So Tuesday night I had my first curry night without a beer for over 20 years and now I have been to my first party of the year and again have remained alcohol free! To be honest it was easier than I expected. Sipping my mineral water while those around enjoyed their pints and glasses of wine didn’t really bother me. I thought it was going to, but actually it was just great to spend time with friends and have a good catch up. Not drinking also has the added bonus of removing the risk of a hangover in the morning…

Me Drinking a Lovely Beer at Big Chill 2011

On a less positive note, I am not going to be able to experience one of the non-drinking challenges I was most looking forward to this year. The Big Chill Festival 2012 has been cancelled, with organisers saying the London Olympics has impacted on “artist availability” for the event. I guess I will have to look for an alternative festival to enjoy sober.

For those of you looking to support my Year Without Beer, here are a couple of options…

To donate to Cancer Research UK please click here to visit my just giving page or donate by text – send AYWB66 and the amount to 70070. For example, texting “AYWB66 £5″ will donate £5.

To donate to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust please click here to visit my just giving page or donate by text – send AYWB55 and the amount to 70070. For example, texting “AYWB55 £5″ will donate £5.