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January 2016

Twenty-two members met on January 15 for a judging of the Elderberry Special Kit competition by friend and qualified judge, Fred Day. He was also giving a talk – ‘Wine is good for you, it says so in the bible’.  Sadly, Fred had spent the day in hospital and could not make it. The kits had been specially put together by  two experienced members of the society. The meeting went ahead with the membership judging the wines. There were nine entries.

 

The results were:

1st – Debra Jack with 692 points;

2nd – Danny Morgan with 671 points  

3rd – Richard Laborne with 652 points.

 

While the results were totted up, members enjoyed a delicious buffet supper that had been prepared by Debra.

 

 February 

 

Eighteen members met at the home of Roy and Margaret Fountain,  on February 5, for an A.G.M. replacement meeting. The format was ‘Wine Whist’. This game is played like progressive whist except that each player carries an unidentified bottle of home brewed wine with its scoresheet. Sitting at tables of four, the players, in turn, invite the other three to taste and score the wine. When the scores are totted up, the player with the lowest score moves clockwise and the highest score moves anti-clockwise round the room. A new round of tasting is played. After 10 rounds, the total scores for the bottles are added up. A prize is awarded to the person who actually brewed the wine and another to the player who carried it. Debra Jack was the brewer and the bottle was carried by Sue Moore.  They also each won the two bottle of wine in the raffle!

The A.G.M. will be held on March 5 in the Pavilion.

 

 

 

 

Sixteen members attended the A.G.M. and Social. The meeting was chaired by Danny Morgan. In his annual report he said that membership had remained stable. It had been another successful year with a good mix of home brewing and social events. The committee, however, was always open to new ideas for the monthly activities. Following the A.G.M. in March, there was Wine Whist in April; a Berry Wine mini competition in May and a ‘Misfits’ mini competition in June. He had hosted the BBQ in July where just one bottle of beer was overlooked. In August there was just two pubs for the walk which included a quiz. He won the September Annual Beer Competition with the ‘overlooked’ bottle of beer. In October, a special ‘Cheese with suitable accompanying wines‘  talk was given by Tracy Elgood of Ely. The Annual Wine Show was held in November where there were many entries. The Christmas event was a Safari Supper around Needingworth. An Elderberry Wine mini competition featured in January and the season ended with Wine Whist in February as a substitute for the planned A.G.M.

Danny then ‘changed hats, and gave the Treasurer’s Report. There had been a slight loss over the year but this was acceptable as the event that brought this on was much enjoyed. The funds were healthy and he proposed that the subscriptions remain at £7.50 per head.

Before the elections Danny said that Richard Larborne was retiring as he had taken over as Vice chairman of the local Caravan Club, Di Goodwin, Sue and Arthur Chappell had increasing family commitments and were also standing down. The four remaining members, Danny Morgan – Chairman/Treasurer, Sandra Buckenham - Secretary, Andy Killoran – Membership and Debra jack were willing to continue in post and were elected. There was no one able to commit to committee membership. However, Andrew and Luanna Mattey promised to be always willing to help out as needed and George Britton had taken over the website. He would produce the Newsletter and manage the league table.

Following the formal meeting, there was the Prize giving. Arthur Chappell won the Berry Wine competition, Annual Show Dry Red and ‘Best in Show’ and so was presented with crystal glasses and the Chris Slee Trophy. He also won the League Table Trophy. Debra Jack won two mini competitions – ‘Misfits’, Club Kit Wine and Annual Show Sweet White. Show Sweet Red was won by Roy Fountain, and Dry White by Tony Anderson. Danny won the John Buckenham Memorial Trophy for his beer.

The meeting continued with a Social and buffet prepared by Debra.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Twelves members of the Society spent the evening of April 16 enjoying a different side of life in Buckden. They took a taxi to Buckden Towers where they enjoyed a lovely Roast Beef dinner followed by Apple Crumble. A short stroll along Mill Road took them to the smallest brewery in the country. Here they met Jon and Jane Draycott at the Draycott Brewery. The party divided into two with the first half doing the brewery tour and the others enjoying a tasting given by Jane. She explained that Jon has a full time job, with the MOD, for the first four days of the week and then he gets up at four o’clock on Friday morning to indulge his passion for the brewing. They make four beers and it is the only beer brewery still selling its product in pint bottles. Jon is the brewer and Jane plays a major role in the bottling and labelling department.

They make fours beers and the tasting notes were written by CAMRA which has been very supportive. The Pale Ale has light notes of caramel and honey. It is a light crisp Ale which was designed to appeal to Lager drinkers. It has an ABV of 4%. The first and still the best selling beer is BBB – Buckden Bronze Beer. It was given CAMRA accreditation in 2009. It is a classic bitter, golden amber in colour. It bitterness is derived from hops and toasted malts. ABV is 4.1%.  The Ruby Bitter is more complex and has an aroma of chocolate, orange and orchard fruits with a dry, bitter finish – ABV 4.6%. Buckden Black porter was first brewed in 2010 and has a welcoming aroma of biscuity malt, with a touch of liquorice and fruit.

Jon conducted the tour. He said that he and a friend decided that they would like to start up a micro-brewery at the friend’s farm. With his engineering background, Jon designed and built the components. However, at the last moment, his friend had to pull out of the project. So, he converted a downstairs bedroom which was next to a toilet, giving him ready access to water and drainage. In this small room he has set up a hot water tank, a ‘sparging’ tank, a cooling tank and heat exchanger along with the brewing vessels in heat controlled cupboards. These feed the bottling device. It is also the space where Jane sterilises the bottles before they are filled. Jon spends 14 hours at the brewing. This fills the fermenting tanks and produces 600 bottles of beer. Initial fermentation takes one week. It is then bottled.

To qualify as a ‘Real Ale’ a little extra sugar is added to the bottle when it is filled. It is then capped and stored in temperature controlled cabinets for two months in an outhouse. This is the ‘secondary fermentation’ phase of the brewing. Jane then has the job of labelling – front and back, and the beer is ready for sale.

They market the beers locally under the Buckden Beer label. They have another interest in holiday chalets in Dunster, Somerset, where the same beers are sold under the Dunster Beach label.

Tribute from John & Val:-

We also enjoyed the Buckden B&W evening and thought it was one of the best we had been on.  John will certainly order packs of beer from time to time. What a great couple they were and what a lot of dedication must be needed to maintain the brewery.

 

 

Ten members met at Danny's to taste ‘Wines from Hedgerow Fruits’, in the first of the season’s mini competitions. Dianne Goodwin won her first competition with an excellent Rosé made from Elderberry and Grape. Second was Arthur Chappell and Debra Jack was third. Six of the judges opted for Dianne’s entry. While the scores were totted up, the group enjoyed a buffet supper prepared by Sally.

 

 

Thirteen members met at the home of Jamie and Debra for a double event on June 17. First was the mini competition for ‘Wine from Trees’. First was Debra with 478 points; second was Di with 446 points and third was Arthur with 426 points. There seven wines in all and the results have been entered into the season’s League Table. Di is still just holding on with Debra and Arthur in hot pursuit.

After the lovely buffet supper, the second part of the evening was a wine tasting of ‘Red Wines from South America’, given be George Britton. He started with a brief history of the development of wine production in Argentina. Argentina has been growing vines since their introduction by Spanish invaders. Originally, the output was from the pink Criolla Grande vines and grown for home consumption.  Although difficult to grow, Malbec flourishes in the region of Mendoza where it has been planted high on the eastern slopes of the Andes Mountains. It is watered by the melt waters from the old irrigation systems that were put in place in the 19th century. In an active policy to rip out the old vines and replace them with premium varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and more Malbec, finally paid off in the 1990’s when business confidence in Argentina was sufficient the drag it into the 20th century. The vines are grown on a trellis system, rather like hops, with netting above to protect the fruit from the vicious hailstorms. Because of the height of the vineyards, they can be located much closer to the equator. Argentina produces five time the quantity of Chile with it major markets in the U.S.A.

The first wine was a Malbec – Parra Alta from the Mendoza region. This was then compared with a second, more expensive, Malbec from Mendoza. Following the theme of diversification, they then tried Trivento Shiraz Reserve. Trivento – three winds, Polar, Zonda and Sudestada. Eolo – the God of the Winds summons the winds that make Mendoza such a distinctive wine growing region. Finally, they tasted a Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon – Casillero di Diablo, named by the vintner to scare thieves away from his storage caves which he said were inhabited by the Devil.

George said that he had just read that Azda’s Chilean Malbec, costing £4.37, had just won ‘Best in Show’ at the prestigious Decanter Wine Awards. Apparently, their website crashed because of the number of on-line orders that were placed after the announcement.

Eighteen members and friends   met at the home of Chairman, Danny Morgan, for their Annual BBQ on July 16. Danny was the chef and produced his usual very high standard of cooking.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Results

Dry Red Wine – First - Sandra Buckenham (Best in Show), Second, Roy Fountain, Third - Dianne Goodwin & Mya Taylor; Dry White Wine – First - Dianne Goodwin, Second - Andrew Killoran, Third - Sandra Buckenham; Rosé Wine – First - Roy Fountain, Second - Sandra Buckenham, Third - Diane Goodwin; Sweet White Wine – First - Dianne Goodwin, Second - Roy Fountain, Third - Sandra Buckenham; Medium Red Wine – First - Sandra Buckenham, Second - Dianne Goodwin, Third - Roy Fountain; Medium White Wine – First - Roy Fountain, Second - Dianne Goodwin, Third - Sandra Buckenham. Winner of the Sylvester Trophy for most points – Di Goodwin.

These do not count in the League Table

Nineteen members took part in the annual Pubs Walk. The walk started with a Treasure Hunt which was devised by John and Val Ackrill. The route was centred around Needingworth with a mixture of cryptic clues based on house names and photographs taken along the route. Kim & Sue got all the answers, including a missing notice that appears to have been knocked down since the clues were finalized. After the Treasure Hunt, most people walked to the Ferryboat Inn, for a pint, before returning to the home of Margaret and Roy Fountain to enjoy a delicious ‘Bring & Share’ Supper with plenty of wine and conversation.

Eight members took a taxi to Oldhurst to Sandra's home for the annual Beer Competition. There five beers on offer for the John Buckenham Trophy. The winner with 196 points was Danny Morgan; second, 188 points – Andy Killoran and third was Sally Morgan. Arthur Chappell was fourth with 154 points and creeps into the lead on the overall brewing league table. The members then enjoyed a buffet supper and social evening.

 

Nineteen members met on October 14 for ‘Unusual Cheeses with Suitable Wines’. The original speaker had to withdraw. So, Danny chose four wines from his ‘Naked Angels’ wine purchasing club and George  took these to the Cambridge Cheese Company, in All Saints Passage, where Shannon Shafer matched suitable cheeses with the wines. She followed this up with some very useful tasting notes. George gave the presentation to his eager audience.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The matches were – Ragstone Goats Cheese, made at Neal’s Yard Creamery in Herefordshire, with New Zealand ‘Back Door’ Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2015. From Spain came Castillo Catadau Gran Reserva 2009, made with Tempranillo grapes, matched with San Simon da Costa, smoked cheese – using only the bark of Birch trees. One of the oldest French cheeses, Fourme d’Ambert, a blue cheese from the Auvergne Region went beautifully with Kimbao Cabernet Sauvignon Carmérè from Chile. The final combination of ‘Vintage Lincolnshire Poacher’, a Cheddar style cheese made near Alford, was enhanced by a Mauricio Lorca 2015 Malbec from Argentina.

The whole evening was run at a leisurely pace to allow much discussion of the cheeses and wines on offer. The evening ended with a buffet supper, prepared by Sandra , and more socialising!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Cheese Company Shop is in All Saints Passage just down from the Round Church - on the right - blue paintwork. Well worth a visit - they have lots of other produce and a website - www.cambridgecheese.com

Seventeen members met at the home of Chairman, Danny Morgan, for the Annual Wine Show on November 18. There were 29 wines on offer. These were judged by the assembled company. Results:- Dry Red; 1st – Arthur Chappell – 600 points, 2nd – Roy Fountain – 554 points, 3rd – Di Goodwin – 517 points: Sweet Red; 1st – Margaret Fountain – 609 points, 2nd – Roy Fountain – 585 points, 3rd – Di Goodwin – 561 points Dry White; 1st Margaret Fountain – 437 points, 2nd – Arthur Chappell – 427 points, 3rd – Di Goodwin – 398 points: Sweet White; 1st – Arthur Chappell – 483 points, 2nd Di Goodwin – 474 points, 3rd – Richard Laborne – 455 points. ‘Best in Show’ was Margaret’s Sweet Red. While the results were worked out, members enjoyed a buffet supper and social. Arthur still leads he Season’s League Table.

 

Despite the rain, there was almost a full turnout for the Holywell-cum-Needingworth Christmas ‘Safari Supper’. Secretary, Sandra Buckenham, did a superb job of organising the event. It started in Chappell Close with mulled wine and a choice of starters – Prawn Cocktails, Pate and Toast or Fruit Salad. Then, off to Mill Way for the main course – Lasagne, Fish Pie, Chilli Concarne or Chicken Supreme served with Baked Potatoes and vegetables. Next to Priory Road for puddings of Strudel, Baked Alaska or Summer Pudding and, finally, just next door for Cheese, Port and Coffee. Sadly, there had to be an early prize presentation of a cut-glass wine glass to Di Goodwin, winner of the ‘Wine from Hedgerow Fruits’ mini competition, as she leaves the village before the A.G.M. when prizes are normally presented.

Eighteen members met for the last of the season’s mini competitions. This was made special by inviting Fred Day and his wife, Jean, to judge and discuss the wines. There were seven wines on offer – made from grapes or commercial grape juice. All the wines were very acceptable and Fred made small suggestions as to how some could be improved. The results were – 1st Sandra Buckenham; 2nd Margaret Fountain and 3rd Arthur Chappell. Arthur wins the League Table by a clear 30 points, having entered all eight competitions.

After a delicious buffet supper, Fred gave an amusing talk based on Nic Van Oudtshoorn’s book  ‘The Drinking Man’s Survival Guide’.

 

 

 

 

Eighteen members met at the home of Richard and Helena for a Valentines Wine Whist Evening. Each player was responsible for another member’s bottle of wine. The room was set out with tables for four, as for a Whist Drive. Each player tasted the other three wines and scored them out of 10. The ‘carriers’ totted up the three scores for their bottle. The carrier with the highest score moved clockwise and the lowest score the other way. Another round of tasting followed until ten rounds were completed. The winning carrier was Keith, who had looked after Debra‘s bottle. This very sociable evening was made special by Helena who decorated the tables with chocolate hearts and rose petals. All the ladies were presented with a red rose to take home.

Fourteen members held the Society’s AGM on March 3. Sandra Buckenham took the very brief meeting at which the reports were accepted and the committee re-elected. Following the formal business, the prizes and trophies for the last season’s competitions were handed out. The evening then took the form of a Social Event with a buffet, prepared by Debra, and wine donated by the Chairman.

 

 

 

 

 

Members of the  Society visited, by taxi, Burghley Homebrew, just north of Peterborough, on April 22. Charles Hill, from Peterborough, offered four wines for tasting and Richard from Burghley Homebrew brought out his delicious home brewed Baileys, flavoured with lime.

The group took advantage of the on-site shop while enjoying the very friendly welcome. Chairman’s wife Sally provided the supper.

Just six members of the Society met at  Danny’s, home for the first League Table mini competition which was Rosé Wine. The results were: 1st, Arthur with 176 points, 2nd, Roy with 153 points and 3rd, Margaret with 100 points. Sally Morgan prepared a lovely buffet supper for this intimate evening.

Eighteen members held a DIY Wine Tasting at the home of Tracie and Andy Killoran on June 16. Members were invited to bring a favourite wine, and suitable accompanying small dish, and to talk briefly about them. The Wines ranged from Prosecco, through white and Rosé to five reds. This developed into a lovely social evening, held on the patio.

Well Dressing

Sandra's contribution to the Church Flower Festival - 'The Fens'

March

April
May
June
July
Annual Village Show
August
October

September

November
December
January - 2017
February
March
April
May
June
July

Danny and Sally hosted the Annual BBQ

August
Annual Village Show

Home-made Wine

Dry Red Wine – First -  Sandra Buckenham, Second - Roy Fountain;

Dry White Wine – First - Chris Evans, Second - Sandra Buckenham, Third - Roy Fountain;

Rosé Wine – First - Chris Evans, Second - Roy Fountain, Third - Sandra Buckenham;

Sweet White Wine – First - Roy Fountain, Second - Chris Evans;

Medium Red Wine – First - Roy Fountain, Second - Sandra Buckenham;

Medium White Wine – First - Roy Fountain, Second - Sandra Buckenham;

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