"Sparks to Spirits" summed up our guest speaker Mark Austin's working life. Some years ago, he was challenged, by one of his two adult sons, to investigate distilling production.
As he approached his retirement this year, distilling sounded like an interesting hobby. Having spent forty years as a "Sparky" and in food production etc, he had lifetime skills to maintain. Add to this, his wife Wendy, is an accountant. Together they started to explore the possibility of changing distilling from a hobby to a business.
Tamworth had no distillery and research revealed a niche market. Even Tamworth's water was suitable because of its calcium content!
From his distillery, Mark now sells 23 varieties including Moonshine, Whisky/whiskey, Liqueurs,and Gin.
Another good meeting with an excellent meal and dessert was definitely turning up for.
Our guest again this week was Paul Hombsch chauffeuring Jim and our guest speaker Mark Austin both were welcomed by myself, stealing Don Eathers job.
General Business
· Ron Carr spoke about the Fire Fighting Championships barbeque on Sunday which is all organised and all eight spots of the roster are full, set up is organised as well.
· Ron also mentioned that he was Chris Carmody who is on the mend but struggling to get back on his feet again, but hopes to see us in the next couple of weeks again.
· Phil Lyon mentioned our 70th birthday/ change over for this year is on Sunday 14 June at the Tamworth Jockey Club at 12:00 noon and that will be a three course meal and drinks for approximately $100.00 per head at this stage, so put that one in your diary.
· We have one more volunteer, or person that was volunteered being Jim Booth for the science and engineering challenge who will join Mal MacPherson and Graeme Mills over the several days of that event.
Our guest speaker tonight was Mark Austin from the Tamworth Distillery who gave quite an interesting talk about setting up the business and how the business is going, which was greatly enjoyed by all of us, particularly the spirits drinkers on the top table. Mark was introduced by Brian Chapman and thanked by Jim Booth.
Our Seargent this week was Geoff Galloway and Geoff came up with some quite humorous if slightly biased to the head table fines. But all in good fun.
Heads and tails was won by Phil Chaseling and Noel Bennett and Phil donated his honey to our guest speaker Mark. Mark also donated a bottle of single malt which was auctioned for charity which our Secretary Pete won for $110.00 which is just over recommended retail price. Thanks to both Mark and Pete for that donation.
For next week please check the work rosters or call somebody if you are not able to attend or carry out your assigned activity.
We will be at the family hotel 6:00pm for 6:30pm start. Out guest speaking is Paul Sullivan speaking this time about Micro Banking in PNG.
Cheers
Scott
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays
Kevin Craggs
March 4
Peter Dillon
March 13
Join Date
James Hindmarsh
March 8, 2010
16 years
Richard Chaffey
March 8, 2010
16 years
Neville Evans
March 9, 2009
17 years
Geoffrey Galloway
March 10, 2001
25 years
Tony Summers
March 10, 2003
23 years
Brian Chapman
March 29, 1985
41 years
ATTENDANCE - Meeting of Monday 9th March 2026
Select the link below to the next meeting attendance ONLYif you are attending our next meeting on Monday. The cut off time is 7pm on Sunday.
The caterer is advised of numbers just after 7.00pm Sunday evening
