Dear SPWC Members
If you recall, in the last edition of The Grapevine I hoped for some decent weather. I wasn’t expecting the heatwave we are currently experiencing, although I suppose we shouldn’t be surprised given that every year seems to be warmer than its predecessor. I really hope you are managing to keep cool and hydrated (with wine, of course!).
Last Month’s Meeting
Dilyan Kolev from The Jolly Merchants took us on a wine tour of southern Europe last month. Members enjoyed eight wines from a number of different countries around the Balkans, including Bulgaria, Romania, Greece and Slovenia. Dilyan always treats us to an informative and entertaining evening.
This Month’s Meeting
On Thursday, July 10th we are going “in house” again as our presenters will be Heather Hicks and Mike Long. Their presentation is called "Summer Uncorked"
Wine of the Month – Pecorino Terre d’Abruzzo, Italy, 12% ABV
This little gem from the Abruzzo region of Italy is currently on offer at Waitrose, down from its normal price of £8.50 to just £6.75. Abruzzo is a region in the east of Italy and borders on the Adriatic Sea. This wine is fresh with notes of tropical and citrus fruits and a delicate, floral finish. It’s great on its own or as an accompaniment to chicken, fish and pizza.
Wine of the Month – Pecorino Terre d’Abruzzo
Pub of the Month – The Barmy Arms, Twickenham
Situated right on the River Thames, this pub is a great place to sit and watch the water birds, rowers and other river traffic. It’s the closet pub to Eel Pie Island and was built back in the 1700s so has plenty of history. It’s now a family and dog friendly location with a beer garden and a great variety of beers and other drinks associated with the Greene King Brewery. The pub also has a restaurant serving a good selection of pub classics and some not so familiar dishes, such as duck hash, hake and romesco ragout and pulled mushroom chilli. Twickenham is pretty easy to reach by train via Clapham Junction so why not take the trip?
Other Events 2025
You can find details of our other events elsewhere on the website but our next day out is our annual walk which takes place next Sunday, July 6th and features a stroll from Tonbridge to Haysden Country Park, followed by a meal and may be the odd glass of wine at a local hostelry.
Matchbox Theatre
Many of you will be familiar with the Matchbox Theatre and a lot of you will have attended their productions since they were created back in 1981. However, their future is in jeopardy and they will be holding an extraordinary general meeting on Sunday, July 6th at 7 pm in the main hall of St Francis of Assisi church in West Wickham. This meeting will determine the group’s future so I am sure that any support members can offer will be gratefully received.
Very best wishes,
Goff
1st July 2025