Tuesday 21 June 2011

Almost ready for Midsummer Real Ale Trail

One of the most popular events during the Food and Drink Festival is always the Real Ale Trail. In the Festival week in late September we take four minibuses with sixteen passengers in each to eight nearby village pubs. And as you may guess it is always a total sell out!

So much so that we decided to run a Trail on one night during the summer and hence tonight's Midsummer Real Ale Trail. Organising the trail isn't too complicated. The pubs love it - who wouldn't?  Sixty-four thirsty punters brought to the pub in one night! The punters come back year after year.

But the big problem is finding suitably qualified drivers. Over 25 but under 65 years old. A full driving licence with no more than one endorsement and, crucially, a D1 entitlement to drive.
And even when you find volunteers there's always the problem of last minute 'cry offs'. So it was this weekend. Thinking I'd sorted out all four drivers, what happens? Two drop out! Panic! However after two days of email pleas, phone calls and unannounced knocks on doors, we've filled the gaps.

So all is now ready. At 6.30 tonight the minibuses will set off for an evening's fun and I'll be able to breathe a sigh of relief. Fingers crossed - nothing else can go wrong, can it?

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Comming over from Switzerland for 2 weeks (for working), I had the chance to join the Midsummer Real Ale Trail.
I absolutely loved it! Great experience, nice Ales and of corse the advantage of not having to drive ;-)
A BIG THANK YOU!
Karin