An occasional blog

An occasional “blog”

"I believe that pipe smoking contributes to a somewhat calm and objective judgement in all human affairs." -Albert Einstein, 1950

The South West Pipe Club (UK)

One smoker’s view

To contact us, email:

The Club Secretary (bewm@fsmail.net)

14th February 2006: a day normally associated with things romantic. This year, however, there was a darker association—it was on this day that the House of Commons voted to ban smoking in all enclosed public places. As the Daily Telegraph phrased it in its editorial on 15th February: “Last night’s decision is perhaps the most Draconian infringement of personal liberty yet imposed by this Government”.

If this piece of legislation is ratified in its current format, smokers will no longer be able to enjoy their pursuit in any café, restaurant, pub or private club anywhere in England with effect from next summer. One reason behind this is, ostensibly, the health and welfare of workers exposed to the “dangers” of passive smoking. It is ironic to note that this concern does not extend to those employees who work in the bars at the Houses of Parliament. MPs have decided to exempt the entire complex from the ban… another case of “do as we say, not as we do”. Another reason is the amount spent on health-care treatment of smoking related diseases by the NHS; said to be in the region of £1.8 billion per year. Given the current state of the NHS, these days an ailing, incompetent, maladministered body, one must wonder how accurate this figure actually is. As the tax paid by smokers is around 5 times that amount, it would be fair to say that they are already paying for their health-care in advance.

Causal links between the inhalation of tobacco smoke and the possibility of the smoker contracting lung cancer have long been established. However, the evidence supporting a similar causal link where passive smoking is concerned does not seem to be as robust. Some of the evidence that supports the “dangers” of passive smoking has shown inconsistencies and methodological flaws. This raises the question: just how much of the “science” that has established that passive smoking does present a risk to health is propaganda, and how much is actual scientific fact? If it is the former, then what are the actual motives behind this legislation? Is this merely the first step in further unwelcome infringements of our personal liberty?

At one time liberal thinking advocated the reduction of interference by the state. These days it seems that “liberal” thinking and social control are becoming one and the same. “Experts” inform us that that certain things are bad for us. Costly campaigns are developed to dissuade us from indulging in pastimes that could effect the lifestyle that has been ordained for us by these “experts”. If these campaigns don’t succeed then legislation is used to prevent us from such indulgences. The capacity to make our own decisions is removed, even in cases where the risks involve only the individual making the decision. It would seem that the concept of democracy is just that — a concept as opposed to a reality.

Finally, it is sad to note that this piece of legislation will probably herald the end of the British Pipesmoking Championships. This year is likely to be the last that we will see the competition run in its current form. It also threatens this club and the other pipe clubs in the country. If the competition and the clubs are to survive, then solutions need to be found quickly. Both will doubtless be subjects for discussion at forthcoming meetings.

The NHS seem to be full of good, but often inaccurate and incomplete advice about smoking. It seemed appropriate therefore to assist them by providing all the options available to cigarette smokers, as in the advert below

(with apologies to cigar smokers — another suitable option.)

From time to time, this page will feature items that reflect both national and local thinking, albeit from an often subjective viewpoint. Hopefully, they will be of interest to our readers. If you have something you would like to be included, please contact the Club Secretary.

Although only recent in its implementation, the smoking ban has thrown up some interesting features. Trade in many pubs is down and is likely to reduce even further once winter sets in. It would seem that the promised rush of non-smokers suggested by the anti-smoking lobby has not materialised. Indeed, in many pubs, non-smokers are joining smokers outside rather than sitting miserably in an empty bar.

The South West Pipe Club is very fortunate to have found a sympathetic landlord who has provided excellent outside facilities, as can be seen by the accompanying photographs. Since the ban, membership has expanded with two new pipesmokers regularly attending. Welcome Chris and Andy.

Comrades in adversity

One of the last pre-ban meetings

Post-ban. Some familiar and some new faces

We’re happy to be of help!

20th February, a very special day to note in your diaries—this year and every year from now on. Why? Because 20th February is International Pipesmoking Day. There’s little more be need be said… the pictures and text say it all. Just remember, on that day, fill, light and smoke your pipe and raise it in honour of all the Brothers and Sisters of the Briar throughout the world.