Like all our groups COVID put a stop to our wine group meetings. Shame! Our last meeting being early March 2020 before the pandemic took hold.

When legally allowed in 2001 we met outside in the garden. Fortunately, the weather was was favourable and it was lovely to see everyone enjoying themselves once more. People brought along their own picnics, and the wine flowed again. The joy of friendship with u3a was very noticeable.

Indoor meetings began back in August 2021 following strict guidelines. Our group members

were eager to do something “normal” again. There was a great deal of catching up to do both with wine tasting and gossiping. A brilliant time was enjoyed by all.

Wine tasting has always been a very popular group and we have to limit the number of participants involved. Keeping folk on track can be a problem. Each member, plus another helper, is expected to lead a meeting. Before COVID the meeting leader would match up wines with tasty morsels that complimented the wine. However, since August everyone brings their own foodstuffs along.

In December, 2021 we met socially for an evening meal at the Church Mouse. A lively night was filled with fun and laughter. A great start for the festive season.

In April 2022 we are having another social evening at the Three Horse Shoes. It’s so nice to meet together with friends. April also sees another social outing planned to the Harrogate spring flower show. No doubt a few sample glasses will be enjoyed.

Hopefully now that COVID has receded things can only get better.

Gordon A