ALMR goes wild in South Africa

Following his eventful excursion to Bruges, accompanied by the sampling of many weird and wonderful Belgian beers, Snifter recently found himself at the genteel end of the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) programme of study tours.

Many of the ALMR's most senior multiple operators and their wives celebrated the organisation's 10th annual trip with an adventurous visit to Cape Town and the luscious South African winelands.

The educational element was, of course, rigorously observed with a trip to the SA Brewery at Newlands and at least three formal wine tastings (plus several informal versions).

The spectacular tour featured several scintillating highlights, including the view from the bar at South Africa's iconic Table Mountain.

Alex and Rayleen Salussolia and Jim and Sarah Walsh experienced an exhilarating helicopter circuit of the Cape, while others explored Robben Island prison - and luckily returned to tell the tale.

Jackie Bateman enjoyed a safari-style journey and quickly proved a hit with residents of a nearby game park.

Special mention should be made of David Jones and Graham Page, whose exceptional thirst took them to Belgium and the Cape on consecutive weekends.

(Shurely a thirst for information? - Ed.)