Blog Tracker
26-06-2023, 23:52
Visit the Paul Bailey's Beer Blog site (https://baileysbeerblog.blogspot.com/2023/06/a-few-rambling-and-rather-random.html)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvY-7WwlWja3hrUsNYrzePE6xRCw7ezWF4AHeQcoVALap83c7kVYrb dIewiIcfcxp14FW4eFDU9XVczYN_x8_rSXvLzuPlyxj7WUQ2PF m60fX5xFYl9vdhbkbh20-6SQmK0C9reujcnlbE-0WEePhXt95c03h_OpOP-4GQj7mINYFNM4XhC1zdVtZQl3M/w400-h225/IMG_20211107_090724.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvY-7WwlWja3hrUsNYrzePE6xRCw7ezWF4AHeQcoVALap83c7kVYrb dIewiIcfcxp14FW4eFDU9XVczYN_x8_rSXvLzuPlyxj7WUQ2PF m60fX5xFYl9vdhbkbh20-6SQmK0C9reujcnlbE-0WEePhXt95c03h_OpOP-4GQj7mINYFNM4XhC1zdVtZQl3M/s4000/IMG_20211107_090724.jpg)
My most recent post (https://baileysbeerblog.blogspot.com/2023/06/15-years-of-writing-about-beer-potted.html)was a look back over the past 15 years and detailed how I first got intowriting about beer, and then hosting my own blog. Like many of the paths we embarkon, as we journey through life, the road we are on can be difficult, fraught,and full of difficult choices. A lot can change in a decade and a half, obviouslyincluding people themselves, the places where they live and sometimes even thestate of the nation itself.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSvdFgBKHcZXPg_D_GSEln7hTftnNPH0uXmHP95LS-skm7DX_TMIoBXzil75jZb4GLJMo-1ZDpLM5b-WO-iV06BylBI2QR4kmtCj5SIqeovJV8KfnzREm1KgxFt94uE3VBel nryfG1ccAcc-s4A9-1XTAiJhjuClXuHPPOnQoed3Cot1xa7m_GH0R4KJk/w400-h300/20190323_170221.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSvdFgBKHcZXPg_D_GSEln7hTftnNPH0uXmHP95LS-skm7DX_TMIoBXzil75jZb4GLJMo-1ZDpLM5b-WO-iV06BylBI2QR4kmtCj5SIqeovJV8KfnzREm1KgxFt94uE3VBel nryfG1ccAcc-s4A9-1XTAiJhjuClXuHPPOnQoed3Cot1xa7m_GH0R4KJk/s4128/20190323_170221.jpg)
Events such as the 2016advisory referendum on EU membership can seem like purely random occurrences,but like much else in life they can have an adverse effect that is felt formuch longer after the event has occurred. I don't want to dwell on theobviously negative changes that have occurred since an opportunist PrimeMinister held that ill-advised Referendum which adversely affected United Kingdom’sstanding and place in the world. It’s difficult to comprehend the effect that asimple binary choice on the ballot paper, between “Leave” or “Remain” couldhave on a country’s future. It’s even more gallingwhen you take into account the complexities associated with the UK’s trading relationshipwith its nearest neighbours and the world’s largest trading block. But withapathy and complacency from the Remain side, and a combination of half-truthsand outright lies from the Leave campaign, it’s small wonder we’re in analmighty mess, and considerably poorer as a nation as well.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWJho4hcu_wub3x9v3LOyZB_qBkWluQIhsy3y3vOhboQ sL7QQOf-qBqhI6zyZXA12vJELA00ddrdy6zHlW1JYIIHAcmiSqFdgd6qqs X3OMOUfs00gHtz3ij_IIMa5OSCatm0Y4P5Iq9w7JbRPrql_jL9 nAfQsbc4V_-wHA0hXkYtunYCRfkrSMH-pHygM/w400-h300/20180623_142315.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWJho4hcu_wub3x9v3LOyZB_qBkWluQIhsy3y3vOhboQ sL7QQOf-qBqhI6zyZXA12vJELA00ddrdy6zHlW1JYIIHAcmiSqFdgd6qqs X3OMOUfs00gHtz3ij_IIMa5OSCatm0Y4P5Iq9w7JbRPrql_jL9 nAfQsbc4V_-wHA0hXkYtunYCRfkrSMH-pHygM/s4128/20180623_142315.jpg)
One constant thatdoesn't change is the fact that life itself involves change, and whilstsometimes this can be for the best, the converse also applies. Major changeswhilst disruptive, are also rarer than we might think, although when they dooccur the currents of certainty underlying ourlives, and which keep us on the straight and narrow are swept away by a tide of misplacedeuphoria, mixed emotions, or even the optimism associated with the arrival of anew false dawn.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX4mB9ZIvV72XvOT5QXF7d7MTSd-om6srlfbRWVzkACiM9ZEIKY64kvCabzKmwpLAlZi3el-i3T_NFXVMZuu4NfThAGDXhf5gBouNaLxXzyZ1qX1UqoQCbfvY8 YUVL4eGDPLHoGElp8ucV6a-R86hrPzdijMjoafiCS8LgQjt2T9S_nYGXXN9iKx4mNUQ/w400-h240/IMAG1368.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX4mB9ZIvV72XvOT5QXF7d7MTSd-om6srlfbRWVzkACiM9ZEIKY64kvCabzKmwpLAlZi3el-i3T_NFXVMZuu4NfThAGDXhf5gBouNaLxXzyZ1qX1UqoQCbfvY8 YUVL4eGDPLHoGElp8ucV6a-R86hrPzdijMjoafiCS8LgQjt2T9S_nYGXXN9iKx4mNUQ/s2592/IMAG1368.jpg)
Of course, the events of 2016 pale into insignificance when compared with Vladimir Putin's insane and totally illegal, invasion of Ukraine. Words fail me when describing the actions of this madman, and the suffering he has caused to a peaceful and prosperous neighbouring country, put him on the same level of wickedness as Adolph Hitler and Joseph Stalin. It really does seem, at times, that the world has taken leave of its senses, and it doesn't seem to be getting any better.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBsFIuOTGakckaamKq7RnlhEHD2U8KlIcycQeUe9SSXE sPeEn5oS99a9VqMyNvK_lD7jiZ-nXj51ONQD8Vi3SHuKhHeIpkKx0RkJglT65HjR7lL4zeTgNBUeW XW-vzzwDici_7vZ3s3yvKx3QY0MFc1jVqHewQq8rgMEp2tVTI5NyY Y3iXkhaARGWdBGs/w400-h300/IMG_20201015_145503.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBsFIuOTGakckaamKq7RnlhEHD2U8KlIcycQeUe9SSXE sPeEn5oS99a9VqMyNvK_lD7jiZ-nXj51ONQD8Vi3SHuKhHeIpkKx0RkJglT65HjR7lL4zeTgNBUeW XW-vzzwDici_7vZ3s3yvKx3QY0MFc1jVqHewQq8rgMEp2tVTI5NyY Y3iXkhaARGWdBGs/s3832/IMG_20201015_145503.jpg)
There are variouspatterns underlying human existence, and I am reminded of this when lookingback at some of the posts I have written, since first starting Paul’s Beer Travelsback in 2008. It's no exaggeration to say that you can see such patternsemerging as you journey through life, and it's not unusual for them to followthe changing of the seasons and all that that involves. After all, despite thethin veneer that masks our civilisation, deep down we’re all influenced to alesser or greater degree by the passing of the seasons – something about ouragrarian roots?
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj28Q2i7lOVtLI-lAFQBaQGywje4w6aMswbcPwM1E2fbIPbC_6k9BuE3_ZqX-n4wTF13QydGFw0WkTX6mWIncjWTJwBMMVqzVZkM0UVLGluVBnk OWa1Ga85bB6-reS0sWX_P3vMyBppLh0d-kBoN2fUfanMNnxJx6S6f7mGKeboxFCES4usY13lbDFpWVk/w400-h300/CAMRA%20GBBF.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj28Q2i7lOVtLI-lAFQBaQGywje4w6aMswbcPwM1E2fbIPbC_6k9BuE3_ZqX-n4wTF13QydGFw0WkTX6mWIncjWTJwBMMVqzVZkM0UVLGluVBnk OWa1Ga85bB6-reS0sWX_P3vMyBppLh0d-kBoN2fUfanMNnxJx6S6f7mGKeboxFCES4usY13lbDFpWVk/s2038/CAMRA%20GBBF.jpg)
This seemsespecially true with a groups such as the Campaign for Real Ale, and whilst thisisn't quite as pronounced now that CAMRA and I have parted company, I can stillsee the same pattern and the affect that it has, lurking in the background,when I look at my friends and acquaintances who are still members of thatorganisation. For CAMRA much of the campaigning year revolves around itsflagship publication, the Good Beer Guide, and follows a well-establishedroutine.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL9NEywyqp8Oy0MqJ_rjM86XySS0usdcKoyORUlAgio8 Y3rv8XcCRJQSt65_r2xYE3Rz0lynJ2gRmXzz7Npdel8fncAScd dlU8vKExvOmvUMqPRW5REokhes_7w4-b7F742O2xYeUK5Ick9DeVhkiPxVAQz5lyExsXQxpNww7p2id6E r1fnGpBpI4dB3g/w400-h294/Fermentiing%20room.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL9NEywyqp8Oy0MqJ_rjM86XySS0usdcKoyORUlAgio8 Y3rv8XcCRJQSt65_r2xYE3Rz0lynJ2gRmXzz7Npdel8fncAScd dlU8vKExvOmvUMqPRW5REokhes_7w4-b7F742O2xYeUK5Ick9DeVhkiPxVAQz5lyExsXQxpNww7p2id6E r1fnGpBpI4dB3g/s3999/Fermentiing%20room.jpg)
Those who have been active members of CAMRA will be wellaware of the surveying, inspecting, selecting and the submitting entries, for thefollowing year's guide, and those stalwarts who put themselves forward for theall-important task of inputting the details onto the CAMRA database, will beall too familiar with the time-consuming and tedious nature associated withthis. It’s my view that CAMRA HQ takes the efforts of these unsung volunteersfor granted, even though they are saving the campaign a fortune in wages.https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzBg13-7Iz6M7QjXJFENcyV5EaxSe3PaPWO44VpCaCBzYMEgDCxhRJXhV DdCQZqNtMhZzP71vD4txjFHKzsQ9_tUTSYz4g_Jv6QjGmSnKqT HeEKxFbqI95EXXpk65CMt-oHvB6s8pPBD7bDxnjC1ngFG3xRaVShBg-D1i4ESZsoPGeSHtD458KONpaaIA/w400-h225/Hatch%20Inn.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzBg13-7Iz6M7QjXJFENcyV5EaxSe3PaPWO44VpCaCBzYMEgDCxhRJXhV DdCQZqNtMhZzP71vD4txjFHKzsQ9_tUTSYz4g_Jv6QjGmSnKqT HeEKxFbqI95EXXpk65CMt-oHvB6s8pPBD7bDxnjC1ngFG3xRaVShBg-D1i4ESZsoPGeSHtD458KONpaaIA/s4000/Hatch%20Inn.jpg)Fortunately, this issue isn’t my problem, although I doremember having to
complete those tedious, data-entry forms by hand – the ones whereeach letter had to be upper case and entered into its own little box.Woe-betide should a particular word at the end of a line be one letter toolong, the hapless individual would have to put a line through the “rogue” word,and start again, on a new line. This pattern repeated, year after year, andit’s something I not only became extremely bored with, it’s something I neverwant to be involved in again.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7jCGykkPCjJEwjf6vqaRlnI4DRR7a4AXcRK3Ew9CMXr XFbjqZuhV9L_DbfUHJNyldTw7HxCIiCSBigzF5D4qEk8QrHw-QfYU_zIJWo5tm0Z-GYlGvnYDZEneGuY9Wi8DLVBnpgbUefNj29jMy8pGon3OVUzadb qdBymatIGBIVq4dTvjyh4kooQH4lYo/w400-h271/Spoons%20Festival.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7jCGykkPCjJEwjf6vqaRlnI4DRR7a4AXcRK3Ew9CMXr XFbjqZuhV9L_DbfUHJNyldTw7HxCIiCSBigzF5D4qEk8QrHw-QfYU_zIJWo5tm0Z-GYlGvnYDZEneGuY9Wi8DLVBnpgbUefNj29jMy8pGon3OVUzadb qdBymatIGBIVq4dTvjyh4kooQH4lYo/s3323/Spoons%20Festival.jpg)
To liven things up there are campaigning events such as beerfestival's, brewery visits, interspersed with activities, such as regularsocial activities. Many might argue the latter are just an excuse for a drink,but there’s nothing wrong with that of course, and from time to time I stillshow my face at the odd branch social. One former branch chairman, when asked if he could assist at a beer festival, uttered the immortal words, “I’vedone my bit,” but then faced further criticism for speaking the truth. There comes a point, in any voluntary organisation when one realises that enough is enough, and it'stime to step down, even when others don't always recognise this.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZH1tBJVWu6885TOYbXrJPrhfgpZRakblynfMBma0_C aaktfiCOP5P_-xt-xbyeSrW7iNTlTMM3dIXMeeW1EzTlb45MqHOviPiy1tIgebJWaF VJTgcc22V8ycoUWj3ZFucLJVhirCDw-XQMrrAJiYe27Wp-itxTeDlpcGow3aSSYtSJV6ejNp96-YYUU/w400-h288/Tegernsee%20lake.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZH1tBJVWu6885TOYbXrJPrhfgpZRakblynfMBma0_C aaktfiCOP5P_-xt-xbyeSrW7iNTlTMM3dIXMeeW1EzTlb45MqHOviPiy1tIgebJWaF VJTgcc22V8ycoUWj3ZFucLJVhirCDw-XQMrrAJiYe27Wp-itxTeDlpcGow3aSSYtSJV6ejNp96-YYUU/s1977/Tegernsee%20lake.jpg)
I ended up serving my local CAMRA branch far longer than theaforementioned individual who, to be fair, stepped down for personal reasons, rather thanboredom, and if truth be known, I probably stayed a memberof CAMRA too, far longer than I ought. This may have been due to misplaced loyalty, but eventually my increasing disillusionment with the campaign, was strong enough for me to tender my resignation.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-duzipdzlQENAnRgo9YuXCmgla0DHtsEnzf-NiJfMNnbDbhTqq9SHHykkuSMgb6MTfc4Y3mj0PQnupU7LfaUFx HyL4RccZ19s-NKSfKNBEgI9pmGGpjzAy4Hy5lprGs6ucjaW3lSbHyARI5QWu9S jbZaOVCn-UH4phNuv42MPhZArb1595NJE0j-_usY/w400-h225/Xmas%20Bottles.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-duzipdzlQENAnRgo9YuXCmgla0DHtsEnzf-NiJfMNnbDbhTqq9SHHykkuSMgb6MTfc4Y3mj0PQnupU7LfaUFx HyL4RccZ19s-NKSfKNBEgI9pmGGpjzAy4Hy5lprGs6ucjaW3lSbHyARI5QWu9S jbZaOVCn-UH4phNuv42MPhZArb1595NJE0j-_usY/s4000/Xmas%20Bottles.jpg)
Returning to the blog for a moment, it's sometimes been hardfinding material to write about. There have been highs and sometimes lows aswell, but one certainty remains, and that is the pattern I referred to is stillthere. This means there will always be stuff along the lines of "what wedid on our holidays," places and countries visited, beers drunk, breweriesticked off, and great pubs and bars in which to enjoy them. There’s also the seasonal stuff like thewelcome appearance of old ales, porter and even Christmas special brews, along with the celebrationsassociated with the festive season. If you’ve managed to stay the course, so far, you’re probablywondering what on earth is he rambling on about, and why all the pseudo-philosophicalstuff? The answer is I don’t really know, it just all came out, but if these thoughts weren't quite what you were expecting, thank you for your forbearance, and rest assured normal service will be resumed nexttime around.
Follow Blog via EmailClick to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.
More... (https://baileysbeerblog.blogspot.com/2023/06/a-few-rambling-and-rather-random.html)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvY-7WwlWja3hrUsNYrzePE6xRCw7ezWF4AHeQcoVALap83c7kVYrb dIewiIcfcxp14FW4eFDU9XVczYN_x8_rSXvLzuPlyxj7WUQ2PF m60fX5xFYl9vdhbkbh20-6SQmK0C9reujcnlbE-0WEePhXt95c03h_OpOP-4GQj7mINYFNM4XhC1zdVtZQl3M/w400-h225/IMG_20211107_090724.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvY-7WwlWja3hrUsNYrzePE6xRCw7ezWF4AHeQcoVALap83c7kVYrb dIewiIcfcxp14FW4eFDU9XVczYN_x8_rSXvLzuPlyxj7WUQ2PF m60fX5xFYl9vdhbkbh20-6SQmK0C9reujcnlbE-0WEePhXt95c03h_OpOP-4GQj7mINYFNM4XhC1zdVtZQl3M/s4000/IMG_20211107_090724.jpg)
My most recent post (https://baileysbeerblog.blogspot.com/2023/06/15-years-of-writing-about-beer-potted.html)was a look back over the past 15 years and detailed how I first got intowriting about beer, and then hosting my own blog. Like many of the paths we embarkon, as we journey through life, the road we are on can be difficult, fraught,and full of difficult choices. A lot can change in a decade and a half, obviouslyincluding people themselves, the places where they live and sometimes even thestate of the nation itself.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSvdFgBKHcZXPg_D_GSEln7hTftnNPH0uXmHP95LS-skm7DX_TMIoBXzil75jZb4GLJMo-1ZDpLM5b-WO-iV06BylBI2QR4kmtCj5SIqeovJV8KfnzREm1KgxFt94uE3VBel nryfG1ccAcc-s4A9-1XTAiJhjuClXuHPPOnQoed3Cot1xa7m_GH0R4KJk/w400-h300/20190323_170221.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSvdFgBKHcZXPg_D_GSEln7hTftnNPH0uXmHP95LS-skm7DX_TMIoBXzil75jZb4GLJMo-1ZDpLM5b-WO-iV06BylBI2QR4kmtCj5SIqeovJV8KfnzREm1KgxFt94uE3VBel nryfG1ccAcc-s4A9-1XTAiJhjuClXuHPPOnQoed3Cot1xa7m_GH0R4KJk/s4128/20190323_170221.jpg)
Events such as the 2016advisory referendum on EU membership can seem like purely random occurrences,but like much else in life they can have an adverse effect that is felt formuch longer after the event has occurred. I don't want to dwell on theobviously negative changes that have occurred since an opportunist PrimeMinister held that ill-advised Referendum which adversely affected United Kingdom’sstanding and place in the world. It’s difficult to comprehend the effect that asimple binary choice on the ballot paper, between “Leave” or “Remain” couldhave on a country’s future. It’s even more gallingwhen you take into account the complexities associated with the UK’s trading relationshipwith its nearest neighbours and the world’s largest trading block. But withapathy and complacency from the Remain side, and a combination of half-truthsand outright lies from the Leave campaign, it’s small wonder we’re in analmighty mess, and considerably poorer as a nation as well.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWJho4hcu_wub3x9v3LOyZB_qBkWluQIhsy3y3vOhboQ sL7QQOf-qBqhI6zyZXA12vJELA00ddrdy6zHlW1JYIIHAcmiSqFdgd6qqs X3OMOUfs00gHtz3ij_IIMa5OSCatm0Y4P5Iq9w7JbRPrql_jL9 nAfQsbc4V_-wHA0hXkYtunYCRfkrSMH-pHygM/w400-h300/20180623_142315.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWJho4hcu_wub3x9v3LOyZB_qBkWluQIhsy3y3vOhboQ sL7QQOf-qBqhI6zyZXA12vJELA00ddrdy6zHlW1JYIIHAcmiSqFdgd6qqs X3OMOUfs00gHtz3ij_IIMa5OSCatm0Y4P5Iq9w7JbRPrql_jL9 nAfQsbc4V_-wHA0hXkYtunYCRfkrSMH-pHygM/s4128/20180623_142315.jpg)
One constant thatdoesn't change is the fact that life itself involves change, and whilstsometimes this can be for the best, the converse also applies. Major changeswhilst disruptive, are also rarer than we might think, although when they dooccur the currents of certainty underlying ourlives, and which keep us on the straight and narrow are swept away by a tide of misplacedeuphoria, mixed emotions, or even the optimism associated with the arrival of anew false dawn.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX4mB9ZIvV72XvOT5QXF7d7MTSd-om6srlfbRWVzkACiM9ZEIKY64kvCabzKmwpLAlZi3el-i3T_NFXVMZuu4NfThAGDXhf5gBouNaLxXzyZ1qX1UqoQCbfvY8 YUVL4eGDPLHoGElp8ucV6a-R86hrPzdijMjoafiCS8LgQjt2T9S_nYGXXN9iKx4mNUQ/w400-h240/IMAG1368.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX4mB9ZIvV72XvOT5QXF7d7MTSd-om6srlfbRWVzkACiM9ZEIKY64kvCabzKmwpLAlZi3el-i3T_NFXVMZuu4NfThAGDXhf5gBouNaLxXzyZ1qX1UqoQCbfvY8 YUVL4eGDPLHoGElp8ucV6a-R86hrPzdijMjoafiCS8LgQjt2T9S_nYGXXN9iKx4mNUQ/s2592/IMAG1368.jpg)
Of course, the events of 2016 pale into insignificance when compared with Vladimir Putin's insane and totally illegal, invasion of Ukraine. Words fail me when describing the actions of this madman, and the suffering he has caused to a peaceful and prosperous neighbouring country, put him on the same level of wickedness as Adolph Hitler and Joseph Stalin. It really does seem, at times, that the world has taken leave of its senses, and it doesn't seem to be getting any better.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBsFIuOTGakckaamKq7RnlhEHD2U8KlIcycQeUe9SSXE sPeEn5oS99a9VqMyNvK_lD7jiZ-nXj51ONQD8Vi3SHuKhHeIpkKx0RkJglT65HjR7lL4zeTgNBUeW XW-vzzwDici_7vZ3s3yvKx3QY0MFc1jVqHewQq8rgMEp2tVTI5NyY Y3iXkhaARGWdBGs/w400-h300/IMG_20201015_145503.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBsFIuOTGakckaamKq7RnlhEHD2U8KlIcycQeUe9SSXE sPeEn5oS99a9VqMyNvK_lD7jiZ-nXj51ONQD8Vi3SHuKhHeIpkKx0RkJglT65HjR7lL4zeTgNBUeW XW-vzzwDici_7vZ3s3yvKx3QY0MFc1jVqHewQq8rgMEp2tVTI5NyY Y3iXkhaARGWdBGs/s3832/IMG_20201015_145503.jpg)
There are variouspatterns underlying human existence, and I am reminded of this when lookingback at some of the posts I have written, since first starting Paul’s Beer Travelsback in 2008. It's no exaggeration to say that you can see such patternsemerging as you journey through life, and it's not unusual for them to followthe changing of the seasons and all that that involves. After all, despite thethin veneer that masks our civilisation, deep down we’re all influenced to alesser or greater degree by the passing of the seasons – something about ouragrarian roots?
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj28Q2i7lOVtLI-lAFQBaQGywje4w6aMswbcPwM1E2fbIPbC_6k9BuE3_ZqX-n4wTF13QydGFw0WkTX6mWIncjWTJwBMMVqzVZkM0UVLGluVBnk OWa1Ga85bB6-reS0sWX_P3vMyBppLh0d-kBoN2fUfanMNnxJx6S6f7mGKeboxFCES4usY13lbDFpWVk/w400-h300/CAMRA%20GBBF.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj28Q2i7lOVtLI-lAFQBaQGywje4w6aMswbcPwM1E2fbIPbC_6k9BuE3_ZqX-n4wTF13QydGFw0WkTX6mWIncjWTJwBMMVqzVZkM0UVLGluVBnk OWa1Ga85bB6-reS0sWX_P3vMyBppLh0d-kBoN2fUfanMNnxJx6S6f7mGKeboxFCES4usY13lbDFpWVk/s2038/CAMRA%20GBBF.jpg)
This seemsespecially true with a groups such as the Campaign for Real Ale, and whilst thisisn't quite as pronounced now that CAMRA and I have parted company, I can stillsee the same pattern and the affect that it has, lurking in the background,when I look at my friends and acquaintances who are still members of thatorganisation. For CAMRA much of the campaigning year revolves around itsflagship publication, the Good Beer Guide, and follows a well-establishedroutine.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL9NEywyqp8Oy0MqJ_rjM86XySS0usdcKoyORUlAgio8 Y3rv8XcCRJQSt65_r2xYE3Rz0lynJ2gRmXzz7Npdel8fncAScd dlU8vKExvOmvUMqPRW5REokhes_7w4-b7F742O2xYeUK5Ick9DeVhkiPxVAQz5lyExsXQxpNww7p2id6E r1fnGpBpI4dB3g/w400-h294/Fermentiing%20room.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL9NEywyqp8Oy0MqJ_rjM86XySS0usdcKoyORUlAgio8 Y3rv8XcCRJQSt65_r2xYE3Rz0lynJ2gRmXzz7Npdel8fncAScd dlU8vKExvOmvUMqPRW5REokhes_7w4-b7F742O2xYeUK5Ick9DeVhkiPxVAQz5lyExsXQxpNww7p2id6E r1fnGpBpI4dB3g/s3999/Fermentiing%20room.jpg)
Those who have been active members of CAMRA will be wellaware of the surveying, inspecting, selecting and the submitting entries, for thefollowing year's guide, and those stalwarts who put themselves forward for theall-important task of inputting the details onto the CAMRA database, will beall too familiar with the time-consuming and tedious nature associated withthis. It’s my view that CAMRA HQ takes the efforts of these unsung volunteersfor granted, even though they are saving the campaign a fortune in wages.https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzBg13-7Iz6M7QjXJFENcyV5EaxSe3PaPWO44VpCaCBzYMEgDCxhRJXhV DdCQZqNtMhZzP71vD4txjFHKzsQ9_tUTSYz4g_Jv6QjGmSnKqT HeEKxFbqI95EXXpk65CMt-oHvB6s8pPBD7bDxnjC1ngFG3xRaVShBg-D1i4ESZsoPGeSHtD458KONpaaIA/w400-h225/Hatch%20Inn.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzBg13-7Iz6M7QjXJFENcyV5EaxSe3PaPWO44VpCaCBzYMEgDCxhRJXhV DdCQZqNtMhZzP71vD4txjFHKzsQ9_tUTSYz4g_Jv6QjGmSnKqT HeEKxFbqI95EXXpk65CMt-oHvB6s8pPBD7bDxnjC1ngFG3xRaVShBg-D1i4ESZsoPGeSHtD458KONpaaIA/s4000/Hatch%20Inn.jpg)Fortunately, this issue isn’t my problem, although I doremember having to
complete those tedious, data-entry forms by hand – the ones whereeach letter had to be upper case and entered into its own little box.Woe-betide should a particular word at the end of a line be one letter toolong, the hapless individual would have to put a line through the “rogue” word,and start again, on a new line. This pattern repeated, year after year, andit’s something I not only became extremely bored with, it’s something I neverwant to be involved in again.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7jCGykkPCjJEwjf6vqaRlnI4DRR7a4AXcRK3Ew9CMXr XFbjqZuhV9L_DbfUHJNyldTw7HxCIiCSBigzF5D4qEk8QrHw-QfYU_zIJWo5tm0Z-GYlGvnYDZEneGuY9Wi8DLVBnpgbUefNj29jMy8pGon3OVUzadb qdBymatIGBIVq4dTvjyh4kooQH4lYo/w400-h271/Spoons%20Festival.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7jCGykkPCjJEwjf6vqaRlnI4DRR7a4AXcRK3Ew9CMXr XFbjqZuhV9L_DbfUHJNyldTw7HxCIiCSBigzF5D4qEk8QrHw-QfYU_zIJWo5tm0Z-GYlGvnYDZEneGuY9Wi8DLVBnpgbUefNj29jMy8pGon3OVUzadb qdBymatIGBIVq4dTvjyh4kooQH4lYo/s3323/Spoons%20Festival.jpg)
To liven things up there are campaigning events such as beerfestival's, brewery visits, interspersed with activities, such as regularsocial activities. Many might argue the latter are just an excuse for a drink,but there’s nothing wrong with that of course, and from time to time I stillshow my face at the odd branch social. One former branch chairman, when asked if he could assist at a beer festival, uttered the immortal words, “I’vedone my bit,” but then faced further criticism for speaking the truth. There comes a point, in any voluntary organisation when one realises that enough is enough, and it'stime to step down, even when others don't always recognise this.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZH1tBJVWu6885TOYbXrJPrhfgpZRakblynfMBma0_C aaktfiCOP5P_-xt-xbyeSrW7iNTlTMM3dIXMeeW1EzTlb45MqHOviPiy1tIgebJWaF VJTgcc22V8ycoUWj3ZFucLJVhirCDw-XQMrrAJiYe27Wp-itxTeDlpcGow3aSSYtSJV6ejNp96-YYUU/w400-h288/Tegernsee%20lake.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZH1tBJVWu6885TOYbXrJPrhfgpZRakblynfMBma0_C aaktfiCOP5P_-xt-xbyeSrW7iNTlTMM3dIXMeeW1EzTlb45MqHOviPiy1tIgebJWaF VJTgcc22V8ycoUWj3ZFucLJVhirCDw-XQMrrAJiYe27Wp-itxTeDlpcGow3aSSYtSJV6ejNp96-YYUU/s1977/Tegernsee%20lake.jpg)
I ended up serving my local CAMRA branch far longer than theaforementioned individual who, to be fair, stepped down for personal reasons, rather thanboredom, and if truth be known, I probably stayed a memberof CAMRA too, far longer than I ought. This may have been due to misplaced loyalty, but eventually my increasing disillusionment with the campaign, was strong enough for me to tender my resignation.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-duzipdzlQENAnRgo9YuXCmgla0DHtsEnzf-NiJfMNnbDbhTqq9SHHykkuSMgb6MTfc4Y3mj0PQnupU7LfaUFx HyL4RccZ19s-NKSfKNBEgI9pmGGpjzAy4Hy5lprGs6ucjaW3lSbHyARI5QWu9S jbZaOVCn-UH4phNuv42MPhZArb1595NJE0j-_usY/w400-h225/Xmas%20Bottles.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-duzipdzlQENAnRgo9YuXCmgla0DHtsEnzf-NiJfMNnbDbhTqq9SHHykkuSMgb6MTfc4Y3mj0PQnupU7LfaUFx HyL4RccZ19s-NKSfKNBEgI9pmGGpjzAy4Hy5lprGs6ucjaW3lSbHyARI5QWu9S jbZaOVCn-UH4phNuv42MPhZArb1595NJE0j-_usY/s4000/Xmas%20Bottles.jpg)
Returning to the blog for a moment, it's sometimes been hardfinding material to write about. There have been highs and sometimes lows aswell, but one certainty remains, and that is the pattern I referred to is stillthere. This means there will always be stuff along the lines of "what wedid on our holidays," places and countries visited, beers drunk, breweriesticked off, and great pubs and bars in which to enjoy them. There’s also the seasonal stuff like thewelcome appearance of old ales, porter and even Christmas special brews, along with the celebrationsassociated with the festive season. If you’ve managed to stay the course, so far, you’re probablywondering what on earth is he rambling on about, and why all the pseudo-philosophicalstuff? The answer is I don’t really know, it just all came out, but if these thoughts weren't quite what you were expecting, thank you for your forbearance, and rest assured normal service will be resumed nexttime around.
Follow Blog via EmailClick to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.
More... (https://baileysbeerblog.blogspot.com/2023/06/a-few-rambling-and-rather-random.html)