GREG Pilley was the speaker at the first meeting in February with an illustrated talk entitled 'Fermentation, a Local Revolution'.

He is the owner of Stroud Brewery, but explained he did not set out in life to become a brewer, infact he qualified as a marine biologist at Swansea University.

On leaving he worked at various jobs when he saw an article relating to Voluntary Service Overseas, he applied, was accepted and spent the next three years in Nigeria on an agricultural project.

During his time there he noticed that housewives would brew a type of beer, which was thick and drunk through straws to avoid the floating bits wich accumulated during the fermentation process.

On his return to England he attempted to get a book published of the numerous potographs he had taken during his stay.

However not having achieved his objective he undertook a project in Cameroon and Uganda, when this ended he returned to England and secured a post in Stroud.

During this time he began brewing his own beer at home, and, making more than he needed he gave the surplus to friends who were very complimentary on the quality.

He then decided to open his own brewery which proved successful and he now employs three people and sells the beer under the name of 'Budding' a tribute to the Stroud man who invented the lawn mower, 'Tom Long' and other brand names.

He said that he tries to source all ingredients locally and his beers are widely available in public houses around the area, and he also sells direct to the public at the brewery based in Thrupp.

It is possible to take a conducted tour of the brewery but times and dates are limited, so it is not advisable to just turn up on the off chance.

This was a most interesting morning and Greg was thanked by Peter Nairn, the president.

Probus meet at 10.15am on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at the Cotswold Indoor Bowling Centre, Dudbridge, Stroud.

It is open to all retired men and ample free car parking is available on site.