Dear SPWC Members
And so, we open a new chapter in our club history with the move to Shirley Library next week on Thursday, October 8th. I’m sure you all know where Shirley Library is located but just for the records it’s on the corner of Wickham Road and Hartland Way and the postcode is CR0 8BH. Since this our first meeting at the new location, it will probably take us a while to become familiar with our new surroundings so please bear with us – there may be some teething problems but we’re confident that the library will prove to be a significant upgrade on the scout hut.
Last Month’s Meeting
Eleanor Cogill was our guest speaker last month and she once again proved to be a very engaging and knowledgeable presenter. She brought along eight very good wines from across the globe for us to sample and, all in all, it was a really enjoyable evening. I’m sure we’ll be inviting Eleanor back in the near future.
This Month’s Meeting
We have an internal double act for the first meeting in our new location. Kevin Rolfe and Richard Tew will be our presenters for October and no doubt will be bringing with them a great selection of wines as well as keeping us all amused. We hope to see you there.
Wine of the Month – Found Kratosija, 2024, North Macedonia, 13% ABV
We’ve gone for something a little different for October’s wine of the month with this red from North Macedonia, probably somewhere we wouldn’t necessarily associate with good wines. Kratosija (pronounced Krat-O-Sha) is closely related to zinfandel and has been grown in North Macedonia since the times of the Roman Empire. It produces powerful, spirited, versatile red wines with redcurrant and cherry aromas. This particular wine is unoaked to bring out the full flavours of the wine. It is complex, yet original and full bodied. The cherry notes are enhanced by a hint of tobacco. It pairs well with hearty meat dishes and aubergine. Available from M and S for £9.90.
Wine of the Month – Found Kratosija, 2024, North Macedonia, 13% ABV
Coming Up
Our next event is the Autumn party evening at Agra Indian restaurant at Eden Park on Tuesday, October 13th. We have around 25 members and guests signed up for the event but there is still room for more if you haven’t already put your name on the list. Please let Tracy know as soon as possible if you would like to come. Tracy has negotiated a bargain price of £25 per person for the evening. That includes a starter, main course and a side and the entertainment which will be provided by the excellent Clayton whom many of you will remember from previous visits to Agra.
Christmas Meal 2026
As mentioned in previous newsletters this Christmas we will be going back to The George in Hayes for the SPWC Christmas meal and this takes place on Friday, December 4th from 1900 hours. We’ll be asking people to sign up for this at the October meeting. The cost of the meal, for three courses, is £39.95 per person and I attach below the menu and will be asking you all to make your food selections in advance of the evening. As in previous years, we will be asking you to pay for the food in full in advance. Drinks should be paid for separately on the night. And just as a reminder, the bar will be open until 11 pm.
George Christmas Menu – 3 courses for £39.95 per person
This includes a complimentary glass of Moet and Chandon champagne on arrival.
Starters
Starters served with rustic breads (can be swapped to a gluten-free seeded roll).
• Port & Cheddar Mushrooms, rustic bread
• Pan-Fried Wild Scallops, Artichoke purée, smoked pancetta, samphire (£4 supplement)
• Spiced Parsnip Soup, Wild garlic salsa verde, rustic bread
• Baked Camembert, Plum & sloe chutney, rustic bread
• Sea Salt & Black Pepper Squid with Calabrian chilli mayonnaise
• Chicken Liver & Fig Parfait, Pear & ginger chutney, rustic bread
Mains
All mains are served with roasted carrots, parsnips & sautéed Brussels sprouts
• Hand-Carved Turkey with Chestnut & pork stuffing, pigs in blankets, roasted potatoes, cranberry sauce, gravy
• 21-Day-Aged 10oz Ribeye Steak, Red wine caramelised onion, triple-cooked chips + £7.50 supplement. Add: Peppercorn sauce / Stilton & white Port / Beef dripping + £3
• Pan-Roasted Salmon, Parsnip rosti, creamed leek, beurre blanc sauce
• Pork Tomahawk with Brown butter mash, greens, caramelized shallots, Bordelaise jus. Add Scallops - £4 supplement
• Pork Tomahawk & Scallops with Pan-fried scallops, brown butter mash, greens, caramelized shallots, Bordelaise jus served with roasted carrots, parsnips & sautéed Brussels sprouts (£4 supplement)
• Sweet Potato & Chestnut Roast with Roasted potatoes, gravy
Desserts
• Christmas Pudding (v) (vgo) Hot brandy sauce
• Chocolate Orange Brownie Pot (v) Rich chocolate mousse, Bourbon vanilla ice cream
• Cheese & Biscuits (v) - Taw Valley Cheddar, Gilot Camembert, goat's cheese, pear & ginger chutney + £2 supplement
• Blackcurrant Crème Brûlée (v) Home-baked sable biscuits
• Blackberry, Plum & Ginger Crumble (v) (vgo) Vanilla custard
Nominated Charity 2026
Heather led a team consisting of Sue, Barbara and me last Wednesday when we gave a presentation of the old favourite “Posh or Plonk” wine game to the Selsdon Branch of the Catenians Association. Thanks to the generosity of the Catenians we raised over £250 for our chosen charity, which, as you know, is Shirley Neighbourhood Care for this year. This constitutes a very positive start to our fundraising for Christmas 2026. The feedback we received from the Catenians was very positive. We are giving another external presentation in October when we’ve been invited back by the Selsdon Probus group.
Did You Know?
The grape harvest in England for 2026 was the earliest since 2003. This early start was driven by the sustained heatwave and very low rainfall since April, creating accelerated ripening conditions. Compared to past early vintages like 2003, growers are now better equipped with heat-tolerant varieties and improved vineyard management practices, reducing the risk of structural issues in the grapes. The outcome is likely to produce fuller, riper grapes which will be a bit lower in the sharp acidity that defines classic English sparkling wine. The 2026 vintage is likely to produce better still wines, such as pinot noir and bacchus that are genuinely approachable young.
Very best wishes
Goff
1st October 2026
