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STORY OF THE U. K. B. G.
distress. It has established branches throughout the U.K.
It also has important branches in Dublin, Canada and the
east and west coasts of America. It has a happy co
operation with the French, the Belgium /Lu.xembourg, the
Swiss, Swedish, Dutch, Danish, German, Norwe^an,
Italian and Venezuelan Bartenders' Associations, and in
1951 was the prime mover in the formation of the new
International Bartenders' Association. Amongst other
advantages enjoyed with our friends from overseas, news
and views are exchanged and published in the various
Guild journals.
The U.K.B.G. 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 three Trustees, eminent and reputed members
of the Wholesale Trade. They (apartfrom the Secretary)
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 fihng. The U.K.B.G., it must be
recorded, is very proud of this collection, as it is beheved
to be the only 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 early in 1957.
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 all aspects of