Informative and competitive Christmas lunch at Rosley Hall

An event brimming with ideas, people, food and cider.

This year’s event was extremely well attended by members of all ages. Kate Roberts gave a surprising and illuminating talk about how the health of the earth feeds into all aspects of life. Most of us will take away a greater concept of which fruit and vegetables deplete soil and which can heal, rather than harm. Kate’s vast knowledge also encompassed how cultivating, planting and growing are a continued dialogue with the earth.

On the menu this year was artisan pizza, which kept on coming and coming thanks to the efforts of those involved and along with various imaginative salads and baked goods, it certainly did not disappoint.

The event was rounded off by NCOG’s annual cider competition, which was certainly a warm and pleasant note on which to head home. The well-deserved winner of 2024’s cider cup was Phil Royal, in whose absence Jon Nutley accepted the accolade. Another highly commended cider was that from Mosser, which was an altogether headier and drier flavour. Fortunately members’ palettes were sufficiently discerning not to promote the Asda’s own brand, brimming with sugar and fizz, beyond its modest desserts.