Langley Fermenters Wine Club – The Beginning
AND IN THE BEGINNING:
THERE WERE WINEMAKERS
LENDING THEIR TALENTS
TO THOSE WHO WOULD BE WINEMAKERS
(October 22, 1975)
The club started its 49th year in September, 2024.
Notes from club Historian Doug Morgan
(began assembling the history in 1980, last listed as a member in 1985-1986):
The story begins in September 1975, with a request to those interested in beer and wine making. The Brookswood Wine Art store in Langley displayed the request sponsored by Tom Collins
A get together meeting of people interested in the art wine and beer making, was held at the home of Tom and Andrea Collins at 8 pm on Wednesday, October 22, 1975. There was a discussion concerning the processes of forming a wine club, with the object in mind of promoting better amateur beer and wine making.
A tentative slate of officers were asked to form an executive. Gordon Fowler became the Chairman, Joanne Tretick the secretary for this meeting and Allan Affleck, the Treasurer.
It was discussed and decided that the first Monday of the month would become the meeting night.
It was suggested that all members should be actively interested in making wine and beer. Any new members wishing to join the club should be sponsored by a club member, and to attend two meetings, before becoming an accepted member of the club.
The problem of where to hold the meetings was discussed, and for the time being, an effort will be made to hold them in the houses of members who are willing to host the meeting.
The new executive then arranged an informal meeting later in the week, and plans were made to organize a regular meeting for November 3rd.
The First Regular Meeting was held at the home of Allan and Marion Affleck on November 3rd with nineteen people attending. The Chairman, Gordon Fowler, welcomed all of those present, and the meeting was opened with a Toast to the Success of the new club, the toast wine was a “country fruit” wine made by Rinky Fowler.
Allan Affleck, announced that as treasurer, he would be glad to receive the dues for the club membership. At the previous Executive Meeting, it was decided to set the annual dues at the sum of $5.00 per person and $7.00 per couple.
It was decided that it would be advantageous to affiliate with the BCAWA at the cost of $10.00 annually, and the ordering of the “Grapevine” newsletter at a cost of $1.00 per year per person.
It was felt that the Host would do the most efficient job of fulfilling the duties of Steward for the meeting for the time being, and he will either provide the toast wine, or contact a donor. We will need a gallon, and the donor will also explain the type of wine that it is, and give an appropriate toast.
The meeting was adjourned.
“There is a new club in the Aldergrove-Langley area. They have no name yet either, but in the meantime will be known as the Langley Wine Club. Twenty people came to the organizational meeting, and there are now fifteen paid up members. They meet in members’ homes on the first Monday of the month, and the host for the meeting acts as Steward. They are pretty much beginners, and are looking forward to having speakers from BCAWA, and aid from senior (wine) clubs. – Chairman, Gordon Fowler.” (November, 1975)
The Second Meeting was held at the home of Art and Mary Bratton December 1, 1975. A contest was held to find a name for the club and at that meeting, Vernon Zerr’s suggestion of “Langley Fermenters” was adopted by the club.
The Third Meeting was held at Gordon and Rinky Fowler on January 5, 1976. Agreed that the current number of paid up members be held at present 25 to 30. Paid up at this time are 26. (limited numbers due to space available at host homes)
The Fifth Meeting was held at Brian and Diane Gilhooly’s on Monday March 1, 1976. At this meeting it was directed that the club policies and constitution be developed. A committee was set up consisting of Brian Gilhooly (chairman), Mary Bratt and Allen Carpenter,
On Sunday June 3, 1976, the first Annual Garden Party was held. Diane and Brian Gilhooly very graciously made available their home and garden. There, amid the lovely setting of freshly cut grass and trees, what a more pleasant way to have our first outdoors social event.
The Eighth Meeting was held at the home of Allan and Cheryl Carpenter on Monday June 6, 1976. Gordon Fowler served as nominating committee chair:
The Executive elected was:
President – Brian Gilhooly
Vice President – Jean Smith
Secretary – Doug Morgan
Treasurer – Allan Affleck
Social Convener – Cheryl Carpenter
Coordinator – Rinky Fowler
(NOTE-Historical Executive Members and Historical Club Membership is located on the Langley Fermenters website under the “History” tab. www.langleyfermenters.com )
At this time we held our first annual in-club competition. The wine to be judged was Rose Hip and 8 bottles were entered. 1st prize went to Gordon Fowler, 2nd to Franz Brunhoffer, 3rd to Brian Gilhooly and 4th to Jean Smith.
The social events were lawn darts, horse shoe pitch, guessing game of some character, political or historical, the name pinned on a person’s back, lots of laughs at this. The evening ended with dancing and the usual stories.
The menu consisted of a BBQ baron of beef, plus many fine dishes and a punch, all prepared by the excellent cuisine of our lady members.
The credit for the early success of the club can be given to Rinky and Gordon Fowler. Had it not been for Rinky and her untiring effort, the success of the club would not have been the same. She was the spark and drive behind the club’s activities.
(That is a brief summary of the first year – Pat Zawalykut – Sep. 8, 2019)
AND THE REST IS HISTORY
Brian Gilhooly, as noted, was one of the founding fathers of the club and was the only original member still active in the club until his passing on February 23, 2023. His membership spanned 48 years. He was given the designation “Life Member” in 2011. His friendship and contributions will always be recognized and missed.
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