OUR pub nostalgia pieces brought back memories for reader Derek Rayner.
The 74-year-old has a strong family connection with one of Colchester's watering holes as his dad ran the Lord Nelson, on Hythe Hill.
He was landlord in the years after the Second World War.
All smiles - Mr Rayner's brother, Brian, daughter Kim (left) and wife Jo won an award during their time running the Castle Inn, at Ramsey
Mr Rayner junior, who lives in Stanway, was just one when his dad took over and the family moved on when he was 15.
He said: "I also have aunties and uncles who ran pubs in Colchester.
"Auntie Vera and Uncle Len ran the New Inn, in South Street, and were brewery Ind Coope's longest-serving tenants when they retired, while my nanna’s sister, Aunt Ada, kept the Malsters at the Hythe Quay and dad’s brother, Uncle Harry, ran The Globe, in Military Road (now the Oliver Twist).
Golden wedding anniversary - Mr Rayner's parents, George and Hilda, who ran the Lord Nelson, on Hythe Hill
"My brother ran the Castle Inn, at Ramsey, while I also have an aunt who used to work at FL Collyer, in East Street, Colchester.
"They were suppliers to the licensed trade and she also served at the Nelson, so has a wealth of knowledge and will celebrate her 100th birthday later in 2021."
Mr Rayner added: "The other twist to the story is that my dad left the running of the pub to my mum and nanna while he set up a business going round installing bars.
"Later on he fitted beer pumps and worked on other ways to get the beer from the cellar to the bar.
Celebration - Mr Rayner with his aunt, Ruby Goodwin
"I started working with dad when I was 20.
"Now I still work with my son, who is also involved in the industry.
"So for 54 years, I've been going round pubs, clubs and even Butlin's, at Clacton, to clean out beer tanks before bulk delivery."
Mr Rayner is married with two sons, Shane and Craig.
Looking back - a newspaper cutting reflecting on the life of Mr Rayner's dad, George
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