The first of the season's campaigning trips kicked off with a minibus foray up the northern coastal area of Fenland Branch.

The Royal Oak at Wainfleet proved to be an excellent start to the day where a warm welcome awaited all 10 trippers and the beers, XB, XXXB, Dark Mild, and Black Sheep's All Creatures were dispensed in good form. Thatchers Heritage Cider was also available on handpump. Tearing themselves away from the comfortable seating and ales of this little gem the next stop was our most northerly point, Ingoldmells and Leila Cottage brewery tap, The Countryman. Lazy Days, Ace Ale, Lincolnshire Life and Leila's One Off (now a constant brew) were supped with relish. Some of the party took up the offer of a tour of the micro brewery and had an interesting chat with the brewer, Scott Colebourne. A brisk walk across the road to the Greene King pub, The Ship, which was closed but the Batemans Three Tuns was open and XB served.

By now Malcolm (Pubs Officer) was well into his stride and dishing out data forms for members to obtain pub details for the database and to keep Fenland within the green traffic light scoring system. South then to Skegness with some visiting the Victoria (no real ale), The Lumley, a large bustling hotel catering for holiday makers and families which had Camerons Strongarm which was off, and GK IPA. Visits were also made to the Ship (no real ale) and photos taken of the exteriors, again for the database. Everyone met up at the Wetherspoons Red Lion where the new manager introduced himself and helped dispense Deuchars IPA, GK Celebration (4.2%), Otter, Wharf Bank Wispa, plus regulars from GK stable. Lunches being taken at various points and then on again to Burgh le Marsh and the Red Lion for London Pride and Black Sheep, but just a little too early for the next beer on which was from a micro. The Bell in the town had XB which was in reasonable condition, as was the XB in the Old Burgh Arms. Again pub details were duly taken for the database.

The coach then returned to Boston to disgorge the Sleaford area contingent - but of course their surveying was to continue. A short walk to the Great Northern disclosed there was no real ale (unlike days of yore when Bass Mild was a regular) then on to the Duke of York where 3 handpumps of XB were displayed, together with GK IPA. The foray four were the only customers and a photograph outside with the landlady was called for. Retracing steps then to the Eagle for a final pint before the train beckoned and the aptly named Preservation Ale from Castle Rock was splendidly supped.

A grand day out with good ales, pubs and company and a useful collection of information for the pubs database. Thanks to Heather for organising the coach etc.