“It’s a great advantage not to drink among hard drinking people.”   F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

In October the nights draw in, the days shorten, we have months of baggy warm clothes to look forward to and we pack thoughts of having a toned torso away for another year. I have never felt guilty about drinking or being generally unhealthy [odd pack of cashews, big bar of fruit and nut and a few bottles of Coors have been my best friends quite often]

But not anymore. October this year heralds not one but two national campaigns.

1: Quit smoking – Stoptober

2: Go Sober for October, a charity initiative to raise money for MacMillan Cancer Support, which urges us to stay off the booze for 31 days.

I don’t smoke, but I fancy the challenge of a month off booze, so I’m going for it! I may find I don’t miss it at all, give it up entirely and suddenly have the energy for Morris Dancing (is it possible to do that sober? I’ll let you know)