COME and get aboard a Fizz & Ships illustrated wine and champagne tasting evening with a shipload of anecdotal fun and viticulture on Saturday 23 March, 2024, at 7pm, at St Anne’s Church, Aigburth, Liverpool.

At the helm will be renowned sommelier Jane Clare with Peter Elson manning the puns and life jokes as you drink in the sites on our imaginary world cruise from Liverpool, giving a taste of its famous shipping lines’ voyages.

This is a fundraising event in aid of the restoration of St Anne’s unique Willis organ which will be played to introduce proceedings. All profits will go to the organ fund.

This venue is particularly appropriate as the Brocklebank shipping line family donated the organ’s panelling in memory of their son who was killed in the First World War.

As Brocklebank Line operated from Liverpool to Buenos Aires an Argentinian wine will be featured to commemorate this important link to the church.

White Star Line will be represented by Heidsieck Champagne, as served aboard RMS Titanic, right, and her fleetmates – a flourish to end the evening. This brand was hugely popularised by Charles Heidsieck, the original ‘Champagne Charlie’ of legend, as seen in the advert, top left.

An equally fitting start will be delicious homemade Scouse, the dish brought to Liverpool by Norwegian sailors.

All are welcome at this evening of entertainment and education, but passenger capacity is limited to 50 people so don’t hesitate if you wish to attend.

Tickets are £25 per person which a bowl of homemade Scouse, and five wines, including champagne. More details to follow.

Venue address: St Anne’s Church, 389 Aigburth Road, Liverpool, L17 6BH.