Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.GARY RHODES, chef: I can't remember my first alcoholic drink but I can remember the first time I got drunk. I was 13 and my friends and I were drinking Woodpecker cider at a party. I got so drunk my brother had to collect me. I got sick all over the first stereo I ever owned. I cook with cider but I can't drink it now.
JAMES BROWN, editor of Loaded magazine: Apart from staggering round parties with a bottle of cider, I can consciously remember the first time I went to the pub. I was 15 and had half a pint of cider in a pub called the Hyde Park in Leeds with a girl called Erica. I want you to put in that I'm PPA Editor of the Year.
CLARE SHORT, MP: I must have been 16 or 17 and I was doing my A-levels. I went to the pub with friends and I didn't have a clue about drinks. I asked for a half of mild because I thought it was. I didn't like it at all but I've made up for it since.
REDMOND O'HANLON, explorer and writer: I remember the first time I got drunk. I was on a retreat near Salisbury. I was 16. We'd all been terribly devout the whole day. In the evening we found a way out, went to a pub and got drunk. We couldn't find the way back in and a nun in a nightdress or maybe her habit let us in. I haven't been on a retreat since or become a Christian. It was a moment of conversion.
PENNY VINCENZI, novelist: I was 16 and my father thought I was old enough to have my first drink - a Gin and It. It was marvellous.
BRENDAN RYAN, marketing manager and ex-altar boy: I had my first drink when I was seven in the sacristy of my local church. I swigged the altar wine when no one was looking.
KEVIN SMITH GALLER, of the Alcohol Recovery Project: I was eight when I had my first drink. I was a bottle boy for an off-licence and I would slip bottles under the back fence of the shop. By the time I was 13 I had a drink problem. I played truant to go drinking in the woods, crying most of the time.
HARRY HILL, comedian: Never. I'm still waiting for a special occasion.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments