THE Bridgwater Winemaker's Circle's April meeting commenced with new secretary, Anne Only Learning' Milne, reading her first minutes to the assembled company. In the absence of the treasurer it was Alex Black who collected the subs for 2008 from the very strong membership.
Phil Marshall, efficient as always, detailed the recent successes in local and national competitions with chairman, Sid Shorter, in his first competitive entry, coming second in his section of a four-bottle class with the Mendip Club. Thanks went to Bob and Brenda Batchelor for organising this month's raffle.
The eagerly awaited club polo shirts and sweatshirts were distributed by Tricia Brown, after being completed in record time by local firm, JUAL Embroidery, for the monthly meeting.
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The speaker for the evening was John Clayton, who introduced members to the traditional Derbyshire custom of well dressing - a form of thanks for the pure water from the village wells, centred around the local church.
The wells are intricately decorated with natural materials, like fruits and vegetables or flowers and arranged on a large clay board framing the well. Usually a biblical scene is included and John had many photos going back to 1864, explaining that each village would have brass bands and dance groups paraded in procession around the streets.
Also a festival queen is selected and all local villages compete in the Queen of Queens award when hundreds of people would throng the streets for the crowning ceremony.
The next meeting is at the Northgate Function Rooms at 7.45pm on Friday May 30, when Mr Richard Newcomb will give a talk on European wines, with tastings.
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