Beer for Enthusiasts
Chosen By
Enthusiasts
The Fine Ale Club
Obituary
The Fine Ale Club's First Chairman
Bernard Heaton 1939 - 2010
It is with deep sadness that we report the passing of Bernard. He died peacefully after a short but progressive illness on Wednesday 13th January.
A big man, with a heart to match, Bernard's enthusiasm for the world of brewing included setting up his own brewery while living in Southern Ireland in the late 70's early 80's. He returned to England and worked in the chemical and pharmaceutical trade as production manager for Faberge until head hunted to run Cambridge Chemicals International Ltd, an international trading company, which he ran successfully from his offices in West Mersea. It was while chairman of Fountain International Lines Ltd that he was able to return to his interest in beers and brewing. While on holiday he was asked to supply beer to Northern Cyprus and his research led him to contact small independent breweries throughout the UK, this developed into the Fine Ale Club. At first the club just delivered locally to club members around Colchester in Essex. In 2004 the website was started and members could join from any part of the country and be sure of receiving interesting and fine ales from many regions. At the end of 2001, after a conversation with the Mayor of Colchester, Mike Hogg, Bernard suggested that a beer tasting supper would be a way of raising funds for the local charities sponsored by the Mayor. The first supper, which set the pattern, was attended by 45 people in the Mayor's parlour. Starting with a seafood platter from The Company Shed in West Mersea, followed by Proctors Sausages, mash and gravy cooked by the Chefs at the Barracks, fruit cake using Nethergates Old Growler porter and cheese rounded off the meal. The following year the attendance rose to 75 and after that it just grew each year with people booking their tables for the following year as they left. Currently two evenings are held with the maximum attendance of 180 at each supper.
2004 an enquiry came from Finland for a gluten free English beer, Bernard set about trying to find one without any success so instead he became involved with a brewer willing to try to develop a beer that would be safe for Coeliacs to drink. The first successful brew was named 'Against the Grain' and soon became a national favourite with members ordering anything from 1 to 6 cases at a time. Bernard resigned as chairman of the club in 2005 as he wanted to spend more time in Cyprus, he was always available for advice and when in England came and gave talks and joined in tasting panels.
At the two suppers held this January, Bernard's health was toasted in 'Against the Grain' and diners were reminded that it was due to Bernard's energy and inspiration that so many people were able to discover the joys of good beer and the company of like minded people. Cheers Bernard! We'll miss you.
If you want your order to be delivered to an address outside
England or Wales
Please call us first on one of the numbers below to discuss your requirements before sending in your order
From time to time demand for some products can exceed the level of stocks immediately available. If for any reason we are unable to send you the bottled beers you have chosen we will contact you and let you choose an alternative beer if this is your preference
The Fine Ale Club,
Layer Hall Farm, Layer de la Haye, Colchester, CO2 0ET
Tel: 01279 726554 (07957 864 727mobile) | e-mail:
finealeclub@onetel.com