The Presents Are In The Post….

Well. Kind of……

Back in April, I thought that the ISBF Goose was cooked, for 2020 at least. I didn't want to give up, but didn't see any option. To be Frank (my “weekend name”), I didn't see ANY beer events taking place this year.

Not being with the Friends of ISBF in November was a particularly joyless prospect.

The last place I thought we'd end up is here ⬆️⬆️⬆️

And for that, you have a Gentleman by the name of Simon Gare to thank.

Simon is the member of our personal extended family (more than a close friend) who uttered the fateful words

“Why don't you do something online?“

A simple sentence. One which has led to me hobbling around Farnworth with an aching back stoop, with strained hamstrings and sore calves.

Yes. I forgot the lessons of “Lifting boxes 101”

One that led to me playing the word game “Change a film title with one word” (“Bend It Like Beerfinder” being a personal favourite)

In short, I had absolutely no idea what we'd taken on. There were times when James and I were seriously worried that we wouldn't get there, pack everything in time for the couriers collecting the packs.

I. Shit. You. Not.

We needed help. So I picked up the phone (as did Charlie - more about the lovely Charlie later).

And that hashtag (#BeerPeopleAreGoodPeople) came to life. Alan and Jaz offered themselves up. Chris came back to help with his expert box making skills (the joy of being a Micro Brewer!).

We could see the light at the end of the tunnel.

I'll never forget what these friends did. They were simply magnificent.

Alan, Charlie, Chris, Jaz and (in particular) The Egg Man, James. Take a ******* Big Bow.

Because of those lovely people, these are in transit….

(Thursday box)

As I've said previously, we are human, we make mistakes. Or (more accurately) I am. I make mistakes. There may be errors. If there are, please be gentle with me. I'm human. And (currently) physically fragile!

People made requests for preferences. Where those were emphatic, or dietary / allergy based, I've tried to honour them. To the extent that we had to search through all of the (packed, sealed & labelled) Thursday boxes to remove a beer from each of two boxes due to potential Peanut issues.

However, owing to time pressures, If the request was “less then emphatic” then the boxes were unaltered. So you ‘may’ have got a Sour. Or a beer you ordinarily might not like. But these beers are from some of the best breweries in the UK. They make fabulous and - in many cases - adventurous, beers. Try them, you might surprise yourself.

I hated having to make that decision. But I had to. And I hope that you understand.

Friday boxers, you're in for a treat….

So. The boxes are en route. Many have received emails from DX. Some haven't (I'll be touching base with DX tomorrow), but hopefully, all will arrive. Safely. 🙏

So. What's next.

Firstly, you should receive your beer (and / or Cider)

Secondly, tomorrow - or maybe Tuesday - those of you who have ordered will receive an email from YT. The email will give guests the code for the relevant Zoom event (should they choose to join) and access to the #VISBF music playlist (Spotify only - sorry!)

Third. The event itself.

As I said, if there are errors they're mine. Please be gentle and understanding.

If - by Tuesday evening - you've had neither your expected delivery, nor a notification (failed delivery) from DX get in touch. If you've been omitted from the list (no delivery at all) please get in contact. I can only apologise and issue a refund.

But please, no scamming.

A lot of stress, sweat and tears have gone into this. This is not an easy thing to DIY. And remember, all proceeds go to our partner Charity Start Inspiring Minds.

Hopefully, we get 99.9% of things right. If not, it's on me.

Remember the wise words of my dear friend Chris Dixon….

You don't have to drink all the beer in one session.

You don't have to Zoom.

You don't have to listen to the tunes.

What you have bought are some exceptional alcoholic beverages. From some of the best independent producers in the UK and beyond (if you are lucky enough to have the Cider)

Enjoy. Smile. Let's have some fun.

I raise my (Virtual) glass to you.

See you soon.