WTSC WALK 2024

On the Sunday 29th September 2024, members of the Wine Trade Sports Club and Foundation will walk around London in memory of Michael Hasslacher, who founded the charity over 50 years ago. The 10-mile walk will follow parts of the original route from the first fundraising walk in 1971, ending at The Drinks Trust offices near London Bridge, where they will coordinate with participants of The Harvest Tour.

OUR CLUB

A club welcoming members of the drinks trade past and present

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Enjoy sports

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Enjoy social activities

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Raise money

•

Expand your network

A club welcoming members of the drinks trade past and present • Enjoy sports • Enjoy social activities • Raise money • Expand your network

Sports

  • Cricket, Golf, Squash and Tennis.

    We are always keen to add other sporting events to the fixture list which in the past have included 5-a-side football, sailing, cycling, clay pigeon shooting and much more.

  • Joining the WTSC provides the perfect opportunity to play sport whilst socialising and networking with other club members within the trade.

    We also provide lots of wine…

Activities & Events

  • Annual Pub Quiz Night, The Wine Trade Sports Club Foundation Walk and the AGM. New events are added all the time

  • Our activities & events are welcome to members (friends and family too!) in aid of raising money on behalf of our official charity the WTSC Foundation.

Membership

  • The WTSC is always recruiting new members. It’s simple to join; all you need to do is complete the membership form

  • Annual direct debit fee of just £20 or a life membership is offered at £220.

    For more information, visit the membership page.

About the foundation.

In 1969, and again in 1970, the Wine Trade Sports Club (WTSC) organised a Charity Walk, with the dual purpose of gathering its members together and raising funds for a chosen Charity. Then, on the 20th April 1971 the WTSC organised its first ever 'Wine Trade' Charity Walk when, over 12 miles around the City of London, during which a glass of wine was taken at each check point, £800 was raised. Much of this sum was used by the Vintry Homes to purchase a large screen TV for its residents, an almost unheard of luxury in those days. Following this relative success, the WTSC committee recognised the future potential for combining enjoyable events, with fund raising to support charitable works within the trade. 

Meet the Committee.

  • Nathan Last

    Club President

    Nathan Last has worked in the UK wine trade since 2002 in various roles for Ernest & Julio Gallo, United Wineries, Vranken Pommery UK and currently Pernod Ricard. Having always had a keen interest in sport, Nathan joined the Wine Trade Sports Club in 2009, initially turning out for the Rugby XV, and then moving on to some of the other sports. You can still find Nathan turning out to play golf, cricket, tennis and occasionally squash; what he lacks in skill he more than makes up for with enthusiasm! As he has gotten older and his ability to play rugby has waned, Nathan has taken a much keener interest in golf and finds many opportunities to play, as the previous WTSC Golf Secretary. He became president in 2021.

    Content Nathan

  • Flora Stobard

    Social Secretary & Tennis

    Flora Stobart’s interest in the wine trade started in in 2012 during a summer working in the Gonzalez Byass bodega in Jerez, Spain. Since joining Pernod Ricard in 2016 and having worked across the On & Off Trade Flora has most recently joined the wine marketing team. When it comes to sports she is happiest either cycling around London (on a very old bike!) or playing tennis come rain or shine. Flora is looking forward to joining the WTSC Committee; helping to increase membership and raise money for the charity.

    Contact Flora

  • Ants Rixon

    Treasurer

    Originally from New Zealand, Ants has been heavily involved in the U.K. on-trade for over 20 years. In that time he has covered both regional and national business management roles within Boutinot, Bibendum & MCW and currently as Managing Director at Enotria & Coe. With both professional and family experience in wine making & hospitality, he’s at home in the constantly changing and competitive U.K. food & drink scene. A keen sportsman and devoted father, his spare time is spent helping the Wine Trade Sports Club as treasurer, or on the side line of a football pitch somewhere in Surrey.

    Contact Ants

  • Kieran Gandhi

    Membership Secretary

    Kieran joined the club in 2018 when he met a member of the club at a trade show. He’s since become the superstar of the cricket club, compared to Virat Kholi’s power with the style of Brian Lara and the good looks and charm of Brad Pitt. He’s strong on the social, sometimes leading the team into dangerous waters. He’s recently been appointed Membership Secretary, but we’re keeping a close eye on him for now.

    Contact Kieran

  • Jim Thompson

    Cricket Secretary

    Jim Thompson has been in the wine trade since 2013 working for Jeroboams, Astrum Wine Cellars, Enotria and now for Champagne Jacquart and Montaudon. Having played sport all his life, Jim jumped into the Wine Trade Sports Club as soon as he could. Jim’s focus in the club is Cricket and he is now cricket secretary. He still likes to try his hand at golf always hoping to improve! He is ably assisted by a number of match managers to ensure a good turn out for all fixtures..

    Contact Jim

  • Nick Jamieson

    Squash Secretary

    Nick Jamieson has been working in the wine trade since 2012 and shortly afterwards joined the Wine Trade Sport Club. Having played throughout school and university years, Nick now has the honour of being the WTSC Squash Secretary! The season runs from October to April and we play against a variety of teams, established Clubs and companies with an obligatory dinner and wine tasting after every match!

    Contact Nick

  • James Read

    Walk Secretary

    James Read has worked in the UK fine wine trade for 15 years in various roles and has played for the Wine Trade Squash team since 2002. He plays all manner of racket sports, is especially keen on squash and tennis and dabbles in golf when the weather allows it. James has recently finished his two year stint as President of the sports Club so is focussing on the next Wine Trade Walk on September 18th 2021 in memory of Simon Leschallas.

    Contact James

  • Murray Neilson

    Golf Secretary

    Murray Neilson has been involved in the Wine Trade since leaving University in 1998, originally in hospitality, and then on the brand side since 2003. In the early days, he was heavily involved in a number of sports including rugby, football, cricket, cycling, tennis and golf. However, as work and age catch up, participation over the past few years has dwindled so that the focus is now firmly on golf, cricket, tennis and (not enough) cycling. Murray has previously helped with the membership but is now Golf Secretary.

    Contact Murray

Let’s Get Social!

As a member of the Wine Trade Sports Club Cricket Club you will have the pleasure of playing on some of the finest wickets in the South of England. #winetradesportsclub #50notout #50yearsofwinetradesportsclub
Whilst the standard could best be described as 'quality village cricket', former England test players have previously graced the field under the WTSC flag however players of all abilities are most welcome to participate! #winetradesportsclub #50not
Most years, we have the privilege of playing on grass at Spencer Park Lawn Tennis Club, Earlsfield in July and under floodlights at Camber Tennis Club, East Dulwich in September. The format is a fairly relaxed series of doubles matches with a fiercel
With around 20 fixtures every year, including an extremely enjoyable two day Norfolk tour, there are plenty of opportunities to be involved in what is very much a social occasion taking part in the tranquil environment of the golf course. #winetrad
Through our love for sports, the Wine Trade Sports Club has fostered camaraderie, healthy competition, and meaningful connections among trade professionals. Together, we've created countless memories on and off the field, shaping the fabric of our
Although we don't have our own pitch, many of our games take place at the beautiful ground of the Royal Hampton Wick CC in Bushy Park, South West London. #winetradesportsclub #50notout #50yearsofwinetradesportsclub
The Wine Trade Sports Club Golf has been around in various forms for many decades. It provides an opportunity for golfers of all abilities, both young and old, to play golf on some of the UK's most famous golf courses around the country from Royal St
To the opposition's delight each member of the Wine Trade Sports Club cricket team is asked to kindly bring two bottles to provide rehydration during match teas. #winetradesportsclub #50notout #50yearsofwinetradesportsclub
The Wine Trade Sports Club Squash Team has been has been one of the stalwarts of the club for many decades now. In that time, we have established a fun and competitive list of fixtures in and around London, and we hold an annual doubles tournament at
Save the date…!! Tickets will go on sale soon, first come first served. For 50 years our foundation has been raising money to support those in need within the wine and spirits trade. Help us celebrate our foundation this year!