Westgaters,
Christmas is done and dusted and we welcome in a New Year. I hope that everyone had a happy and safe festive period and had a good rest, saw family and friends and got in the odd beer or two.. and of course a brew!
The Christmas party was a fine affair. Massive shout out to EVERYONE that cooked meat, made salads, vegetables, dessert, a beer.The weather wasn’t great (try moving during the day in that) but Footscray Park Bowls Club were phenomenal in helping make it great. A good venue, plenty of space, a barman that looked after those of us that stayed behind to clean up.
Twilight wasn’t what we were used to but, I think it was actually really good. Dinner, some beers and a visit from Santa! Fitzy did an excellent job of the spreadsheet, to get everything sorted for the event and then running food and equipment on the day, in the commercial kitchen. Special mention to Dan and John and Walter, who pushed the bar through torrential rain, back to its underground home. They had rain jackets and I didn’t!
Sundays meeting will be a free BBQ. If you want salad, BYO but otherwise it will be bread and snags and maybe some mustard. There is a cider competition. This competition is not for BOTY points. Please come along, RSVP to the club if you haven’t, and if you’ve made a cider, bring that along too!
If you haven’t brewed your cream ale, you need to get cracking. This IS a BOTY competition and all points are relevant and countable. If you don’t have the recipe, ask Neal on Sunday, look back at the last newsletters for the recipe outlines or ask a fellow club member. However you do it, just get on it. This new year is really the pointy end of the stick for the clubs competition both in-house and with other clubs.
Speaking of other clubs, Merri Mashers IPA competition is on again. There will be mammoth prizes for first place and should you choose to judge, you can also go along on the day and get fed! Competition is in March. There is even a specialty section for all you budding extreme IPA makers.
Melbourne Brewers Beer Fest is also coming up. Sat 24th and Sunday 25th of February. It will be at Edina Rd, Ferntree Gully this year but as usual promises to be a great competition. There will be every beer style (well almost) and plenty of good cheer. Another great opportunity for those who want to expand their judging and learn more about it. Obviously, Westgate have done pretty well at this competition, so it would be great if everyone put something in!
Anyway, I’ll see you all briefly Sunday (I've got the kids)
Cheers
Ferg
