Although all members have been emailed on the Saturday morning visit on September 9th this is the reason why I had to cancel it.
Yesterday as part of the reunion preparations I visited both the hotel and the vineyard which we will visit on the Saturday morning. I was warmly greeted at the vineyard by the owner Jonathan and later by his wife Nicky ( with whom I had made all the arrangements previously.) Lovely people.
I was taken to a “viewing gallery” where Jonathon showed me the extent of the vineyard.
He explained how he thought the morning viewing would go. We would split into two groups. He would take a group round the vineyard, explain the different types of grapes, their characteristics, the type of wine they produce and generally some of the background knowledge of the yard and the history. This walk and talk would take about 30 to 40 minutes and then the other group could go round while the first group sampled some of the wines and any possible purchases. All very good so far. Now the nitty gritty…..
The vineyard is situated on a minor road but this road is very very busy ( mainly because there is a very well appointed farm shop about 150 yards further down the road) Traffic is constant. When I later visited the farm shop the car park was full. Where the coach will disembark 40 passengers is very narrow and knowing our group, that will take at least 10 to 15 minutes. I envisage that somebody (probably me) will have to wear a high viz jacket and act as policeman for the cars to pass behind the coach back and forth. (It is not possible for the coach to enter the vineyard area.)
Meanwhile we will send the coach away to Stratford with those on board who do not wish to visit the vineyard and tell the driver to return to pick us up in two hours say so timing is vital.
The pathway from the coach to the vineyard is gravel. It is NOT suitable for wheelchairs or possibly even people using walking sticks or who have any walking problems…and we have many of those. Although it is only about 30 yards, it will be difficult
The steps to the viewing and sampling area are very steep. Many of us won’t be able to make it at all especially the elderly and those with walking problems. This is where one half of the group will sit and rest while the first group go on the tour. Those who can’t climb the steps could sit on outside benches and wait but if it is cold or wet………
The tour area is around two or three fields of vines. It is not paved and walking round may not be easy for some of us. If the ground is wet we have to think about the footwear too. Another possible problem is that the tour will have to go at the speed of the slowest. That could cause problems in timings etc.
When the first group tour is finished, those who can, can go and sit in the adequate sampling area while the second group go on the tour. It would not be expedient for the second group to try sampling until their vineyard tour is completed. There will be nibbles on the table and more substantial snacks are available but as we have just finished an “ eat whatever you wish” buffet breakfast this would be unlikely.
When the coach returns, we will need to vacate the premises very quickly to avoid congestion in the road outside again. Knowing the group, this will take at least 15 to 20 minutes to get from the sampling and viewing area to the coach and get everybody on board. It may be even more difficult for anybody who as “Oversampled”.
There are no toilets available in the viewing area but toilets are available in the main house. I know from experience that this toilet will be required throughout the morning……and dare I say it….especially when the coach returns and we need to vacate the premises.
I know that those unable to take the tour or the steps will be “bored to death” by the end of two hours.
Although Jonathon and Nicky made me more than welcome and they are very nice people, this Vineyard visit, in the circumstances, and knowing the group, is a disaster waiting to happen. I feel that if we go ahead with it, there will be many disgruntled members and I would go as far as to say, it could spoil the whole weekend. I hope you understand.
