the ground of every gastropub in the world ha ha!") become the slightly less strident "The Society should, where possible, avoid gastropubs ". It was carried somewhat half-heartedly, with several abstentions, as most members couldn't see what was wrong with the place, but a constant stream of propaganda from Rick forced some people into admitting that it wasn't, when all was said and done, very much like a pub. Adrian joined the meeting at this point, again guided by mobile telephony. The �CAT�S BACK� was visited next - on Rick's only previous visit, it had been a small, dark, cluttered and quirky pub, with an over-effusive and enthusiastic landlord who would personally search around for seating for each new customer arriving. On this occasion, there was no sign of the landlord, and the pub was less cluttered and quirky, albeit still small and dark. It gained the approval of the membership, being quite comfortable and pleasant, and with Pink Floyd's "The Division Bell" being played over the sound system. The beer was OK. The final pub was the �HOP POLE�, Rick's new local, and was chosen to demonstrate the virtues of a real pub as compared with the nasty eating-house into which the �QUEEN ADELAIDE� has been transformed. This, too, turned out to be rather counter-productive, as the pub was busier than any of the others previously visited, and considerably smokier, thereby being a long way from garnering the unanimous approval anticipated. Shepherd Neame and Oranjeboom were consumed here, and the meeting concluded inconclusively. Other members dispersed to find public transport links, while Rick walked home and showed Adrian the best route to walk to Southfields. On reflection this was almost certainly the worst possible route and it is to be hoped that Adrian actually got home in time to go off to Morocco the next day.

1115. 09.03.06 LONDON SW19 � WIMBLEDON: NLR; BS. The meeting was convened at the �WIBBAS DOWN INN� (Wetherspoons), to experience the Thursday Night Curry Club. Members arrived in a thunderstorm, the NLR after an exploration of the Croydon Tramlink system and the BS despite a �lightning strike� on the rail network.

1116. 23.03.06 - LONDON W1 � MARYLEBONE: Chair, SAR, NLR, Sec, COB, GR, BS. Apologies were received from the EAR who was making a television appearance on Question Time. Members assembled at the GR�s place of work, and headed north along Marylebone Lane (the Chair catching up on the way) to the �ANGEL IN THE FIELDS� where Pints of Samuel Smiths Old Brewery Bitter, and two other varieties of Samuel Smiths, were consumed. The Chair led by example and drank up at a good pace to encourage the party onwards. The party then moved westwards along George Street, where the GR, despite being the Subject Matter Expert, appeared unsure of where to go, however a confident Secretary led Members on, to the �BRICKLAYERS ARMS�, New Quebec Street, where Adnams was had, plus a good dinner, although the GR�s pastry was undercooked. Remainder of the establishment was celebrating a 30th birthday. The COB joined the party here, although nobody found it easy to explain where the pub was on the mobile telephone. Finally, the party went further west, to the �CARPENTERS ARMS�, Upper Berkeley Street, where Members stood around a rather frightening fruit machine which generated a lot of heat, but subsequently purloined a table. The Secretary left, flustered, because he had left his glasses in the previous pub, and narrowly avoided a lynching by the 30th birthday celebrants when he went back to try to retrieve them among their possessions.

1117. 14.04.06 - LONDON SE16 / E1 � ROTHERHITHE / WAPPING: NLR; BS, Sec, SAR + N, Adrian (S). BS and NLR arrived early and waited in pouring rain for the �MAYFLOWER� to open at 12 noon. Joined by Sec. Inside very cosy, roaring fire to dry off, Greene King IPA and Triumph x 2, Coffee x 2. Very expensive food. Short walk to the �SHIP�, traditional Youngs pub, 4 x Ordinary + pineapple juice. BS concerned by lack of food. Exchange of txt msgs. Walk through daffodils in park to the �ANGEL� and stunning riverside views. Sam Smiths, food at last! Kids outside (Millwall?) trying to throttle, kick, stamp on etc statue. Adrian (S) arrived from Bermondsey and got fish and chips in advance. Exit SAR + N due to prior engagement at Clapham Junction. Tube to Wapping. Walk along Wapping High Street where parking restrictions have been imposed for two years for �filming�, to �TOWN OF RAMSGATE�. Seats overlooking Thames. Adnams Explorer, pint + 2 halves, Stella. First visit by the Sec since formally joining the Society back in 1982. Gardens not very wide. Judge Jeffreys used to sit in a bay window to watch the executions. �CAPTAIN KIDD�, Sam Smiths. Secluded seating area with views of Docklands. Adrian (S) and NLR explored outside and upstairs areas. Food and drinking upstairs (closed). �PROSPECT OF WHITBY�, IPA x 2 + 1664. Lots of history and character, nice views over the river, two terraces. Wonder what the food�s like. Nearly grabbed two chicken burgers. Exit Sec. �MAYFLOWER� again, the excuse for BS and NLR being that Adrian (S) had not visited it yet.

1118. 08.05.06 LONDON EC3 - ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING: Present: Chair, NLR, BS, Sec, SAR, Rick, Adrian (S). Apologies: SOS (Meeting), EAR (Football event), TBA (in Essex), Iran and Graciela (unspecified), Nadir (cold), DLR (work). No Excuses: COB (forgot), GR. Members assembled around a large cubic object of stone construction outside the "BLACK FRIAR", Blackfriars, noting a large assemblage of old biddies apparently on a "London Walk" whose experience consisted of hanging around the entrance to the pub for half an hour without drinking, before being frog-marched north. After they had been cleared from the vicinity, Members went inside the pub, where the Sec (whose knowledge of Belgium is limited to Liege Bus Station) noted a vaguely Belgian atmosphere. Left early: Chair (unwell owing to dodgy houmous), SAR (N's cold), Adrian (S) (pork chop requiring attention), Rick (microwave curry requiring attention). Beers drunk: Youngs ordinary, Timothy Taylors Landlord, Piddle Brewery Piddle in the Stream, Staropramen, Fosters. Resolutions and transactions: none. Another low key AGM, the founder membership exhibiting particular lack of stamina. Perhaps the policy of holding the event on a Monday needs review, if anyone can be bothered.

1119. 31.05.06 LONDON BROMLEY: NLR, BS. Met in the �PARTRIDGE� but cigar smoke too prevalent so instead went to "TOM FOOLERY" (Fullers) next door but one. 2 x London Pride had before attending �The New Statesman� starring Rick Mayall at the "CHURCHILL THEATRE" including interval bottles of Becks. An excellent performance finished in enough time to allow a return visit to the "PARTRIDGE" for more Fullers, this time Chiswick and London Pride.

1120. 31.05.06 LONDON EC3 - BLACKFRIARS: Sec; GR, SAR. Members met at the �BLACKFRIAR�, which the GR had missed for the AGM, and enjoyed Timothy Tay1or's & food outside. The �COCKPIT�, St. Andrew's Hill, was visited next, a very traditional establishment full of cockfighting & other ornithological memorabilia. Marston's Pedigree was sampled, inducing nostalgic discussion of when it was the members present's staple diet at Keele in the early '80's. The 'Rising Sun' round the corner in Carter Lane was inspected next, but found to be too full of noisy City types for comfort, so the meeting was concluded at �RYAN�S BAR� further along Carter Lane, which proved to be more spacious and less overtly neo-Irish than its exterior suggested; Adnams & Fullers were sampled, the former not well-kept.

1121. 19.06.06 LONDON WC1 - NLR'S BIRTHDAY: NLR; Members: SAR & N, Sec, GR, BS, Rick, TBA. Non members: Steve, Don, Niranjan, Peter, David, Bernard, Javier, Adrian (S) & Heather. Apologies: Chair, SOS, EAR, COB. The NLR revived the tradition of celebrating his birthday on a ship, and invited Members and Guests to assemble beside Waterloo Bridge on the "QUEEN MARY" for Drinks on deck by way of refreshment. The NLR had reserved tables at "Bertorelli" Fetter Lane, which was reached on foot the number 168 bus having been eschewed, and where a sumptuous Italian meal was had. The SAR and NLR renewed the Treaty of Heidelberg for another five years.

1122. 23.07.06 KENT: GR, Sec. The Sec. was collected by the GR at Gravesend, and proceeded to the North Downs between Canterbury & Dover. The 'Green Man' at Barfreston was investigated, but an unfriendly response was got when the barman realised that members were not locals, being told that there was no food despite several racks thereof visible over his shoulder being cooked. Clearly 'a local pub for local people'. The meeting then decamped to the village pub at nearby Nonington, but found this even more unwelcoming and food-free than the above. Members then. continued to the �GRIFFIN�S HEAD� at Chillenden, a picturesque adapted Medieval hall-house in a remote location, which the Sec. Had visited some years earlier. This had a barbecue, being cooked by an elderly bearded gent., but when the requested burgers arrived, they were lurid pink and had evidently only been cooked for 20 seconds. The GR took his back in disgust, and a 10 minute wait occurred (during which time audible complaints about the food were noted from other customers, and the cry went up "who's up for food poisoning 1") before an even pinker one was brought back. An exchange of views then ensued, with the cook turning out to be the proprietor's father, at which point it was decided to give up and leave. At least the beer was good (Shepherd Neame Autumn Gold). Deal and Sandwich were then visited, with a tea break being taken at a riverside cafe at the latter, where the cream tea met with the GR's demanding Cornish standards, and provided some compensation for the lack of lunch, as did the personable and scantily-clad waitresses. The meeting then moved inland to visit the remote church and village of West Stourmouth, and early evening refreshment(Abbot Ale) was taken at the �RED LION�, Stodmarsh, a pleasing Greene King hostelry with smartly maintained pub & wildlife-filled garden, and a proper barbecue. The host was very talkative, and when told of the problems at lunchtime instantly guessed where it was � the Griffin's Head' cuisine is clearly notorious throughout the region. Britain's allegedly smallest town hall was then visited at Fordwich, before returning to Gravesend via Canterbury.

1123. 29.07.06 HAMPSHIRE � SOUTHAMPTON: NLR; GR, BS (retired hurt). Convened in honour of the BS�s birthday, the NLR prebooked Megatrain tickets from Waterloo. An inauspicious start with closures on nine tube lines heralded a worse turn of events as the BS suffered a foot injury on the escalator at Waterloo and only made it as far as the Bakerloo line ticket barrier before being taken by ambulance to King�s College Hospital. Subsequent bulletins via mobile telephone established that he was treated very quickly and progressed home by bus to nurse his wound. Meanwhile still at Waterloo the GR and NLR managed to locate each other in the heaving crowd but no sign of Nick, although the NLR bumped into lapsed member Tim May. Next, finding the Megatrain cancelled, an on the spot decision was taken to travel onwards by the next Southampton train in case the Sec was already en route. However, when the meeting which now numbered two out of the proposed four arrived, there was no sign of Nick and calls to Golflinks Avenue provided no clues. Despite the long heatwave it briefly started to rain, necessitating the GR to call for an inspection of the West Quay shopping centre. Although a visit to the tourist office revealed that all the town sights were closing in an hour, very useful advice was received which returned the meeting to success. A free city bus was taken to the docks area and the Maritime and Archaeological Museums before the meeting was finally opened in the �PLATFORM TAVERN�, Town Quay at 15:50. 2 x Itchin Valley Godfathers Champion Bitter, excellent clean tasting bitter. Quirky ambience, stone floor and walls. Enormous bacon and egg doorstop for NLR. One armed (other in plaster) barman coped with pulling pints, serving food, etc. Proceeded to Town Quay, where the departures of the Oceana (P&O) and QE2 (Cunard) were observed from the Pier Head. On to the �RED LION� in the High Street, an extraordinary galleried high beamed establishment, which reminded the GR of Hampton Court Palace. Members sat in the minstrel gallery with 2 x Charles Wells Bombadier looking down on the bar, shields, tapestries and two live parrots. Reputedly Henry V and VIII visited here, and a conspirator against Henry V was tried here and described by Shakespeare. Settling here for dinner, members requested 2 x home made steak and ale pie and received possibly the largest portions encountered at a meeting, each struggling through a 6� square portion large enough for four, with extra gigantic dishes of chips, mashed potato and vegetables. Good music Sex Pistols Kaiser Chiefs Beatles Libertines � parrots joined in with squawks. Finally, disregarding the deserted and disappointing Ferryman & Firkin, halves of Westons Organic Cider and Itchin Valley Fagins bitter were taken at the nearby packed �STANDING ORDER� (Wetherspoons). Postscript: it later transpired that the Sec, on arriving earlier at Waterloo and finding it in chaos, impetuously judged the meeting to be impossible and spent the day visiting London�s Art Galleries.

1124. 03.08.06 LONDON SW18 - EARLSFIELD: BS; NLR. The �FOG�: 1.5 pints of Old Hookey. Traditional Public / Saloon bar format. Public bar gave pub name due to large amount of cigarette smoke. Members retired to saloon bar which subsequently emptied. Father must have taken his daughter to Brighton as requested after finishing cigar. The �PUZZLE�: Adverse comment by beerinthevening.com and no obvious real ale aroused the NLR�s curiosity despite the BS�s misgivings. 2 x Young�s St George�s, the concealment of the real ale handpump behind a bar menu perhaps providing the name here but otherwise it was ill fitting, this being a large plain featureless hall with similar paved yard. However, the beer was pleasant and members managed to catch the last rays of sun. �HALFWAY HOUSE� (Young�s): After fruitless journey to Jolly Gardener (gastropub, �we haven�t got any bitter�) and Grosvenor Arms (no ale), 2 pints of Youngs Bitter (one with meal deal). BS ate half chicken, NLR abstained having eaten prior to meeting. Short walk south along Garrett Lane confirmed that H.H. was halfway between old and new: only wine bars and �lounges� found. Returned to H.H. for 3.5 pints of Golden zest. Excellent selection of 1980�s music.

1125. 30.08.06 LONDON W1 - FITZROVIA: SAR; N, NLR, EAR, Nelson, COB. Following an afternoon picnic in Green Park, the NLR, SAR and N proceeded on a No. 10 bus to the �NORTHUMBERLAND ARMS� where they consumed Mineral Water and Lemonade, until the EAR arrived to open the Meeting proper by ordering Beer. The EAR was closely followed by Nelson, who consumed Guinness. Following the second round, Members decided to move, and after an uncertain period of time arising from a lack of definitive leadership and direction, the meeting ended up in the �WHEATSHEAF� where N. purloined a table at the back, and the COB was navigated in with the help of Mobile Telephony. Members consumed Beer although some coffee was also had at the end, which was deemed not to have been a good idea.

1126. 25.09.06 LONDON EC4 � CITY OF LONDON: NLR; Sec, EAR, Iran, BS, TBA, Graciela, COB, Heather, Adrian (S), Chair. A well attended meeting to visit all the pubs called "Ye/The Olde" in and around boustrophedon Fleet Street and Ludgate Hill, from west to east. The NLR convened the meeting at 6:00 in the �OLD BANK OF ENGLAND� (Fullers), 194 Fleet Street and was joined successively by the Sec, EAR, Iran, BS, TBA and Graciela. Excellent and unusual establishment, formerly an office of the Bank of England until twenty years ago, featured very high and ornate ceiling, walls decorated with dramatic murals and old banknotes. Chiswick had, after which the NLR kept up the pace to move on to �YE OLDE COCK TAVERN�, 22 Fleet Street, where the EAR and Graciela caught up after a few minutes. COB joined. Nellie Dean bitter had, quite aromatic. Deserted but comfortable. �YE OLDE CHESHIRE CHEESE�, Wine Office Court, 145 Fleet Street (Sam Smiths). TBA returned briefly to Old Bank of England to collect Heather; also joined by Adrian (S) and the Chair, who gave an account of his new employment designing artificial spinal discs. The EAR, who had once held a leaving do here, guided members through the dark warren of many bars. Some members took meals, and the TBA generously procured hot food of a vegetarian nature for the remainder. The �OLD BELL�, 95 Fleet Street. Stonehenge Ales Pigswill (quite ordinary) and Timothy Taylor Landlord had. Traditional, bare floorboards, cozy; quiet, except for one noisy table presumably instructed to provide �atmosphere�. Exeunt Graciela and Iran. �YE OLDE LONDON�, 42, Ludgate Hill. Relatively modern i.e. twentieth century pub, with smell of fresh paint. Adnams had. The COB defined pentagonal numbers as { (n+1)(3n+2)/2 } but could not explain why. Members from Kent, Essex and Herts departed as well as Adrian (S) and Heather, leaving the NLR, BS, TBA and COB to carry on to �YE OLDE WATLING�, 29 Watling Street. Another good old fashioned pub, completely empty until members arrived, with choice of six real ales including Harveys. Members played Trivial Pursuit and succeeded only in making a long series of wrong guesses. The meeting closed at 10:30, probably to the relief of the Polish and Latvian bar staff.

1127. 18.10.06 LONDON SW1 � WESTMINSTER/PIMLICO: COB; NLR, BS, Secretary, GR. The NLR, BS, Secretary and COB gathered in the �RED LION� downstairs bar (upstairs was crowded and spilling on to street). Honours were divided between 3 Landlord (cloudy but tasty) and 1 London Pride. Convener was last to arrive, despite feeling that he was less late than usual. Briskly moved on after the first pint, catching a number 88 towards the �WESTMINSTER�. Various telephone communications were essayed with the GR and he somehow got the message despite having his phone switched off and preceded us into the �Westminster�, which was disappointingly some kind of trendy gastrobar. Pride was off, instead Guinness, Caffreys and Staropramen were partaken off in measures of 1/2 pint in many cases. The party then walked towards the �MORPTEH ARMS�, BS tried to invoke a last minute ECM but was given short shrift. The venue was crowded but friendly and we settled down to pints of Youngs Ordinary. No tables initially so we ruthlessly forced an old man out of his seat. Food was ordered by most members - the server smiled sympathetically at COB who was without a suitable order. Fear not, an ancient SLBS tradition was revived, viz. NLR offered a substantial number of his chips. It was here that we lost the Secretary and GR who had to consider their travel arrangements. At this point BS was successful in carrying his ECM, so instead of crossing the waters of the Thames, we turned right into Vauxhall Bridge Road to encounter after a few yards the welcoming facade of the �WHITE SWAN�. We had some beers here (I can't remember what). On closure NLR and BS headed towards Pimlico, while COB headed South over the river (to his chagrin, two 87 buses in quick succession rounded the corner onto the bridge with no chance of being overtaken at a bus stop).

1128. 28.10.06 ESSEX - COLCHESTER: EAR, NLR, Sec, SAR, Nadir, DLR, Luisa, BS. Apologies: Chair. Most of the participants foregathered at the EAR's house, to take coffee and briefly inspect his collection of motion sickness bags. Sundry photographs were also examined. The party then proceeded to the "HOSPITAL ARMS" (Adnams) where slow service brought on the appetite, and lunch was ordered. By the time this arrived, the BS, having arrived on a later train, had joined the party. In the days when the eight wards of the hospital opposite were fully functioning, this pub, patronised almost exclusively by doctors and nurses, was known as Ward 9. At the time of our visit numerous Colchester United supporters were present, which may have aggravated the inordinately slow service. We then perambulated via the Roman wall, Balkerne Gate and Jumbo water tower to the "FOX AND FIDDLER" (Mighty Oak Brewery, Maldon). In its former guise as the Headgate Hotel, this pub was run down and infested by drug dealers. It is now much more salubrious, and offers a good choice of beers from a local brewery. The NLR was pleased to find that the jukebox's offerings included some seldom-heard musical gems from the 1970s, some of which he selected, to delight the ears of Members and other patrons. From here we walked about 30 metres to the "PLAYHOUSE" (Wetherspoons, variety of ales, e.g. Robinsons Lighthouse, York Centurion's Ghost). The EAR had never before patronised this pub, as it occupies the premises of the Playhouse Theatre, where he had made his stage d�but as a child. However, the NLR was aware of a beer festival running at all Wetherspoon's establishments, so, at his request, we entered to sample the products on offer. The EAR was agreeably surprised to see the theatre still substantially intact, and identified the spot from which he and his friends had occasionally dropped ice cream from the front row of the circle on to the bald heads and cleavages in the stalls below. From here we proceeded to the EAR's favourite pub, "THE ODD ONE OUT" (variety of ales) which was quite full. We were unable to use the back room because the landlord was engaged in a game of bridge there. Members were obliged to split into two groups, one of which engaged in a conversation with a couple of regulars, while the others went to another part of the bar. We then toured the St Botolph's area, visiting the eponymous Priory, the temporary bus station, and - in near-total darkness we glimpsed the Castle and then the Town Hall, in the distance. We then visited the "LITTLE CROWN" (Greene King), after which the majority of members departed. For the surviving three (BS, NLR and EAR), it was but a short distance to the "PURPLE DOG" (Morland's Old Speckled Hen, brewed by Greene King). Having traded as the Clarence since time immemorial, the pub has used this preposterous name for about 6 weeks. We sat in enormous leather armchairs to consume our beer in a largely empty space. We missed the presence of the SAR, with his predilection for absurd names. From here, we returned to the "PLAYHOUSE" to find it guarded by two bouncers and full of teenagers. The moderate-strength beers of the afternoon had been replaced by much stronger beers, to accelerate the young people's progress towards oblivion. Having consumed our beer (Strawberry Fields and Oliver's Army) amid the ever-growing juvenile throng, we adjourned the meeting to enable the NLR and the BS to catch their train home.

1129. 31.10.06 LONDON NW1 � KENTISH TOWN: BS; NLR. Members convened at the �ASSEMBLY HOUSE� by Kentish Town station before progressing to a Halloween concert at the �FORUM� where they joined an extensive queue of Goths and ghouls outside. Good seats were finally obtained behind a temporary werewolf and a supply of canned lagers procured. An excellent and rousing performance by Finnish Eurovision winners Lordi was witnessed, with eight piece Finnish heavy metal / folk rock group Turisas providing outstanding support.

04.11.06 and 05.11.06 ESSEX: EAR; Iran, Graciela. The EAR spent much of the weekend with Iran, Graciela, and two friends of theirs, Teddy and Ver�nica (also Londoners, also of the Hispanic persuasion) patronised the following: Colchester: �FOX AND FIDDLER� (lunch), West Bergholt: Sunnyside (paid attendance at a charity Guy Fawkes party, with mulled wine and beer), Colchester: �ODD ONE OUT�, Lavenham: The �COCK� and Kersey: The �BELL� (lunch).

10.11.06 and 11.11.06 ITALY - TRIESTE: NLR, TBA, Terry. Overseas research was carried out in a wide variety of establishments, including �HARRY�S BAR� and �CAFFE DEGLI SPECCHI�.

1130. 20.11.06 LONDON EC1 � SAR & N, NLR, GR, BS. Indisposed � The Secretary. Members met at the �VIADUCT TAVERN� in Newgate Street where 3 pints of Discovery were had and 2 J2O�s. The NLR and BS compared their mobile phones, and Members forgot to inspect the prison below the pub. Ornate gin palace architecture was noted. The party then crossed the road to the �WHITE HART� which was quieter and emptier, although had been rendered into a characterless gastropub. 4 pints of Greene King IPA and 1 J20 were had, and CDs exchanged. Members moved on to the �BISHOP�S FINGER�, narrowly avoiding taxis manoeuvring outside St. Barts. Shepherd Neame�s Autumn Ale was quaffed � characterised by a deep sweetness combining burnt notes with toffee and honey. It was noted that in all three pubs to this point, Member consumed beer in glasses bearing the insignia of the brew therein. The SAR & N left, and the meeting moved to the �BUTCHER'S HOOK AND CLEAVER�, Smithfield (Fullers again) - Chiswick 1 1/2 + Red Fox 1. Very quiet, elegant, large chandelier. BS and NLR took photos with their new phones to the GR's forbearance. Music: ELO, ABC, presumably anything with three letters. Difficulty finding another pub, eventually doubled back up and then along Holborn to find "MELTON MOWBRAY" (Fullers again) only for the GR to have to leave to catch his train. NLR and BS were greeted by cheerful young Irishman "I'm Paul by the way" who introduced himself twice. 1 Winter Beer (medium dark), 1 1/2 Discovery. More ads on toilet for "RS" industrial components alongside Tenacious D - Pick of Destiny. "Muscle Man" helped Paul erect a pair of stepladders.

1131. 01.12.06 LONDON WC2 � COVENT GARDEN: Convened by Sec.; present Sec., NLR. Following an early morning exhibition visit, the Sec. met the NLR for lunch at the �SALISBURY�, St. Martin's Lane, which both had passed many times but not previously patronised. Impressively traditional Victorian bar, and good range of real ales, of which Barnstormer (full-bodied, from Bath) and the less potent but still pleasing Sleighbell (brewery unspecified) were sampled. The dining room was inspected and found overcrowded, but lunch was taken in relative comfort in the bar, by which time the pub had got very busy. Members then crossed the road for Marston's pedigree at the �ANGEL & CROWN�, a very basic and by West End standards un-redeveloped pub, and the meeting concluded with inspection of the Norwegian Christmas Tree in Trafalgar Square.

1132. 11.12.06 LONDON W1 � MAYFAIR: Convened by GR; present GR, Sec. Being unable to attend the Christmas 'Old Shades' meeting due to early return to Cornwall, the GR initiated an earlier meeting. The �STONE HORSE�, Princes Street was initially visited---a very spacious, if poorly-lit, hostelry in a tiny side-street off Regent Street. Rudolph Ale from the Itchen Brewery, Hants. (the barmaid unaware of its presence until the SLBS's purchase....) was sampled (3.5%, but tasting stronger), and food taken; ham & eggs for the GR and pumpkin soup for the Sec. (flavoursome but cold....). The meeting then moved nearby to the �WINDMILL�, Mill Street, a lively Young's pub with an award-winning pie menu, making members wish they had gone there before the 'Stone Horse'. Two stools were squeezed onto to sample well-kept pints of Young's Ordinary.

1133. 18.12.06 LONDON SW1� WESTMINSTER: Christmas �OLD SHADES� Meeting. Chair, Sec, NLR, EAR, SAR, Nadir, Rick, BS, SOS, Valrita, COB, DLR, TBA. In a relatively empty environment, members met. No formal business was conducted, but instead the Chair gave an account of his recent visit to east Berlin to celebrate his 50th birthday and the EAR recited several verses of The Jolly Hunter. The large turnout of members pooled their collective wits and managed to overcome the Trivial Pursuit machine.

1134. 20.12.06 LONDON SW15 � PUTNEY: NLR; SAR. Members met at the �HALF MOON� (Young�s) to attend a recital by the now aged Bob Kerr�s Whoopee Band, who apart from Bob Kerr were completely different from those seen by members in 1975, with the exception of a number of rather bizarre guest appearances by Vernon Dudley Bowhay-Nowell. A long wait allowed members to inspect posters of previous performers and to sample the Lebanese cuisine.

1135. 29.12.06 LONDON SW19 � WIMBLEDON: NLR; BS, Sec, Rick. Convivial Friday evening, although the pub very smoky, as the occupants of the adjacent table became so unruly as to cause the SLBS to move to a more distant table. The four members effortlessly sank 21.5 pints at the one venue.