How Well Do We know People in our Community?

Reid and Reid, or otherwise Chris and Stewart are the owners of the Gin distillery in Martinborough.

Chris trained initially as a wine maker. Having finished his degree at the EIT in the Hawkes Bay he came to Martinborough to work at Ata Rangi, helping in the vineyard. He then worked vintages overseas in Oregon and at the Domaine Rion in Burgundy before being asked to be the assistant winemaker at Ata Rangi.

Meanwhile Stewart had completed his engineering degree and was positioned in Scotland working on wind farm developments.

The two caught up in Edinburgh where they became fascinated by the modern gin making techniques that were becoming popular. Botanicals were being added to create new flavours, a move away from the traditional London dry style. “We did a lot of tasting” laughs Chris.

“ When I came home I began experimenting in the back room. I wanted to create a quintessential New Zealand gin. The botanicals I chose after a lot of experimenting were Kawakawa, Horopito, and Manuka, and of course Juniper. Many New Zealand native plants have little flavour or have only a limited flowering season, so we wanted to use plants that were readily available all year around. Manuka has an oily floral character. Manuka and Kawakawa are known for their medicinal qualities and Horopito is quite peppery. When they are distilled the aromas are redolent of the smells one breathes in when you are walking in the New Zealand bush. Savoury and Peppery. … Continue Reading

Recycling days

Wednesday 10th August Glass

Wednesday 17th August Wheelie bin

Wednesday 24^th August Glass

Wednesday 31^st August Wheelie bin 

NEWS FROM FIRST CHURCH

While Covid has kept many of us home over the last month, our services have continued with the support of our Minister Jim Veitch and parish members.  Our ringing rosters have supported those who are isolating at home and also those who have been away for various reasons other than Covid.  It is times like these that we appreciate being part of the church family and the caring nature of those around us.

If you would like to join us on a Sunday we meet at 9.45am for a cup of tea or coffee and the services start just after 10am, we would certainly welcome visitors, new members and those from other denominations who would enjoy our interactive discussions and services.

On Friday the 19^th August, First Church is holding a High Tea, Bubbles & Fashion Show with the sale of full circle high fashion clothing. Tickets are $30.  There is a limit of 50 tickets so be in quick to reserve your seat. … Continue Reading

Martinborough Golf Club Report

We have certainly had a lot of rain over the last few weeks, so much so that the course has had to be closed on a couple of occasions.

Grumpies have missed out on a couple of days over the last month, but winners have been Brian Russo, Rob Smith and Bob Schofield.  Twos have gone to Greg Dalton, Bill Gordon, Kane Sim and Jason Shaw.

The Ladies have also had a couple of their competitions washed out but 9 hole winners have been Ali Russell and Jo Guscott, 18 hole winners were Pamela Messervy, Ju Allen and Nicola Warren.  The only twos have gone to Pamela Messervy and Carol Parkinson.

Thursday Club winners have been Andy Morison, Bill Gordon, Nick Morison and Doug Clark.  Twos have gone to Seamus O’Sullivan (3), Malcolm Wood (3), Doug Clark (2), Sandra Petersen, Jo Anne Loe, Ed Elworthy, Andy Morison, Nick Morison, Jason Shaw, Ailsa Malneek, Brian Russo and Darren Bevan.  Nearest the pins have gone to Rod Cranswick, Doug Clark, Griff Page and Darren Bevan.

Winners of the weekend competitions have been Alistair Boyne, John Warner, Jason Shaw (twice), Nick Morison, Phil Collins, Colin Whibley-Smith, Malcolm Bridge and Malcolm Wood.  Malcolm Wood also won the Birds Nest last month and twos have gone to Phil Collins, Seamus O’Sullivan, Julie Dondertman, Derek Stephens, Jason Shaw Brian Russo (2), John Warner, Rob Lopez, Doug Clark (2), Olivia Clark and Dayle Scrimshaw.

That’s it for July – here’s hoping that August is somewhat drier!!!

 Kris Chamberlain Secretary/Administrator Martinborough Golf Club