1953 The U K B G Guide to Drinks

STORY OF THE U. IC. B. G.

distress. It has established branches throughout the U.K. It also has important branches in Dublin, and the east and west coasts of America. It has a happy co-operation with the Amicales des Barmen de France, the Swiss, Swedish, Dutch, Danish and Italian Bartenders' Associations, and in 1951 was the prime mover in the formation of the new International Bartenders' Association. Amongst other advantages enjoj'ed with our friends from overseas, news and views are exchanged and published in the various Guild journals. The U.K.B.C. is not politically ambitious, and does not incorporate in any way anything to do with trade unionism. The finances of the Guild are continually under the control of two Trustees, eminent and reputed members of the ^^'holesale Trade. The\'(apart from the General and Financial Secretaries) with the President, Council and Area Representatives, are elected annually by postal ballot and their work is entirely honorary and, as in most other similar organisations, they seem to thrive on hard work. The Guild has collated and filed many thousands of Cocktail recipes, long and short, both ancient and modern, and can tell at a glance whether a"new invention"is original or a copy and in the latter case is not accepted for competitions or filing. The U.K.B.G., it must be recorded, is very proud of this collection, as it is believed to be the onlj? one of its kind in the world. On its social side the Guild organises for its members sporting fixtures and competitions, football, cricket, swim ming, snooker and darts for those who have the abihty, time and inclination to participate. It is, of course, the Guild's ambition to possess its own club premises where members can meet and cement their friendship and enjoy the quiet and comfort,during their rest periods, of a"home from home." This ambition has been partly met with the opening of a new Guild Headquarters in December, 1952. The educational side has not been overlooked and the year 1951 saw the organisation of the Guild Education Scheme, which has proved to be most successful. The Scheme is most comprehensive and covers aU aspects of bartending and ancillary subjects and is open to apprentice