Even an economic recession has some good points – real ale at only 99 pence per pint for example. We have Wetherspoons to thank for this excellent bargain – long may they prosper. As a marketing strategy it certainly works, judging by the long queue at the bar lining up for Green King IPA. The only way to beat this price would be to brew your own real ale.

March 2009, Hello World,  let me introduce myself. I am 56 years old, divorced, and working from home which gives me plenty of freedom. I live in Leamington Spa which is supposed to be the centre of England, but I have no doubt there are a few other towns with this claim. 

There are plenty of beautiful places nearby, and I like to have a run in the countryside most days. I have run 17 marathons and my best time was in the 1995 London marathon, finishing in 2 hours 41 minutes.