Talks for 2023
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 in person at Abbots Leigh Village Hall BS8 3QP or by Zoom. Some talks are prearranged to take place by Zoom, while others may move to Zoom if the Covid situation changes - 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.
24th January
PLANTS FOR THE 17th CENTURY HOME - by Zoom
Acclaimed botanical author Margaret Willes tells us about 20 fascinating, lesser-known herbs from her recent book, The Domestic Herbal. This talk is a chance to learn about their interesting uses and cultural significance.
Herb Group members will receive free access to this Zoom meeting (annual membership gives you free entry to all meetings in 2023 and costs just ÂŁ24 - join here).
Alternatively, to attend this specific Zoom event, you can buy a ticket for ÂŁ5.
28th February
NATURAL DYES
Sustainable clothing designer Linda Row will offer an insight into her explorations, foraging for natural dyestuffs and printing using batik and blocks, such as the recent Arts Council-funded project Foraged Colour.
28th March
MY NEW HERB GARDEN
Our very own President, the herb expert, author and broadcaster Jekka McVicar, shares the joy of developing a new herbal haven.
25th April
SPRING TONICS
Long Ashton-based herbalist and naturopathic health coach Sarah-Jane Cobley of Dandelion Herbs will show us how to use springtime herbs to boost our health and vitality.
23rd May
AROMATHERAPY FOR RESPIRATORY HEALTH
Ellen Rowland of AmberLuna Apothecary in Eastville is a clinical aromatherapist who is also training in medical herbalism. She will look at the use of herbs and aromatherapy for healthy chests and better breathing (with sales).
14th June
EVENING OUTING: BARLEY WOOD
See Outings for details
27th June
HOPS FOR DIVERSE FLAVOURS
Hops are a herb with a long history. Local microbrewery The Portishead Brewing Company will bring beer samples for us to learn about the different flavours of hops, while herbalist Ann Freeman will tell us about the plant's many herbal uses (with sales).
18th July (3rd Tuesday)
AN EVENING OF HERBS IN THE BOTANIC GARDEN
The University of Bristol Botanic Garden kindly welcomes us for a summer evening, with a tour by herbalist Ann Freeman. Bring a picnic to enjoy in idyllic surroundings; further details will follow.
26th September
PRESERVING HERBS FOR DECORATION AND FUNCTION
Bristol-based flower grower, forager and arranger Lily Bloom Floral will show us practical ways of harvesting and preserving herbs to maintain their colour, texture and scent, with ideas for using them creatively as well as for food and health.
17th October (3rd Tuesday)
GUT HEALTH AND FERMENTED FOOD
Have you ever struggled to make sauerkraut? Lucie from the Bath Culture House will give us tips for success with fermentation, and talk about the use of herbs in fermented foods (with sales).
21st November (3rd Tuesday)
SUPER SOUPS FOR WINTER SUSTENANCE - by Zoom
Relax at home on a dark evening, while members of your committee share some favourite herby soup recipes on Zoom. Perfect for warming winter lunches!
5th December (1st Tuesday)
AGM AND CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION
A herb-themed social evening, preceded by a short AGM.
