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BEER & SKITTLES

P. A. BAXTER

I HAVE NO doubt that if I was able to predict trends in any social situation I would be stinking rich by now. That hasn't happened, and I'm happy to be in a position where I don't have to make a living from attempting to predict those trends. One would have to have lived under a rock for the last few years not to have noticed the meteoric rise in the sales of gin. It is a drink that is certainly 'not for me', although our offspring (both female) have embraced the drink and the huge varieties thereof, viz, pineapple flavour, apple flavour, strawberry flavour etc. and even rhubarb flavour! I'll leave it to gin aficionados to explore them, thanks all the same.

However ... gin sales have plummeted by a third and we look to the next trend predicted to be ... RUM! Unfortunately, according to my research it doesn't really feature. Whiskey is also down by over 40% yet vodka and tequila sales are up by around 6%. Doubtless some analysts are going to come up with the reasons, but I am left wondering what happened to rum?

Still, it's not something that interests the Baxter Mob particularly, as the title of the column suggests, but perhaps you good people out there in Visitorland can come up with some reasons!

With the temporary drop of VAT in pubs now but a memory and it being jacked back up to 20% despite pleadings from those in the hospitality industry (thanks for nothing, Rishi Sunak). On top of this pubs and restaurants are being hit with

Is it a measure? Loggats Ashes Tour, 2017. England 3 Australia 0!

calorie labelling. This has really come at the worst possible time, as the long struggle postpandemic continues. The new legislation means businesses with 250 or more employees, including cafes, restaurants and takeaways, must display the calorie information of all non-prepacked food and soft drinks. What this means is that whether physically or on-line, menus have to display this information. Whilst this may not effect the small independents, the large companies will feel the pressure. Will the customers take notice though? We have yet to visit a large establishment, but I hear that it's making people feel guilty for choosing large calorie meals. Perhaps this is what is referred to as a ‘Government initiative’ as it is so described. Personally I think the ‘Fun Police’ strike again! I wonder if all those highly-paid ministers and civil servants have such menus in their exclusive clubs? Answers on a post-card please.

Summer is approaching and the summer skittles leagues are in the offing as the winter leagues come to an end. Whilst any big success has eluded our team yet again, we all agree it has been some of the most enjoyable skittles we’ve ever played. Team spirit is at an all-time high and Friday nights out with the lads are really looked at with anticipation. I learn that there is a move afoot to get the local cribbage league going again and shove ha'penny league in Newport (okay so it isn't around here) has had applications from new teams. Whether there will be an expansion of the skittles in this region for the winter season remains to be seen, although I hear there are only two pubs with free alleys.

It is with great sadness that I have to report the passing of Derek ‘Wally’ Walters, a great doyen of the ‘beautiful game’. I spent many a happy time with him in his workshop turning up skittles and balls, although I didn't ever accompany him on his missions to maintain and repair alleys across the region. He was always keen to keep a good stock of timber and kit ready to be moved out as his customers requested it. He was also heavily involved with the game at the sharp end and I will endeavour to obtain more details for a future column.

Wally Walters discusses a skittle with author Arthur Taylor.

One day I may bore you all to tears on how we became best of friends with a couple on the far side of the world - before we had