Talks for 2022
Our talks take place on the 4th Tuesday of the month (unless indicated otherwise below)
Our meetings start at 7.30pm, and will be conducted either by Zoom or in person at Abbots Leigh Village Hall BS8 3QP. This will depend on the situation at the time - check this website shortly before each meeting for confirmation.
You can also download a PDF copy of our programme. You may need to install Acrobat Reader to read it.
January 25th
FANTASTIC FRONDS - by Zoom
RHS Veitch Memorial Medal holder Bob Brown of Cotswold Garden Flowers will discuss growing the best ferns for different garden situations, and how to identify common native species.
This Zoom meeting is free to Herb Group members (join here). Non-members can buy tickets to attend here.
February 22nd
COFFEE: A FLAVOURFUL HISTORY - at Abbots Leigh
Hear the story of coffee’s origins and journey around the world. Dan Lacey of Extract Coffee Roasters will give an insight into species and cultivars, and the factors that influence flavour (with tastings).
March 29th (5th Tuesday)
HERBS FOR THE FUTURE - at Abbots Leigh
Jekka McVicar has been growing herbs at her herb farm near Bristol for over three decades, where she has her amazing herb collection or 'herbetum'. We are proud that she has also been our President for a number of years. She will give us her perspective on the enduring value of herbs in the modern world.
April 26th
EAU DE PARFUM: OUR CREATIVE JOURNEY - at Abbots Leigh
Somerset perfumier Jones and Modha describe their use of essential oils to create a beautiful, natural, synthetic-free fragrance, not tested on animals, and kind to the planet (with sales).
May 24th
FOR THE HEALTH OF YOUR GUT - at Abbots Leigh
Victoria Kubiak is a local nutritional therapist and cookery demonstrator who runs an allergy clinic. She will talk about foods to support gut health and entice the taste buds (with demonstration and tasting).
June 28th Morning outing
A SUMMER MORNING IN THE GARDEN
Tom Thorn, Head Gardener at Ashton Court, will guide us through their gardens, including the wonderful Millennium Rose Garden.
Because we have expanded capacity on the tour, non-members are now also welcome: no charge for members, non-members £5 (cash please).
We will meet in the Stables Courtyard at 10.45am for an 11am start.
Use the Ashton Court Mansion car park, BS41 9JN. Parking is £1.20 and there are 10 disabled bays.
In the Courtyard, there are toilets (including 2 disabled) and a cafe with indoor and outdoor seating. You may prefer to bring your own picnic.
Spare herb plants would be welcomed by our speaker, as there is a plan to plant a small herb garden.
July 3rd (Sunday) Annual outing
SUDELEY CASTLE GARDENS
For further details, see Outings
July 19th (3rd Tuesday)
NETTLES FOR FIBRE
The stinging nettle is an ancient wild fibre plant, used in the UK for over 3000 years. Weaver Brigitte Kaltenbacher looks at this ancient fibre plant’s huge potential for sustainable textiles of the future.
September 27th
MEDICINES FROM MUSHROOMS - at Abbots Leigh
The Bristol Fungarium in Barrow Gurney produces the first UK-grown organic medicinal mushroom products. Tom Baxter gives an insight into growing and selecting the mushrooms and preparing tinctures (with sales if at Abbots Leigh).
October 18th (3rd Tuesday)
MYTHICAL HERBS OF GREECE - at Abbots Leigh
Professor Helen King has written widely on ancient medicine and myth, particularly regarding the lives of women. She will discuss Ancient Greek beliefs about the power of herbs in health and healing.
November 22nd
HERBS TO HELP YOU SLEEP
What happens to your body when you fall asleep? Local medical herbalists Becs Griffiths and Annwen Jones of the Rhizome Clinic talk about helpful lifestyle practices to promote sleep and the best herbal remedies to induce a peaceful night’s rest.
December 6th (1st Tuesday)
AGM AND SOCIAL EVENING
A herb-themed social evening, preceded by a short AGM. More details will be confirmed nearer the time.
