On a Friday night in February members of CAMRA’s Kingston & Leatherhead branch gathered at the Wych Elm in Kingston to make a presentation to the barman and cellarman, Pete Simmons for his 35 years’ service at the pub. Pete explained how it all started, “I worked for British Aerospace and was a regular here. I got to know Manuel (the then landlord) well and one day I was in on a Saturday morning and he told me he was short staffed and asked if I’d give him a hand. I said yes and that was that.” Commenting on his 35 year milestone, Pete said, “There’s plenty more where that came from. I’m not going anywhere. I hope the next milestone will be 50 years.”
Pictured is John Norman making the presentation to Pete, along with Allan Marshall. Owners Fuller’s generously acknowledged the event by selling their real ales at the price from 35 years ago, 85p a pint. This was much appreciated by members and the other ale drinkers present.
Clive Taylor, with thanks to Richard Russell for the photo