 ∽ present ∼
Those blighters tried to shut us down. But we’re not going to take it!
In the picture-perfect village of Greytown, a most peculiar occurrence was afoot...
The annual Tweed Ride, a delightful gathering where villagers donned their finest tweeds and cycled through the rural landscape stopping for games, hijinks and cocktails, was under threat. The stern authorities, with their furrowed brows and officious manner, had decreed that the event must be shut down as it breached their interpretation of how evil liquor could be provided to mature adults, and, well, it looked like too much jolly good fun. But the villagers, with their indomitable spirit and a twinkle in their eyes, were not to be cowed.
"Fiddlesticks!" exclaimed Mr Blackwell, his tweed cap askew as he rallied his cohorts. "We shan't let them spoil our hijinks!"
Mrs Blackwell, ever the picture of poise in her tweed skirt and matching jacket, nodded resolutely. "Indeed, we must stand firm. This is our tradition, and we shall defend it with all our might."
And so, with a chorus of "Huzzah!" and a flurry of bicycle bells, the Blackwells and their fellow Tweed Riders quickly reformatted the event and took to the streets. They pedalled with purpose, their laughter ringing out like a clarion call of defiance. The authorities, taken aback by such a spirited display, could do naught but watch as the Tweed Meander 2025 rolled on triumphantly.
In the end, it was not just a victory for the event itself but for the very heart of Greytown – a testament to the power of unity and the joy of standing up for what one holds dear.
EASTER SATURDAY 19 APRIL 2025, GREYTOWN
ALL NEW TWEED MEANDER
EASTER REBELLION!
They can take our cocktails, but they can’t take our Tweed! Huzzah!
NEW! Reduced ticket price; now just $24.90 (+$2 booking) fee per person!
NEW! Purchase your own beverages; your ticket does not include any alcohol but our partners at Greytown Gin will share their very best offers with you directly!
NEW! Ride at your own pace and enjoy the Tweed Meander activities that tickle your fancy!Â
Here’s what’s on the agenda, poppet:
10am to 12pm – Bag Grab at Crop Up!
Pick up your Tweed Goodie Bag, Map, Meander Agenda, GDC Coupons and coveted Tweed Meander Rosette. And if your velocipede needs it, ask Shane from Blackwell and Sons to pump you up! Meet the Rear Admiral, get your portrait taken and have a free coffee on us from the Crop Up Coffee Cave. Â
12pm to 1:30pm – Tallyho!
Ride the Greytown Rail Trail! There will be special activities along the way for you to capture on your instamatic camera thingies, many of which are attached to telephones these days! By jingo!
2pm to 2:45pm – Shenanigans at the Orchard!
All sorts of mischief and prankishness at Molewood Orchards, led by the Rear Admiral himself. Who knew you could do all of these simply outrageous things with humble Braeburn apples? Oh, the chortling and giggles we will all enjoy!
3:30pm to 5pm – Gin and Jive at Cobblestones!
We’ll get you in the gate but you’ll need to open your hand-woven purse and hand over your hard-earned coins for a Greytown Gin G&T or cocktail. There’ll be dancing to the delightful tunes of the Dancing & Drinking Society, New Zealand’s premier exponent of authentic 1920s dance Jazz. And the Rear Admiral will pop up to lead more Tweed-centric mirth and award prizes for those of you dressed to the nines. Simply spiffing.
For those with any energy remaining, we’ll tootle off to the White Swan’s Garden Bar afterwards for a celebratory beverage to complete a day of outright rebellion! You’re so naughty!
Full details provided by email prior to the event.
ADD DINNER! Book your separate tickets for the
The Great Tweed Gin Gourmet Dinner
Date: Saturday 19 April 2025
Time: 6:30pm
Location: The White Swan Hotel
Price: $119 per person
Embark on a peculiar evening of gin and frivolity with The Great Tweed Gin Dinner - a lavish affair where fine dining meets spirited revelry.
Your ticket includes a delicious 4-course dinner, with each dish matched to perfection with a specially crafted Greytown Distilling Company gin. Four delicious gin concoctions in all, showcasing different styles of GDCs award-winning gins.
Your host for the night, the hilarious Former Rear Admiral Reginald Pashley-Distiller, will be on task to ensure you get a good dressing down. Indeed, the honour of being rudely insulted by the Rear Admiral is also included in your ticket.
Dress Code: Tweed. Channel your finest vintage charm for a dapper night of decadence.
A night of exquisite food, fine gin, offensive humour and fabulous company awaits.
