Terry Markland and his friend Ken Stokes left the Royal Navy in 1993 after several years of serving together. They were well used to having a glass or two of ale together at the end of a long working day. On leaving the RN, Terry went to live in Plymouth and his friend returned to his home area of Newcastle. They promised each other that whenever they went out for a beer they would order two pints at a time as a way of remembering their friendship.
Terry drank for many years in The Star in Plymouth and each day at 1800 hours he would order and drink 2 pints of guiness. Dermot, the landlord, commented to Terry on this practice and Terry naturally told him the story. This went on for some 13 years, every day.
Last week Terry entered The Star and only ordered one pint of bitter. Shocked and a trifle worried and anxious, Dermot enquired whether Ken had passed away hence no need for the second pint.
‘Oh no, ‘replied Terry, ‘I’ve given up drinking.’