Wine Appreciation Group Visit to Hattingley Valley Vineyard
Yes, it’s the u3a wine group enjoying themselves again! This time, in the intoxicating surroundings of Hattingley Valley Vineyard where, they enjoyed tasting four wines whilst learning about the intricacies of the different processes from the initial planting of the vine, the nurturing, pruning, and night watching during possible frosts, which can quickly destroy the vulnerable buds to the grape juice extraction. We all realised that there is so much involved in producing a good bottle of wine, and choosing to be a winemaker is certainly not for anyone expecting a quick return on their investment. It is indeed a labour of love.
After our Tour, it was just a few hundred yards down the hill to The Yew Tree Pub, a typically quintessential English hostelry. We relaxed and settled for a thoroughly tasty lunch before being driven back to Petersfield in a minibus. I can safely say that all had a good time!
For more information about the group, visit the Wine Appreciation group webpage.
Back to Petersfield Community Centre and mainly concerning the efforts made following the lockdown to create a COVID-19 secure premise. At our recent meeting, we were slightly limited in numbers to accommodate the required ‘distancing’ procedure. With the tables strategically placed, we ensured all surfaces were sanitised before and after use. We provided masks in case anyone had forgotten to bring one, and those who had downloaded the new NHS app could check the Community Centre’s QR Code. All these actions made everyone feel happy, relaxed and secure.
I am looking forward to our November meeting, during which we will be sampling various wines from South Africa.
Pamela Peacock ~ Group Convenor
A member’s view
On Thursday, October 1st, the Wine Appreciation group met at the Community Centre for their second physical meeting since the restrictions have started to ease. Amazingly, this is now our fourth year since forming!
As a u3a, we are all concerned and need clarification about the rule of 6 and physically meeting in COVID-safe environments. Some members, quite rightly, remain uncomfortable about physically meeting at this time. However, I wanted to share my experience of our meeting.
12 attendees (restricted) using a room designated safe for many more
Everyone had assessed their risks and were happy to meet
Everyone was asked if they had experienced any symptoms, been abroad, had a test/ result, met anyone who had tested positive, etc
Everyone was asked to use sanitiser on entry (we used the back entrance to avoid corridors)
The room furniture was sanitised before and after our meeting
All 12 (except two couples) sat at their table at least 2 metres apart
Those with the new app scanned the PCC QR code to record their attendance
The convenor took every attendee's name anyway
The wine-tasting process is designed with absolute safety in mind (own glass, each pouring their wine into everyone’s glass in turn with no contact, minimal movement, maintaining distancing, wearing a face covering when moving, minimal contact with any room surfaces)
Spare face coverings and latex gloves are available
The result was that everyone enjoyed the meeting, which even overran our time; the benefit of real, live socialising was enormous, and the effort necessary to remain safe was worth it.
Steven Watts ~ Member Wine Appreciation Group
===== UPDATE =====
It was “Cheers” as the Wine Appreciation Group became the first U3A indoor activity to return to The Community Centre. Twelve members sat down to discuss the ten wines they had brought. It was Wine Appreciation, but not as we knew it. Sanitising, masks, and social distancing made things a bit different, but the Group showed that it is possible to meet if you are careful and follow the rules.
The theme for the choice of wines was “Celebration”. I wonder why?
Pamela Peacock, Group Convenor, writes, “ It was lovely for the Wine Appreciation Group to meet up again, and although Zoom has been incredible, it is not a patch on actually speaking directly to someone, particularly when you have a charming glass of wine In your hand! Being sensible and abiding by practical rules, sanitising where necessary and social distancing are small prices to pay for experiencing the enjoyment of other people’s company….. “