Past Socials

——– 2014 Trip to Joules Brewery, 26th July 2014 ——–

33 travelled to Market Drayton to visit the Joule’s Brewery. It was the hottest day this summer, on a coach without air conditioning!  Upon arrival, all were desperate for liquid refreshment and they were not disappointed with 3 beers on hand pump: Blonde 3.8%, Pale Ale 4.1%, and Slumbering Monk 4.5%, plus their latest product, Green Monkey. This is a REAL LAGER, hoppy aroma and champagne style, although supplied through a keg font on this occasion. It will be available in bottles, cask and keg; all who tried it said it was very refreshing and light, a “quaffing ale”. Expect it to be at many beer festivals this coming year. A very interesting tour, guided by marketing manageress Trudie, was enjoyed by our very attentive group. Returning to the Green Room, we were treated to hot pork, stuffing and gravy rolls followed by more beer. On leaving the brewery we were taken to another other Joules pub in the town, the Sandbrook Vaults, where everyone was treated to a free pint. This was a very special day for one of our Branch’s lovely married couples, this year is their Golden Wedding. We could not let this pass without showing them how delighted we are for them. I would like to say a massive thanks to MERRY BERRY CHOCS, [Emily+ Ian], for making me the huge golden box from their hand-made range. It was very well received by a pleasantly surprised couple. A vote of thanks to brewery and staff was given by Mike Gibson, Branch Chairman. Then it was home again to Burton for a nightcap.  My personal thanks to all that came and enjoyed a “Grand Day Out”.

May Arthur

Social Secretary

Pictures of the historic Joules Brewery –

                    

Branch members make the most of the hospitality provided by Joules Brewery.

May presents a Golden Box of Chocolates to the Golden Couple.

——– 2014 Trip to Gates Brewery, 19th November 2014 ——–

Outside of the brewery, I was met by 15 members, all eager to set off on our tour. Stewart came and greeted us, he guided us into his Green Room where he introduced us to his lovely wife, Valda.

We started off the evening with a very informative talk by Stewart into how he came into brewing at the Ind-Coope/Allied Breweries now gone forever sadly. Stewart was always keen to own his own brewery and we are very pleased he did so. The brewery was established in 2011, using a one barrel plant. After sampling a brew we set off in two groups, due to the numbers having now risen to 22 members. Whilst group one were on the tour, we enjoyed our beers and chat with Stewarts wife a very interesting lady, who spoke of her input into their brewery.

The brewery had just been refurbished to a very high standard. We were first trip since the refurbishment and we were all very impressed by the set up. We all enjoyed listening to how Stewart brews his beers. The Brewery is now a three barrel plant. In his portfolio Stewart has two beers. Reservoir Premium OG1046, ABV4.6%, an Amber Coloured beer, full bodied, well balanced Malt and hops character giving a very smooth finish. One all should try. His second brew is Damn, OG1050, ABV 5%. Smooth drinking with Chocolate Malt tones, delicately hopped with a subtle, sweet finish. Group two went on their tour, and found it very informative and sprinkled with humour. All enjoyed listening to Stewart and could see how very proud he is of what he has achieved, rightly so. It is as one wag put it, “a cracker“. The interested group then asked a great many questions and the answers were very informative and mixed with humour too. It is always nice to see a man really enjoying his work and we enjoyed drinking it. The brewery building entrance is really eye catching, it is set in the very neat, rear garden, perfect for sitting out on a summer’s night, after a hard days brewing with a glass or three of the very fine brews from Stewarts portfolio.

Once all were back in the Green Room, Stewart replenished our glasses with his Sovereign Premium, a very welcome pint. They spoiled us again with a beautiful buffet prepared by his wife. As we had stayed longer than the 10pm finish. We wended our way home, but not before we showed our appreciation for a really “tip top tour”, in our branches usual manner. All stated they cannot wait till next time.

The Branch wishes to thank Stewart and Valda and wish them every success, our branch are very proud to have their brewery in our area. It was truly a night to remember.

May Arthur Social Secretary