The first Wednesday Walkabout of 2018 was to Helston on a dull and slightly drizzly day but a good turnout of nearly twenty members made for a very sociable event. Unfortunately Ann Burnett (Social Secretary) could not lead the walk as her Mum died the previous day; our thoughts were with her. Chris Mason also had to pull out and he rang from his hospital bed. So Steve Willmott stepped in at the last minute, ably assisted by Doug and Pam, to lead the band of drinkers around some of the pubs in the town. We were joined by Dave & Linda Bascombe from Southampton branch who were staying locally and had spotted that we were meeting. Pam was able to chat about Soton pubs as she had spent a few years there.

It had been arranged that we all meet in the Coinage Hall, Wetherspoons for a two o’clock start, but the bus services to Helston are somewhat few and far between from certain directions. The opportunity to have a few drinks and something to eat was taken by many earlier arrivals, but the choice of real ales was somewhat disappointing. Maulden White Adder quickly ran out, leaving Skinner’s Porthleven, Hops n’ Honey and Sharp’s Doom Bar. However, on leaving, it was discovered that a Cornish Chough had been added to the handpulls and Steve Barber together with some other tasting panel members had to stay to try this one too.

A telephone call had been made to The Rodney on Meneague Street to see what ales they had available and as these were St Austell HSD and Tribute, Skinner’s Porthleven and Honey Bunny, we were soon giving the licensees some welcome business. They showed their appreciation by giving us all a postcard of the pub that we could send to absent friends.

Next pub visited was Henlys where the choice was from St Austell Tribute, Sharp’s Doom Bar, Skinner’s Lushington and Rebel Nightshade.

Although the Red Lion, almost next door to Henlys, was also visited by some members a note was not made of the ales available. The Seven Stars had to be passed on Coinagehall Street as it was closed, and had been for several weeks, looking like it is in need of some TLC.

The final and probably most welcoming pub of the tour was the Blue Anchor. World famous for their home-brewed Spingo ales, most of the range of them were available to try. Being the week after Easter there was some Easter Special to try, although it was recommended to either sip a pint slowly or just have a half as it weighed in at 7.5% - or was it more? The lovely coal and log fire was burning bright in the back bar and combined with the Spingo beers we all had to cast off coats and jumpers.

While on a wander out to the gents toilets Steve Willmott met brewer Gareth just finishing for the day and was able to have a short chat. Gareth is still having to brew on the ancient plant as, although the new brewery is all fitted and ready to run, there is some dispute with the owner of the pub (the lease is due for renewal in a year or so) regarding running a pipe from the new brewery to the fermenters.

It was all too soon for the walkabouters to catch their various buses home, looking forward to the next one in about a month’s time.

A few picture of the day below