The drizzly morning did not put off the Sunday strollers as they kicked off from the Kings Arms at Boston, just opposite the Maud Foster mill. Meandering along the Maud Foster drain with its species of shell duck, mallard, and coot, the sea bank near the docks was soon reached, by which time the rain had ceased but the Siberian wind had struck up.

At St Nicholas Church, Skirbeck (there has been a Skirbeck Church before 1066, when Skirbeck was the main settlement in the area) the churchyard was crossed where groups of snowdrops were evident. Richard informed the walkers that the following Sunday would see a celebration of Snowdrop Sunday. Back on the sea bank and then by road to call in, after opening time was patiently awaited, to The Nap, previously known as the Napoleon where XB was dispensed with gusto.

Some of the party then made their way to the Indian Queen and Three Kings in Dolphin Lane, off Pump Square, where a range of Batemans XB, XXXB, Yella Belly, Salem Porter and Victory were on offer along with Black Sheep. The IQ recently restored to a Victorian theme, this is now an attractive pub with wood panelling, mirrors, retro-style electric lighting. There is even a pub piano and the beer is served in 1/3rd and 2/3rd of a pint lined glasses. Originally known as the Three Kings of Cologne (due to merchant connection) the pub has been rebuilt and renamed at least 3 times and is thought to be the oldest in Boston. The old pub sign gave rise to the nickname The Three Merry Devils and was changed, in Puritan times, to the Indian Queen, referring to Pocahontas who supposedly saved the life of Sir John Smith, the Lincolnshire born explorer. Some members also took in the Coach and Horses where XB was a similar order of the day.

Arriving back at the Kings Arms a warm fire welcomed the walkers and the bar furnished 6 handpumps all bearing the XB pump clip. Is this a record we ask??? All beer being dispensed from the same handpump. A tasty roast lunch was soon served by friendly waitresses, washed down by the ubiquitous XB.

Thanks to Richard for devising the walk, part of it round his original neck of the woods at Skirbeck, also to Ivan, Dave and Malcolm who took part in the recce and the onerous task of pub data collection (oh ok - and sank a few on the way).