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WARE WINE & BEER CIRCLE |
| MEETINGS IN 2019 | |
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2019 December: Christmas Supper Eleven members attended the buffet supper for which members brought a selection of savoury and sweet dishes for all to enjoy. A table was laid including Christmas crackers in one of the upstairs rooms. Kevin provided background music via his mobile phone. One of the highlights of the evening was the loss of cracker contents under the new timber floor over the original mill grating. There were no volunteers to crawl under to retrieve David’s little white ball rendering his newly acquired luxury, plastic basketball game useless. At the end of the evening, David thanked everybody for their food contributions. December: Ware Christmas Festival We set up our usual stall at the Ware Dickensian evening a little later than usual but were up and running at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Friday December 6th. The price of our hot mulled wine was increased this year to £2 per cup. However, as we remained the cheapest in town, almost all had been sold by the time stalls were closing down leaving us with about a third of a boiler. Peter R. took control of the boiler, Kevin encouraged the public by shouting in the style of a street corner newspaper salesman with the half time football results, Robert and Chris served the wine, with Eddie keeping them supplied with cups. Elaine took her usual place at the “till”. The evening was again a success and the club managed to raise £1024 providing a profit of circa £900. Fifty percent of the profit has been donated to the Isabel Hospice. November: Wildlife of Brazil by Graham and Mary Brace 17 members and 3 guests attended the meeting. Kevin reminded those present about the December 16th meeting and the need for members to bring Xmas food items. Elaine asked everyone to indicate what they would be bringing by completing a chart. Elaine read an update on Colin & Mary’s move & how they are settling in at Kettering. Kevin handed the meeting over to Graham & Mary Brace who introduced their presentation for the evening of “Wildlife in Brazil”. Approximately 80 slides were shown ranging from small birds to Caiman and Jaguars. Peter R. gave Graham & Mary a bottle of wine for their efforts on behalf of the Circle. Graham Speller had brought along a bottle of British, Martin’s Lane, Pinot Gris for the members to try which Kevin poured. The Circle’s president Dave K thanked Graham and Mary for a very interesting talk and amazing photos. October: Food Competition - Unusual Food Combinations 12 members attended the meeting. Chris explained the food competition procedure and issued food marking sheets requiring presentation, suitability/originality and flavour/balance to be considered. There were 2 savoury and 4 sweet entries. The results were as follows - Savoury 1st Carol with Green Cheese and Turkey Roll-Ups 2nd Peter R with Cucumber Cheesecake Sweet 1st Richard with Carrot Cup Cakes 2nd Sue K with Chocolate and Beetroot Cup Cakes President David thanked the entrants and organisers of the event and presented the two rolling pin trophies. Photo Gallery October: South West Counties Amateur Winemakers Federation Annual Show Two members of the Circle (Peter R and Elaine) attended the South West Counties 57th Annual Show in Bideford, Devon. As well as judging, Peter and Elaine entered a number of bottles. Peter got a 1st place for his lager, which also won best beer of the show. Elaine gained 4 1st places - Aperitif Medium Dry Sherry (which was also best dry white wine and 3rd overall in best wine of the show), After dinner white/golden, Elderberry and/or blackberry sweet, and Liqueur any flavour with a toffee vodka. They didn't manage to get the top club award, but only SW Counties affiliated clubs count to this trophy anyway. Nor did Peter get Master Brewer. The club has had a very successful year in all the Federation shows, gaining top club in the National, Wales & West (non-affiliated club), Beds & Herts, Middlesex and CCAWF. We have also won the Master Brewer title in all of these shows, shared between Peter R, Kevin and Chris. September: 32nd Central Counties Amateur Winemakers Federation Annual Show Six members of the Circle attended the CCAWF’s 32nd Annual Show at the Park Inn Hotel, Peterborough. As well as judging or stewarding various classes, the attending members had made numerous entries. Ware Circle members achieved the highest combination of points across all classes (excluding Judge and Circle classes) and the Circle was awarded the Scraptoft Trophy for circle with most points. Further major trophies awarded to Ware members were as follows: Elaine:- Cecil Vacuum Trophy, most points in purpose wine classes; J. J. Tompkins Trophy, most points in social wine classes Peter:- Geordie Trophy, most points in beer classes Kevin:- Barry Pearce Memorial Trophy, best table wine; Albert Mitchell Memorial Trophy, best country wine Chris:- Brian Edwards Memorial Trophy, best beer in show In all a total of 16 first places were awarded to Peter, Elaine, Kevin, Chris & Carol and a combination of 43 other 2nd, 3rd and 4th places together with many commended entries. The show and award ceremony were followed by an excellent evening dinner and dance, attended by Peter, Elaine, Chris and Carol. The club has now been top club at 5 federation shows – National, Wales & West (non-affiliated club), Beds & Herts, Middx and CCAWF, as well as having Master Brewer at all those shows. September: Wine Tasting from unusual countries by Mark Duce & In House Wine Competition 11 members and 9 guests from Stevenage Amateur Wine & Beer makers Guild attended the meeting. The number of entries for the two internal competition classes were 1) Kit Wine Any Colour, 10 bottles and 2) Fruit Dry White, 9 bottles. With thanks to Daphne, the wine competition places were awarded as follows - Class 1 1st Elaine Robinson; 2nd Kevin Martin; 3rd Chris Evans Class 2 1st Chris Evans; 2nd Robert Fergus; 3rd Peter Robinson While the competition was being judged and in Kevin’s absence, Peter R introduced guest speaker Mark Duce of Liberty Wines who presented a collection of wines from more unusual wine-making countries with a review and discussion on each. The wines were - 2018 Ningxia Riesling, Kanaan Winery, China 14% RSP £25.99 2017 Akluj Chardonnay/Sauvignon Blanc, M/S, Maharashtra, India 12.5% RSP £14.99 2018 Chardonnay/Rebula, Gasper, Goriska Brda, Slovenia 12.5% RSP £13.49 2018 Pinot Noir Rose, Bodega Garzon Estate, Maldonado, Uruguay 13.5% RSP £15.99 2017 Judean Hills Levant Argaman, Segal, Israel 12.5% RSP £12.99 2017 Karasi Areni Noir, Zorah, Vayots Dzor, Armenia 14% RSP £29.99 2017 Marselan, Bodega Garzon Reserve, Maldonado, Uruguay 14.5% RSP £19.99 Peter Robinson thanked Mark for his presentation. Alan Mott thanked Ware for inviting Stevenage to the meeting. August: Annual BBQ 19 members attended the barbeque with thanks to Colin (who finally had his very belated birthday party!) and Mary for hosting the event which enjoyed excellent weather throughout. Peter R and Kevin manned the barbeque cooking chicken and sausages which were complimented by green salad, cucumber & tomatoes from Sue & Robert, potato salad from John & Reg, green pea pasta salad from Kevin, couscous from Graham & Mary B, salad dressing and serviettes from Margaret, blancmange from Mary L, lemon roulade from Graham B, raspberry trifle from Sue K, coleslaw and strawberry sponge from Carol, cheese & biscuits from Eddie and pre dinner nibbles from Glen & Elaine who also provided bread & butter. Photo Gallery August: Annual Computerised Wine Drive, run by Elaine and Peter R 15 members and 1 guest attended the meeting. Kevin reminded members about the club barbeque on Sunday 25th commencing 3 p.m. but asked that committee members arrive at 2 p.m. to assist with setting up and all to remember to bring plates, bowls, cutlery, drinks and glasses. Kevin quoted the programme of forthcoming meetings i.e. commercial tasting and internal competition on 16th September; food competition of unusual combinations within sweet or savoury dishes on 21st October and that attempts were being made to arrange a speaker for November. Kevin asked the meeting’s opinion regarding an Xmas event and the general opinion was that some form of in-house food & drink meeting would be preferred. Chris called upon club president David K to present annual show trophies and certificates. Elaine presented the wine drive with assistance from Peter R. 10 members and the guest formed 5 teams to judge the paired combinations of 9 home made wines and 1 commercial. The results of the drive were as follows together with Founders Trophy points awarded. 1st Commercial (but no points awarded!), 2nd Kevin (therefore 4 points), 3rd Peter B (3 points), 4th Robert (2 points), 5th Robert (1 point), 6th Graham S, 7th Peter R, 8th Elaine, 9th Peter R, 10th Chris Photo Gallery July: 39th Annual Show The club held its 39th Annual Show at Ware Arts Centre. 17 competitors, including 9 from other wine & beer circles, entered 159 bottles in eight wine classes and four beer classes. Entries and judges all arrived promptly allowing the show to commence on time. The Judges were Daphne Grant, Mike Davey, Geoff Fryer, Richard Baldwin, and Peter Robinson. After the judging, the judges and assisting stewards and show organisers enjoyed a salad lunch. Thanks to all who entered and well done to all the winners who will be announced at the August meeting and presented with their trophies. Click here for results and trophy winners. Photo Gallery July: Spanish Tapas Night 18 members and one guest attended. Chairman Kevin provided background music at various volumes attempting to comply with the requests of members sitting at either end of the room. The Spanish theme was supported by attendees bringing an excellent selection of savoury dishes which can be seen in the associated photos. Kevin contributed a sweet course. Wines both commercial and homemade were provided by members. Peter R and Kevin distributed samples of sherry. David K thanked everybody for their efforts and congratulated the club for its achievements in major competitions to date. July 2019 Photo Gallery Chris reminded the meeting of the coming show on Saturday 20th and asked for volunteers to steward and thanked Robert and Graham S for their offer to help. Kevin stated that the August meeting is the wine drive and asked that wines be in one litre bottles if possible. The September internal competition classes are a) Kit Wine Any Colour and b) Fruit Dry. June: Tea Party at Graham and Mary B's With almost continuous rain during the week preceding the Tea Party, several members were anxiously checking the weather forecast to see if sunshine would appear on the day. Fortunately, it did, although there was a brief shower in the morning, and it was quite windy in the afternoon. 12 members made the journey over to Braintree to enjoy various sandwiches - salmon and cream cheese, cheese and pickle, brie and cranberry, and egg and cress - and various delicious cakes - lemon roulade, coffee and walnut, seed cup cakes, and Danish pastries; all were home-made by Graham. And tea and coffee to wash it all down! A glass or two of home-made wine rounded off the afternoon. Many thanks to Graham and Mary for hosting the event. May: Quiz Nite with Dave and Sue 15 members attended the meeting including the quizmasters. Members divided into 4 teams of 3 for the quiz which consisted of 6 rounds of 10 questions and a common link word round which teams completed throughout the quiz. The winners were Peter B., Eddie & Kevin at table 4; 2nd Peter R., Graham S. & Mary B. at table 3; 3rd Carol, Sue & Margaret at table 2 and 4th Chris, Robert & Graham B. at table 1. Members of the winning team received a bottle of wine each. After the quiz Kevin reminded the meeting of the tea party in June, Spanish night in July and that entries for the Ware show should be considered now. Kevin also gave a brief run down of the Ware achievements at the Wales & West and at Beds & Herts shows. Kevin thanked David & Sue for presenting the quiz. Peter R. reminded the meeting that club subscriptions were due. The entry form for the club's Annual show can be found on the Annual Show page. May: Beds & Herts Federation Show 2019 Peter, Elaine, Chris, Robert and Kevin entered the show this year. Elaine took her usual role with the management of show results and awards. Kevin and Chris judged with Robert and Carol acting as stewards. Elaine got three 1st places and 18 other places; Peter got six 1st places and 22 other places; Kevin got three 1st places and 19 other places; Robert got four 1st places and 1 other place; Chris got 17 places. Elaine won the National Trophy, Chris Stevens Trophy & Daphne Grant Trophy. Peter won the Herts Horticultural Trophy for highest points in the wine classes, with Elaine 2nd. Kevin won the SJ Buckley Trophy. The circle was the guild with highest overall points, for the fifth year, with 472 points and was awarded the Rolls Royce Trophy. Full report and results on the NAWB web site. May: Wales & West 55th Annual Festival The Wales & West 2019 Festival was held on 3rd - 6th May at Torquay with seven members of Ware attending, namely Elaine, Peter, Kevin, Chris and Carol, Robert and Susan as well as Lynn. Elaine, Peter, Kevin and Chris judged various classes and Carol and Lynn assisting as stewards. Elaine, Peter, Kevin, Robert, Chris & Carol entered the show. Ware Wine & Beer Circle retained the Leytonian Cup awarded to the non-affiliated circle with most points across all open classes and was awarded the South Gloucestershire Trophy for the club with most points across all beer classes for the third year running. Chris was awarded Master Beermaker for which he was presented with the Ken Perry Trophy. Carol gained a first place for her photograph. The festival included tastings of some interesting flavoured gins, wines and beers along with the usual evening entertainment. Then followed late night discussions upon the merits of individual’s wine and beer entries. Once again, the Wales & West was enjoyed by all attendees. Next year's show will take place over the weekend of the May Day Bank holiday. April: AGM followed by the Second Semi-Final of the Countries Wine Challenge 15 members attended the meeting. The minutes of last year’s AGM were accepted. Kevin presented the Chairman’s report which outlined club successes throughout the 2018/19 year including the Dickensian evening. Peter R. presented the Treasurer’s report stating a balance of circa £1160 i.e. a small loss for the year mostly due to expenditure on the 40th anniversary meal, although funds were helped by a successful raffle year. Peter commented that the club’s annual subscriptions will remain unchanged. There are issues with meeting in the Arts Centre currently (an increase in the charge for the evening and the noise from the dancing class upstairs) but we have been informed that the dancing class may move to another part of the Arts Centre in a couple of months. It was proposed and seconded that all committee members remain in post for the coming year. Other business included a reminder that the June meeting would be afternoon tea at Graham and Mary Brace home. The AGM was concluded by Kevin - Chris's absence - announcing that Peter R had won the Founder’s Trophy which had been a closely run contest. The top 4 places were - 4th Kevin 27 points, 3rd Robert 28 points, 2nd Elaine 29 points, 1st Peter R 31 points. The Countries for the Wine Challenge semi-final were France and Chile. Six bottles of wine had been purchased from Tesco and Asda (2 white & 4 red) within the price range £5.50 to £14.00. Attendees sampled each wine and a vote was taken to establish the preferred wines. On this occasion, the winning country was Chile. Although the votes for the white wines were close, the reds were decisive. The final next year will be between Spain and Chile which will be interesting! March: Internal Competition 13 members and 2 guests attended the meeting. Kevin presented the rolling pin trophy to Margaret for winning the savoury class of the club October 2018 food competition & thanked John for donating a bottle of sparkling wine to be shared later in the evening as a toast to the club’s successes. Kevin passed the meeting to Chris to open the internal competition. The two competition classes were a fixed recipe for elderberry claret and a sweet white with any vegetable, fruit, flower, leaf or herb as the base ingredient. There were five entries for the elderberry from Peter R, Elaine, Kevin, Robert and Chris. Eight entries for the sweet white were from Peter R, Elaine, two from Kevin, John, Peter B, Robert and Chris. Members sampled each entry and marked for bouquet and flavour. The results were as follows: Fixed Recipe Elderberry:- 1st Robert, Joint 2nd Kevin & Chris, 4th Peter R, 5th Elaine White Sweet:- 1st Kevin, 2nd Elaine, 3rd Kevin, 4th Chris Kevin gave attendees a sample of Chris’ dry mead which had won first prize at the National Show and invited them to recognise the style & main ingredient. Kevin had to provide a few clues! March: National Show at Britannia Country House Hotel, Manchester Peter and Elaine R, Kevin, Robert and Susan, and Chris and Carol went to the 61st National show at Manchester. See the NAWB website for the full results and photos. Ware Wine & Beer Circle and its members were among the 4 federations, 8 circles and 58 individual entrants at the National Association of Wine & Beer Makers (Amateur) Annual Show in Manchester on Saturday 16th March 2019. A total of 1255 bottles and 8 photos were entered across the show’s 94 classes. Ware Circle and its members gained 34 first and 113 other places and as a result retained their position at the top of the National Club Points League Table and the Amateur Winemakers Shield, for the fifth year in succession. In addition, Ware Circle won the Marconi Club Trophy and The Sweet ‘N’ Dry Cup. Peter R won the NAWB Master Trophy , The Bournemouth Master Winemaker Cup, The Temple Tankard and 10 other trophies. Elaine won The Hill Cup and 5 other trophies, Kevin won the The Wilf Newsom Trophy and 5 other trophies, Chris won the Brian Keer Trophy and 2 other trophies and Robert won 3 trophies, including one for the photograph class. Ware Circle and its members won a total of 34 trophies. The Show was a weekend event and included a presentation of home brew beers and wines. The highlight of the weekend was Saturday evening’s formal dinner followed by the presentation of major trophies and musical entertainment. This year Robert again took some of Peter and Elaine's trophies home! February: Beers and Ciders 10 members attended. Kevin introduced an evening devoted to the tasting and informal judging of beers and ciders produced by member brewers. Two homemade ciders were initially compared to a commercial product. Members discussed the merits of a cider produced by Kevin from a Wilko kit, one produced by Chris from a basic apple juice recipe and a commercial cider. Overall the meeting was of the opinion that the homemade ciders compared favourably with the mass-produced example. Then followed an informal competition between the member brewers Peter R, Kevin and Chris and their homebrewed Bitter, American IPA and Porter. Kevin served the bitters, Peter the IPA and Chris the Porter to allow each other to take part in the judging of two out of three beers. After each beer was tasted a vote was taken by show of hands with the following results. Most votes went to Kevin’s Bitter and American IPA and to Chris’ Porter. Elaine thanked the member brewers for providing the beers and ciders. January: Peter R's 70th Birthday Celebration 16 members and 3 guests attended the meeting. Kevin opened the meeting by presenting the sweet foods class rolling pin awarded to Richard & Emma for their entry in the October 2018 competition. Kevin then introduced Peter R as the host for his 70th birthday celebratory evening. Kevin drew attention to Peter’s extensive knowledge of wine, hard work as the Circle’s treasurer and to the fact that Peter didn’t look 70 adding that he seemed to have been around far too long to be just 70. Peter introduced his “Anything But Wine” tasting session and talked the members through 7 wines as follows.
David, as President & on behalf of the attendees, thanked Peter for an enjoyable evening. |
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Last updated:
16/08/21 |
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Copyright: 2001 WWBC |