RELAUNCH

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ISSUE 6 - Summer 2009

Weald

Wessex and Downland This issue of the Newsletter is rather largely dominated by news from Wessex and Downland as Phil Smith had much to say on the coming Chapitre Magistral to be held in Reading as well as events associated with St Bacchus around that time, and of a trip to Antwerp. As a separate page insert and in his own words is all that is necessary to know, as well as the customary ‘tear off and return’ slip for participants. You are also urged to take advantage of the special terms negotiated for the hotel accommodation by making an early booking. On the subject of the Magistral held in Montpellier, on the weekend of May 30th - 31st, John & Margaret Williams have contributed a welcome article on their impressions of the event. Ours were very similar, but I should add that it was very sad that Phil & Jenny Smith had to abort plans to attend due to the heat exacerbating Jenny’s ongoing neck problem. In fact, after waiting at the hotel for others to arrive for a Grand Council meeting, we phoned Phil. “Where are you?”, asked Caroline, only to be told, “In Boulogne, going home”! During the Magistral, and apart from many compliments for our amusing introductions for new members Toni & Hulya di Paolo, the Grand Maitre, Michel Graviassy, was presented with a splendid diamond embellished ‘croix’ by the Belgian Connétablie.

Antwerp Chapitre Magistral – May 17th The first Belgian Chapitre Magistral of the year in Antwerp was, like last year's Parisian Chapitre, held afloat. Unusually, the 42nd Chapitre Magistral of Antwerp Commanderie was held on a Sunday and we boarded the "Festina Liente" in Willemdok at 3 p.m., by which time the party was already in full swing! After a delightful glass or two of "fizz", we assembled on deck for the ceremony. In the gusty conditions there was a serious risk of losing your hat overboard and everyone had their hats pulled down really tight. With severely limited space on deck, the ceremony was completed with amazing speed. There was no procession as all the dignitaries were either already in place and stood up as they were announced, or stepped smartly forward from elsewhere on the deck. There were a number of promotions, including our host Roger Braeckmans who was promoted Grand Commandeur. Notably, the three Chevaliers and five Dame Chanoinesses were introduced without individual speeches which speeded up the proceedings considerably. In under an hour, the Vin Vrai had been glorified, the Grand Maître had thanked everyone for their hard work and had declared the Chapitre "clos" to a resounding "Par Saint Bacchus Aymons Nous". The sparkling aperitif flowed again as we met old friends from previous visits and made new ones among a Commanderie we had not visited before. As the boat set off on a cruise through the maze of docks and out into the River Schelde that runs through Antwerp to the sea, we enjoyed a superb meal with the unfolding backdrop of the changing river views. All too soon we were making our way back through the network of locks and bridges and sunset became twilight as we returned to our berth at 9 p.m.

As will be read, Phil and Jenny have, very commendably, been fostering relationships with our friends from Belgium. This was the fourth Belgian Chapitre that we have attended and A small party have also promised to we have thoroughly enjoyed them all. Not only will you receive a attend the Magistral in St Niklaus on very warm welcome, but also many Belgians speak English and December 6th; those who wish to join us are very pleased to have the opportunity to practice with their for either trip - to Antwerp or Sint Niklaus, should get in English guests. We also enjoyed a Saturday evening meal near touch. the stunning Grote Markt and visited the house of Rubens, the famous Flemish painter on the Sunday. I had hoped to have the Newsletter ready for distribution on the day of the annual (now Connétablie) Garden Party, Belgian Chapitres are very easy to get to as nowhere in Belgium which for the sixth (seventh?) year in succession was on is more than two hours away from anywhere else! If you travel by yet another sunny Sunday. It was held back in Hartfield Eurostar, onward return travel by train from Brussels to any due to the sensible precautions taken by Phil and Jenny. station in Belgium in included for free. An operation was likely, but we are pleased to report, in For reasons that are not entirely clear, the next Belgian Chapitre Phil’s words: “As you can imagine, it has been a huge Magistral will be hosted by the other Antwerp Commanderie, relief to discover that the symptoms that Jenny has been Antwerpen Metropolis on Saturday 17th October, one week beexperiencing do not indicate a deterioration in the condi- fore our Chapitre Magistral in England. When we last joined them tion of her neck and we can now concentrate on continu- for a Chapitre I was Echanson and their new Commandeur, Jef ing to enjoy our lives in general and our St. Bacchus Stalmans was Lt. Roy d'Armes. We have so enjoyed our visits to Antwerp that I agreed, perhaps rashly, to support his Chapitre in friendships in particular” Antwerp if he would return the compliment a week later and visit A final note of thanks go to Jack & Angela Muncer and us in England! Marie-Anne Besançon, who (with Christa Rushton) If anyone else is up for joining us, please let me know. Otherwise, represented Weald at the annual presentation to the most I would very much recommend supporting a Belgium Chapitre promising wine student at the Plumpton prizegiving. Jack next year. You can be sure of a very warm welcome and plenty of has contributed his offering on the event ... members keen to practice their English with you. Malcolm Valentin

Phil Smith

NARBONNE REPORT May 30th / 31st - Montpellier Saturday was sunny and hot (29°). Fortunately, everyone took the warning about waiting for the last shuttle seriously, so the first two shuttles were full. The ‘Mas de Saporta’ turned out to be a wonderful venue. As soon as we arrived, we were directed to the wineshop, for a wine tasting, and an opportunity to say hello to other members. The ‘Mas de L’Erme’ produced a light and fragrant rosé that made an interesting start to the evening. The Magistral was held in an upstairs hall – a massive, dramatic location, with huge exposed wooden beams. A professional sound system, ensured that everyone could be heard (provided they remembered to talk into the microphone!). There were many promotions (including Jenny Smith – in absentia) and new Weald members Tony Jacques Moulines and Hulya di Paolo. Narbonne

from John and Margaret Williams We drove to the Manade and arrived around noon (not easy to find, so thank goodness for GPS). A shower of rain was easing off as we paddled across the car park to the venue and the mornings’ entertainment was disrupted by the weather, but we were still treated to a superb display of horsemanship. One man on a white horse created something akin to an equestrian ballet. This is, after all, a place of white horses and black bulls; black bulls that are supposed to be relatively friendly, but still have intimidatingly large horns. Fortunately, there was a large covered area; though this crowded with sheltering guests. Drinks and traditional nibbles were provided and a wine tasting (St. Christol) helped to raise everyone’s spirits - and dancers managed to find enough space to put on a display.

Fortunately the rain stopped – and ‘moules’ barbequed in the local tradition were served on a long table outside. After a short Commandeur After the formal proceedings, we were interval to take advantage of welglad of the opportunity to stretch our legs on the Terrace. In come glimpses of sunshine, we spite of the warmth and humidity, there were few insects to were served with lunch in a bother us. The spacious Terrace was well supplied with nearby room. Some guests trays of interesting nibbles and sparkling wine; a pleasantly found that placing your coat on a warm evening to catch up with some of the people we had chair, then going out to enjoy the missed earlier in the day. sunshine, does not guarantee your place for lunch. Our meal was light, interesting and Dinner was held in other half of the main hall. We had accompanied by more of the excellent St. Christol wines that individual menus, decorated with wine labels, so that no two we had tasted earlier. were alike. A spectacular cabaret accompanied dinner; this would demand a report all to itself. Presentations on stage Song sheets were passed around at alternated with memorable food and wine at our tables. the end of lunch. There were two All the courses were worthy of commendation. My highlights songs. One was a light-hearted were ‘Foie Gras’, brioche and caramelised onions with a glass French drinking song and was sung of clairette (Adissan) to start; and ‘Tournedos de Canard’ for with enthusiasm; the other was a sad the third course. The latter is quite difficult to produce for ballad (in Occitan, the traditional such a large gathering; but mine was perfect (seared brown on language of the Languedoc); this the outside, but tenderly pink on the inside). The time flew was translated into French by one of by and soon it was time to board the ‘shuttles’ for the trip back our hosts. to the hotel. After lunch, the clouds almost disappeared and there was Sunday morning turned out wet and relatively cool. We got music and dancing. Then there were the final speeches and up too late to take advantage of the shuttles that went from the suddenly it was time for the shuttles to leave. It was a truly hotels to the ‘Manade de Ternen’. It was raining, at times memorable Chapitre. John & Margaret Williams quite heavily. On Friday 19th June, Angela and I attended the annual prize giving for students at Plumpton College, accompanied by Marie-Anne Besançon and Christa Rushton. I think we were all amazed by the size of the huge marquee which held several hundred people. We were welcomed by Chris Foss and settled in our seats in good time for the start of the presentations. The atmosphere was relaxed and the students gave enthusiastic support to those collecting special awards; for the guests it was a chance to find out how hard these young, and in some cases, mature, students had worked to achieve good results even for those who had perhaps been un-achievers at school. We were, of course, there to support our prize for ‘The Top Student in Wine Production’ which this year was received by Thomas Whalley, who is a very articulate and charming young man. We managed to spend some time with him and some of his tutors after the presentation and were all impressed by his attitude and his enthusiasm for his future in Wine Production. He has since let me know his future intentions which you will read later and promised that St. Bacchus members should Marie-Anne Besancon, Chris Foss, look forward to sampling the results of his labours. ‘top student’ Tom Whalley, and Jack & After the ceremony and photos we were invited to another magnificent marquee for champagne, Angela Muncer - doing the honours! sandwiches, cakes and local strawberries & cream. A fitting end to a most interesting day. Jack Muncer

PLUMPTON REPORT

It’s a ‘CHAPITRE WEEK’

from Phil Smith - Commandeur Wessex & Downland

This year’s Wessex and Downland Chapitre Magistral will take place on Saturday 24th October at Queen Anne’s School, Caversham, Reading. Jenny is a past Chairman of the Old Girls’ Society and by kind permission of the Headmistress we are able to enjoy this superb setting for the Chapitre. The recommended hotel is the Crowne Plaza, Caversham Bridge, Reading, RG1 8BD, where a St. Bacchus rate of £80 per room, inclusive of breakfast has been has been negotiated. Book direct with the hotel on 0118 925 9988 Mon-Fri quoting “Block code CHE – Chevaliers de St. Bacchus” when booking. Do NOT use the central reservations number. There is a Premier Travel Inn (Reading, Caversham Bridge) also adjacent http://www.premierinn.com/pti/home.do Their current Internet room rate is £59, but by the time you’ve added on breakfast there’s only £6 difference. There will be shuttle transport from the Crowne Plaza Hotel to the Chapitre and back at the end of the evening included in the ticket price. The main attraction for Sunday is a five hour cruise on the River Thames from Caversham to Henley and back, with lunch including wine on board. On Monday, we’ve organised a tour of Windsor Castle, with lunch in Windsor before the majority of “les étrangères” return home. We already have 25 firm bookings from French and Belgian members keen to enjoy the Chapitre and the associated events. I look forward to as many “Angleterre” members as possible taking part in the Chapitre and joining in entertaining our overseas guests at the events of your choice during the weekend. To complement the Chapitre, Rajes Visram has identified that the London Wine Show starts on Thursday 22nd October at the Business Design Centre in Islington ( see http://www.wineshow.co.uk/ ) Jenny and I will be going to the opening night (6-9 p.m. Thursday) whilst Rajes is planning to go on the Friday 23rd (noon-9pm) – although maybe not for all 9 hours! If you fancy going, book your tickets direct via the web site and get in touch with Rajes or Jenny and I to coordinate the St. Bacchus visit on either day. Finally, as you will see from my other article, Jenny and I enjoyed a wonderful weekend at the Antwerp Chapitre Magistral in May – so much so that we’re going back in October! Antwerp has two Commanderies and the next Belgian Chapitre Magistral will be hosted by Antwerpen-Metropolis where our good friend Jef Stalmans is now Commandeur. He too was at the Chapitre in May and invited me to come to his Chapitre on the 17th October (one week before ours)! We had an “I will if you will “conversation where I agreed to >>> PLEASE TEAR OFF THE RETURNS SLIP BELOW AND SEND TO JENNY SMITH

RESERVATION FORM Wessex & Downland Chapitre Magistral October 24th - 26th 2009 Name(s) : ______________________________________________ Title(s): _____________________________ Telephone: ____________________________

e-mail: _________________________________________________

Address: __________________________________________________________________________________________________ I/We would like to be seated with : Names (if you wish to specify) My/Our friends (please specify)………………………….. Overseas guests who wish to speak French and English … Overseas guests who wish to speak only French…. …….. Specific Dietary requirements …………..…………………………………………………………………………………

I/We would like to take part in the events indicated: Saturday Oct 24th - Chapitre Magistral & Dinner ……. @ £60.00 each = £ ………. Saturday Oct 24th - Shuttle transport to and from the Crowne Plaza Hotel NOT required Deduct £5.00 each = -£ ……... rd Friday Oct 23 1930 - Welcome evening with early overseas arrivals (pay own way) Saturday Oct 24th From 1230 - Welcome lunch with overseas guests (pay own way) Sunday Oct 25th 0930 for 1000 – Thames Cruise with lunch (comme boisson) ……. @ £52.00 each = £ ....……. th Sunday Oct 25 1930 – “Curry Night” in Caversham (comme boisson) ……. @ £30.00 each = £ …..…… Monday Oct 26th 1000 – Visit to Windsor Castle .……. @ £15.00 each = £ ….…… Monday Oct 26th 1230 – Lunch at Mercure Hotel, Windsor ……. @ £ 22.00 each = £ ….……

GRAND TOTAL (CHAPITRE + EVENTS)

£ ……….

Please return with your cheque (payable to Chevaliers de Saint Bacchus) to the Argentier BY 12th SEPTEMBER Jenny Smith 13 Sondes Place Drive Dorking Surrey RH4 3ED UK Tel : 01306 884075 Fax : 01306 884030 e-mail : [email protected] or [email protected]

>>> return to support him, even though it is the weekend before our Chapitre, if he in turn would come to England the following weekend! Please contact me if you would like to enjoy the warm Belgian hospitality in Antwerp, because they really appreciate international support for their Chapitres. We will be flying from London City Airport to Antwerp on Saturday morning and returning Sunday evening. So with so many possibilities of events to join in around the Chapitre itself, I have designated 17-26th October as “Chapitre Week”! In Summary, the events you can participate in are: Sat/Sun 17/18 Oct – Chapitre Magistral Antwerpen-Metropolis Thurs 22 Oct (6-9 pm) London Wine Show Fri 23 Oct (noon-9 pm) London Wine Show Fri 23 Oct – Welcome evening for first overseas arrivals Sat 24 Oct (from 1230) – Welcome lunch at hotel for overseas guests Sat 24 Oct – Chapitre Magistral & Dinner at Queen Anne’s School Sun 25 Oct – Thames Cruise to Henley & back with lunch on board Sun 25 Oct (7.30 pm) – Introducing our guests to a curry evening! Mon 26 Oct (10 am) – Tour of Windsor Castle Mon 26 Oct – Lunch at Mercure Hotel, Windsor Mon 26 Oct 1500 – Au Revoir, Windsor Central station Please complete and return the Booking Form for the Chapitre-related events as soon as possible so that I can get a firm handle on just how many people are coming (I may have to hire a bigger boat on Sunday!). Final deadline for bookings is 12th September, six weeks before the event. If you’d like to discuss joining Jenny and me on the visit to the Antwerpen- Metropolis Chapitre on 17th October, please get in touch with us directly. If you’re up for going to the Wine Show, book your tickets direct and get in touch with Rajes or Jenny and I depending on which day you’re planning to go. Any questions on any of the events or information – please get in touch by email [email protected] or telephone on 01306 884075. All the members of the Commanderie of Wessex and Downland who will be assisting in organising the events look forward to welcoming you to what promises to be another memorable Chapitre. PSBAN

Phil Smith

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