Ian and Liz led us off from town down to the River Welland and along this stretch Ian pointed out the various pubs, inns and breweries on or by the river bank, many of which had either changed to domestic properties or demolished altogether. Some of those many hostelries researched by Ian are as follows:-

• The Ram Skin Inn from at least 1792 was demolished in 1977.
• The Star Inn built in 1583 from the ruins of Spalding Priory was demolished in 1880 after being acquired by Joseph Burg, owner of the brewery. The old arched entrance to the inn was rebuilt into the garden wall.
• Four breweries in the area are listed in 1830, with the most successful being Buggs (aka Burg), subsequently sold to Soames & Co., then taken over by Steward & Patteson, acquired by Watney Mann, became a storage depot then offices, then closed completely (brewery cottages still remain).
• Royal Oak built in 1930s replaced a 200 year old building; the site is now the Fenway.
• Welland Inn - a beer house, 1920s inn.
• Ancient & Briton-another beer (only licence) house, demolished & now flats.

Old local railway line routes built by the Midland & Great Northern (also known as Muddle & Go Nowhere) connecting Holbeach, Sutton Bridge, then Kings Lynn & Bourne were pointed out, including the "avoiding line" which ran up an embankment with a bridge over the Spalding to Peterbourough line, also connecting to the March and Peterborough lines. The large railway bridge over the river, opened in 1867 under the Great Northern & Great Eastern Joint Railway still remains but only the pedestrian part is open. More details, including old prints and photos, are held by Ian if readers are interested.

Soon the party found itself at Springfields Tavern where the obligatory photo shoot was taken before thirsty Fen folk dashed inside for pints of Doom Bar and Directors.

The return trip was a first for the Fenland walks as Ian had arranged for river taxis to take the folk back to town in what proved to be a most interesting and enjoyable river trip. One of the party (our joint leader but not Ian!) obtained her Skipper's Mate certificate - we assume this was for actually sailing the craft!

On disembarking most of the party found their way to the Ivy Wall where the select and quiet back room had been reserved. Beers on offer included Banks Ruby Mild (3.9%) - a firm favourite and most appropriate for Mild May, Roosters Elderflower (3.7%), Hydes Ship Shape (4.2%) another topical beer as the pump clip featured shapely girls at the ro'llocks, Grainstore Triple B (4.2%) was coming soon - but not soon enough for Fenland's visit. Lunches were well served and found to be excellent value for money. Thanks were given to Ian and Liz for organising a most interesting walk, talk and river experience.