Dear SPWC Members
Easter is late this year, isn’t it? You’re all going to have to wait a while yet to tuck into your eggs and bunnies. Nevertheless, may I wish you all a happy and peaceful Easter. I hope that you weren’t victims of April Fools’ Day pranks. There were some good ones around this year. Apparently, the famous pedestrian crossing on Abbey Road is being removed, Dover Castle was constructed from Lego, Nigel Farage has had a tattoo with the words “Vote Reform” put on his arm, Cambridge dictionaries have abolished the letter “q” and Donald Trump is planning to introduce 20% tariffs on all imports to the US.
Last Month’s Meeting
I’m sure everyone who attended Lits Philippou’s presentation on the wines of Roussillon was impressed both by the quality of the wine and the apparent beauty of the region – that’s another area added to our list of potential holiday destinations. Anyway, it was a highly interesting and informative evening.
This Month’s Meeting
This month we welcome back one of our real favourite presenters in Carrie Winton of Sparkle and Spirits. Carrie’s evenings are always great fun with some splendid and affordable wines which, no doubt, she will have on sale at the end of the evening. This one is definitely not to be missed so we hope to see you all there on Thursday 10th – same time, same place.
Kevin has selected three cracking wines for the raffle this month. First, a grenache from France – in fact from the Roussillon region which Lits featured last month. It’s a medium bodied wine with aromas of strawberries and a smooth finish. Next comes a Chilean viognier from the Estevez vineyards. This wine has hints of apricot, peach and exotic fruits with a gentle sweetness and finally we have a sauvignon blanc from the renowned Marlborough area of New Zealand. This one comes from Freeman’s Bay and is a wonderfully focused white wine rich in fruity aromas with a crisp and zesty finish. Be sure to get your tickets from Sue and Den.
Pub of the Month – William the Conqueror, Rye Harbour Rye, East Sussex
I’ve gone right off the beaten track for this month’s featured hostelry. After a bracing walk around the lovely nature reserve at Rye Harbour, what better then to sit down with a refreshing beer or glass of wine and enjoy some fresh air? Attached to the Shepherd Neame brewery, the William the Conqueror has all the favourites you would expect from Shepherd Neame as well as an extensive wine list. The kitchen is not to be missed as the pub has a range of dishes featuring Greek and Cypriot cuisine, such as a hearty moussaka and for the veggies amongst us, a delicious bean stew. Recommended if you’re ever in that neck of the woods.
SPAN Newsletter – April 2025
Those of you who live in the Spring Park Residents’ Association area may already have seen an article about our wine circle in the April edition of their newsletter but for those who haven’t seen it, there is an interesting piece detailing the history of the circle with a photo, taken by John Wainford, of Heather and Tracy handing over a cheque to Barbara, as chair of Shirley Neighbourhood Care, for the money we all raised at our Christmas meeting last year.
Sunday Lunch, The British Queen, 23rd March 2025
15 of us enjoyed a really good Sunday lunch at The British Queen last month. It was a lovely afternoon, with great food and banter so many thanks to all who attended.
Other Events 2025
Details of our upcoming events have now been published on the website under the “Events” heading. Next up, on May 14th is a trip to the Post Office Museum in London so if you haven’t already signed up for this, and other forthcoming events, please do so.
Very best wishes,
Goff
2nd April 2025