History

The first recorded meeting was held at Barnwell Reading Room on the19th December 1977, the main activity seemed to be the consumption of home made punch and well enjoyed by 23 members present. This is a paragraph from the minutes.

Attendance was 23, this was thought to be on the low side due to very thick fog( followed by thick heads) and Christmas Week. Following the punch members various wines were consumed along with excellent food supplied by other members.--- Nothing alters !!!

It is calculated that BWC has donated over £10,000 to charities over the the years, with £8000+ being given to charities for the blind from money raised at our stalls at Ashton Conker Championships. Donations have also been made to the RNIB, Glapthorn Church,cancer and animal welfare charities. Very often a speaker has asked for their fee to go to their favorite charity, but these have not been recorded in detail.

Two members have been World Conker Champions, namely Sandy Rowan and John Hawes and also Percy Canning from nearby Buckden Wine Circle. So making wine, also makes champions. All three of them became minor TVcelebrities during their reign.

As well as indoor meetings, visits have been made to breweries and vineyards both in England and Germany,boat trips, car rallies, country houses, BBQs and other outdoor events. A recent highlight was the hosting of BBC Radio Northamptons Garden Question Time. Some years ago a member did a short series on BBC Northampton called 'Getting Started' (on winemaking) and has done frequent interviews since then with various presenters in an effort to raise the profile of our hobby.

Members have won many awards at wine shows over the years, with one winning the Best Dry Stout at a national show.

The last few years have seen a decline in homebrewing but we look forward to the future continuing MAKING WINE-MAKING FRIENDS

There has never been a better time for making wine and beer than at the present time with the economic climate the way it is and HM Government taxing us to the hilt on alcohlic beverages

So come and join us and prove that the old English  Spirit is still alive- avoid taxes , have fun, make friends, make your own with Woodford& Barnwell District Wine and Beermakers