“When I use a word,' Humpty Dumpty said in rather a scornful tone, 'it means just what I choose it to mean — neither more nor less. ' 'The question is,' said Alice, 'whether you can make words mean so many different things. -― Lewis Carroll, Through the Looking Glass

Some of you may have noticed on our events page one entitled Informal Gathering. Those gathered there declared the event a big success and something they would like to do again possibly in approximately three months. In other words to formalise these ad hoc arrangements.

Perhaps, therefore we should have called it the first formal Informal Gathering? "But that would be silly", said Alice.

Better heads than mine, with the benefit of a pint of Guinness, came up with the perfect compromise:- (a nod to BBC Tv's long-running sit-com series set in Yorkshire)......Last of the Summer Wine!

It certainly defined the humour and conversations we shared all afternoon.

With stories of sea-faring, solicitors, soliciting and the underground toilets once found in Victoria Street (not that any of the anecdotes are connected) the group spent a most enjoyable three hours supping beverages and enjoying some excellent "pub grub".

We chose Dr Duncan's as the venue is near Lime Street Station. A Caine's pub, Doctor Duncan’s is named after William Henry Duncan. Duncan was born and raised in Liverpool before attending Edinburgh University where he qualified as a medical doctor. After moving back to his hometown Doctor Duncan was appointed as Medical Health Officer on 1st January 1847, the first of this type of Senior Government role in Britain.

The pub, dating back to 1901, was built to house Pearl Assurance and is well known for its elaborately tiled interior. Now, in honour of its namesake, it houses an authentic Victorian pharmacy cabinet.

So if you consider yourself game for some Last of The Summer Wine then why not join us next time we meet? We hope that may be in July. Watch out for details on The Lerpoolians. We'd love as many of you as can spare a mid-week afternoon to join us for more of the same. Suggestions for alternative venues are welcome. Feel free to stay for as long or as short a time as you wish.

Skol.