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West of England Herb Group

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Are you interested in herbs and their uses?
Would you like to learn more?

 

The West of England Herb Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month at 7.30pm at Abbots Leigh Village Hall, near Bristol. Everyone is welcome - come along and bring a friend! 

 

 

 

 

 

Events 2008

 

 

Meetings start at 7.30pm with refreshments and a chance to chat to other members and swap ideas.

 

22nd Jan

Palm trees and their uses
Medical herbalist Ann Freeman, well-known to us for her tree walks, focuses on many aspects of palm trees, including their health-giving properties

 

26th Feb

Medicinal plants of South Africa
Our President, broadcaster and RHS Gold Medallist Jekka McVicar, talks about the fascinating flora of this incredibly biodiverse country (more about Jekka's Herb Farm)

 

18th Mar
(3rd Tue)

The spiral garden
Herbalist Anne McIntyre's magical garden depicts the journey through a woman's life in herbs. Following our visit last summer and by popular request, she tells us about her garden, and about herbs that are beneficial in later life (more about Anne McIntyre)

 

22nd Apr

Growing herbs for a lifestyle
Learned plantswoman Joan Chapman gives us ideas about the herbs to grow and how best to grow them to suit a variety of lifestyles. If you can, bring plants to sell at our 'bring and buy' plant sale

 

20th May
(3rd Tue)

A celebration of basils
This summer evening event focuses on all aspects of basils from growing to poetry. Everyone is invited to bring herby food for a 'bring and share' supper. Basil plants will be for sale

 

4th Jun
(Wed)

Evening outing and shared supper: Arne Herbs
Anthony Lyman-Dixon's herb nursery in Chew Magna has hundreds of different herbs for sale. We will meet there from 6pm to look around his interesting and unusual plants and to enjoy a 'bring and share' supper. No limit on numbers; please bring food to share (more about Arne Herbs or find the nursery on a map)

 

24th Jun

Lavenders
Well-known for his talks on Women's Hour, Dr Simon Charlesworth of Downderry Nursery in Kent enlightens us about one of the most enduringly popular herbs, lavender (more about Downderry Nursery and the national plant collections of lavender and rosemary)

 

13th Jul
(Sun)

Summer outing: Chelsea Physic Garden and the Museum of Garden History
A day trip to London to tour these fascinating venues. Only 35 places will be available, on a first-come, first-served basis (priority will be given to members) - further details to follow (more about Chelsea Physic Garden and the Museum of Garden History)

 

6th Aug
(Wed)

Late afternoon outing: Jekka's Herb Farm
A visit to Jekka McVicar's herb farm in Alveston, near Thornbury (4-6pm) followed by a pub meal nearby. Only 25 places are available, on a first-come, first-served basis (priority will be given to members) - further details to follow (more about Jekka's Herb Farm - also follow this link for a map)

 

23rd Sep

Hydrolats (aromatic waters)
Aromatherapist Caroline Blake-Symes brings us up to date as she explores this lesser-known aspect of aromatherapy

 

28th Oct

Colour from plants: reviving historic herbal dyes
Penny Walsh and Diane Sullock from Dyework in London talk about their experience of recreating traditional dyes, with a demonstration (more about Dyework)

 

25th Nov

Indian cookery evening
Bhavana Adalija demonstrates a selection of mouth-watering recipes, in time for the festive season

 

16th Dec
(3rd Tue)

Christmas supper and AGM
Christmas social evening and supper featuring delicious food with a herbal theme (please bring contributions to share), preceded by a short AGM

 

 

 

 

 

Venue

 

 

Our meetings are at Abbots Leigh Village Hall, which is just off the A369 to the west of Bristol (2.5 miles from M5 J19, 1.5 miles from the Clifton Suspension Bridge). Turn off the A369 opposite The George pub. The hall is the first building on your right. Here is a map.

 

 

 

 

 

Membership

 

 

You don't have to be a member to attend our meetings - but it will save you money! Come to a meeting and join while you're there.

Annual subscriptions:
Single £15
Double £25
Student £12

Non-members:
£3 per meeting

 

 

 

 

 

Contact us

 

 

For more information phone 0117 9733305 or send us an email.

 

 

 

 

 

Links

 

 

Some other herb sites:

Jekka's Herb Farm
We are proud to have Jekka McVicar as President of our Group. Her herb farm, north of Bristol, has a huge selection of organically grown herbs for sale by mail order.

The Herb Society
The UK's national society for increasing the understanding, use and appreciation of herbs and their benefits to health.

Arne Herbs
A well-known herb farm to the south of Bristol, owned by Anthony Lyman-Dixon, our previous President.

Henry Doubleday Research Association
HDRA promotes organic methods for growing all plants, including herbs.

National Herb Centre
The National Herb Centre runs an excellent nursery and other herb-related activities from its base in Banbury.

(Please note that we are not responsible for the content of other web sites.)

 

 

 

 

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