Stroud Wine Circle

THE October meeting saw a welcome return of Peter Berry from Gloucester whose hobbies include steam railways and photography.

These interests have taken him all over the world but on this occasion his presentation centred around Darjeeling in India.

He began by describing the torturous journey which he had been shipped out to India many years ago when the country was part of the British Empire.

It was a single track with a gradient so steep that two men would ride on the front of the engine throwing sand on to the rails to give the wheels purchase.

We saw numerous slides of the town, with many houses built on stilts which are prone to damage during the monsoon season.

Many of the town's buildings were erected during the colonial period and the English influence was quite apparent.

When China annexed Tibet many of the monks crossed the border and established a monastery in Darjeeling and Peter was giving permission to enter where he took some amazing photographs.

He was particularly struck by the pride young people took in their school uniforms.

Hygiene and health and safety did not seem to be high on the list of local priorities and there is an open sewer running through the place.

Darjeeling is perhaps best know worldwide for its tea, and we were shown pictures of a plantation.

This was an excellent presentation and he was thanked on behalf of members by Valerie Fussell, the chairlady.

There were five competitions judged by Mike Neale and Dillwyn Lewis from Brockworth.

The table red class was won by Valerie Fussell with Dave Marlow second and Brenda Marlow third.

Table white dry saw Eric Brint taking top spot with Dave Marlow second and Christine Philp third.

In the social red class Dave Marlow was first, Fred Gilpin second and Brenda Marlow third.

The social white class was also won by Dave Marlow with Don Wilkins second and Christine Philp third.

The vintage red class was won by Fred Gilpin with Dave Marlow second and Christine Philp third.

By amassing the most points Dave Marlow also received a certificate as Champion Wine Maker.