I recall my first drink vividly. In 1950 when I was just before my twelfth birthday new neighbors moved in next door. He was an ex German POW and his wife a gorgeous red haired Irish colleen. They had children of similar age to my sister and I . At that Christmas Eve we all trooped into Carl and Eileen's house for the usual knees up. Carl was a great ball of fun and convinced my mother to let me have a small glass of port. I thought it was disgusting stuff but managed to get it all down and yes it was the first time I called for Hughie, luckily in the kitchen sink.
I cannot say it put me off and began having a Saturday night beer as soon as I started work and as soon as I have finished this I'm off to the Returned Services Club for a pint while "she who must be obeyed, " gets her hair done. Cheers to one and all.