Our History
BAWAS was founded to simplify the mystique surrounding wine. The philosophy was that wine should not be elitist and anyone, other than those who are unable to drink alcohol for religious or medical reasons, should enjoy the simple pleasure of enjoying a glass wine. The concept was that wine should be fun and could be enjoyed both with or even without food but that better knowledge might improve its taste!
The idea to start this unique wine club came from writer, teacher and broadcaster Jonathan Hewat and his wife Theresa in the early 1990s. They are sadly now deceased but were both great visionaries and larger than life characters who travelled the world in their VW minivan before settling down in Bradford on Avon. Together with Ian Muir, a building project manager, they formed BAWAS and set about inviting all their friends and anyone else who might be interested to join them to learn more about wine and make it more accessible.
Our Story
(Memories of a former Chair)
BAWAS proved popular from the start due in no small part to the characters and personalities of its committee and members. Word soon circulated that this was not an elitist organisation, everyone was welcome, and all at an affordable price. There was a rush to join each course with only the first 45 applicants being successful. Prospective members could be seen sprinting round to the door of the Chair to ensure their application form was submitted as quickly as possible to avoid disappointment. Some even photographed the time and date when the form was pushed through the letterbox!
The early meetings were in Priory Barn, owned by the Preservation Trust who were not too happy about red wine stains on the floor so we moved to a local cafe, then a room at the Library, then to several different restaurants and venues in the town. Expert speakers from some of the leading vineyards, cellars and retailers presented the wines on each course, including some Champagne nights - , the speakers demonstrated opening a champagne bottle by slicing through the neck of the bottle with a sword, and on another occasion with a sabatier knife!
There were very few rules but the most feared was Rule 8 “Behaviour - If any member behaves in a manner likely to bring the Society into disrepute s/he may be asked to resign with no fees refunded,” which despite some outrageous attempts was only ever enforced on one occasion. The various attempts to breach this rule at the annual summer garden parties included one member of the committee deciding to jump up and down on a trampoline and accidentally diving into the crowd and head butting another member. Despite having drunk rather too much, no lasting injury was sustained!
What do our members say about
the club?
BAWAS Member
After some time, I still feel the same way about BAWAS and enjoy the evenings very much because they can be full of surprises, and they always make the session very engaging. I always like hearing about the small wine producers who have family histories and find I am writing notes about their backgrounds more than making notes about the actual wine!
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BAWAS Member
They are lovely sociable, friendly evenings and it is great to be always learning something about wine and, of course, to enjoy drinking it! There have been lots of lovely summer parties too which generally have been thanks to the generosity of members lending their gardens and involving much help from the committee and others. Joining the society has definitely changed the way I buy wine, I give more thought to a decent but ‘value for money’ bottle whenever possible, and to be more adventurous.
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BAWAS Member
It's really useful to be able to taste the wines before you buy them and to choose whether and what to buy without being rushed.
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