Dear SPWC Members
I hope that the recent heatwave hasn’t been overbearing for you and that you have all found somewhere safe to keep cool. It’s been really difficult to sleep at night, hasn’t it? Unless, of course, you’re lucky enough to have air conditioning. We’ve just about managed by using a fan and by keeping the blinds down. It’s still been pretty uncomfortable though. They say we’re going to have to get used to these spells of really hot weather so I suppose we’ll just have to cope. At least the temperature has, for the moment, returned to acceptable levels.
Last Month’s Meeting
A big thank you to Tracy for last month’s intriguing presentation in which we were treated to wines recommended by AI, with a little help, of course, from Majestic Wines. It was interesting to compare the prices suggested by AI with what Tracy actually paid for those wines. You have to say that AI certainly chose some jolly decent wines for us. Congratulations, Tracy, for coming up with an original concept and for a most entertaining evening.
This Month’s Meeting
Most of you will remember Debbie Peel visiting us on several occasions in the past. Debbie no longer works for Marks and Spencer and we thought that perhaps she had stopped giving wine presentations but I am pleased to say that she is still very much involved and will be our speaker on Thursday, July 9th when her theme will be “Call my Bluff”. So, we’ll need to get our thinking caps on because no doubt our wine knowledge will be put to the test. I hope to see you all there.
Wine of the Month – Chassaux et Fils Cremant de Loire, France 12% ABV
This delicious Cremant de Loire comes from one of France’s best known family vineyards, Chassaux et Fils, which produces wines from a number of different vine growing regions from across the country. This non-vintage crémant is comprised of 55% chenin blanc, 25% cabernet franc and 20% chardonnay. Light yellow in colour, it creates a nose of apple, toasty bread and honeycomb, whilst the palate has flavours of quince, apple, pear and lemon peel with a hint of mineral, providing a medium finish. Specially selected for Aldi, it’s available for just £9.99 a bottle and is ideal for these balmy summer evenings.
Coming Up
Our next outing is to Meopham Wines on Sunday 26th July. 31 members and guests have signed up for this event which costs £25 per person and consists of a trip around the vineyard followed by tasting 8 different wines produced on site. We have to pay for this in advance so would be grateful if those attending could either arrange for the money to be transferred into the wine club as soon as possible or kindly bring the money with you at the next meeting where you can also pay by card.
The plan on the day is to travel by train from Bromley South to Meopham, departing at 1136 and arriving at 1200. Rail tickets cost £11 return or £7.20 if you have a freedom pass (only £4.75 if you have a senior rail card too). We will then be taken by taxi to the vineyard. The taxi will cost us £6 return per person (pay on the day). The return train departs Meopham at 1700, arriving in Bromley South at 1724. Orders for charcuterie boards to accompany the wine (£12.50 pp) will be taken nearer the time.
On Saturday August 1st we have our annual summer walk. This year Paul Breslin will be our leader and the walk will focus on Hampstead Heath and village and end as always with a meal in a local venue. Some of you will be familiar with this beautiful and historic area of London and others will not. Either way, a treat awaits you as we explore together. Sign up now and look out for more details soon.
Our annual summer garden party takes place on Sunday August 23rd at 2pm when we will be revisiting Sue and Dennis Gigney’s lovely garden at 36 Bennetts Way. The format will be the same as before. We will ask you to buy a ticket at the bargain price of just £8 per person which will provide welcome drinks, a salad bar, bread board, condiments, ice cream etc. Our experienced chefs will light up the BBQ and it will be for you to bring whatever you would like them to cook for you. Please add your name to the list if you haven’t already done so.
Don’t forget to make a note of this date for your diary – Friday, December 4th - the date for our Christmas meal. As mentioned last month, we will be making a welcome return to The George in Hayes this year. The George has proved to be a popular venue with members in the past. It will offer a traditional Christmas set menu, with plenty of choice for everyone and, the good news is, that their bar stays open until 11 pm on a Friday, so we can enjoy a more leisurely evening.
As a footnote to the last item above, those of you who joined us for our Christmas night out at Agra last year will recall what a great night out it was. We have decided that our Christmas meal this year should be along more traditional lines, but we are planning on a return to Agra on Tuesday 13th October for those of you who wish to make another visit. As before entertainment will follow the meal and you will all get a chance to strut your stuff until late. Tracy will be arranging this and sign-up sheets will follow.
You will recall that last year we raised a record amount of money for our nominated charity – The Alzheimer’s Trust. If there is a charity you would like to nominate for this year, please let the committee know.
Did You Know?
England have just defeated France 19-3. No, not your fantasy World Cup Final score or even a decent win at Rugby but the result of the recent world sparkling wine industry awards where English sparkling wine once again proved its place as the world leader, winning 19 of 33 awards available to just 3 won by France. Kent’s Balfour vineyard’s 2018 blanc de blancs won the best in show, beating a 2013 Perrier-Jouet champagne which retails at a mere £318! By contrast, the Balfour blanc de blancs magnum, of which only 400 bottles were produced, will set you back only £120. The majority of awards were given to wines produced in Kent, Sussex and Hampshire but vineyards to the north of London, in Cambridgeshire and Herefordshire were also amongst the winners.
Very best wishes and keep cool,
Goff
1st July 2026