Spring - a season of accelerated growth in more ways than one, don't you think? Weather wise, it got off to a pretty mild start with more sunshine and less rain than is usual but then we experienced some wild extremes from days of hot nor'westers to the odd bit of snow and frost. As main centres go, Christchurch was the coldest and the driest. OK.

And what about political acceleration? While it's always good to exercise your franchise, and whatever your view of the Election results, we can be thankful the yapfest has quietened down. As politicians mutter amongst themselves and negotiate their positions, we can only adopt a wait-and-see attitude with perhaps the aid of a refreshing ale and a platter of tasty morsels. Here at least, in the friendly bosom of Pomeroy's, one need not fear the yellow-jacketed man or suspicious strangers wanting to press the flesh (well, I find a slap and a loud "sod off" soon fixes that).

Back in September, in a state of ferment, Steve and Wigram Brewing entered a pale ale in New Zealand's premier beer competition. Unfortunately, the family could not attend/cajole/charm/bribe and while 'Pomeroy's Pale Ale' didn't gain any awards, it was very well received. Fortunately, it's on tap at Pomeroy's (where else?) and you can judge for yourself.

In October, travelling at an average cruising speed of 550kph, the Pomeroy's family converged upon another historic pub, The Water Rat, in Melbourne to celebrate Steve's sister's 50th and niece's 21st birthdays. And what a reunion is was! Steve, Victoria, Ava and Keeley joined Aidan (Canada), Shannon (Sydney), Steve's mum Luzzy, Aunty Agnes and countless brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cuzzies and their respective partners for a huge family wingding.

Meanwhile, back at 292 Ground Zero, Steve and his team of experts have been transforming the old B&B into ... boutique accommodation; bigger, brighter and more beautiful than before. Work is progressing like lightning and it looks like a grand opening in December. In a stroke of genius, kitchen gardens have been planted out back and already supply Victoria's Kitchen with fresh herbs and produce for the menu. Talk about low carbon miles!

Halloween - what can we say? Some of you are spooky, very spooky indeed. Fires burned and cauldrons bubbled, spiders scuttled and Pomeroy's oozed and pulsed with a ghoulish carnival atmosphere. There were hags and bags, angels and devils (both dimensions were well represented), cats and bruisers, members of the medical profession and other freaks, a lycra-clad ummm… Jane Fonda and a well-known French mime.

Silent "AAAAARGH!!!" Well done everyone - a big thanks for your ghastly efforts. As we speed insanely into summer, and all that that implies, don't forget to catch a sunny break and relax quietly with your mates at Pomeroy's.