It had snowed a little overnight and the day itself was cool and overcast. Such conditions were perfect for hosting RW’s first Autumn 2018 social event.
32 Members, guests and current non-members came together on 20 November, in the ancient and welcoming Carnotzet of Jean-Pierre Deblue’s Cave des Biolles, close to Founex/VD. After negotiating winding streets, we were all delighted to face a roaring log fire, a display of antiques and a welcoming glass of J-P’s delicious Chasselas or Gamay wine. Then began the feast. A selection of typical Vaudois and Valaisan meats and various nibbles was followed by tempting Raclette portions “a discrétion”. Having overcome our appetite for cheese, fresh oranges and apple tarts were then offered by our volunteer waiters.
As the wine flowed, an additional surprise awaited us. Our stalwart local treasurer and games organiser, Ted Talbot, challenged tables to answer some difficult but enlightening questions on the world’s most “smelly” cheese and about the idiosyncrasies of certain wines. Few of us “got it right” but all of us learned more about these essentials of the dinner table. Our Traiteur, M. Jean-Albert Douse of the Fromagerie de la Gite, Nyon, ended the quiz by providing some facts about various cheeses that showed that everyone is entitled to their own opinion!
Great appreciation was recorded by the RW Chairman to Pam Walsh OBE for again using her many contacts to put together a relaxed and enjoyable meeting of friends old and new, hosted in a perfect setting. Alan Baker then introduced RW’s advance planning for its 2019 social programme, news that was similarly well-received. Members should anticipate enjoying a variety of interesting events in the year ahead.
Alan Baker
Photos taken by Messrs Kurt Klein and Brian Hewitt
