Alex was a big man in both stature and character. He was a central figure for Beer on Broadway at Ealing Town Hall (and Acton, 1989) – he & the team organised the venue and beer while I went off to court to obtain the licence. He could be a peacemaker when needed; 3 lads one Sat. eve. at Ealing were a bit of a nuisance and he handled the situation expertly, with everyone happy at the outcome. He wrote programme notes for the first few BoBs; one sign-off (1988?) said, “Right, I’m off for a drop of Bathams Mild – deep joy!” (One of my favourite milds also.) He also did a lot, much behind the scenes, to organise the Great British Beer Festival at its various venues. One vaguely memorable eve, some of us went up to his place to sample the home (well, garage/shed) brew. He took us through the brew book; we sampled 3, each stronger than the previous; not sure how I managed to return to Ealing that night… He was always good with banter, but only with those he knew could give as well as take. I will miss him, as we all will; a good friend and (drinking) companion, and a champion for Real Ale. Peter Wicks Bulford Wilts