A few guys, one from Nativity – plus the vicar, sometimes – developed a routine of hiking up some of the local peaks in Marlborough. Reducing expanding waistlines and having a good way for guys to talk without talking were the quietly mumbled motivations. 

It was on one such walk, up Mt Duppa, that the Nativity Beer Appreciation Society (NBAS) was first dreamed up.

The desire was that Nativity would provide a connection point for guys both inside and outside the church, and it would be a place where we would find mutual support and edification. We hoped gathering around a pint would foster that and so we embarked. 

We started by touring some of the local breweries – yes, they have those here in the wine capital – a beer can collection with over 4,000 cans and even a visit to Marlborough’s own “Brewseum”. We’ve visited a couple of the local craft beer locations and have even “put down a brew” together. This took place in our own church kitchen and was a great, lively event – the din of conversation was memorable and encouraging, being the very thing that we had wanted to see.

We had a bit of a hiatus with timing of school holidays earlier this yet while also thinking through the issue of where to next. The idea of the Garage Tours emerged – meetings at garages of our attendees with the simple plan of a quiet beer and a look around the enigma which is the kiwi man’s shed. Our first event is at John’s place which houses, among other things, an old Jag and the spare parts out of a fighter jet… intriguing.

In all of this, our hope is to build a culture that is invitational and relational.

We’ve found getting that balance right is an art, but we will continue to work on it. Meanwhile, if you are ever in Blenheim on a Sunday afternoon looking for something to do, give us a yell. Bring a mate and you’re welcome to bring a beer too.