Guild member Roger Protz and Frank Boon, the famous lambic brewer, were guest speakers at a lunch in Antwerp at the end of June to mark the 10th anniversary of the death of Michael Jackson.
Both praised Michael’s support for Belgian beer: it was his writing that brought the beers to the attention of an international audience. The event was organised by Ben Vinken, editor of Beer Passion magazine. Roger says he managed to get his bouquet home, dousing it in water in the Eurostar toilet several times.
The Guild will be marking the same anniversary with a gathering immediately before our Summer Party on 7 August, at 4.30, on the Tattershall Castle. Several Guild members and others will speak about Michael’s influence on them, and we will enjoy two of his favourite beers, Fuller’s Chiswick Bitter and Batemans XB. If you would like to attend this informal event, please RSVP to secretary@beerguild.co.uk