WhatsApp?

It could be argued that social media has much to answer for, but debating the pros and cons of sites such as Facebook, Instagram and even Twitter is a task best left for another time, as what I want to touch on here, albeit briefly, is a slightly different form of  electronic interaction known as “WhatsApp.”

Described as a cross-platform messaging and voice over IP service, this rather useful piece of freeware is actually owned by Facebook. Because it allows the sending of items such as text messages, voice and video calls, images plus other media, documents, it comes into its own particularly as a means of communicating with groups who share the same interests.

When those interests are beer, pubs and real ale, it becomes an extremely useful tool for local CAMRA branches, not just to share information, but as a way of keeping touch, even when on the go.

My own CAMRA branch – West Kent, make particular use of WhatsApp, and operate two official groups. One is for business whilst the other is for socials, but we also run a couple of loosely affiliated beer and pubs related groups, alongside the official ones. The first of these is for beer socials, and this is used for group members for arranging an impromptu meet-up for a drink, or other small gathering which is not an official CAMRA event.

For example, a member might be aware that a particular beer is available locally, so he/she will alert other group members so they can also try some. Alternatively, pubs or even breweries, will sometimes arrange events at relatively short notice; certainly not sufficient for an entry in the Branch Diary section of “What’s Brewing”.

Being able to publicise such events amongst the WhatsApp group members, has proved particularly useful, and has stopped those who might have been unaware of say a “Meet the Brewer” evening, or the launch of a new beer, from missing out.

The official West CAMRA socials group also comes into its own, particularly for people like me who not only have a short memory, but who also don’t keep a diary. The latter is something I’ve never been in the habit of doing, despite having missed out on occasion or, worse still, making a double booking. With Apps available for keeping track of appointments on even your average Smartphone, there’s really no excuse, but when you’ve never been in the habit – well??

So when I picked up on the group chat last Tuesday, about what time train were people planning to catch for the Thursday evening social, it reminded me that I had completely forgotten about the forthcoming meet-up, whilst still allowing sufficient time to make plans to attend.

As it happened Thursday night’s social at the Greyhound was very good, with an attendance in double figures – just. What’s more it was a flexible social, in as much as some of the group (mainly the retirees), had started off in neighbouring Leigh where they’d had a few beers in both the village pub (Fleur de Lys), and the nearby British Legion club.

They caught up with a fellow member and I who were already on the train from Tonbridge, heading towards Penshurst. We all alighted at the latter station, and took the path across the old Penshurst airfield, to Charcott. This path forms part of my regular lunchtime walk, but I was a little slow on my feet that evening, and still am, although things are getting better. The reason for my incapacity was foolishly stepping onto a piece of wood with a rusty nail sticking out of it!

This happened on Easter Saturday, whilst clearing up behind my shed. The nail went right through the sole of my shoe, and into the ball of my left foot. I was not best pleased, especially as it involved a trip to A&E for an anti-tetanus jab. Fortunately I was seen quickly, but I’m certain that Casualty would have dealt with quite a few gardening and DIY related accidents over the course of the holiday weekend!

It was just before 8.30pm when we arrived at the Greyhound, and it was getting dark. The pub was busy, with a healthy mixture of both drinkers and diners. There were four cask ales on sale, although as the evening progressed that number went down to two. Regrettably I ended up missing the Old Dairy Blue Top and also the Dartford Wobbler – Penny Red, but the Northdown Pale Ale Mary and the Larkin’s Traditional were on good form.

We left just after 10pm, retracing our steps back to the station, but this time in the dark. So thanks to WhatsApp, I enjoyed a good evening out attending a branch social which I otherwise might have missed.

Before ending, I mentioned earlier that we have a second loosely affiliated, beer and pubs WhatsApp group, and that is the Weekend Walking group. This consists of a small group of friends who enjoy the occasional walk – invariably to a country pub.

The fact that the word “weekend” appears in the title, does signify the group largely consists of those of us who are still working. We’re a dwindling number amongst the CAMRA fraternity, but after a busy week at work, what better way to unwind than a walk through the beautiful Kent (and occasionally Sussex), countryside, to an unspoilt country pub.

Thanks to WhatsApp, such hikes, rambles – call them what you will can be arranged at very short notice, and as we all know, spur of the moment events are quite often the best.