New Forest Fruit Co. Ltd. on the 23rd September 2015,

‘Twelve members attended our visit to the New Forest Fruit Co. Ltd. on the 23rd September 2015, who are specialist fruit growers situated at Newhouse Farm, East Boldre.

Sandy Booth, the Managing Director, gave us a detailed account of his business, specialising in strawberries and blueberries.

The Company on site, grow, pack and distribute 2,100 tonnes of fruit per annum, to UK supermarkets over an 8th month period of the year. We had a conducted tour of the glasshouses and polytunnels where the strawberries are grown over the seasons. We were also shown other fruits the Company produces.

Employing over 300 workers plus supervising staff, of varying nationalities, the Company trains its staff in their native tongue and provides full accommodation and are paid good money and bonuses.

We all tasted ten varieties of strawberry, produced on the farm and were all treated to a sample punnet to take home.

All in all, a very educational and interesting afternoon.’
Diane & Frank
Visit arranged by Ann

June visit to Bombay Sapphire Distillery

19 Questers made a short trip up the A34 to the Bombay Sapphire Distillery
Sited at Laverstoke , a water powered mill,which has stood on this River Test for more than
One thousand years.A most exceptional Glass House designed by,Thomas Heatherwick,
Is the home to the tropical plants that make the flavours possible for gins individuality of the Cocktails,the spirit is from the grain s of finest wheat.
We had a tour by an experienced Guide who gave lots of History of Gin and the buildings
We selected ,by means of punching our marked programs ,the flavours ,by smell,which was
handed to the waitress at the Bar,she then served the combinations to us in the form of Cocktails at the end of the tour,a very satisfying finish. 
Jack. 

Pictures by Dave Watt