A Word from Bazza / Early June 2017 Round-up

[Bazza]

Hey folks,

I thought I'd post a summary of things club-related happening over the next few weeks, for the benefit of both members and non-members. If the general consensus finds this kind of thing useful I'll continue to post these periodicals, if not we'll allow it to quietly fizzle out like Banjo bars and Johnny Logan's career.

I'll start this first one off fairly light. If the interest is there for future posts, I'll continue to hone the format and content towards something that works best.

(If I've missed or misrepresented anything below then please let me know and I'll update)


Competitions/events
17th June – Lager workshop – Lock 13 Sallins
http://www.nationalhomebrewclub.ie/forum/events/lager-workshop-sat-17th-june/
This will be hosted by Brendan and Kellie in preparation for the Lager competition on September 30th. This is an excellent opportunity to receive invaluable tips and insight from one of the club's most decorated brewers.

17th June – Belfast Brewday with SPBW – Brewbot Bar
http://www.nationalhomebrewclub.ie/forum/belfast-homebrewers/mayjune-meet-and-brew-day/
Brewbot bar will pay host to the Belfast Homebrewers, as they cook up a session pale on a Grainfather system. As an added twist, the resulting brew is going to be conditioned in a wooden pin, supplied by the SPBW group. Hey nonny-nonny!

25th June - North Country Brewers "Be Kind To Your Liver" Session Beer competition
http://www.nationalhomebrewclub.ie/forum/competitions/north-country-brewers-'be-kind-to-your-liver'-session-beer-competition/
You love a few beers in the summer sun, but are afraid of falling asleep on the barbecue...again? Well, this event may just save the other side of your face!
Just to be aware, if you're thinking of entering, registration closes this Sunday (4th).


Future Competitions/Events
30th Sept – South Kildare Lager Competition http://www.nationalhomebrewclub.ie/forum/competitions/south-kildare-lager-competition/
Late August to mid October - Capital Sour Competition
http://www.nationalhomebrewclub.ie/forum/competitions/capital-sour-comp/
Late October – Belfast Quintessential Competiton
Nov 25th - Brew Na Bóinne 2017 Stout Competition
http://www.nationalhomebrewclub.ie/forum/competitions/save-the-date-brew-na-boinne-2017/
February/March 2018 – the Nationals (more to come in the next few months, but it's never too early to get brewing)
April 2018 – Brewcon – More details including date to follow soon but, just to be on the safe side, plan NOTHING else for April. You have been warned


Other Topics
Club Membership
New members are joining every day, but even more the merrier. For the benefits it brings (Affiliated company discounts, Group buy savings, Nationals competition entry, etc.) it's an absolute STEAL at 10 Euro for 12 months! So take the plunge, poke your friends, reap the benefits!

NHC groups
If you feel you're not completely served by the existing groups, and reckon you have the bodies and the interest in starting your own local group, then let us know and we'll help you set it up, get established and offer the benefit of our experience in helping it grow. We've all been though that first time where you creep into the corner of the pub, eyes shifting around till they meet another pair of similarly frightened eyes, the uncomfortable shuffling and clinking of bottles and beards towards a table where the word 'Reserved' , hastily biro'd onto the back of a food menu, has just been spotted... it's easy street from then on. There's a local club guide currently in the works, so stay tuned.

Competitions
You want your club to host a competition but are unsure of the ways and wherefores? Again, we're here to offer you help and insight and help you through that first competition. There're plenty of seasoned veterans in the NHC who are only too happy to walk and talk you through the process. Ever open to liquid bribes, I've always fancied a trip to Longford/Roscommon/Monaghan/etc.  Well, okay, maybe not Monaghan

NHC Merchandise
We're in the middle of resurrecting the whole concept of NHC t-shirts, hats, mugs, etc.  There'll be more to come on the subject but, in the meantime, suggestions are always welcome.

Member Group buys
One of the biggest benefits of club membership. You spot some good deal on brewing related goods, but it requires the power of the bulk buy? Then let us know and we'll help you get it off the ground. Obviously within reasonable bounds, e.g. the line has to be drawn at packages of 'stock' from the lesser-known Central American states; not everyone likes coffee.

The forum vs WhatsApp groups
This topic has come up a number of times already. The scenario whereby you sign up to the NHC, join a local club and disappear down the rabbit hole of that club's WhatsApp group all too easily happens. I'm not for one second knocking WhatsApp; it's essential for quick questions, favours, organising things etc., but I would strongly encourage you to still continue posting on the forum as well. There's a wealth of tips and info floating out there in the WhatsApp cloud, that could really benefit both established and emerging forum members alike.


Lastly...
To avoid the risk of sounding like Jerry with his Final Thought, or Kevin McCloud standing in front of a house getting on all prosaic about it being more than just a house, I'll leave it there for now. Just remember the NHC is your club, so use it. Feedback and comments are always appreciated.

Happy brewing and even happier weekend!

Cheers,

-Barry

[lordstilton]

Good stuff on the merchandise.. Think it's something missing a while... All my old Nhc glasses are broken.. Look forward to a reup

[Simon_]

Love this concept. Great to have a summary of events

Nationals / Brewcon 2017 2018
Capital have a kettle sour comp listed as well

[molc]

Excellent work there Barry - a great summary of what's going on and to come.

[Bazza]

Love this concept. Great to have a summary of events

Nationals / Brewcon 2017 2018
Capital have a kettle sour comp listed as well

Cheers Simon. Amendments made. 

-Barry

[KDeath]

Great idea, keep it going!

There's a stout competition later in the year also - http://www.nationalhomebrewclub.ie/forum/competitions/save-the-date-brew-na-boinne-2017/

[mick02]

Nice write up Barry. Nice to show all events in one post for those that get lost when rummaging through the forum.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Bazza]

There's a stout competition later in the year also - http://www.nationalhomebrewclub.ie/forum/competitions/save-the-date-brew-na-boinne-2017/

Updated. Cheers.

-Barry