I feel remorseful (to you, dear reader) for not keeping up with this blog and indeed I have been punished statistically by a fall in readership to below seven (6.86) 'hits' per day since 2005. Oh horror!
I am asking myself - Is it 'writer's block'? or 'lack of enthusiasm'? or 'lack of material?' 'no time'? or all of these? - anyway my apologies to both of you!
It has taken us about four years to get integrated thus far, into this community and to the normal commercial benefits of shops and medical facilities that we find in Tinteniac; I note that the Google Map, (latest edition 2019) to be found by clicking on the link below, shows a 'bird's eye' view of 'Body and Soul' at our current mooring - seen as the fourth boat from the left-hand (South) end of the line of neighbouring boats, somewhat concealed by a large tree. The two black solar panels you will see on our poop deck canopy, give us away!
Tinteniac, click here for more info. including a Google map.
The New - Old Mill Brewery?
Clean and ready for the off
We have recently got to know Mick and Shelley Smith who own an old redundant Water Mill (above), situated in between the two Hede villages and roughly ten minutes drive from our mooring in Tinteniac. And guess what?....after some modest persuasion, Mick and Shelley have agreed to house my brewery in what amounts to being a small corner of this ancient and historic building. There are records of the mill's location dating back to the 15th Century, and I plan to learn more about it ...... whilst brewing beer, of course.
An order for supplies ( for 120 litres of Yorkshire bitter) from the UK is, 'as we speak', ploughing its way across the channel, courtesy of Tony, our immediate neighbour and owner of the barge 'Rosetta'.
Mick (a latent real-ale enthusiast) and I, have swept out the proposed brewing room that he has offered me. This is one of two large rooms on the first floor of the mill and, catching on to the whole idea, Mick says that he would like to learn the home-brewing lark as well as tasting its produce. I have promised to help him on both counts. This joint enthusiasm will drive us two blokes towards greater things...me thinks...although Shelley says she hates the smell of hops... oh dear. How could she?
- it ain't all plain sailing, as y'know.
PS See brewery diary page - click here!