Monday was my mum’s 88th birthday, and with it came a milestone she’s been quietly preparing for: passing the baton of her beloved wine group to a colleague

It really is the end of an era

Seventeen years ago, she founded the group through the U3A (University of the Third Age)

Back then, my Dad was still alive, but mobility was becoming a challenge

Hosting the wine groups at their home meant he didn’t need to travel and it gave them both something joyful to share with friends

The format was simple, but magical

Mum hosted at their home, around her round dining room table
(round tables are far better for conversation than oblong ones, she’s always said that)

Each member paid a small fee
Everyone was expected to give at least one talk on wine
And they would buy seven bottles for the group to sample

Whoever led the session provided the nibbles to pair with the wines
They were supposed to be “nibbles,” but more often than not they became feasts

At one point Mum was running three wine groups

Three sessions a month eventually became too much, even for her

And now, at 88, she’s decided it’s time for someone else to lead the tradition she started

Conclusion

What began as a way to stay connected, accommodate Dad, and build community grew into a 17-year ritual of learning, laughter, and shared bottles

Passing the baton doesn’t diminish what she built, it ensures it lives on

And that, in itself, is a legacy worth celebrating