1955 The U K B G Guide to Drinks (2nd edition revised)

U. K. B. G. GUIDE TO DRINKS Then in 1937 the first International Cocktail Competition was planned and held at Olympia,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 suppHes of cigarettes, food and dehcacies and many other comforts at their own expense. Such is the spirit of brotherhood observed among the Guild 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 Gufid's former activities and its rapid expansion. During the past 21 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 employment for many of its members and assisted others in times of financial