AirSP members and their guests enjoyed a pleasant and informative evening exploring the qualities and diversity of English wines.

The Group was addressed by Julia Trustram Eve of Wines of Great Britain Ltd. Julia is an eloquent and knowledgeable spokesperson for English wines, a cause to which she has devoted many years.

It is certain that the gathering’s awareness of the quality and range of English wine and the wine industry was limited, but Julia soon put an end to that and the group quickly developed a new appreciation of these wines.

Giving an outline of the industry in the UK, Julia explained that there were over 500 commercial vineyards and 164 wineries in operation and annual production in 2018 was some 15.6 million bottles, of which 31% was still wine and 69% was sparkling. The most active region was the South East, where some 76% of the total area in production was situated. A large percentage of all wines produced were white, but red was also being bottled.

It was evident that the quality of English wines has progressively improved since Roman times and that quality was reflected in the ever increasing international awards won by these wines.

The group had the pleasure in tasting wines produced from a range of areas, from Cornwall to East Sussex which included still, sparkling and dessert wines.

A comment from one of the attendees:

“Contrary to the widely held medical view that alcohol destroys brain cells, I left this evening’s event feeling that I knew a little more than when I arrived!

Many thanks to Julia for the most insightful and entertaining “virtual” vineyard tour.”

One last thought—it was explained that the fermentation process involved the production and release of carbon dioxide—let’s hope the environmentalists do not pick upon this, or wine and alcohol will be the next thing they will try to ban!!!

Charles Catt

I was delighted to attend the AirSP Quiz night on the 28th November and to meet so many lovely people who told me their own cancer experience and how Macmillan had been there to help. We all know that being told ‘you have cancer’ can affect so much more than your health – it can affect your family, your job, even your ability to pay the bills. But life with cancer is still life and Macmillan gets that. And, after over 100 years of helping so many people, we get what’s most important: that we treat everyone as a person, not just a patient.

The fantastic £609.66 that you raised from the quiz night is enough to pay for a Macmillan nurse for 22 hours. So, with your help we are able to do more for people living with cancer, giving each person the support they need to look after all that matters and take care of their health, protect personal relationships and deal with work and money worries. We want to help everyone with cancer find their best way through, from the moment of diagnosis, so they’re able to live life as fully as they can. You have helped us make that happen, so thank you to everyone who organised and took part in the event.

For more information on Macmillan and how you can fundraise or volunteer please call 0300 1000 200 or visit macmillan.org.uk.

Judy Spence

Area Fundraising Manager

AirSP in Wonderland! Our pre-Christmas Quiz in Davy’s Habit wine bar had everyone entertained and puzzled, all at the same time. Generous sponsors made for a great evening’s fun and all in support of Macmillan Cancer. The Mad Catter got the evening off to a brisk start, followed by Quizmaster & Cheshire Cat, Robert Harrison. Heads 'n’ Tails was a huge success, and then came the questions! Jokers flew hither & thither; drinks were had and we had a goodly spread of food.

The winners were - The Unbearable Politeness of Scheming! You know who you are!

A brilliant raffle added some lovely funds to send to a great cause …

(Prizes were sponsored by Byward Kitchen, Davy's, Challenge Group, Robert Harrison, Res Bachofner, Tracy Bailey, Gerard Dupré, David Brackenbury & AirSP)