We’re writing a book, title to be confirmed, about how British beer came back from the brink in the period from 1963 to the present. With that in mind…
- Does anyone remember a pub called the Brahms & Liszt on East Parade in Leeds? It was owned, we understand, by a group of Leeds United players.
- Did you drink at the Barley Mow in St Albans from 1976-1980? Did you know John and Betty Blackwell? Are you a friend or relative of theirs? (We’ve spoken to local CAMRA members who know them, but more information would be great.)
- We’d love to get in touch with any friends of relatives of Arthur Millard, first President of the Society for the Preservation of Beers from the Wood. He lived in Surrey (Epsom), and had connections with Richmond. He worked at the Bank of England for almost forty years. We understand from his obituary that he had a daughter and grandchildren.
- The other founders of the SPBW are a bit of a mystery. We have their names, but that’s all: Dougie Chamberlain, Boyes Lee, Gerry Smith, Penri Thomas, John Gore and John Keeble. Any friends or relatives who might have stories or information to share, please get in touch.
- Whatever became of Patrick Fitzpatrick who founded Godson’s brewery in East London (Clapton, then Bow) in 1977? Did you know him or anyone else involved with that brewery?
Is anyone in touch with Martin Sykes or Basil Savage of the Selby Brewery?UPDATE: we’re now in contact with Martin Sykes.- Paul Leyton ran the Miner’s Arms in Priddy, where brewing began in 1973. We think Julian Leyton, who wrote an obituary in the Independent, is his son. Does anyone know or have contact details for Julian Leyton?
- Did you drink at Becky’s Dive Bar in Southwark in the 1970s? Did you know Rebecca ‘Becky’ Willeter before or after her time at the Dive?
- We’d love to track down Grant W Corby who took the photos of Becky’s Dive Bar Brian Schwartz provided for our blog post. They’re fantastic pictures but we wouldn’t want to use them without his permission.
Dear Boak and Bailey
I am writing in relation to Becky’s Dive bar. I had the pleasure? of visiting this legendary establishment twice during the mid 1970′s; once in the summer of 1974 and then again a year later. Both visits were quite memorable, shall we say!
I was only 19 at the time of my first visit (I’m 57 now, but we won’t go into that!), and can’t say for certain that Becky herself was behind the bar, but I’ve a strong feeling she was.
What I do have is a short (one page) article I wrote back in the 90′s, about the Dive Bar. It formed part of a series of articles I produced at the time which were going to form a book about ny early drinking experiences.
I would be more than happy to forward the article on to you, and for you to use it in your book. I can either copy and paste it into this comment box, or I can forward it to you as a Word Article, if you want to send me your e-mail address. Please let me know how you wish to proceed.
I have been enjoying your postings about the 70′s and the early days of CAMRA, especially as I have been a member of the campaign since 1974.
Best Wishes
Paul Bailey
Paul — we’ll email you! Suffice to say, we are *very* interested to talk to you about this and to read your article.
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I occasionally drank at Becky’s Dive Bar in the 70′s and have a vague recollection of her selling, besides the many beers, something called Scrumpy Wine – a lethally strong type of cider. I remember sitting on the cases of beer, and vividly remember the doubly subterranean Gents. I don’t remember ever eating a sandwich there, but I do remember the cat sitting on them. Which is probably why I never ate one.