stock auditor 2003 annual

The Institute of Licensed Trade Stock Auditors January 2003

ISSN 1471-0471

THE MAGAZINE FOR THE INSTITUTE OF LICENSED TRADE STOCK AUDITORS Issue 44 - January 2003

In this issue

www.iltsa.co.uk

What a way to startthe New Year

Robert Tyrell, 45, struck the 16th-century inn three or four timeswith his digger, bringing down part of its roof and sections of thewalls.His antics forced a group of 15 drinkers who had beencelebrating at the North Star pub in Steventon, Oxfordshire, toflee the building at 3:30am on January 1.

Customers said Mr Tyrell had barged his way into the pub,demanded a drink and “went bananas” when staff refused, sayingthey were closing for the night.Reports of the destruction of the pub, which had been in the handsof the same family for 177 years until it was sold to Mr Tyrell,brought outrage from the Campaign for Real Ale.The North Star is over 200 years old and has remained remarkablyunchanged with no bar - beer was served from casks and throughhatches to the customers.n

A pub owner drove a bulldozer into his own premises in a fitof rage after his staff refused to serve him a drink after New

Year’s eve celebrations.

Page 3 Secretary’s CornerPage 4 News Round UpPage 5 Leicester Police SuccessPage 6 Record breaking malt

Page 8 AGM AgendaPage 9 A CelebrationPage 10 The Family WayPage 12 The Next Generation


The Institute of Licensed Trade Stock Auditors7 Comely Bank Place Edinburgh EH4 1DT

Tel: 0131 315 2600 Fax: 0131 315 4346Website: www.iltsa.co.uk

E-mail address: [email protected]

PRESIDENTNorman Clements FILSA MHCIMA

105 St. Andrew’s Road Henley on Thames Oxon RG9 1PNTel: 01491 628660 (Business) Tel: 01491 575451 (Home)

Council of Management

CHAIRMANSteve Berry FILSA

15 Deanburn Walk Bo’ness West Lothian EH51 0NBTel: 0131 477 2895 (Business) Tel: 01506 825227 (Home)

VICE CHAIRMANGeorge Giles FILSA

16 Mere Drive Fallowfield Pity Me Durham DH1 5DDTel: 0191 386 7699

Secretary & TreasurerBruce Thompson FILSA MHCIMA BII

7 Comely Bank Place Edinburgh EH4 1DTTel: 0131 315 2600 Fax: 0131 315 4346

ADMINISTRATIONGina Pugalis

Chris Swift FILSA13 Moor Top Road Norton Tower Halifax HX2 0NP

Tel: 01422 363034

Trevor Perrott FILSAStockwell House Kingfield Road Kingfield Woking GU22 9AB

Tel: 01483 770102

Ron Foster FILSA2 The Close Lydiard Millicent Swindon SN5 3NJ

Tel: 01793 771959

David Downard MILSA5 Heathtolt Cottages Park Lane Maplehurst Horsham

Tel: 07973 206914

Neil Johnson FILSA26 Rayner Road Brighouse West Yorks HD6 4AT

Tel: 01484 384060

David Ganney MILSA42 Manor Drive Ewell Court Epsom Surrey KT19 0ET

Tel: 02083 938361

The Magazine of:

Editor: Trevor PerrottTel/Fax: 01483 770102E-mail [email protected]: 07802 709459Advertising and Production: Alec CrightonTel/Fax: 01227 794714E-mail [email protected]: 07754 123043Accounts: Bruce ThompsonTel: 0131 315 2600 Fax: 0131 315 4346E-mail: [email protected]

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All Subscriptions payable in advance.Published 12 times per year post free:Annual subscription £24

ISSN 1471-0471

© Institute of Licensed Trade Stock Auditors, 2002

White Horse Press Ltd65-67 John Wilson Business ParkChestfieldWhitstableKent CT5 3QT

Editor’sView Trevor Perrott

This magazine is published by the Institute of Licensed Trade Stock Auditors. Whilst welcoming any contributions, the editor reserves the right to alter or amend them if necessary. Any opinions

expressed are not necessarily those of the Council and are accepted only on that understanding. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted without written permission of the publishers.

Happy New Year to you all. Now it is all over and we are all back to work time justseems to fly by. I thought that last year flew by fast but when you start talking to

your client about the next quarter audit date in April it is frightening. With the problemsof flooding around our area and now with the snow and heavy ice in the early morning,driving needs a lot more travelling time allowed. This also applies travelling from clientto client. It is interesting when you make that extra time allowance for your travelling,just look at the other drivers and their driving styles and speed. Your will have a smoothersafer journey with less stress. Do not forget to clean your side windows and mirrors asthey often get caked with the wash off from the windscreen washers and wipers. Yourlights need to be checked that they are all working and more than likely need to becleaned. I am sorry if I am talking to the converted but for the rest of you, please justtake time out to check your car. In our business it is very important that our vehicles arein full working order.Looking at the front page of this issue, there is nothing like going to work in a bulldozer.A bit drastic just because the stocktaker was due in at 8.00 am for the year end audit.Joking apart, it would be interesting to find out just how much his anger cost him in theend.It is good to have Bruce well enough again to be able to write his Secretary’s Corner thismonth. This month’s issue is good but just make sure you read the issue in February.More about this year’s AGM to be held at the Crieff Hydro Hotel in Perthshire, Scotlandcan be found on pages 8 and 9. The legend of Bonnie Price Charlie will be on page 10.To have Trevor Knight’s ‘The New Generation’ on Scotland’s Western Isles is very welltimed. I for one will be looking forward to tasting the local brews.n

Special thanks to the contributors to this issueNorman Clements

Trevor KnightPoppleston AllenBruce ThompsonBrenda Perrott

The Institute of Licensed Trade Stock Auditors is now aCorporate Member of the British Institute of Innkeeping. This will have huge benefits for every ILTSA member.

Do not miss February’s issue of your magazine.

STOP PRESS


SECRETARY’SCORNER by Bruce Thompson

Another Christmas and another New Yearover, and no regrets for saying thank

goodness. It is always a difficult time bothjob wise and socially. Everyone seems tostock up to the hilt and then purchase nothingin January making life a bit easier at thebeginning of the year. Due to an enforcedbreak from work, I have had the whole ofDecember off and am not permitted to thinkabout stocktaking until March. Quite aformidable problem for the self employed –not only financially, but also ensuring thatthere is work to come back to. In this respectbeing a member of the Institute has beeninvaluable and I have to thank those three orfour members who are filling the gap so asto ensure that my clients are properlyserviced. I might take this opportunity too,to say how much I appreciated the manyletters and phone calls I received frommembers. Spending ten days in hospital quiteseriously ill, and having to cope with a longperiod of recuperation is not easy and it isnice to know that so many are thinking ofyou.There was a very productive Council meetingat the end of November, held in Uttoxeter,and it would seem that much of the hard workput in by Council members is beginning toreap its rewards. It commenced with tributesto John Tandy who had recently died andbeing heavily involved with the Institute anda good friend to all the Council, it wasunanimously agreed that his strengths berecognised and that his views be taken intoaccount when considering ongoing issues.Amongst his many responsibilities wastraining, and the Chairman was able to sayhow successful these seminars had been andthat the standards now set would be difficultto improve on within current financialrestraints.The current membership is 389 made up of122 Fellows, 163 Members, 66 Associates,8 Honorary Members, 18 Retired members,1 Corporate Member, 3 Honorary CorporateMembers and 8 Subscribers. During the year3 members had been expelled and 6Associates had had their names removedfrom the register. Another 5 were to suffer

the same fate due to their not having takenthe examination within the prescribed time.During 2003, examinations are to be held inboth Ilkley and in the South. The standard ofexaminee was high during the current yearand Linda Mutch who works for aStockcheck Franchisee is to be congratulatedon winning the much coveted George WebberAward. From North Wales, Linda achievedthe incredible mark of 86.2% and will receiveher personal trophy and a contributiontowards the cost of the A.G.M., where wehope she will take the main plaque from lastyear’s winner, Ian Telford.Sales of merchandise continue to increase anda sharp eye is to be kept on costs to see if anysavings can be made. With this in mind theInstitute is to change banks and as from 1s t

January will be dealing with The Royal Bankof Scotland rather than the Clydesdale.Much discussion evolved round marketingwith Chris Swift giving the Council anupdate. Adverts continue in the MorningAdvertiser and Publican. The group adverthas been extremely successful and severalone off features have appeared in the TradePress. The web site has been very wellreceived and is considered to be the wayforward despite its ongoing cost. It is valuefor money and has had almost 7,000 visitorssince its launch in June. The Search Engineplacement is working well and the name ofthe Institute has leapt above many establishedcompanies and organisations using it. Themembers forum is under used and Chris islooking at ways to increase its popularity.Discussions were going ahead with the BIIand David Ganney was convinced that therewas vast scope for contact and mutualbenefit. The members would of course beadvised of progress as soon as appropriate,once further meetings had been held.Neil Johnson was in discussion withEnterprise Inns and Pubmaster and hopedthat benefits to members would materialisefrom these sources. Norman Clements hason behalf of the Institute joined the BritishAssociation of Hospitality Accountants(B.A.H.A.) with a view to promoting ouractivities.

Options regarding Professional IndemnityInsurance are being looked at andDavid Downard is preparing a leafletdetailing benefits and incentives available tomembers. The problems with Viking Directhave now been eradicated and the Councilhope that all members will use the schemeso that bigger discounts can be negotiated atthe 12 month review.Corporate sponsorship has been considered,but was for the time being put on the backboiler. Membership cards are consideredimportant and are likely to be introduced, freeto members, within the very near future. ACode of Practice and Letter of Engagementare both under review as is some system ofongoing training.Norman Clements, on behalf of the Institute,had been involved in two arbitration cases,both ongoing. Each was caused by badstocktaking – not Institute members – and inone case a claim of £36K has been madeagainst the Stocktaking Company involved.He has also been consulted re the valuationof two stocktaking businesses, both for sale.It is nice that the ILTSA is being used bylawyers and National Breweries where anarbitration service is required.A revised and updated Code of Conduct isnow ready, and subject to approval bysolicitors, will soon be distributed throughoutthe membership. Further discussions havebeen had with Inland Revenue and Customs& Excise and Steve Berry hopes the Institutewill gain considerable credibility through thisliaison.Arrangements for the 50th A.G.M. to be heldat Crieff Hydro in Scotland are progressingwell. A good turnout is anticipated to whatis expected to be a fantastic weekend withgreat excursions held in one of Scotland’s tophotels. The all day excursion on Friday is nowplanned and will include a tour through thedelightful Trossachs charting the footsteps ofRob Roy – one of Scotland’s greatestcharacters.The next meeting is scheduled for 11th April2003.n


Goods Received Pads - £7.00Bar Requisition Books - £5.50

Dipsticks - £18.50“Taking Stock” books - £18.00

Hydrometers - £83.43*

*Direct from Stevenson ReevesT 0131 667 9225 F 0131 662 4908

All prices include VAT (where applicable)and postage10% discount to Associates and Members15% discount to FellowsDiscount only applies to merchandise i.e. nodiscount on ties or Taking Stock.N.B. The hydrometer price includes VAT,delivery and10% discount

MerchandiseThe following are available through the Institute

FELLOWSHIPAll members can apply, after seven years of having qualified, for elevationto Fellowship. In return we give you:

15% off all merchandise purchased through the Institute; Membersbrochure - asterisk beside your name; Highlighted entry in Licenseeadvertisement; Certificate of Fellowship; Status within the profession;Use of the designation FILSA

A quick note or ‘phone call to the Secretary starts the ball rolling, so if youqualify do it today.

NEWS ROUND UP

New Products

Carling has emphatically launched a full-blooded assault north of the border, signing

shirt sponsorship deals with Scotland’s twobiggest football clubs.Fierce Glaswegian rivals Celtic and Rangers,known as the Old Firm, have signed a £12mthree-year shirt sponsorship deal that will startat the beginning of July.

Carling is Britain’s biggest selling lager but hasvirtually no presence in Scotland, where rivalTennent’s dominates.

Coors, which owns the Carling brand, is lookingto become a major player in the Scottish lagermarket and is using the deal to raise the profileof the brand.“We are excited about working with the OldFirm in Scotland,” said Mark Hunter, Coors’marketing and international developmentdirector.“Both Rangers and Celtic are known the worldover so, with Carling’s heritage in football andits availability in over 20 countries this is a greatchance for three major names to work togetherto the benefit of Scottish football.”Carling replaces NTL as the main sponsor ofboth clubs.n

Carling targets Scotland

The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), isurging all brewers to unite behind an

industry-wide generic campaign aimed atpromoting beer and stemming its long-termdecline.

CAMRA is keen to be involved in a conferenceof key players to discuss the success ofcampaigns such as “Ask if it’s Cask” initiative,which it claims is recognised by more than 12million people, Real Beer Week and BeerNaturally.Mike Benner, head of campaigns andcommunications, said: “It’s great to see topnames in the industry calling for a more unitedapproach and we now need to see some actionby bringing brewers and trade associationstogether to thrash out the issues and makeconcrete plans for a co-ordinated genericcampaign for beer.”The move by CAMRA follows similar callsfrom industry chiefs. A number of nationalbrewers are in advanced discussions with the33 members of the Independent Family Brewersof Britain about a similar campaign headed bythe British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA).“We need to act collectively or the public willsoon get confused about the message from too

many different campaigns and we can all benefitfrom a more co-ordinated approach,” added MrBenner. “I think it is important that a genericcampaign is not led by a particular brewer ortrade association. A start-up conference shouldbe driven by an independent facilitator, so thatall parties can come to the table as equals.”John Roberts, beer and brands director atFuller’s, welcomed CAMRA’s efforts butargued that any campaign should fall under thecontrol of the BBPA.

He said: “It needs to be centrally controlledthrough a trade body and the BBPA seems theobvious choice as that’s what it was set up todo. CAMRA has ruffled lots of feathers in thepast and I don’t think national brewers wouldbe comfortable with it representing theindustry.”Mr Roberts also called for a marketing code ofconduct that will ensure companies promotebeer constructively and bring an end toadvertising featuring “lager louts with beerbellies”.He added: “Fuller’s would support a fightingfund for a generic campaign financed by theentire industry. Fuller’s is committed tocontributing its proportional weight for the goodof the industry. If people choose not to investthen the whole thing will fall down and we mightas well pack up and go home.”

When asked about a possible generic marketingcampaign, Greene King’s brewing and brandsmanaging director Rooney Anand was quotedon thePublican.com last month as saying: “Weshould continue to work together to improvequality through bodies such as Cask Marquebut the future is going to rely on individualcompanies building strong brands andpromoting them in innovative ways.“Our success with, and the continued growthof IPA, Abbot Ale, Old Speckled Hen andRuddles County will do more for the cask beercategory than any generic campaign we couldbe part of.”n

CAMRA aims to unite brewers

Interbrew has launched a glamorous new font,incorporating a cylinder-less beer engine, for

its Boddingtons keg brand as part of a £14mmarketing programme.

The company has unveiled a new illuminatedcountermount complete with an updated pullhandle and Boddingtons badge.New “Cool-to-tap” technology, designed toensure the beer is dispensed at exactly the righttemperature (10-12 degrees) is also beingtrialled exclusively in the Granada region.

Allan Tudor, on-trade sales director at Interbrew,said: “We are increasing the visibility ofBoddingtons and communicating a morecontemporary brand image to ensure it isrelevant and appealing to our core drinkers aswell as a new generation of emerging drinkersand to help stockists of Boddingtons developtheir draught ale business.“The use of cylinder-less beer engine and cool-to-tap technology will improve the quality ofthe drinking experience and help attract newdrinkers to the brand”.n

New look for Boddingtons


You may recall an article by Jeremyin January of last year after Leicester

Police objected to a new licence in theentertainment centre of Leicester; thatlicence was granted, but LeicesterConstabulary took on board criticism oftheir approach to the objection and havenow succeeded in stopping a new licenceon the High Street in the centre ofLeicesterHis Honour Judge Wide sitting with 4Justices at the Leicester Crown Court onThursday 19th December upheld thedecision made in September of this yearby the Leicester Licensing Committee torefuse a new licence in the High Street.The Police had objected to the applicationfor a new Justices on Licence and SpecialHours Certificate until 2:00am thefollowing morning on the basis that thelocation would increase the likelihood ofviolence and disorder in the city centre.There had been no objection by the policeto the applicant for the premises, or eventhe proposals for the premises themselves.This followed publicity about theirconcerns over rising levels of drink relateddisorder.The appellant decided to appeal to theCrown Court, who gave a long judgementin support of the police.The issue for the court was whether thegrant of this licence and certificate wouldsignificantly make worst crime anddisorder in the centre of Leicester.The police objected on the basis that theHigh Street was part of a beat within thecrime hotspot of Leicester. Statistics forassault and disorder have climbed over thelast 5 years, and the police have noted thatthe majority of these assaults are alcoholrelated, and occur between 10:00pm and3:00am the following morning. The risingstatistics reflect the rise in the number of

licensed premises within the centre ofLeicester.Inspector Damon Tilly began hisresponsibility for policing the city centre4 years ago. He spearheaded a plan tocreate a safer and more welcoming citycentre.Policing disorder became his top priorityand he wanted to deal with the lack ofrespect shown to the police, the abuse,the incidents which decent people find sodistressing, and foulmouthed andantisocial behaviour.By juggling funds, Leicester Police haveinvested a great deal of money andmanpower into Leicester City Centre,particularly on Friday and Saturdaynights.The policy has had an impact, and thesituation has improved, but the problemshave by no means disappeared. InspectorTilly and PC Pigullem are hands on, activePolice Officers, regularly patrolling thestreets. Their evidence of disorder andassaults in the city centre led the Judgeand the Magistrates to accept theiropposition.In the detailed and careful judgement, theJudge felt that to isolate what is at themoment a quiet part of the High Streetand treat it differently from the city centrewould be artificial and fly in the face ofcommon sense . It is regarded by thepolice as an integral part of the city centrewhich needed policing as part of thehotspot.Policing those areas continues to be ahuge drain on resources which are notlimitless. It is not reasonable to expectunlimited funds to be available to floodthe area with police to maintain order.Accordingly the court were convincedthat to grant this licence would make the

situation worse.This was a very significant judgement forlicence applications in the centre ofLeicester, and possibly elsewhere.Damon Tilly made it clear he does not wishto oppose all applications. Each one willbe looked at on its merits and if thepremises are in a less sensitive location thePolice may well not object.In representing the police in this case, Ifelt that the situation in Leicester closelyreflected that in other city and town centresaround the country.The explosion of new licensed premisesaround the country in the last few years isnow giving cause for concern. Operatorsfeel that the competition is becoming toofierce. A number of major players havehalted their development programmes, andone only has to look at the sort of drinkoffers and promotions available on highstreets to see that the battle for customershas been joined.Nottingham Police have already registeredtheir concerns in the centre of their city,and two applications for substantialnightclubs await the decision of theNottingham Crown Court on their appeals,to be heard in March 2003.In my view it is essential that anyonelooking to acquire new premises in centralpositions within the main circuit areasneeds to have a detailed discussion withthe police before committing themselvesto any expense in relation to the premises.The Police in partnership with otherauthorities can give a clear indication topotential operators of the concerns in thearea over disorder, and it will be a foolishoperator who challenges the Police beforethe Committees without very carefulconsideration and supporting evidence.n

Success for Leicester PoliceNews from Poppleston Allen


Membership Corner

Discount for Members at Viking DirectA discount agreement for members has been arranged with Viking Direct – the UK’s leading mail order supplier of officeproducts. In addition to Viking’s standard terms of trade the agreement includes:-10% extra discount on Viking pricesFree delivery on any order of £20 (exc. VAT) or moreOvernight delivery in most areas – same day delivery is available in areas around Greater Manchester, Liverpool, theMidlands and within the M25.(Full details are available in Viking’s catalogues)The offer does not include the Viking Price Buster catalogue and the Machine Sales cataloguesIn order to qualify for the discounts members who are existing customers of Viking Direct will need to notify the callcentre representatives that they are members of ILTSA and wish to be registered into the scheme at the time an order isplaced.New customers would also need to notify Viking in the same way.You can contact Viking Direct as follows:-Order line 0800 424444 free fax line 0800 622211Web site www.viking-direct.co.uk

BEWARE! Do Not Be MisledSays - Brenda Perrot

It has come to our attention that members have been receiving correspondence from any one of the listed agency’s requesting themto register with them under the Data Protection Act 1984 for a fee of £95. This request comes in an official looking printed envelopewhich contains a form headed Final Notice and informs you that a failure to register is a criminal offence which has a fine of anythingup to £5,000. Elizabeth France the Information Commissioner has made it clear that there is no connection between her office andany of these businesses and she advises you to ignore any approach made by any of these agency’s. Under certain circumstances ifyou need to register there is a fee of £35. If any one receives one of these requests or is unsure whether they should be registeredplease contact your local Trading Standards Office who have all the answers.

Look up www.dataprotection.gov.uk for more information.

Data Protection Act Registration ServiceData Protection Agency Services LtdData Collection Enforcement Agency

DPA Registration AgencyData Protection Act Registration Agency

Data Protection Registration AgencyData Registration Agency

Exam passes October 2002Mike Smith - North Allerton - North Yorkshire

Karl Lenden-Hitchcock - Hampton Hill - MiddlesexOliver Foss - Allestree - Derby

Mike Sargent - Weston Super Mare - North Somerset

ACCOUNT MANAGER SELLS THESPITFIRE SHIRT OFF HIS BACK!

Demand for all things Spitfire was sohigh at the recent BBC Good FoodShow at the NEC Birmingham that theSpitfire sales team literally had to sell theshirts off their backs!Gary Wells, take-home general managerat Shepherd Neame and his team –account managers Steve Walmsley, Karl

Young and new executive Jo Edens -were extremely busy on the Spitfirestand. By the end of the show they hadsold over 2000 bottles of SpitfirePremium Ale and dispensed in excess of10,000 bottles.Says Gary, “I couldn’t believe it when Isaw Steve stripping his Spitfire t-shirt off

to sell to a customer on the last day ofthe show - we’d completely exhaustedour supply of branded t-shirts.“ It’s proof of both the cult followingthat Spitfire has built up and that theSpitfire take-home team are alwayshungry to make a sale!” n


SCOTLANDSOUTH Alan Brown 01968 676008NORTH Andrew Wardrope 01540 661625EIRE Martin Kirwin 00353 419843734IRELAND - NORTH Martin Dinsmore 028 703 56957CHANNEL ISLANDS Fiona Sturreck 01534 605065WALESNORTH Dave Barnett 01654 710228ENGLANDBedfordshire Barry Ross 01234 344663Buckinghamshire Norman Clements 01491 575451Cambridgeshire John Glaysher 01206 211564Cornwall & Devon Paul Gilder 01726 843366Derbyshire Leslie Kerr 01332 292233Devon & Berkshire Norman Clements 01491 575451Dorset Richard Grafton 01305 813225Gloucester & Hereford Danny Knight 01452 521080Hampshire Jeff Batchelor 01329 314816Hertfordshire Martin Roslyn 0121 744 4896Kent & Essex Anton Ellender 01303 277382

Lancashire & Cumbria Les Graham 01253 899880Leicestershire George Abel 01664 850120Lincolnshire Chris Machin 01777 817821London & Middlesex John Walden 0208 318 7172Midlands & Warwickshire Martin Roslyn 0121 744 4896Northamptonshire Stuart Chapman 01327 830159Nottinghamshire David Scott 01283 224732Oxfordshire Norman Clements 01491 575451Somerset David Mills 01373 300035South Humberside Graham Potter 01482 815411Staffordshire Brian Daykin 0121 4226421Suffolk & Norfolk Pat Simmons 01508 489628Surrey Roy Smith 01932 570900Sussex John Fincham 01273 304344Tyne & Wear Charles Robinson 01670 783427Wiltshire Mike Farley 01793 615731Worcestershire Bill Spry 01684 298583Yorkshire - North Kate Watson 01924 366068Yorkshire - West & South Rita Broadbent 01274 870989

Regional Reps

You may not have heard of BAHA - I certainlyhad not until the summer of last year. It standsfor The British Association of HospitalityAccountants and I first saw a mention of this inthe Hospitality Magazine when the ChiefExecutive, David Wood retired to become thenew CE of BAHA. Sorry about all the initialsbut as I am a member of the Hotels and CateringInstitute (HCIMA) I rang David to find out moreand he sent me the Annual Report together withother details.The BAHA was formed in 1969 with the aimof bringing together those professionals whowere involved in Financial Management in theHotel Industry. At present it has 711 membersmade up of Finance Directors, Food & BeverageControllers, Hotel Valuers and Internal Auditors- to mention just a few.At our Council Meeting in July I suggested thatwe ought to pursue an affiliation of our twobodies and your Council gave me the go aheadto join BAHA on behalf of ourselves and I ampleased to say I am now an Associate Member.On reading through its Journal I can see theyhave a very varied programme for 2003 not tomention some interesting subjects at such placesas the Savoy in London and to NFC inBirmingham!I am sure that we will benefit a great deal fromthis ‘link’ and I look forward to giving you moreinformation in the near future.

Norman

D a l m o r eD a l m o r eDistillery BreaksDistillery BreaksRecord with SaleRecord with SaleOf Rarest EverOf Rarest EverHighland MaltHighland Malt

One of the oldest and most exclusive bottlesof single malt whisky – The Dalmore 62

years old - was sold on, 4th December 2002, atMcTear’s auction in Glasgow for £25,877.50.The Dalmore 62 years old went under thehammer to an anonymous bidder, beating theprevious record achieved by The Macallan of£20,000 earlier last year. Three people bid over£20,000 which in itself beat the previous highestbid for a single malt whisky.The rare spirit, of which there are only 12bottles, is derived from rackings of 1868, 1878,1926 and 1939 Dalmore. Over the years it hasbeen racked several times eventually finishingin an Oloroso Matusalem Sherry butt fromGonzalez Byass, Spain. The spirit has beendistilled and matured at The Dalmore distillery,Alness, Ross-shire, and bottled at natural caskstrength of 40.5% volume.The 163-year old distillery at Dalmore willretain one bottle and the remaining 10 areexpected to be purchased by investors fromaround the world.Commenting on this historic release, RichardPaterson, Master Distiller for The Dalmore,said,

“The release of such a limited quantity of TheDalmore 62 Years Old will become ingrainedin the history of The Dalmore distillery andfurther strengthen the Malt’s credentials acrossthe globe.

This exceptional malt is without doubt one ofthe finest and oldest in the world and as suchwe are anticipating significant interest from thewhisky fraternity worldwide. Whisky collectinghas become a fashionable investment, with themarket growing in value over the past decade,faster than many of the world’s leading stockexchanges.”

Each of the 12 bottles is individually namedafter famous characters and events in thedistillery’s history. The twelve bottles arenamed: The Matheson; The Ardross Estate; TheKildermorie; The Alexander III; The Cromarty;The Sinclair; The Mackenzie; The Alness; The12 Pointer; The Barnard; The 1839 and TheBlack Knight.

The exclusive malt is presented in speciallycommissioned, hand blown bottles with uniqueillustrations representing the characters from thedistillery’s history and signed by award winningMaster Distiller, Richard Paterson.n

Master distiller Richard Paterson

A letter from thePresident re. BAHA


GOLDEN PACKAGE(4 nights of fun touring and celebration)

Wednesday10.00 am - collection at Edinburgh Airport or arrangements will be

made to leave cars in EdinburghTransfer to city centre – luggage storage

Visit to the famousCALEDONIAN BREWERY

Depart Edinburgh – 75 minute journey toCRIEFF HYDRO

ThursdayFree morning – use hotel activities *Tour or visit local Visitor Centre *

Afternoon trip to Scotland’s oldest distillery and‘THE GROUSE EXPERIENCE’

FridayAll day excursion incl coach, lunch and drink

ROB ROY COUNTRY

Scottish dinner and ceilidh

SaturdayAGM, buffet lunch and free afternoon – friends, partners and

children morning visit toSCONE PALACE

Private dinner with disco (1.00 am)

SundayMorning transport to Edinburgh Airport arriving approx 1.00 pm

Includes four nights dinner, bed and breakfastWednesday-Thursday-Friday-Saturday

SUPER PACKAGE(3 nights of fun and celebration)

ThursdayAfternoon trip to Scotland’s oldest distillery and‘THE GROUSE EXPERIENCE’


ROB ROY COUNTRY





Includes three nights dinner, bed and breakfastThursday-Friday-Saturday

STANDARD PACKAGE(for those with little time to spare)




Includes two nights dinner, bed and breakfastFriday-Saturday with Scottish dinner and Ceilidh

on the first night

COST

Golden Package £399 per personSuper Package £280 per personStandard Package £170 per personExtra nights DBB £75 per person

* not included in cost

All meals offer wine and choice of menu (no pre booking) exceptFriday when dinner will be set and on a Scottish themeOther than Thursday morning, each package is inclusive ofexcursions and all other mentioned activities, also VAT andservice

ILTSAGOLDEN ANNIVERSARY

PROVISIONAL AGENDA – AGM14TH MAY – 18TH MAY 2003


The Golden package includes fournights of fun, sightseeing and massive

celebrations. A shorter stay will not marthe experience – whilst missing out on afew activities you will still participate inthe extravaganza to be held in one ofScotland’s finest hotels, and see yourInstitute roll into its second half century.For those able to afford the time, theanniversary experience commences at10.00 am on Wednesday 14th May whenwe will meet you at Edinburgh airport, orif you drive arrange for free parking in thecity. Enjoy an hour or two in Scotland’sCapital and make your way to theCaledonian Brewery winner of severalawards for its excellent beer, from whereyou will be transferred to Crieff Hydro; afabulous hotel in fabulous surroundings.Voted best Independent Hotel of the yearin 1998; this venue has 222 bedrooms, allen-suite and boasts the best leisure andsporting facilities available today. Thisreally is the best hotel we have ever visitedfor an AGM and is ideal for celebratingour fiftieth anniversary.

Ó Ó ÓAfter an excellent dinner, a good nightssleep and full Scottish breakfast, we leaveyou to do your own thing on Thursdaymorning. Whether it be golf, off roaddriving, swimming or just relaxing itsentirely up to you, but if you wish towander from the hotel complex there aremany attractions nearby including a localvisitor centre. Early afternoon we will takea 20 minute woodland walk (transportavailable if required) to Scotland’s oldestdistillery ‘Glenturret’. A buffet lunch willbe served prior to our viewing the whiskyprocess and then visiting ‘The FamousGrouse Experience’, an attraction onlyopened in June 2002. You will hear the fullstory of Scotland’s favourite whiskytraditionally distilled in this beautifulScottish countryside. You can join thefamous Grouse in his world, andexperience the sites and sounds of Scotlandwhilst flying with him. This charismaticgame bird inspired Matthew Gloag tocreate the perfect dram in 1800. Over 200

years later the famous Grouse continuesto stretch its wings with new excitingproducts and has settled in its nest in ruralPerthshire. You will be able to sample thesefamous brands so what a good way tospend an afternoon.

Ó Ó ÓFriday offers what must be one of the mostwonderful tours in Scotland. Our routetakes us through the haunts and homelandof the legendary Rob Roy. Robert RoyMacGregor was born nearly 200 years ago.He was an outlaw and probably Scotland’smost notorious, but his daring exploitsmade him a hero to his own people. Hewas a clan leader, cattle trader, cattle reeverand blackmailer. It was the Duke ofMontrose who had him outlawed over anunpaid debt and the Duke of Argyll whosaved him because of his personal feud withMontrose. Rob Roy scoured TheTrossachs, one of Scotland’s most beautifulareas and it is through here that we willtravel – following in his footsteps andallowing you some time to visit Callander,a lovely tourist town and gateway to theTrossachs where you can shop, drink, visitthe famous Rob Roy Centre or one of themany other tourist attractions.

Ó Ó ÓOur tour will start at the hotel from wherewe will travel via Dunblane and the ancientcastle at Doune to Blair Drummond wherewe will turn left to Aberfoyle. Havingdriven past Port of Menteith and thefamous Inchmahome Abbey set onScotland’s only lake, and the once hidingplace of Mary Queen of Scots, we will stopat The Covenants Inn in Aberfoyle wherethe Stone of Destiny was hidden after beingstolen from London by Scottish fanatics.Coffee, biscuits or stronger will be availableprior to proceeding through the AchrayForest and Pass of Leny to Callander. Anappropriate stop will have been made forlunch and refreshments. After a stop inCallander we will return to Crieff viaBalquhidder and the Grave of Rob Roy.Loch Earn will be on our right and thewhole day will have included only about

100 miles of travel – a fabulous day – abrilliant tour and beautiful countryside –what better? All this followed by a trulyScottish dinner and ceilidh (Scottishcountry dancing).

Ó Ó ÓSaturday, with everybody by now wellrefreshed, sees the serious bit for members.The actual A.G.M. but for partners,children and friends we have arranged avisit to Scone Palace outside Perth. Thisis a fantastic venue – home of The Earls ofMansfield and crowning site of Kings ofScots. The Palace is full of history withThe Old Pretender having spent threeweeks here during the 15 Rebellion andhis son Bonnie Prince Charlie having visitedin 1745. Queen Victoria and Prince Albertwere there in 1842 with visits by Royaltyhaving been made ever since. The gardensprovide an abundance of activity forchildren and adults alike. They boastPerthshire’s only maze, designed by worldrenowned maze designer, Adrian Fisher.There is a children’s adventure playgroundfor which the Palace was awarded the muchcoveted Sandford Education Award in2001. Other attractions are the Sanctuaryof the Pinctum and the David Douglasexhibition, which outlines the significanceof this “Son of Scone” as a botanist andexplorer – detailing the story of his life.After visiting this fantastic venue – only afew miles from the hotel, we will returnthere when all will join together for a buffetlunch and refreshments. The afternoon isfree so again do your own thing beforedinner and a private disco.

Ó Ó ÓSunday brings its tears, as we all departafter what will have been a commemorationnever to be forgotten. The Institute’sfiftieth anniversary celebrated in style.Good excursions, excellentaccommodation, fine food and pleasantcompany all make for a brilliant occasionso lets acknowledge that with a brilliantturnout. We look forward to seeing youthere.nBruce Thompson

50 YEARS OF RAISINGSTOCKTAKING STANDARDS

“A CELEBRATION”


One of the world’s great romantic legendsbegan on a July day in 1745, when Charles

Edward Louis Philip Casimir Stuart (BonniePrince Charlie) landed on Scottish soil in anattempt to win the throne of Britain for hisfather, the son of the deposed James II. Justseven men landed with the prince. It was adesparate and foolhardy venture, but in less thana month, more than one thousand Highlandclansmen had rallied to his cause at Glenfinnan.

Growing all the time, the prince’s undisciplinedtroops had routed a Government army and washeading south to England. But at Derby, theprince’s army was heavily outnumbered byGeorge II’s forces and the homesick Highlandersbeat a hasty retreat to Scotland.Bonnie Prince Charlie won one more battle atFalkirk before his troops were crushed to defeatat Culloden on April 16, 1746, by the King’sson, the Duke of Cumberland.Over the next five months, Cumberlandrelentlessly hunted the prince all over theHighlands and Islands, There was a huge priceon his head but he was never betrayed. Timeand time again the loyal men and women of theclans risked their lives to hide or protect him.The most famous of these was Flora Macdonaldwho concealed the prince for many weeks onthe Isle of Skye after their escape from themainland. But his wanderings and battles hadstretched his endurance to breaking point andhe left Scotland for France in September 1746.

Charles Edward Stuart lived for another fortyfutile years, a pathetic hanger-on in the courtsof Europe.n

St Austell Brewery – Corn-wall

The ambition of the Cornish familybrewery to produce a beer made entirely

of local ingredients has been achieved.St Austell has already found sources ofCornish malting barley and now Prima Donnadwarf hops have been added to the list ofingredients after a successful brewingexhibition was held at the Eden Project.Subsequently, St Austell Lernups was brewedfor the fourth annual Celtic Beer Festivalwhich was held in the brewery’s old winecellars in November.The festival featured the regular St Austellrange and specials including the 10% ABVSmugglers’ Barley Wine as well as beers fromother ‘Celtic’ brewers in Cornwall, Wales,Scotland, Ireland, the Isle of Man andBrittany.n

Fuller’s – Chiswick andYoungs – WandsworthHead to head in thecapital

It was the first time ever that a Youngs beerhad ever been served in a Fuller’s pub!

But that is exactly what happened one daylast September when London’s two oldestbreweries, who between them have beenbrewing beer in the capital for nearly 700years, met at the Star in Belgravia.

The occasion was a birthday bash to celebrate30 years of the ‘Good Beer Guide’. A GradeII listed pub, the Star has appeared in everyedition of the Guide.

Flora Macdonald bids farewell toBonnie Prince Charlie- from a painting by G.W.Joy

As to be expected in this Fuller’s pub justoff Knightsbridge, pride of place at the barwas London Pride, but next to it a 5.6 percent ABV beer from rival brewer Youngs,brewed to commemorate the Guide’s anni-versary.The brainchild of Good Beer Guide editor,Roger Protz, Brakspear was approached inthe summer to produce a strong classic, bot-tle-fermented English ale. They were cho-sen because their track-record with bottle-conditioned beers. Sadly, the plan came tonothing, for we all know what happened toBrakspears.With precious little time to find an alterna-tive brewer, Roger approached Youngs,which jumped at the chance. Six weeks later,Youngs had combined its usual Maris Otterpale malt with Fuggles and Goldings to pro-duce a fantastically drinkable strong ale.At the Star, Fullers head brewer John Keel-ing said he had never drunk Youngs beer ina Fuller’s glass before. It was only by pass-ing it off as a Fuller’s beer that Youngs couldsell it, he teased.The Good Beer Guide’s anniversary beer isavailable in bottle-conditioned form, exclu-sively from Safeway – under the title GBG30.n

Hall and Woodhouse –Blandford St Mary

The 100 year old Dorset brewer haslaunched a training scheme to teach all

its pub staff to look after and serve cask-conditioned ale.Courses available at the Badger School ofExcellence will include basic cellar skills,product knowledge, ale appreciation andtasting, merchandising and cask aleretailing.n

The Legendof BonniePrinceCharlie

The Legendof BonniePrinceCharlie

The Family WayThe Family WayTrevor Knight brings more news fromBritain’s family brewers

The Family WayThe Family WayTrevor Knight brings more news fromBritain’s family brewers


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gradually opening up.RED CUILLIN (4.2% ABV) is named after thefamous hills of the Isle of Skye. It is a smoothmalty premium ale which has won many awards.

BLACK CUILLIN (4.5% ABV) is the dark one;uniquely brewed with rolled roast oatmeal andhoney.

Continued from page 12YOUNG PRETENDER (4% ABV) namedafter Bonnie Prince Charlie, the driest of theSkye beers has a refreshing hoppy flavour andis golden in colour.

BLAVEN and HEBRIDEAN GOLD completethe cask ale portfolio but the company brew awide range of seasonal, occasional and houseales.

STOP PRESSBlack Cuillin from SkyeBrewery was voted theBeer of the Festival at theAberdeen and North EastScotland Beer Festival lastautumn. 2,500 visitorslapped up the real ales ofScotland – almost all of thesixty-one real ales at theevent came from Scotland.

If you are a member and are planning toattend the AGM you will miss the trip to

Scone Palace. Only your friends, partner andchildren will go.

Don’t miss out go to www.scone-palace.net/


The Hebrides are the main group of islandsoff the west coast of Scotland.

The Outer Hebrides are a wild, rugged colourfulcollection of islands stretching 130 miles fromthe Butt of Lewis in the north, to Barra Head inthe South. The islands long, sandy beaches varyin colour from gold to silver-white. Theseaboard waters abounding with trout andsalmon, are shades of blue and green. Westward,the shores are pounded by the full force of theAtlantic, deeply slashed by sea lochs andstudded with pretty inlets.The two largest islands of Lewis and Harris arerich with places of historical and archaeologicalinterest. These include the 5,000 year oldStanding Stones of Calanais, and, also on thewest coast of Lewis, the 2,000 year oldCarloway Broch, a drystone fortified tower,dating back to the Iron Age.On Harris, which is joined to Lewis, thelandscape changes to bare hills and granddramatic peaks, some over 2,000 feet high.Among the numerous small lakes are a wealthof prehistoric remains. North Uist, Benbecula,South Uist and Barra make up the remainingislands in the chain.The Vikings knew the value of these uniqueislands claiming them as their own in the ninthcentury and only handing them over to Scotlandin 1280. Today, the ancient Gaelic tongue is stillalive and well, spoken by the majority of theislanders; an important historical threadthroughout every aspect of island life andculture.The largest island of Lewis is thirty miles longand twenty-eight miles wide. Away from therugged sea cliffs, countless small lochs dot therolling, inland peat moors where trees are rare.The small but important town of Stornaway isthe unofficial capital of Lewis and the centre ofthe Harris Tweed industry. The weaving of theworld famous cloth is still carried out in thegaily-painted cottages in the numerous villagesall over the island. But the spinning andfinishing of the cloth is completed in the millsin StornawayThe town is also an important port and the two-mile long natural harbour has made it the centreof the Hebridean fishing industry.Stornaway is also the home of the only breweryin the Outer Hebrides. The HEBRIDEANBREWING COMPANY was set up in 2001 byAndrew Ribbens whose family originated fromLewis.

Andrew spent much of his early life staying athis grandfather’s croft. A few years ago hetravelled to Lewis with some friends for aholiday and whilst sitting in a pub, the subjectof real ale and the lack of it on the island wasdiscussed, and the idea of a local brewery wasborn.The opportunity for Andrew to fulfil his dreamarose when he took redundancy from thepharmaceutical company where he worked,preferring not to relocate. But his Stornawaydream had been set and he embarked on a periodof study and research into the brewing business.With the experience gained at two independentbreweries (Freeminer in Gloucestershire andFlagship at Chatham in Kent), he moved toStornaway and started the Hebridean BrewingCompany in 2001.After initial delays Andrew began brewing inJanuary 2002. Two cask ales are producedregularly and plans for bottling production areunder way.

CLANSMAN is a 3.9% ABV golden Hebrideanbitter, brewed with Scottish malts. It is a light,session beer with plenty of hop and maltcharacter.

ISLANDER is a strong premium ale which is4.8% ABV. Brewed with special coloured Scotsmalt, it is deep ruby in colour and predominantlymalty flavoured with robust hoppiness.

CELTIC BLACK ALE (3.9% ABV) has beenrecently developed as a porter style ale.Regular vehicle ferries link all the islands of theHebrides, so from Stornaway’s harbour we headeast on our island journey to Skye, the largestof the Inner Hebridean islands. Numerous smallislands to the south of Skye make up the group.The Gaelic name for Skye means ‘The Isle ofMist’ and clouds often cover the peaks of itsCuillin Hills. The 4,000 year history of theisland is misty too, with colourful fact andmystic legend mingled together. There is, forexample, the legend of the ‘Fairy Flag’ whichbrings victory to the Clan Macleod in battle.The flag is still preserved in the clan’sstronghold of Dunvegan Castle where it hasbeen for more than 600 years. No other castlein Scotland can boast a longer record ofcontinuous occupation by the same family.There is, too, the true story of Bonnie PrinceCharlie. On the run following his defeat atCulloden, Flora Macdonald took the fugitiveprince ‘over the sea to Skye’, disguised as hermaid. It was to Monkratadt House, near thevillage of Uig, that Flora brought the prince,hiding him for many weeks.Uig, on Trotternish, the largest Skye peninsular,

is also the ferry port for the outer Hebrides. Itwas here, in 1995, that the ISLE OF SKYEBREWERY was established. Two teachers fromthe island’s main village of Portree set up apartnership in purpose-built premises on thepier at Uig.Beer production began in December 1995, but12 months later, one of the partners withdrewleaving the remaining founder, AngusMacRuary to take on the sole ownership. In1998 the brewery became incorporated andexpanded into bottling. Angus then resignedfrom his teaching post to concentrate full-timeon the brewery.Skye Brewery continues to expand and nowsupplies cask ales to eleven hotels on the islandwith many others stocking the bottle range.Wholesalers also supply outlets throughoutmainland Britain and the overseas market is

The New GenerationTrevor Knight continues his journeyacross the country in search of the newbreed of Britain’s brewers

Part Two – Scotland’s Western Isles

The New GenerationTrevor Knight continues his journeyacross the country in search of the newbreed of Britain’s brewers

Part Two – Scotland’s Western Isles

Continued on page 11

The Institute of Licensed Trade Stock Auditors February 2003

ISSN 1471-0471

THE MAGAZINE FOR THE INSTITUTE OF LICENSED TRADE STOCK AUDITORS Issue 45 - February 2003

In this issue

www.iltsa.co.uk

Northerners are the country’s heaviest drinkers – with around half themen and a quarter of women drinking above medically recommended

safe levels – and with young people following in their parents’ footsteps.Yet, despite this predominance of heavy drinking in the north, the majorityof help-giving alcohol agencies remain in the south.

These are among the key messages contained in Alcohol Concern’s latestState of the Nation report - launched at the charity’s annual conference.The conference forms part of Alcohol Concern’s contribution to thegovernment’s recently announced consultation on a new national alcoholharm reduction strategy. It will bring together alcohol workers andcampaigners from across the country to discuss the need to coordinatenational and local alcohol misuse strategies.In terms of regional differences, the report reveals that 46% of men and28% of women living on Merseyside are drinking above medicallyrecommended safe levels. Also drinking above these levels are 45% ofmen and 27% of women in other parts of the north-west. The north-eastis close behind, with 44% of men and 26% of women drinking over thelimits. Figures for Yorkshire and Humber are 42% for men and 23% forwomen. Respective figures in other areas are: East Midlands (43% men/23% women), West Midlands (35% men/19%women), London (31%men/19% women) South West (35% men/21% women), South East (39%men/23% women), East England (31% men/20% women).The latest figures also indicate that young people in the north arefollowing in their parents’ footsteps. The numbers of 11-15 year oldsadmitting that they drink alcohol at least once a week are:Region % that drank at least once a week:

North East 26%Yorkshire and Humber 21%North West 20%West Midlands 20%South West 19%East Midlands 19%

South East 19%East 18%Wales 17%London 12%In spite of these regional figures, a disproportionate number of the

country’s 507 alcohol counselling and treatment services – 28.5% - arein London and the south-east. Just 8.8% are in the Lancashire and GreaterManchester areas, 3.9% in Tyne and Wear and 3.1% in the West Midlands.The remaining 50%-plus are scattered over 65 other parts of the country.This mismatch between drinking consumption and support is one of themany reasons why effective national and local alcohol strategies are neededurgently – says Alcohol Concern’s Chief Executive, Eric Appleby.He explains: “We have a history in this country of dealing with thesymptoms of alcohol misuse rather than the root causes – and this meansthat we have generally been on the back foot, trying to respond to problemsas best we can.

The Government’s welcome consultation on an alcohol harm reductionstrategy gives us an unprecedented opportunity to move on to the frontfoot – to place much more emphasis on issues such as prevention andeducation – and to coordinate what we do at national government andlocal levels.”He adds: “Currently several different government departments haveresponsibility for different aspects of alcohol problems – while at a locallevel alcohol services often don’t know where next year’s funding iscoming from. Only when we have an effective strategy in place will issuessuch as this be properly addressed.Our State of the Nation report and annual conference are ways of bringingthe main issues to the fore – and bringing together people at the coalfaceto suggest solutions to the government.”Other figures in State of the Nation show:

1 person in 13 is dependent on alcohol – twice as many as arehooked on all other drugs, including prescription drugs40% of people perpetrating violent crimes were under theinfluence of alcohol, according to their victims

60% of employers say they experience problems with employees’drinkingAlmost 1,000,000 children are living with parents who misusealcohol1 in 6 of all people killed on the roads are victims of drink-driveaccidentsDeath rates from chronic liver disease have soared since the1970s – with an eight-fold increase among men aged 35-44 anda seven-fold rise among women in the same age group.n

NORTH SOUTH DRINK DIVIDE

Secretary’s Corner Page 3News Round UP Page 4Opportunities for Stock Auditors Page 6

CAMRA National Pubs Week Page 7AA Cover for ILTSA Members Page 9The New Generation Page 10


The Institute of Licensed Trade Stock Auditors7 Comely Bank Place Edinburgh EH4 1DT

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Editor: Trevor PerrottTel/Fax: 01483 770102E-mail [email protected]: 07802 709459Advertising and Production: Alec CrightonTel/Fax: 01227 794714E-mail [email protected]: 07754 123043Accounts: Bruce ThompsonTel: 0131 315 2600 Fax: 0131 315 4346E-mail: [email protected]

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ISSN 1471-0471

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Editor’sView Trevor Perrott

This magazine is published by the Institute of Licensed Trade Stock Auditors. Whilst welcoming any contributions, the editor reserves the right to alter or amend them if necessary. Any opinions

expressed are not necessarily those of the Council and are accepted only on that understanding. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted without written permission of the publishers.

I hope no one suffered too much over the last few weeks with the bad weather. On the Thursdayof the severe cold snap when the M11 came to a stand still, it took me seven hours to drive down

the M1 which was only six junctions to get home that evening. Going there that morning was onlyfifty-five minutes. The amount of black ice stretching right across the M1 south bound was horrific.You always know when you are driving on ice because you can not hear any tyre noise at all.

This month our office has been plagued with the computer virus called W32.Klez.gen@mm, whichI would not like any one to have. The different ways it effects the computer is frightening. Symantec– Norton virus programme was the only way we could get rid of it. In today’s world of bugs andviruses (it all sounds like a human health problem) you dare not to log on to the Internet without avirus checker. There is a good simple but effective way to protect your email address and yourcontact lists so the virus stops with you and is not passed on to all your contacts. When one of thesenasty viruses gets into your computer the first thing it starts to do is go to your email address bookand sent itself to all address listed. This will infect all your friends and contacts. Please note thiswill not stop a virus getting into your computer, but it will stop the invader from using your addressbook to spread further havoc. This will alert you that you have a worm in your computer system.Go to your email address book and click on “New Contact” or “New Person”. In the windowsection where you would type your New Contact’s First Name- Type in !000 (that’s an exclamationmark followed by 3 zeros). Then type in the word WormAlert in the window section called NewEmail Address. Then finish by saving it.What you have done is that the “name” !000 will automatically be placed on top of your addressbook as the first entry. As the first on your contact list it tries to send itself to !000. As it can notfind itself, undeliverable because of the phoney email address (i.e. WormAlert) that you set-up itwill then show up as undeliverable not sent.Next month there will be a section on the BII telling you all what is happening and when. In thismonths issue on page 6 there are good opportunities at Fleurets, well worth reading. On page 8there is again the provisional agenda of our AGM in May and I for one am looking forward to itGeorge Giles has laid out the deal between the AA and the ILTSA. Trevor Knight’s “The NewGeneration” about the new breed of Britain’s brewers can be found on page 10. This is Trevor’sthird part of this series and very appropriate as the AGM is in Scotland this year.

Happy reading.

Special thanks to the contributors to this issue

George GilesTrevor KnightYaser Martini


SECRETARY’SCORNER by Bruce Thompson

What surplus should you expect? This topichas recently come up on the members

forum on our web site and I thought it might beappropriate to discuss it in these columns as itis something about which we will all have ourown ideas, and it might be that members arelooking for some type of guidance.Before the advent of the metric measure, alandlord in Scotland aimed at achieving a yieldof 26q out of each 75 cl bottle with thestocktaker only charging 26 while in Englandwith a yield of 32 a tolerance of one measurewas usually given. This gave him a freemeasure per bottle and a base on whichto build a surplus. CAMRA and othersuch organisations were not as prevalent,allowing the publican to get away withbig heads on every pint. Bottle beers,wine and alcopops were not as popularand ‘fiddling’ was more rife. Post mixeswere not the norm and generally controlsin bars were much less than those oftoday.Post mixes are always a problem for stocktakersas they can influence results either way. Theratio can be upset very easily by changes inwater pressure, traffic movement, repairs or badmaintenance. Too weak a solution will generatea surplus, whilst a stronger one will have theopposite effect. In nightclubs or busy pubswhere sales of draught coke, orange, lemonade,tonic etc can be very substantial, any variationfrom the norm can have a devastating effect onresults. The stocktaker too might experiencedifficulty in calculating a selling price,particularly if the price per dash does not equatewith that of a half pint. In the example on theright four half pints at 30p (2½ oz measures)comes to £1.20 so no problem, but what ifdashes were 50p for a 2½ oz measure? He orshe would have to calculate the ratio of half pintsto dashes based on that. For the benefit of thisexample I have assumed a dilution rate (i.e.Schweppes lemonade) of 7.5:1. Pre set tills canbe a distinct advantage here as they willprobably be able to help the stocktaker calculatea reasonably accurate selling price. Bycomparing future readings he or she will be ableto identify fluctuations and any variation in themix. If a customer complains that his mineralis too sweet this is a clear indicator that the mix

is over strong.Coming back to the subject ‘What surplusshould you expect’ taking into account thecontent of paragraph two and remembering thatthis was the situation several years ago I wouldhave been then anticipating, assumingallowances to have been accurate, at least 1.5%.Everything was in favour of an overage andbreakevens or shortages really did give rise forconcern.Allowances too can be used to manipulate aresult and it is up to the stocktaker to verify

these as much as possible. If pipe cleaning isdone fortnightly, but claimed on a weekly basis,there should be a big surplus unless the relevantmoney is being withdrawn from the takings. Isthis figure inflated anyway? – hard for thestocktaker to know unless he has watched theprocess take place and drawn his ownconclusions as to the loss. It is worth notingthat draught beer sales, relevant wastageclaimed and pipe cleaning should in theoryequate to sales shown on the stock report.Failure to clean pipes on a regular basis canresult in considerable fobbing which will showas increased wastage allowance.I have never been a believer in the systemadopted by some breweries of allowing 2% orwhatever of beer sales to cover wastage and pipecleaning. Every premise has its own particularpeculiarities and it is fair to say, the lower thebeer sales the higher the proportionate wastage.The length of pipe is very relevant whencalculating a pipe clean figure and if using apre agreed percentage a pub with its kegsadjacent to the bar has a distinct advantage overits neighbour which has a considerable pull. Itis my opinion that any pipe cleaning allowanceshould be personal to a pub and should be agreedby the stocktaker. Wastage should never be

allowed to get out of hand and claims wherepossible should be proved. If the stocktakerthinks any allowances claimed are eitherexcessive or too little, he should make commenton the stock report or to the client directly. Ifany type of bonus is paid on results then it isimperative that allowances are rigidlycontrolled. This similarly applies if accurateresults are to be produced.

How can a publican today produce a surplus?Every premise will be different and it very muchdepends on sales mix as to how much this will

be. Spirits are tightly controlled and themetric yield gives no leeway, also moderncomputer programmes can accommodatedecimal places where and as needed. Theconsiderable sales of bottled beer andalcopops are not conducive to producingoverages, soft drinks are in the main bottledand shandies or ‘tops’ are rare. Post mixescan work either way and are frequently seenas a perk for staff. Few licensees controlthe size of measure or charge accordingly

so more than often these have an adverse effecton results. Wines if sold by the bottle demandtheir exact money and when sold by the glass itis unlikely that any benefit will occur.

The only area left is through draught beer salesand then only by excellent housekeeping.Wastage must as far as possible be eliminatedand all pints served with a ‘respectable’ head.If we assume that to be 2 ounces then one pintin every eleven will provide a surplus of theselling price of that product. Many would saythat this is ‘conning’ the customer and they arequite right, but many beer drinkers do like a headand it is for this reason that C.A.M.R.A. arecampaigning for the full pint and lined glasses.In conclusion then, allowances are inextricablytied up with the surplus/deficit figure and intoday’s world I am happy with a breakevenparticularly for the reason already given, inpremises where draught beer sales are small. Ifsubstantial there might, at the expense of thecustomer, be some surplus generated, but thisis unlikely to be more than .5 or 1%. If linedglasses are currently used or if this becomes alegal requirement, then I see very littleopportunity for anyone legitimately to producea surplus – in fact I can see the trade acceptingsmall losses.n

SURPLUSES – HOW AND WHY


Goods Received Pads - £7.00Bar Requisition Books - £5.50

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*Direct from Stevenson ReevesT 0131 667 9225 F 0131 662 4908

All prices include VAT (where applicable)and postage10% discount to Associates and Members15% discount to FellowsDiscount only applies to merchandise i.e. nodiscount on ties or Taking Stock.N.B. The hydrometer price includes VAT,delivery and10% discount

MerchandiseThe following are available through the Institute

FELLOWSHIPAll members can apply, after seven years of having qualified, for elevationto Fellowship. In return we give you:

15% off all merchandise purchased through the Institute; Membersbrochure - asterisk beside your name; Highlighted entry in Licenseeadvertisement; Certificate of Fellowship; Status within the profession;Use of the designation FILSA

A quick note or ‘phone call to the Secretary starts the ball rolling, so if youqualify do it today.

NEWS ROUND UP

Castlemaine XXXX is celebrating itsAustralian heritage and roots throughsponsorship of the nation’s famous“Socceroos” as they embark on a tour of theUK, which features an historic clash againstEngland.

The brand, which is brewed and marketed byInterbrew UK, has signed up as Official TourSponsor for the Australian soccer team as itprepares to play an international game onEnglish soil for the first-time ever.Matthew King, Marketing Controller forCastlemaine XXXX at Interbrew UK, says:“This game is eagerly-awaited and will attracta lot of publicity, including TV and newspapercoverage – so it represents the perfectopportunity to communicate the brand’sAustralian credentials.“This high-profile sponsorship will generatebrand awareness among a key audience ofstandard lager drinkers and promote the brand’sassociation with the ‘Socceroos’ to consumersas we start to build its presence throughheavyweight support in the year ahead.”The sponsorship incorporates branding around

the Socceroos’ training base including brandingof the players’ training kit and visibility at theteam’s press conferences. In addition, theCastlemaine XXXX logo will appear onpromotional literature connected with theSocceroos UK tour.Interbrew UK will also be providing hospitalityfor customers at the match which takes place atUpton Park, east London, on February 12.The sponsorship is part of Interbrew UK’s £9million package of marketing support during2003 which includes TV advertising set tocommence in the spring.

XXXX scores withsponsorship deal for‘socceroos’ UK tour

Angie Hutchinson has joined Unique as trainingmanager for the north and west, supportingBeccie Varney, training manager for the southand east.The pair have been working together to developthe programme of training and support thatUnique provides to help licensees improveprofessionalism, standards and competitiveness.Prior to Angie’s arrival at Unique, Beccieworked with specialist training providers andwith experienced pub operators to ensure theavailability of up to date, cost effective trainingmaterial, events and workshops in all areas of

the country.Beccie says: “We have carried out a fullassessment of the training needs of the pubestate, listening to the views of a wide selectionof licensees, from the new and inexperiencedto the highly experienced. Their feedback wasinvaluable and has allowed us to prioritisetraining requirements and develop a range ofcourses to suit their needs.”“We now hold all our courses in Unique pubs,”says Angie. ”By doing this we are supportingour licensees businesses, at the same time asputting the course delegates right in the heartof the environment that they are learningabout.”Lisa and Ian Wing, licensees at the Fleece Inn,Bradford, were completely new to the pubtrade and took the ‘Opening Your Doors’course that Unique offers to all of its newlicensees. Lisa says: “This course has givenus the best possible start to our new business.The way it was taught was stimulating, funand informative. It certainly gave us theenthusiasm and confidence to begin our newpub business.”Steve Marsh, licensee at the Elwes Arms,Northampton, attended one of Unique’scatering workshops. Steve says: “I’ve been inthe trade for 16 years and thought it was abouttime I took a refresher. I was amazed by howmuch things have changed. The course wasbrilliant because it gave me the rightinformation to run my kitchen and restauranteffectively and safely, with the right balanceof practical and legal information, withoutdwelling too much on the science behind it all.”

Training for success

Unique donates £11,000 toMacmillanStaff at Unique Pub Company have raised amassive £11,000 for Macmillan Cancer Relief.Everything from clay pigeon shooting to quizzeshave been held over the past year to help raisefunds to help people suffering from Cancer.“It’s been a fantastic effort by everyone atUnique and a real pleasure to work witheveryone,” says Emily Dodson, CorporateFundraising Manager for Macmillan CancerRelief. “£11,000 makes a terrific difference toMacmillan in many ways. For example it couldhelp 40 people to obtain a patient grant and helpto set financial worries aside at a critical timefor patients and their families. Without thesupport of individuals and companies likeUnique we simply couldn’t make thatdifference.”

Employees at Unique’s Oxfordshire officegathered to see Unique managing director,Graham Turner, present Emily with the £11,000cheque. He said: “Everyone has really gotbehind Macmillan and put lots of energy andenthusiasm into raising money through manydifferent activities. It has touched a nerve withmany members of staff so we’ve decided tocontinue our support in 2003.”

PROVE IT! IN THE RUNNING FORNATIONAL ACCREDITATIONThe Portman Group’s Proof of Age scheme,Prove It!, is up for acceptance into the new PASS(Proof of Age Standards Scheme) system, whichis being launched today (Wednesday 22 Janu-ary 2003) by the British Retail Consortium.The Prove It! scheme was launched by ThePortman Group in May 1990. It is the oldestestablished proof of age card in the UK and iswidely recognised by the licensed trade. In a re-

cent survey in leading trade journal, The Publi-can, 65% of licensees taking part confirmed theProve It! card was the most recognised identitycard.The Prove It! card is one of only three in linefor acceptance into the PASS system.Jean Coussins, Chief Executive of The PortmanGroup, commented:“Half a million Prove It! cards have been is-sued since its launch in 1990. We know thatalmost three-quarters of a million young peo-ple will be turning 18 in 2003. Together withchanges to the licensing laws, this new schemewill encourage many more of them to carry thecard and also convince licensees to ask for proofof age much more routinely.“The Portman Group’s proof of age scheme,Prove It!, was introduced in 1990 and over halfa million cards have been issued. It’s the long-est running proof of age scheme in the UK.


SCOTLANDSOUTH Alan Brown 01968 676008NORTH Andrew Wardrope 01540 661625EIRE Martin Kirwin 00353 419843734IRELAND - NORTH Martin Dinsmore 028 703 56957CHANNEL ISLANDS Fiona Sturreck 01534 605065WALESNORTH Dave Barnett 01654 710228ENGLANDBedfordshire Barry Ross 01234 344663Buckinghamshire Norman Clements 01491 575451Cambridgeshire John Glaysher 01206 211564Cornwall & Devon Paul Gilder 01726 843366Derbyshire Leslie Kerr 01332 292233Devon & Berkshire Norman Clements 01491 575451Dorset Richard Grafton 01305 813225Gloucester & Hereford Danny Knight 01452 521080Hampshire Jeff Batchelor 01329 314816Hertfordshire Martin Roslyn 0121 744 4896Kent & Essex Anton Ellender 01303 277382

Lancashire & Cumbria Les Graham 01253 899880Leicestershire George Abel 01664 850120Lincolnshire Chris Machin 01777 817821London & Middlesex John Walden 0208 318 7172Midlands & Warwickshire Martin Roslyn 0121 744 4896Northamptonshire Stuart Chapman 01327 830159Nottinghamshire David Scott 01283 224732Oxfordshire Norman Clements 01491 575451Somerset David Mills 01373 300035South Humberside Graham Potter 01482 815411Staffordshire Brian Daykin 0121 4226421Suffolk & Norfolk Pat Simmons 01508 489628Surrey Roy Smith 01932 570900Sussex John Fincham 01273 304344Tyne & Wear Charles Robinson 01670 783427Wiltshire Mike Farley 01793 615731Worcestershire Bill Spry 01684 298583Yorkshire - North Kate Watson 01924 366068Yorkshire - West & South Rita Broadbent 01274 870989

Regional Reps

Membership Corner

Discount for Members at Viking DirectA discount agreement for members has been arranged with Viking Direct – the UK’s leading mail order supplier of officeproducts. In addition to Viking’s standard terms of trade the agreement includes:-10% extra discount on Viking pricesFree delivery on any order of £20 (exc. VAT) or moreOvernight delivery in most areas – same day delivery is available in areas around Greater Manchester, Liverpool, theMidlands and within the M25.(Full details are available in Viking’s catalogues)The offer does not include the Viking Price Buster catalogue and the Machine Sales cataloguesIn order to qualify for the discounts members who are existing customers of Viking Direct will need to notify the callcentre representatives that they are members of ILTSA and wish to be registered into the scheme at the time an order isplaced.New customers would also need to notify Viking in the same way.You can contact Viking Direct as follows:-Order line 0800 424444 free fax line 0800 622211Web site www.viking-direct.co.ukNote: If you are calling Viking Direct for the first time and they ask for a membership number give any four digit numberand this will access their database.

On October 17 of 1814, a rupture in a brewery tank containing 3,500 barrels of beer caused a floodof fatal proportions in the London parish of St. Giles. The wave of beer swept victims off their feet,dashed them against walls, and buried them under debris. Two houses were demolished in the seaof beer suddenly loosed upon town, and nine people lost their lives in the flood of suds.

Strange But True


“Listen, I need your helpwith something.

We have decided to moveon...”

Licencees sell their businesses for all sorts of reasons.Sometimes their decision to move is planned in advance whentheir business is performing well and other times the deci-sion is forced upon them by circumstances outside their con-trol and at the worst possible moment. Whatever the sce-nario, sooner or later, everybody considers a sale and at thevery least, they will be curious as to what their business isworth in the market today.

HOW YOU CAN HELPYour clients will want some advice. Some will need it, others will simplybe grateful for your input. Seldom, if ever, will they ignore what youhave to say. Irrespective of whether the property is freehold, leasehold oran assignable tenancy, the chances are that the sale of your client’sbusiness, how it is dealt with and of course the ultimate outcome will beone of the most important decisions that they ever make.What are we asking you to do?You need only point them in the right direction - Fleurets will take care ofthe rest.

WHY YOU SHOULD HELPOf course, you needn’t do anything at all. But taking a back seat couldwell mean that you lose your existing client (who may be leaving thetrade) and fail to replace him when the new Landlord arrives. Far betterto give your clients some “added value” and sound advise by pointingthem in the right direction. Surely they deserve that much!Besides, they needn’t actually follow your advice, however if they do andFleurets are instructed to sell their property then you can be guaranteedtwo things:-1 Advance warning of the scheduled completion date (so that you

can act on the day of the change, ideally acting between parties).

2 Introduce yourself to the new owner and in doing so increaseyour chances of the continuity of business.Oh, and after Fleurets have been paid you will also share in 10%of Fleurets sale commission, subject to a minimum of £500(+VAT).

WHY YOU SHOULD RECOMMEND FLEURETSFleurets are the largest firm of Chartered Surveyors to specialise nationallyand exclusively in the sale and valuation of hotels, restaurants, pubs &bars. We also deal with nightclubs!Here are just some of Fleurets key features and the benefits to your clients.

FLEURETS KEY FEATURES BENEFITS TO YOUR CLIENT

We want to SELL your clientsproperty.

It may sound obvious, but Fleuretsare here primarily to sell yourclient’s property. We do notconfuse our job with arrangingmortgages and insurance policies.We are simply here to sell yourclient’s property, for the best price,in the optimum time frame.

We SPECIALISE in the sale oflicensed property only and ourmarketing advice is built on solidexperience of selling lots of hotels,restaurants, pubs, clubs andrestaurants.

Our experienced negotiators knowyour client’s market andunderstand their business. We donot get involved with the sale ofnursing homes, sub-post officesand the like and are therefore bestplaced to advise on how to achievethe most from a sale.

The more prospective buyers wespeak to, the greater the chancesof us finding a buyer for yourclient’s property. Fleurets Newsis a major marketing tool for ourClients, an advantage availableonly to people selling throughFleurets.

FLEURETS NEWS generates25% more sale enquiries than allthe recognised trade media com-bined, from a readership of ap-proximately 10,000 per issue. Webelieve Fleurets News is the besthard copy medium for selling li-censed property in the country.

HOTELS REVIEW Ourdedicated hotels brochure isdesigned to ensure your propertyreceives the specialist attention itdeserves.

Our Hotels Review is regularlyreceived by a target audiencepurely interested in similar hotelsand inns. Your client benefits froma dedicated and specific database.

FLEURETS TECHNOLOGYOur bespoke database systems:i) record up to the minutecomparable information.

ii) hold the details of thousands ofpotential purchasers and theirproperty requirements.

i) Your client receives soundmarketing advice, based upon thevery latest market knowledge, tohelp them achieve the best saleprice.

ii) Details of your client’s propertyare circulated directly to largenumbers of prospective buyerswith requirements matching thoseof their business, to ensure that theright buyers are quickly informedof the availability of their property.

www.fleurets.com contains a“live” version of Fleurets Newsand our Hotels Review, providingan instantly accessible andcontinuous advertising media,world-wide. Visitors can also viewsale particulars on-line and receivealert messages by e-mail whensuitable properties come to themarket.

Our “Virtual Fleurets News”ensures that your clients enjoy thesame benefits of Fleurets Newsinstantly, with both national andglobal exposure on the internet.Internet usage continues to growand, increasingly, both foreign anddomestic buyers are accessinginformation on the World WideWeb and via e-mail.This dramatically improves theinformation exchange betweensellers and buyers, which can speedup the time it takes to achieve asale.

OUR WEB PAGE

Yaser Martini spells out theopportunities at Fleurets


CONTACT YOUR LOCAL FLEURETS OFFICE NOWAt Fleurets, we would like to foster and develop our relationship with themembers of the Institute of Licensed Trade Stock Auditors, for mutualbenefit.Many of you will have recently received a letter from Fleurets regardingintroductory commissions that Fleurets will pay for successful saleintroductions.How does it work? Quite simply - a phone call to Fleuretscould earn you a minimum of £500 (per recommendation).This is not a new offer - Fleurets have paid introductorycommissions to many stocktakers over the years, but sadly,we aren’t doing it enough!If you have not received a copy and would like to do so, please telephoneYaser Martini at Fleurets London office on 020 7636 8992 or alternativelytelephone any Fleurets office - we will be pleased to hear from you.UK Office Telephone NumbersFleurets London 020 7636 8992Fleurets Manchester 0161 683 5445Fleurets Leeds 0113 234 0304Fleurets Birmingham 0121 236 5252Fleurets Bristol 01179 238 090Fleurets Brighton 01273 606 033Fleurets Sudbury 01787 378 050

Our famousNO SALE NO FEE policy.

There are no up front charges foryour clients to pay. Our marketingassessment is at no charge and weare willing to include all the costsof marketing, because we expectto sell your client’s property forthem.This proves that we are confidentin our ability to sell your client’sproperty. We get paid only whenthe sale is completed. Others mayget you to pay at the start, regard-less of whether they sell or not.

COMPETITIVE FEES Your client gets value for moneyand the right result. No other com-petent agent can offer the samelevel of service: National advertis-ing, local knowledge, experiencedand well trained staff and sophis-ticated database systems whichgive the best opportunity tooptimise the sales potential of yourclients property.

PROFESSIONALISMWe sell licensed property....Professionally!

Your client benefits from soundprofessional guidance rangingfrom straight sales and lettingsadvice, to ‘sale and leasebacks’and investment sales. They alsogain from our extensive network ofprofessional contacts, which helpus achieve the best result for them.

CONFIDENTIALITY We respect the fact that your clientsoften require confidentiality. Ifnecessary, we can advise them onthe best way to achieve a sale witha minimum of publicity andexposure.

FLEURETS - A National firmwith local offices.

Your client enjoys the best of bothworlds. Nationwide coverage andlocal expertise. We also have thefacility for marketing from morethan one of Fleurets offices, if thiswould facilitate the sale of yourclient’s property.

These are some of Fleurets uniqueselling points.

We set them out for you so that youcan judge the quality of what isavailable to your clients.

CAMRA launch firstNational Pubs WeekNational Pubs Week will be launched on Satur-day 22nd February 2003

CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, will be launching their first ever‘National Pubs Week’ on Saturday 22nd February 2003.The aim of National Pubs Week is to encourage more people to visitpubs more often. New research compiled by CAMRA shows anastonishing 20 pubs close every month and over a quarter of adults(27%) NEVER visit a pub. If this trend continues then Britain’sunique pubs will disappear very quickly!

Mike Benner, CAMRA’s Head of Campaigns said “The aim ofNational Pubs Week is simple – to encourage people to visit pubsmore regularly. Its slogan is ‘There’s a pub for everyone’ and we seekto highlight the enormous variety of pubs in the UK. We are not onlysupporting the quaint country pubs but also community and towncentre pubs as we want all of the pub industry to benefit from thisinitiative.”Pub Participation

CAMRA, and a number of industry partners, are currently encouragingas many pubs throughout Britain to take part in National Pubs Weekand organise a variety of events throughout the week to encouragemore people to attend pubs more regularly.Two different poster designs and beer mats have been produced forpubs to display and advertise National Pubs Week. These are FREEand can be ordered through CAMRA’s web site -www.camra.org.uk/pubsweek or by calling Head Office on 01727 867201.Media Stories

To support the launch of National Pubs Week, CAMRA will be issuinga number of interesting pub press releases. These will include:

· Announcement of the ‘National Pub of the Year’ winner– the ‘Best Pub in Britain’

· New research findings into people’s pub going habits –what age groups, sexes and regions are visiting pubs themost / least, what pub promotions will attract more pubcustom and the main reasons why people choose a particularpub.

· The Pub is the Hub – A year on since the launch of thisexciting initiative by the Countryside Agency and the BritishBeer and Pub Association, CAMRA takes a look at how thepubs market has changed.

· Announcement of Britain’s top ten Pub names – Has the‘Rat and Parrot’ taken over from the ‘Red Lion’? CAMRAlooks at pub names through time and how they havechanged.

National Pubs Week Competition

Do you think you have a good promotional idea that pubs could use forNational Pubs Week? CAMRA are offering 10 Good Beer Guides asprizes and all you have to do is visit CAMRA’s web site atwww.camra.org.uk/pubsweek and state what events or promotions youthink will help National Pubs Week fulfil it’s objective of encouragingmore people to attend pubs more regularly.

The best ten ideas, judged by CAMRA’s National Pubs Weekmarketing team, will each be sent a FREE 2003 Good Beer Guide. Theideas will also appear on the web site.


GOLDEN PACKAGE(4 nights of fun touring and celebration)

Wednesday10.00 am - collection at Edinburgh Airport or arrangements will be

made to leave cars in EdinburghTransfer to city centre – luggage storage

Visit to the famousCALEDONIAN BREWERY

Depart Edinburgh – 75 minute journey toCRIEFF HYDRO

ThursdayFree morning – use hotel activities *Tour or visit local Visitor Centre *

Afternoon trip to Scotland’s oldest distillery and‘THE GROUSE EXPERIENCE’


ROB ROY COUNTRY




Private dinner with disco (until 1.00 am)

SundayMorning transport to Edinburgh Airport arriving approx 1.00 pm

Includes four nights dinner, bed and breakfastWednesday-Thursday-Friday-Saturday

SUPER PACKAGE(3 nights of fun and celebration)

ThursdayAfternoon trip to Scotland’s oldest distillery and‘THE GROUSE EXPERIENCE’


ROB ROY COUNTRY





Includes three nights dinner, bed and breakfastThursday-Friday-Saturday

STANDARD PACKAGE(for those with little time to spare)




Includes two nights dinner, bed and breakfastFriday-Saturday with Scottish dinner and Ceilidh

on the first night

COST

Golden Package £399 per personSuper Package £280 per personStandard Package £170 per personExtra nights DBB £75 per person

* not included in cost

All meals offer wine and choice of menu (no pre booking) exceptFriday when dinner will be set and on a Scottish themeOther than Thursday morning, each package is inclusive ofexcursions and all other mentioned activities, also VAT andservice

ILTSAGOLDEN ANNIVERSARY

PROVISIONAL AGENDA – AGM14TH MAY – 18TH MAY 2003


We have been running the AA Fleetwide 3 operation for over ten years.Started by Bruce Thompson in the late 1980’s it is the longest and mostsuccessful money saving scheme for our members. To be honest I amamazed that only 150 of our members use it, the savings are an incredible61% of your membership fees. A private membership of AA would cost£144 for the service we receive for £56. On Fleetwide 3 the car registrationis the member not the person, we are covered for the following. RoadsideAssistance, Home Start, Relay and Relay Plus, there is an optional coverfor Europe which must be taken out individually.So what are you covered for?Roadside. The AA will assist your drivers when they are stranded on ahighway at least ¼ mile away from home, following a breakdown or ac-cident. All covered vehicles have access to this service. lf a patrol oragent cannot fix the covered vehicle within a reasonable time, it will betaken to the AA’s choice of appropriate local repairer. Alternatively, wecan arrange removal of the vehicle to another destination of your choice,provided it is not farther away. Roadside assistance does not cover anyadditional transport or other costs that you may incur, whether as a resultof the vehicle being towed or otherwise.HOME STARTAssistance when a covered vehicle breaks down at the drivers home.What is covered?This service provides assistance at or within ¼ mile of the drivers homeaddress. If a patrol or agent cannot fix the vehicle within a reasonabletime, it will be taken to the AA’s choice of appropriate local repairer.Alternatively we can arrange removal of the vehicle to another destina-tion of your choice, provided it is not farther away. The Relay service isnot available following Home Start attendance.RELAYRelay applies to Fleetwide and specialist vehicles. Relay takes the cov-ered vehicle, driver and up to seven passengers to any single destinationon the U.K. mainland.Relay is only available to covered vehicles for which the additional feeshave been paid at least 24 hours before the relevant breakdown or acci-dent occurred.What is covered?Relay is available immediately following roadside assistance when wecannot arrange a prompt local repair within a reasonable time of theaccident or breakdown.It provides recovery of an immobilised vehicle (including a trailer orcaravan on tow at the time),together with the driver and up to sevenpassengers, to any single U.K. mainland destination. The AA will notprovide RELAY (a) when we are able to arrange a prompt local repair (b)following a home start attendance (c) in the Republic of Ireland (d) whereit could be dangerous or illegal for the AA to transport the vehicle. Ifthere are more than eight people in the vehicle at the time of the breakdownor accident the AA will seek to arrange onward travel for the extrapassengers, but will not pay for it. Relay cannot be provided after anaccident by the emergency services unless they have been given clearancefor the vehicle to be removed. If the police or emergency service concernedinsist on immediate recovery by a third party this cost must subsequentlybe met by you.The AA can help in arranging, but will not pay for, the following; overnightaccommodation, transportation for passengers not accompanying thevehicle. the recovery of vehicles which would be dangerous or illegal forus to transport.In addition to the weight limit set out in point 2 under relay the AA will

only transport motor vehicles with a maximum length of 6.4 m (21ft)and a maximum width of 2.3m (7ft 6in). A caravan or trailer which iscapable of being towed safely will be towed, provided it does not exceeda maximum length of 8m (26ft). The AA will seek to arrange, but willnot pay for, recovery of any vehicle, caravan or trailer that exceeds theselimits.Please note that RELAY does not cover the recovery of horses or live-stock.RELAY PLUSThis service extends Relay as it provides alternative travel arrangementsfor the driver and passengers.Relay Plus is only available to covered vehicles for which the additionalfees has been paid at least 24 hours before the relevant breakdown, acci-dent or theft occurred. Relay Plus is not available to Specialist Vehicleor Minibus Rescue Members.What is covered?You can only purchase Relay Plus as an addition to Relay cover.Relay Plus is only available where Relay has been authorised in relationto the breakdown or accident in question, or where the covered vehiclehas been stolen or where Relay Plus is claimed in conjunction with theprovision of Relay service, it must be claimed immediately followingthe breakdown or accident concerned. In the case of a stolen vehicle,Relay Plus must be claimed as soon as you know that the theft has oc-curred and you must produce the relevant crime number when you makeyour claim.When claiming Relay Plus, you can choose from one of three options.The AA will issue a voucher indicating which option has been chosen.We will not consider any subsequent requests.The Options are:Replacement VehicleThe insurer will pay the vehicle hire charges (including comprehensiveinsurance cover, collision, damage waiver and VAT, but excluding anyinsurance excess which may become payable) for up to 48 hours fromwhen you collect the vehicle. The choice of vehicle supplier shall be atthe AA’s discretion.The entitlement is a mid range family saloon or hatch back of up to1600cc from a supplier of the AA’s choice. We will try, although we arenot obliged, to arrange the supply of a vehicle similar to your incapaci-tated vehicle or one that suits your immediate needs. The supply of allvehicles is subject to availability. You are responsible for any extra hirecharges from the supply of a vehicle in excess of normal entitlement.Overnight AccommodationThe insurer will arrange and pay for one night’s hotel accommodationand breakfast, at a hotel of its choice on the day of the breakdown, acci-dent or theft, for the driver and up to seven passengers(1) The driver must present the voucher issued by the AA upon

arrival at the hotel.(2) Any passengers must have been travelling with the driver at

the time of the relevant breakdown ,accident or theft.(3) The AA will not pay for any additional costs incurred by the

driver or passengers.Public Transport CostsThe Insurer will refund reasonable transport costs to a single mainlanddestination, up to the prevailing limit in force at the time of the break-down, accident or theft. at any time the prevailing limit for such refundsis available by contacting the AA

The AA and ILTSABy George Giles


Our island-hopping is behind us now and wereturn to the mainland of Scotland. The

Central Lowlands stretch from Glasgow and theClyde Valley in the west to the great estuary ofthe Firth of Forth and the capital city of Edinburghin the east.The dramatic grandeur of the central Highlandsmellows as we approach the ‘fair city of Perth’from the north. The great system of rivers whichflows towards Perth makes this south-easterncorner of the Highlands a region of particularbeauty and history, for this was a front line in thebitter wars against the English.Sir Walter Scott’s praise of this area in his 19th

century novel The Fair Maid of Perth is fullyjustified. There are mountains and moors, hillsand woods, lush farmlands, lochs and glens andrivers and streams in profusion.The small ancient city of Perth was the meetingplace of the Scottish parliament during the MiddleAges. It was the home of Scotland’s kings until1437 when James I was murdered by rivals andthe royal family moved to the greater security ofStirling and Edinburgh.The ravages of war and the destructive followersof the fiery 16 th century reformer John Knox haveleft few of its ancient buildings intact and today’s‘fair city’ is largely a creation of the 18th and 19th

centuries.One mile north of Perth is Scone Abbey,originally the home of the Stone of Destiny onwhich the early Scots kings were crowned (seethe photograph opposite of Scone Palace built onthe site of the Abbey). The stone itself, linked bylegend to the Old Testament of Jacob, had beencaptured by the English King Edward I in 1297and taken to London, where it remained underthe Coronation Chair in Westminster Abbey. Thestone was returned to Scotland in 1996 and nowrests in Edinburgh Castle. Many believe the stonenever left Scotland and the real Lia Fail, whichis Gaelic for Stone of Destiny, is in a secret hidingplace somewhere in Scotland.Appropriately, Lia Fail is the brand name of oneof the ales produced by a local brewery. Near toScone Abbey and Perth, INVERALMONDBREWERY was opened in 1997 and was thefirst brewery in Perth for over thirty years.LIA Fail at 4.7% ABV is a dark, robust, full-bodied beer with a deep malty taste, smoothtexture and balanced finish.Inveralmond Brewery was founded in 1997 byFergus Clark who graduated from the famousScottish university of Herriot Watt with a degreein brewing and microbiology. He gained over tenyears experience with major national breweriesincluding Ruddles in Rutland, the Stag Breweryin London and the Tyne Brewery in Newcastle.In addition to Lia Fail, the company producesthree other interesting cask-conditioned ales:-OSSIAN’S ALE (ABV 4.1%) is a pale, goldencoloured brew with a full-bodied fruity flavour

and hoppy aroma. It was the Champion Beer ofScotland in 2001. Ossian, son of Fingal, was alegendary warrior from the 3rd century. Hisexploits came to prominence in the 1700’sthrough the much disputed translations of hispoems by James MacPherson. There are manyreferences to Ossian in the countryside aroundInveralmond brewery.INDEPENDENCE ALE is a classic sessionale with well balanced malt and hop flavours.Hints of fruit and spices give a fuller body thanexpected from a 3.8% beer. As an independentScottish brewery competing for a very limitedmarket, Independence can be interpreted severalways; not the least of which is the quote fromthe Declaration of Arbroath:-“It is in truth, not for glory, nor riches, norhonours that we are fighting, but for freedom,for that alone, which no honest man gives upbut with life itself.”THRAPPLEDOUSER ALE (ABV 4.3%) isa refreshing amber beer with reddish hues. Thecrisp, hoppy aroma is finely balanced with thetangy but quenching taste. Thrapple is Scots forthroat, so an appropriate verse might be:- “Guidto wet yor whistle wi.”We head south now on our journey from Perth.Scotland’s smallest county ofClackmannanshire is situated on the north bankof the Forth estuary. The main town of Alloahas been a seaport and industrial area since theMiddle Ages. From the latter part of the 18th

century, along with coal mining, Alloa came intoprominence as a manufacturing town withwoollen mills, iron foundries, shipyards andglass, brick and tile works. Along with theseindustries came brewing and distilling.The spread of industrialisation and the growthof the economy created a demand for ale to anunprecedented scale. By the end of the 19t h

century there were many breweries in the areaproducing reputable Scotch ales.All of those old breweries have now gone andthe skill of the brewer is now in the hands of afew microbrewers. But have no fear, a break inour journey will discover something ratherspecial.HARVIESTOUN BREWERY operates froma 200-year-old building that was once a dairyat the foot of the Ochill Hills. This little breweryis difficult to find down a farm track – no signs,no visitors. But owner Ken Brooker is quitehappy to be hard to find. Most of the local pubsin the nearby village of Dollar,Clackmannanshire, stock his award winningbeers. Residents in the area know where he isbut passers-by are not encouraged to call. Kenand his small band of workers are too busyproducing beer that is now selling nation-wide.A self-taught master-brewer, Ken Brooker is anEssex boy, where he worked at the Ford MotorCompany plant at Dagenham for 24 years. He

moved north to Scotland as an area manager forthe company.Ken’s passion for making beer began as a hobbythirty years ago and he started the brewery herein 1985 with his childhood friend and fellowhome-brewing, enthusiast, Eric Harris. A lot ofbeer has flowed since these early days and nowthe brewery is winning awards on a regular basis.The 3.8% ABV BITTER AND TWISTED hasrecently won the Champion Beer of Scotlandaward for the second time.CAMRA’s ‘Good Beer Guide’ describes Bitterand Twisted as a refreshingly hoppy goldensession beer with fruit throughout. A bitter sweettaste with a long, dry, bitter finish.PTARMIGAN (ABV 4.5%) is named aftervarious birds of the grouse family that frequentsthe Scottish Highlands. A well-balance bitter-sweet beer in which malt and hops dominate.SCHIEHALLION (ABV 4.8%) is a Scottishcask lager which takes its name from the mistymountain near Pitlochry. The distinctive hopcharacter of the beer comes from the aromaticHeisbrucken and the fresh grape fruity Challengervarieties. It has won numerous awards includingthree times gold winner at the Great British BeerFestival.Harriestoun brews five ales all-year-roundserving seventy outlets in central Scotland as wellas wholesalers throughout Britain.We have one more brewery stop on our journeythrough central Scotland. But before we arriveat our destination we pass through some of themost symbolic sites in Scotland’s history.Heading west, we soon come to Stirling, a war-scarred city at the crossroads of Scotland. Perchedhigh on a crag commanding the crossings of theupper Forth, where the Highlands meet theLowlands, Stirling has played a vital role in itscountry’s tumultuous history.For at least 800 years a castle has topped thegreat crag that overlooks the city. The castlefigured prominently in the wars of Scottishsuccession during the 13th and 14th centuriespassing back and forth between Scots andEnglish.

The New GenerationTrevor Knight continues his journey across the country in search of the newbreed of Britain’s brewersPart Three – Scotland’s Central Lowlands

The New GenerationTrevor Knight continues his journey across the country in search of the newbreed of Britain’s brewersPart Three – Scotland’s Central Lowlands

Continued on page 11


William Wallace rallied the Scots to defeat the English at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in1297 and became ruler of Scotland. A few miles south of the city is the site of the Battle ofBannockburn where Robert the Bruce routed an English army three times larger than hisown.Just north of Stirling is the burgh and holiday resort of Bridge of Allan. It became a spa atthe beginning of the 19th century and Robert Louis Stevenson was among those who tookthe waters.Water of another kind is used to brew the beer of the local brewery. BRIDGE OF ALLANBREWERY is situated at the rear of the Queens Hotel just off the main street in this leafyVictorian spa town. The five-barrel custom-built brewery was founded in 1997 and is runby Douglas Ross. The opening coincided with the 700th anniversary of the Battle of StirlingBridge. A pinnacled tower overlooks the battlefield and stands as a monument to Sir WilliamWallace.STIRLING BRIG (ABV 4.1%), commemorating the great battle, is a full bodied, maltyand slightly sweet ale. This classic, rich, dark ruby red brew with a creamy head is typicalof a traditional Scottish 80/-.STIRLING BITTER (ABV 3.7%) is brewed as a good session ale. A full flavoured beerwith a nutty, fruity taste offering a relatively dry after taste. Bittered with Bramley Crossand Fuggles hops this bitter has quickly become an established favourite with the hoppydrinker.BANNOCKBURN (ABV 4.2%) and two organic beers, GLENCOE WILD CAT STOUT(ABV 4.5%) and LOMOND GOLD (ABV 5%) complete the main cask ale portfolio.Bridge of Allan Brewery, with its entry-free visitor centre (and free tasting!) also operatestwo local village pubs. It also sells to more than 75 pubs in Scotland and through wholesalerssouth of the border.n

Continued from page 10

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Documents

north star pub

business tel

mr tyrell

andrews road henley

trevor perrotttelfax

na pub owner

road norton tower halifax

startthe new yearrobert