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U. K. B. G. GUIDE TO DRINKS

Then in 1937 the first International Cocktail Competition

was planned and held at Ol5anpia,London,and was a great

success.

Membership grew with the selection from applicants of

known ability, loyalty and integrity, not only in the U.K.

but also in the British Empire, Europe and the U.S.A.

The Guild also counted among its membership some of the

leading Bartenders"serving"on the seas and in the air.

Soon the Guild were organising visits to foreign capitals

and other places and were receiving visits in return by our

"counter"parts from most of the European countries.

With the declaration of war the many social functions,

sporting events, educational visits and Cocktail Champion

ships that had been planned had to be abandoned. During

the 1939-45 war,trojan work was done by the Council, the

Secretary and other members who were not accepted into

the armed forces but who were kept busy on rescue squads,

fire-fighting, including the extinguishing of one enemy

incendiary bomb in the Guild office, when our records were

fortunately saved. These Guardians of the Guild made

really herculean efforts to provide Guild members in the

Forces with frequent supplies of cigarettes, food and

delicacies and many other comforts at their own expense.

Such is the spirit of brotherhood observed among the

Gmld members. Many of our members in the Forces

served with distinction and credit and not a few were

decorated for their services.

With the end of hostilities and the return of members,

many to their former places of employment, we saw the

gradual renewal of the Guild's former activities and its

rapid expansion.

During the past 16 years many hundreds of members

have gained experience they would not otherwise have

enjoyed, for the Guild has organised besides its many

Cocktail Competitions in London, Dublin, Manchester and

Torquay, visits to Distilleries, Breweries and Vineyards, in

England and France,to witness the various processes of the

manufacture of wines, spirits and beers.

The Guild in its aims has found emplojment for many

of its members and assisted others in times of financial