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, as indicated below.
You can also download a PDF copy of our 2023 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 £24 - join here).
Alternatively, to attend this specific Zoom event, you can buy a ticket for £5.
28th February
NATURAL DYES
We welcome Rhyannan Hall of 'Oxidate Design' to talk about her work using natural dyes. Rhyannan is based at Artspace in Bristol. She will bring samples and give us a demonstration. You can find out more about her work on Instagram.
This is a change from our original speaker, but the same subject.
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 TIPS FOR HEALTHY AGEING
In a change to our original speaker, we welcome aromatherapist Victoria Kubiak, who will give us some hints and tips for the use of aromatherapy to stay healthy as we grow older. Victoria will discuss various oils for issues such as circulation, arthritis and chest congestion, as well as simple massage techniques. This meeting will also include a plant sale.
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. Members only; 6.30pm start. Bring a picnic to enjoy in idyllic surroundings.
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
Change of speaker but not subject!
Have you ever struggled to make sauerkraut? Caroline Gilmartin from Every Good Thing will give us tips for success with fermentation, and talk about the use of herbs in fermented foods. She will demonstrate how to make sauerkraut and salsa, enhanced with herbs, and talk about vinegar, which is often used to 'draw out' the health and flavour benefits of herbs.
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!
Non-members who wish to attend this evening should email enquiries@herbgroup.org before 12th November for details of how to pay, in order to be sent the Zoom link in time for the meeting.
5th December (1st Tuesday)
AGM AND CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION
A herb-themed social evening, preceded by a short AGM.
