Henfield Sloe Night gives TV wine judge a challenge

By Mike Beardall, Oakfield Media:

TV wine expert Charles Metcalfe handed the annual Henfield White Hart trophy for top sloe gin maker to Angela Manuel on Sunday.

Hers was one of 15 entries from the village in the third year of the competition. "It's a great honour to have won on the third attempt," said Angela, who runs a company with husband Andy in Furners Lane, Henfield.

Second prize went to landlord Gyles Culver and joint third winners were Duncan Clough and Lisa Ross-Talbot.

Charles, who judged with his wife, author Kathryn McWhirter, said: "The standard of entries was higher than ever this year with some classic results that made judging very difficult.

"For the first year our decision on the winner was matched by the votes of all those in the contest."

The White Hart competition is organised by Trevor Simmons and wife Jo.

"It was a brilliant evening and the number of entries is increasing each year," said Trevor.

PICTURE CAPTION: L-r: Judge Charles Metcalfe, winner Angela Manuel, third prize-winner Lisa Ross-Talbot and second prizewinner Gyles Culver, landlord of the White Hart, Henfield.


Story and picture here from Sunday night event at the White Hart Henfield.