Saturday 21st August
The more hardy members braved the elements including thunder and lightning to enjoy the BBQ hosted by Andrew, Jane and family
Being dedicated campers providing shelter was not a problem so everyone was kept dry.
The hosts arranged a novel quiz that was enjoyed by all, as was the entire evening.
All joined chairman Jacqui in thanking Andrew, Jayne and children
for their hospitality
Thursday 29th July
Several members attended the funeral service at Kettering Crematorium of Joyce Hackney who had been a member for some years, Joyce died on Monday 19th July at Kettering General Hospital. After the funeral refreshments were served at Woodford Working Mens Club. A donation from the Winemakers was sent as requested to the air ambulance fund.
WINEMAKERS AHOY
Sunday 4th July
What a fantastic time we had last Sunday when we hired 2 barges on the canal at Foxton Locks near Market Harborough
The day started off with us arriving nice and early so that we could get instructions on how to operate the boats,in fact we were there before the instuctor and sat waiting and looking at the canal with anticipation,it was then that Val spotted a lone duckling swimming too and forth in the water and squeeking like mad,it had lost its mother and she was nowhere in sight,for one minute i thought Val was going to try to catch it and adopt it but there was nothing we could do
Just then the boat hirer arrived and we went to get all the paperwork sorted and meet up with the others ,as we crossed over a bridge we then saw the duckling again and guess what ?yes this time Mum was with it and the family was complete once more
The sun was shining all day which made for a perfect day ,other Bargees that we passed were very friendly and people waved to us as we passed,we had a few small problems especially those of us driving "the big boys boat" but captain Ron came to our assistance and saved the day
A great time was had by all and lets hope we can do it again sometime soon
We finished the day by dining at "Hobsons Choice" Kettering everyone had a very nice meal ,I had Sunday roast ,you cant go wrong at "2 for a tenner" can you
Many thanks to the staff at Hobsons Choice
See you all next month at the BBQ at Andrew and Janes
Car Rally
Tuesday 15th June
Bob & Pam arranged the rally which started in Irthlingborough. The route took mainly quiet roads passing through Finedon, Burton Latimer,Isham,Orlingbury, Little & Great Harrowden finishing at The Lamb at Little Harrowden where excellent food was enjoyed by all.
Joyce and family won with 48 points and they have the 'pleasure' to arrange next years.
It was a wonderful evening weatherwise, as it was with the food, the company and the organisation.
Jacquie thanked Pam & Bob on behalf of us all.
Everyone went home well fed and watered
Monthly Meeting
Monday 17th May
Ron Beards came along to talk about his career as a policeman right from being a cadet rising to detective chief superintendent often in charge of murders. Unfortunately due to illness, fire,holidays etc not many members were able to attend, however, it was a most interesting and very often amusing talk, put over in a very easy to listen to manner. Ron agreed to come again when hopefully when more would be able to attend.
John Hawes gave a vote of thanks, Barrie Armsden won the liqueuer contest
Trip to EverardsBrewery
Wed May 12th
Several members together with Woodford Abbot Ale Club members enjoyed a very imformative and thirst quencing visit to Everards Brewery at Leicester
The guide Lewis was a mine of useful information that was put over in a very friendly and informal manner.
On arrival coffee was served before the tour and after the tour there was a light buffett that was washed down with a copious quantity of Tiger and Sundowner ales.
Everyone came away well fed and watered together with a souvenir pen that Everards kindly gave everyone
Many thanks to Everards for a memorable visit
Monthly Meeting 19th April
At Woodford WMC
Apologies were recieved from Ken & Thelma and John & Janet but nevertheless 22 were present to hear a presentation from Steve Chandler , Vice Chairman of Ashton Conker Club who are promoters of the World Conker Championships, Steve spoke about the history, the organistion involved and where the money goes - all to charities for the visualy impaired. John gave a vote of thanks. Steve was followed by Fred Day who gave a most informative talk and demonstration on fruit extraction plus samples, Bob Burridge gave a vote of thanks. Bob also won the quarterly wine contest.
Monday 15th March 2010
We all met for our monthly meeting at Woodford WMC and it was nice to see a few new faces
Our President John Hawes gave us a very interesting talk on making wines from root vegetables and we all enjoyed sampling some of the finished products
I think it was a good idea to have more wine related talks and this is especially usefull to guests and new members and folks just starting winemaking
Jacqui and I went to a wine circle meeting years ago when we first started and were very disappointed when all they did was have a talk on photography and watched slides all night ,in fact we never went back and never joined a wine circle again until we moved to Woodford.We just had to rely on books and magazines which was ok but not the same as being able to talk to experienced winemakers
Thanks again to John ,he puts in a lot of work for our club and we all appreciate his efforts
See you all at the next meeting where we will welcome Fred : details below
Monday April 19th 8pm at Woodford WMC**
Wine matters*
Juice extraction with Fred Day***
Quarterly wine contest, 1 bottle dry red - 1 bottle dry white
Cheers Barrie-Vice Chairman
Brewery Trip
A visit to Everards Brewery at Leicester as been arranged for Wed 5th May in conjuction with members of " The Abbott Beer Club" of Woodford. It was hoped to visit Digfields Brewery at Barnwell but despite a letter to them and a follow up telephone call we have not, so far, had the courtesy of a reply so it is to be presumed they don't want to foster our Barnwell connection. I do like a pint of Digfield but I will now vote with my drinking arm. Will you join me?
John 4/3/10
Saturday 27th February
Several members entered Whittlesey Country Wine Clubs Annual Show with 50 or so entries from Barnwell Winemakers. Most entrants achieved at least one award with 5 first places also. The 2 Johns were judging alongside well known national judges.
February 15th Meeting
Chairman Jacqui open the meeting with a tribute to founder member Joe Ruecroft who recently passed away. several members attended his funeral. Joe had been a past President, Chairman, committee member and very active at our stall at the Conker Championships.
John brought along some Greek Patras after Dinner Wine together with one of his own for a comparitive tasting. The idea was that it would help members select a suitable wine for After Dinner classes in shows.
The guest speaker was Mrs Jo Prachett who gave a talk on her wartime experiences. Briefly she and her family were being evacuated from the Japanese in Singapore, her ship was torpedoed, she spent 3 days in a life raft, then rescued by a German Uboat which in turn was bombed by the RAF, cast adrift again, picked up by Germans and finished up in a POW camp. A wonderful talk!
CONKERS PRESENTATION DINNER 23RD JANUARY 2010
This weekend Jacqui and I attended the Ashton conker presentation dinner where all the monies raised at the 2009 championships were presented to the various charities
The venue was the George pub at Oundle where the hospitality is always first class and this year was no exception - the meal was splendid.
This is the night when all our efforts meet reality and money is donated to various charities for the visually impaired.
The people we met were amazing and all had a story to tell - from those who train the guide dog puppies ,to the visually impaired folks themselves. One lady told of how her guide dog had saved her life - another told of how she has used her special computer to write books and become an author. She has now written 2 books which are both a very interesting read and she is holding a book signing at Waterstone's at Kettering on 6th February between 11 and 2.00pm. Her name is Maura Walsh.
All the Conker organisers and committee were there and it was nice to see Richard Howard and John Hadman at the helm as usual.
One lady (we sat with her and her husband during dinner) was presented with a cheque for £800 to buy a special computer that will greatly improve her life. We couldn't help thinking that the £500 our wine circle raised this time almost paid for this and it just makes us realise how worthwhile it all is.
I for one will never think twice about helping out when the Conkers come round again.
Cheers for now Barrie.
Monthly meeting Monday 18th January
20 members were present to hear national wine judge Charles Hill give a talk and tasting on ros'e wines, fortunately the weather was very much better for him to make the long trip from Lincolnshire. It was a most interesting talk and everyone felt wiser afterwards. John Hawes spoke about the 2010 wine of year which is parsnip & grapefruit, the tasting was well recieved by those present. The recipe is on the recipe page of the website. Andrew Neely won the wine contest
Wednesday 6th January - The Feast of The Epiphany
In the bleak mid winter, snow lay on the ground
On getting back from holiday from somewhere a bit warmer I was pleased to find another 4 places have been taken for the summer boat trip, only 5 now to be filled.
As the festive season is now officialy over I bottled 40 pints of Woodford Wherry kit beer, it took 14 days to ferment - no doubt because of the cold weather - and Iexperimented making wine with some frozen beetroot that came straight out the ground. The juice from the beet was very, very sweet due to the fact the frost concentrated the sugar. I will keep you informed of the "wines" progress.
John
Christmas Eve 2009
Letter of thanks recieved from Ashton Conker Club regarding the money raised at the World Conker Championships, helping to make a grand total of £20,000 to be donated to charities for the visually impaired
Wednesday 23rd December- In the bleak mid winter
With the temperature outside minus 6 at 9.30am it was a good time to do some beer & winemaking. I began by starting off a "Woodfordes Wherry" kit, according to the instructions it should be ready to bottle after 4 days but with the cold weather I bet it won't see a bottle this year.!
I bottled 6 gallons of wine mainly to give away to friends and family, I have also used several gallons of wine for mulling at church festivities. The mulled wine is given free of course, but donations for the accompaning mince pies always raises subtantial amounts.
Merry Christmas
John
Monday 14th December
Christmas party & presentation night
Guests were welcomed from Petrborough, Whittlesey and Peterbough wine circles as were members guests. The evening began with entertainment from Bill and Des who sang for 45 minutes, much to the delight of all present. Bill and Des are members of the renowned Corby Male Voice Choir. They stayed to enjoy the usual excellent buffet which was followed by the presentation of trophies won at the annual show. Fred Day from Buckden Wine & Beer Makers pesented the awards coupled with numorous jokes and light hearted banter from him. Ken Mallows, who acted has MC, told some Stanley Holloway monologues. Bob Burridge then followed with showing a most unusual way to remove a cork fom inside a bottle. All in all a very good evening.
Tuesday 15th December
John did a feature on "Dessert Wines For Christmas" on BBC Radio Northampton, again keeping interest in this wine club as recipes have been requested. The feature was brought forward from Monday 21st December
Advent Sunday 29th November
Chateau Midland Rd progress
Added precipiptated chalk to reduce the acidity and it now seems to be about the right level. The 'chalk has only been added to 1/2 the wine to allow for blending. The wine is a wonderful colour - even after the added chalk,
John
Friday 20th November
Chateau Midland Rd progess
It has now cleared and appears to have fermented out, the flavour and taste is very good but a touch too acidic. I could try to balance it up by adding some sugar but I really don't want it too be sweet, therefore, I am going to add precipitated chalk to 1/2 the "wine" to see how it goes and then blend with the rest. If there is anyone out there with another suggestion please let me know via the website contact form. I look forward to hearing of other ideas.
John
Monday 16th November
Members met to disscuss the show and next years programme followed by refreshments, There were more than enough varied ideas for an interesting 2010
Saturday14 November
Annual Wine Show
There were 135 entries, down 20 on last year but according to the judges it was a case of quality rather than quantity. We are very lucky to have such high quality judges, 3 national judges and one Master of Wine,there are only about 250 Masters of Wine worldwide and it shows the esteem our show holds, if fact they decline other events to come to judge ours. I was concerned about the fact that they had relatively a small amount to do but they assure me they really enjoy coming toour show - a compliment indeed - and say they look forward to next year.
A most enjoyable lunch was provided by Pam, Cheryl and Ron. John Watson proposed a vote of thanks to the judges and Kate Edge responded.
John
Thursday November 5th
Chateau Midland Road progress
The fermentation has slowed right down and the "wine" has started to clear with about a 1" sediment so it had its first racking. The flavour although rather acidic is good, hopefully it will mellow as fermentation finishes. It would seem natural fermentation is quicker than expensive cultured yeast because in over 35 years making wine I have never had one clear in 8 days, there again it only took 6 days to create the world!
I also bottled my latest brew of 'Woodforde Wherry' it always turns out okay, it is a very good drink alike from the brew made by Woodfordes Brewery. One thing I have found and I know other very good beermakers have too, is that the fermentation sticks
at 1015 whereas the kit says bottle when it falls below 1014. I have made many brews and even at the height of summer with high temperatures I still find it sticks.
The only time I got it below 14 is when I added Epsom Salts, but that would make it go wouldn't it!
John
Monday 26th October
On arriving back home after a few days on the Suffolk coast, I was greeted by about 1/2 a hundred weight of lovely ripe red grapes kindly donated and delivered by a local lady who contacted me via this website.
As the wine press was with another member I crushed the whole lot by hand rather than treading, I didnt want the grapes to upset my athletes foot! It took me about 4 hours but the initial taste makes me think it was worth it, natural fermentation started almost at once. The grapes produced over 5 gallons of juice. After the crushing I poured 4 litres of water over the residual pulp hoping - with the addition of 1kg sugar - it will make a nice ros~e.
The wine will be known as Chateau Midland Road, from where the grapes were grown.
I will keep this blog up to date with the progress of this wine.
John
A G M Monday 19th October 2009
Officers elected;
President John Hawes
Chairman Jacqui Armsden
Vice Chairman Barrie Armsden
Secretary Isabel Hawes
Treasurer Pam Peel
Raffle Organisers Bob & Pam Burridge
John H won the wine contest
£
Sunday 11th October
14 members manned the wine tasting, mulled wine and cork game stalls at the World Conker Championships raising over £500 to be donated to charities for the blind. Several listeners of BBC Northampton came and asked for the "Carrot Whiskey" talked about on Fridays John Griff programme. Many thanks to all for their help and support. £10,000 here we come!
John
Friday 9th, October
John did a feature on BBC Radio Northampton about the Wine Circles connection with The World Conker Championships and also promoted our winetasting, mulled wine and Cork stall at the event.
Sunday 13th September
Chairmans evening/afternoon at Jacquies
We had a great afternoon at Jacquis where we had a wine tasting with wines kindly supplied by Jacqui
Pat and Mary did the tastings in a very enjoyable manner and this was enjoyed by all the members that attended,it was a shame that so many members were not able to attend but some some members of Woodford church came which boosted numbers and we made them very welcome and this helped to raise a bit of money for the local church
The commitee would like to thank Jacqui for all her hard work in making the day a success
Look forward to seeing everyone at Ashton at the conker championships together with any donations of wine for tasting or mulling and for those that will not be there look forward to seeing you at the AGM
A very big thank you to Pat and Mary for all they did to contribute to the success of the day-Barrie
Saturday 22nd August
BBQ cancelled due to Jayne being ill, best wishes for a speedy recovery
John's Desert Island Dishes will be broadcast on BBC Northampton 103.6 & 104.2 on Monday 28th September at 5.45pm.
Wednesday 19th August,
Recorded a programme slot about this years Wine of Year - Carrot Whiskey for transmission next week between 2 and 4pm one day. Asked to select my " Dessert Island Dishes" for next month.
John
Wednesday 12th August
I did a live radio broadcast on BBC Radio Northampton promoting the Wine Circle and wine making in general. Quite a lot of phone ins.
John
The late Joan Walkers Funeral, Friday 24th July
Wine Circle members Ken,Thelma Terry, Nancy, Pam, Derek, Jacqui, Isabel and John were amongst a very large congregation at Joans funeral, in fact it was standing room only. a cheque was sent to Cancer Research on behalf of the members. Les said how pleased he was to us all there and for the kind messages recieved.
May she rest in peace.
Sunday 19th July
Nearly 40 members,guests and friends attended and took part in the annual games night in John & Isabels garden, Among the visitors were several members of Ashton Conker Club who organise The World Conker Championship. Chairman Richard Howard outlined the plans for the new venue and enough wine circle members have agreed to run our usual stalls. The weather stayed fine but rather chilly.
The sad note of the evening was the tribute to long serving member Joan Walker who passed away on Thursday. Obituary below.
The games included cherry spitting, dwile flonking, pea flicking and 9 other similar games.
The 3 bottle wine contest was won by Ken Mallows.
Before the event several members visited St Mary's Church for a look at the flowers for the Flower Festival and were given brief tour by myself outlining the connection with the Duke of Wellington and of course about the famous ghost. More about this can be heard on Martin Heaths programme on BBC Radio Northampton on Sunday 26th July. The programme runs from 6 to 9am
John
Thursday 16th July
Obituary
It is with great sadness to announce the death today of one of our longest serving members Joan Walker after a short illness. Our thoughts are with husband Les and the family. Last year Joan and Les recieved congratulations from Her Majesty The Queen on their 60th wedding anniversary,
Sunday 14th June
Pam, Derek and family hosted the first BBQ of the summer and what a lovely summers night it was. Most of the members who were able to go were present, John & Janet, Joan & Les and Terry & Nancy were unable to come due to illness.
Ron & Cheryl did the cooking, Robert sang and played the organ and accompaned the girls singing.
Ken won the wine contest and very good wine it was too.
Many thanks to Pam,Derek and all for their hospitality.
Wednesday 10th June
Have just started making several gallons of Elderflower Wine for tasting at the Ashton Conker Championships including the Fitzgerald Trophy Wine. There are big changes this year at Ashton, for details go to their site to be found on our links page. I am sure we will need help this year due to ill health of some of our usual helpers, so make a note of the date if you would like to help raise funds for charities for the visualy impaired and reply to the email adrees on contact us.
John
Monday 18 May
With the coming of the light evenings it was the first of our outdoor events, the car rally. 20 members and friends tok part and it was won by Pam, Bob and family. The route and clues were well planned by Joyce and her son Andrew taking in interesting countryside and sights. The watering hole was The Axe and Compass at Ringstead who opened thier resturaunt just for us, they normally close on Mondays, I really enjoyed the Banks Bitter, it was in superb condition. Most ate there and the food was very, very good, one of the best pub meals I have had in a long time. The staff wer most pleasant and obliging, all in all a very good evening. THANKS JOYCE AND ANDREW.
John
.Saturday 25 April
Fred Day came to explain to members at Mondays meeting how to select the apropiate wine for show classes, all present agreed it was a most useful talk.
I made my dandelion wine on St. Georges Day and will make it available for tasting at the Ashton Conker Championships in October. I dont know whether to call it St. Georges or Shakespeares Wine as William Shakespeare was born and also died on April 23rd.
There is an abundance of dandelions stil about, so plenty of time left to make some wine. Recipe on this site.
John
at 1015 whereas the kit says bottle when it falls below 1014. I have made many brews and even at the height of summer with high temperatures I still find it sticks.
The only time I got it below 14 is when I added Epsom Salts, but that would make it go wouldn't it!
John
Monday 26th October
On arriving back home after a few days on the Suffolk coast, I was greeted by about 1/2 a hundred weight of lovely ripe red grapes kindly donated and delivered by a local lady who contacted me via this website.
As the wine press was with another member I crushed the whole lot by hand rather than treading, I didnt want the grapes to upset my athletes foot! It took me about 4 hours but the initial taste makes me think it was worth it, natural fermentation started almost at once. The grapes produced over 5 gallons of juice. After the crushing I poured 4 litres of water over the residual pulp hoping - with the addition of 1kg sugar - it will make a nice ros~e.
The wine will be known as Chateau Midland Road, from where the grapes were grown.
I will keep this blog up to date with the progress of this wine.
John
A G M Monday 19th October 2009
Officers elected;
President John Hawes
Chairman Jacqui Armsden
Vice Chairman Barrie Armsden
Secretary Isabel Hawes
Treasurer Pam Peel
Raffle Organisers Bob & Pam Burridge
John H won the wine contest
£
Sunday 11th October
14 members manned the wine tasting, mulled wine and cork game stalls at the World Conker Championships raising over £500 to be donated to charities for the blind. Several listeners of BBC Northampton came and asked for the "Carrot Whiskey" talked about on Fridays John Griff programme. Many thanks to all for their help and support. £10,000 here we come!
John
Friday 9th, October
John did a feature on BBC Radio Northampton about the Wine Circles connection with The World Conker Championships and also promoted our winetasting, mulled wine and Cork stall at the event.
Sunday 13th September
Chairmans evening/afternoon at Jacquies
We had a great afternoon at Jacquis where we had a wine tasting with wines kindly supplied by Jacqui
Pat and Mary did the tastings in a very enjoyable manner and this was enjoyed by all the members that attended,it was a shame that so many members were not able to attend but some some members of Woodford church came which boosted numbers and we made them very welcome and this helped to raise a bit of money for the local church
The commitee would like to thank Jacqui for all her hard work in making the day a success
Look forward to seeing everyone at Ashton at the conker championships together with any donations of wine for tasting or mulling and for those that will not be there look forward to seeing you at the AGM
A very big thank you to Pat and Mary for all they did to contribute to the success of the day-Barrie
Saturday 22nd August
BBQ cancelled due to Jayne being ill, best wishes for a speedy recovery
John's Desert Island Dishes will be broadcast on BBC Northampton 103.6 & 104.2 on Monday 28th September at 5.45pm.
Wednesday 19th August,
Recorded a programme slot about this years Wine of Year - Carrot Whiskey for transmission next week between 2 and 4pm one day. Asked to select my " Dessert Island Dishes" for next month.
John
Wednesday 12th August
I did a live radio broadcast on BBC Radio Northampton promoting the Wine Circle and wine making in general. Quite a lot of phone ins.
John
The late Joan Walkers Funeral, Friday 24th July
Wine Circle members Ken,Thelma Terry, Nancy, Pam, Derek, Jacqui, Isabel and John were amongst a very large congregation at Joans funeral, in fact it was standing room only. a cheque was sent to Cancer Research on behalf of the members. Les said how pleased he was to us all there and for the kind messages recieved.
May she rest in peace.
Sunday 19th July
Nearly 40 members,guests and friends attended and took part in the annual games night in John & Isabels garden, Among the visitors were several members of Ashton Conker Club who organise The World Conker Championship. Chairman Richard Howard outlined the plans for the new venue and enough wine circle members have agreed to run our usual stalls. The weather stayed fine but rather chilly.
The sad note of the evening was the tribute to long serving member Joan Walker who passed away on Thursday. Obituary below.
The games included cherry spitting, dwile flonking, pea flicking and 9 other similar games.
The 3 bottle wine contest was won by Ken Mallows.
Before the event several members visited St Mary's Church for a look at the flowers for the Flower Festival and were given brief tour by myself outlining the connection with the Duke of Wellington and of course about the famous ghost. More about this can be heard on Martin Heaths programme on BBC Radio Northampton on Sunday 26th July. The programme runs from 6 to 9am
John
Thursday 16th July
Obituary
It is with great sadness to announce the death today of one of our longest serving members Joan Walker after a short illness. Our thoughts are with husband Les and the family. Last year Joan and Les recieved congratulations from Her Majesty The Queen on their 60th wedding anniversary,
Sunday 14th June
Pam, Derek and family hosted the first BBQ of the summer and what a lovely summers night it was. Most of the members who were able to go were present, John & Janet, Joan & Les and Terry & Nancy were unable to come due to illness.
Ron & Cheryl did the cooking, Robert sang and played the organ and accompaned the girls singing.
Ken won the wine contest and very good wine it was too.
Many thanks to Pam,Derek and all for their hospitality.
Wednesday 10th June
Have just started making several gallons of Elderflower Wine for tasting at the Ashton Conker Championships including the Fitzgerald Trophy Wine. There are big changes this year at Ashton, for details go to their site to be found on our links page. I am sure we will need help this year due to ill health of some of our usual helpers, so make a note of the date if you would like to help raise funds for charities for the visualy impaired and reply to the email adrees on contact us.
John
Monday 18 May
With the coming of the light evenings it was the first of our outdoor events, the car rally. 20 members and friends tok part and it was won by Pam, Bob and family. The route and clues were well planned by Joyce and her son Andrew taking in interesting countryside and sights. The watering hole was The Axe and Compass at Ringstead who opened thier resturaunt just for us, they normally close on Mondays, I really enjoyed the Banks Bitter, it was in superb condition. Most ate there and the food was very, very good, one of the best pub meals I have had in a long time. The staff wer most pleasant and obliging, all in all a very good evening. THANKS JOYCE AND ANDREW.
John
.Saturday 25 April
Fred Day came to explain to members at Mondays meeting how to select the apropiate wine for show classes, all present agreed it was a most useful talk.
I made my dandelion wine on St. Georges Day and will make it available for tasting at the Ashton Conker Championships in October. I dont know whether to call it St. Georges or Shakespeares Wine as William Shakespeare was born and also died on April 23rd.
There is an abundance of dandelions stil about, so plenty of time left to make some wine. Recipe on this site.
John