|
2008 Workshops
Medical herbalist, Christina Stapley has been growing,
studying and using herbs for over 35 years. In 2008 she will be tutoring a series of
workshops on herb cultivation, modern and historical uses of herbs at the locations
listed below. Where the days are demonstrations only, these are marked as such.
| Quick Links |
Jane Austens House Museum, Chawton, Hants
Marden House, Calne, Wilts
Winchester Great Hall, Hants
Home Farm House, Somerby, Lincs
Georgian Town House, 23 Bennett Street, Bath. Somerset
Butser Ancient Farm. Hants
Chiltern Open Air Museum, Bucks
|
|
|
|
Jane Austens House
Museum, Chawton, Hants. |
 |
 Jane's Herbs, Elegant and Essential.
Demonstrations and Display of the Uses of Herbs
at the dawn of the 19th Century.
10.30-4.30pm.
www.jane-austens-house-museum.org.uk
Tel: 01420 83262.
|
|
Herbs in Housekeeping and Health.
Early 19th Century
Sunday June 1st
As Jane Austen was writing her novels in the early nineteenth century
herbs played a large part in household medicine. In letters to her
sister Jane mentions her mothers illness and giving her dandelion
tea. We will explore the roles of both mild and powerful herbs for
health at this time. With parsley, savory, mint and more picked from
the kitchen garden for seasonings, others also took their place as
pest repellents and in keeping the rooms, linen and clothing smelling
fresh and sweet.
10-4pm. £35. £30 concession.
www.jane-austens-house-museum.org.uk
Book on line or
Tel: 01420 83262.
|
|
Marden House, Calne, Wilts. |
|
Sowing the Seeds of Good Health
Saturday 29th March
The day will be about planning a source of fresh herbs for your harvest
to suit your lifestyle. Discover herbs for salads and teas, from
growing in windowsill pots to sowing and planting a small herb garden
to delight you all year round. We will be looking at tasty seeds
to eat and trying new recipes. There will be a special emphasis on
herbs offering useful herb seeds and how you can gain the most from
them in food and home medicine. Fennel, sunflower, pumpkin, aniseed,
milk thistle and more plus a planting plan for the twelve most helpful
herbs for your garden and information on their uses.
10-4pm. £20. Lunch not included.
Email: david_stapley@btinternet.com
Tel: 01249 821087.
|
|
Winchester Great Hall,
Hants |
|
Herbs from the Medieval Garden
Sunday 30th March
Demonstrations of the medieval use of herbs from the garden.
10-4pm. No charge or booking.
www.hants.gov.uk/greathall/ |
|
Home Farm House, Somerby, Lincs |
|
The Healing Garden
Saturday 19th April
The day will be about planning a source of fresh herbs for your harvest
to suit your lifestyle. Cultivation will be covered from growing
in windowsill pots to sowing and planting a small herb garden to
delight you all year round. Christina will talk about sowing seeds
for best results and harvesting for safe, natural remedies. There
will be tasty seeds to eat as we explore their role in good nutrition.
A special emphasis on herbs offering useful seeds for oils such as
borage, evening primrose and hemp leads to discussion on their use
in aiding skin problems and other conditions. The planting plan for
the twelve most helpful herbs for your garden will include pot marigolds,
purslane, marshmallows, chamomile, St. Johns wort, thyme and
mullein.
10-4pm. £55, lunch included.
www.wickedstepmothersworld.co.uk
To book Email info@wickedstepmothersworld.co.uk
Tel: 01652 628560.
|
|
Georgian Town House, 23 Bennett
Street, Bath. Somerset |
|
Georgian Herbs in Peace and War
Wednesday April 23rd
Co-tutors Christina Stapley B Sc. Phyt. MCPP and Ruth Mannion-Daniels
B.Sc Hons Biol. B.Sc Phyt MNIMH.
Within the Georgian period 1714-1830 great changes took place, yet
herbs were used to save lives throughout that time in very different
circumstances. The herbal secrets of the ladies stillroom
medicines, cosmetics and preserves in the early years will be opened
in the perfect setting.
Ruth, a specialist in the work of naval surgeons at the end of the
period will reveal which herbs were essential to the work of naval
surgeons at the battle of Trafalgar as they worked to try to save
limbs and lives.
An understanding of the treatments will be given alongside practical
experience making authentic recipes from household books and herbals.
A fragrant day is promised with distilled aromatic waters, herb sugars,
dried herbs and gum resins amongst the ingredients of recipes for
everyday problems and serious illnesses alike.
10.30-4pm. £40.
Lunch not included and may be taken at the Assembly Rooms nearby.
Email: david_stapley@btinternet.com
Or mannion-daniels@hotmail.com
Tel: 01249 821087.
|
|
Herbals
Opened for the Family
Wednesday June 25th
Co-tutors Christina Stapley B Sc. Phyt. MCPP and Ruth Mannion-Daniels
B.Sc Hons Biol. B.Sc Phyt MNIMH.
A day spent getting to know one family of herbs - the Compositae.
You will learn how to identify which herbs are family members and
what they have to offer in health support and treatments both chronic
and acute for your own family. Herbal medicine for the very young
to the very old will be covered. Enjoy practical experience of making
recipes such as teas, syrups, handbaths, ointments etc. The family
of Compositae includes some of the most useful herbs such as the
Calendula {pot marigold}, Echinacea, Carduus marianus {milk thistle},
Inula helenium {elecampane} and many more.
10.30-4pm. £40.
Lunch not included and may be taken at the Assembly Rooms nearby.
Email: david_stapley@btinternet.com
Or mannion-daniels@hotmail.com
Tel: 01249 821087. |
|
Butser Ancient Farm. Hants |
|
Remedies from Native British Herbs
Sunday 11th. May
A day for exploring those herbs available to our ancestors and examining
both their traditional uses handed down to us, and the ways in which
they are used in herbal medicine today. There will be time to look
at each whole herb with a clear guide to recognizing individual herbs,
as we make safe and useful herbal remedies. These will include teas,
ointment and oils for everyday conditions. One recipe will be available
to take home. Herbs featured will include, betony, agrimony, meadowsweet,
marshmallow, burdock, nettle, ribwort plantain, elder, St. Johns
wort, self-heal and yarrow.
10-4.30pm. £45.
for more details - www.butserancientfarm.co.uk
To book call 023 9259 8838
|
|
Roman Day, Herbs in the Villa
Saturday 9th August
 A workshop to celebrate the popular herbs grown for use in the Roman
home. We owe some of our most valued herbs, thyme, sage, bay, white
horehound, lovage, garlic and more to the coming of the Romans. Through
the works of Pliny, Celsus, and other Roman writers we can understand
why they felt it so essential to bring these Mediterranean herbs
to Britain. In making authentic cookery and medicinal recipes in
the actual 'Roman Villa' at Butser, we can also explore
how these herbs can be part of our lives today. Led by medical herbalist
Christina Stapley, the course offers information on safe use of herbs
in treating everyday problems. Breathe in the uplifting perfumes
as you mould rose petals with exotic ingredients to make the ‘rhodides of
Dioscorides, or weave herbs in wreaths to cure headaches, and taste
delicious recipes. Learn to blend herbs to make flavourings, drinks
and salves. In short, learn about Romano-British daily life.
10-4.30pm. £45.
www.butserancientfarm.co.uk
To book call 023 9259 8838 |
|
Hedgerow Basketry
Sunday 12th. October
A day primarily for beginners, no previous experience is necessary
to enjoy making a basket to take home. For those with some previous
experience, whether of synthetic cane or willow only; the exploration
of colours, textures and possible experimentation in using a range
of materials in the green state has proved to be inspirational.
Instruction will be given in choosing the right stems, harvesting
times and methods, storage and preparation of weavers and stakes.
Practical experience in the ancient craft of basket weaving and design
will lead to a working knowledge of the textures, appearance and
flexibility of various natural materials. Some materials are provided
and information on suitable stems to harvest from home for possible
inclusion is given on booking.
10-4.30pm. £45.
www.butserancientfarm.co.uk
To book call 023 9259 8838.
|
|
Chiltern Open Air Museum, Bucks |
|
Celtic Remedies for Today
Saturday 17th May
The factual evidence from archaeology revealing health, herbs and
living conditions of the time provides a sound background for considering
possible applications of herbs in Celtic medicine and looking at
those treatments with a long history of use and known therapeutic
potential today.
Gathering and identifying native British herbs in the woods and
valley close to the round house will be part of the day led by qualified
medical herbalist and herb historian, Christina Stapley. Herbs from
other areas will also be supplied for discussion of their possible
uses across time. Practical experience of making a poultice, teas,
ointment, an infused oil, a plaster and pills make this a day of
experience invaluable for safe home medicine.
10-4pm. £40.
www.coam.org.uk
Email: educationcoam@btinternet.com
Tel: 01494 875542. Ask for Melissa Maynard.
|
|
Victorian Herb Favourites to Enjoy
Friday 7th September
Dipping into Victorian books and records enables a deeper look at
the world behind the popular image of lavender, violets, moth balls
and chamomile tea. We will be looking at Victorian problems and celebrations
and making herbal recipes for rich and poor. Country cures and cookery
add a homely hedgerow touch beside Dr. Coffins flourishing
botanic medicine, available for the poor in industrial towns in the
north. We will be making drinks to soothe and refresh and stock the
winter store cupboard ready for colds, confections of horehound and
liquorice, mixed herbal teas, perfumed bags for drawers, and spicy
herbal flavouring for cookery. Some recipes to take home.
10-4pm. £40.
www.coam.org.uk
Email: educationcoam@btinternet.com
Tel: 01494 875542. Ask for Melissa Maynard. |
|
Aldermoor Earthworks, Isle of Wight. Hants |
|
Herbs for Health
Saturday 24th. May
Guided by medical herbalist Christina Stapley, this is a day to learn
about practical and safe home use of herbs. We will look both at
hedgerow and garden herbs.
From gathering to drying and storing for use in herb teas, foot or
handbaths and soothing pillows. How to preserve fresh herbs in honey
or honey syrups, oils or vinegars. We will look at herbs in diet
, teas and fragrant preparations to ease stress and herbs to treat
everything from insect bites to sore throats or heartburn in a simple
first aid kit. Effective traditional herbs featured include marshmallow,
elder, fennel, meadowsweet, agrimony, lavender, oregano, Calendula,
houseleek and ribwort plantain.
10-5pm.
£
68.
www.aldermoor-farm.co.uk
Email: dave@aldermoor-farm.co.uk
Tel: 01983 566009. |
|
Hedgerow Basketry
Saturday 11th. October
A day primarily for beginners, no previous experience is necessary
to enjoy making a basket to take home. For those with some previous
experience, whether of synthetic cane or willow only; the exploration
of colours, textures and possible experimentation in using a range
of materials in the green state has proved to be inspirational.
Instruction will be given in choosing the right stems, harvesting
times and methods, storage and preparation of weavers and stakes.
Practical experience in the ancient craft of basket weaving and design
will lead to a working knowledge of the textures, appearance and
flexibility of various natural materials. Some materials are provided
and information on suitable stems to harvest from home for possible
inclusion is given on booking.
10-5pm. £68.
www.aldermoor-farm.co.uk
Email: dave@aldermoor-farm.co.uk
Tel: 01983 566009.
|
|
West Dean College. Singleton. West
Sussex
The following will take place |
|
Growing Herbs for Use and Ornament
Saturday 31st May
A day to inspire on growing decorative herbs for fresh or dried swags,
posies and flower arrangements.Their cultivation in an ornamental,
organic garden will be discussed and illustrated with slides. With
skilled choice for winning combinations beauty of both flowers and
seedheads will be revealed.
In the afternoon sample swags and posies lead to discussion of harvesting
and maintaining plants, drying and storing herbs and basic instructions
on basic techniques in decorative uses.
9.15-5pm.
www.westdean.org.uk
Email: shortcourses@westdean.org.uk
Tel: 0844 4994408
|
|
|
Allen Gallery, Alton. Hants |
|
Medicinal
Herbs
Saturday 7th June
Medical herbalist Christina Stapley will lead a practical session
in the morning in the lovely garden of the Allen Gallery exploring
the nature and uses of native herbs such as the humble daisy, dogrose,
plantain and many more. William Curtis illustrations for Materia
Medica provide a source of inspiration. Looking at their historical
and modern uses opens a new appreciation of the usefulness both of
certain ‘weeds and the native garden flowers around
us. We will make simple and safe home remedies including herbal teas,
an ointment, and a poultice.
10-12noon. £10.
Herbs in Craft and Cookery
In the afternoon Christina will reveal the role of herbs from the
William Curtis botanical garden in cookery and we will be making
some simple recipes involving herb seasonings etc. On the practical
side looking at botany the fun way through leaf printing, pressed
and dried flower projects helps us to relate to the beauty of the
William Curtis illustrations of the ornamental and more exotic plants
in his famous Botanical Magazine.
1.30-4pm. £10.
Or book as all day. £15.
Tel:01420 82802.
The two workshops above, Medicinal Herbs and Herbs in Craft and
Cookery will be repeated on Saturday 28th. June. All details as
above.
|
|
Weald and Downland Open Air
Museum Singleton. West Sussex |
|
 15th Century – Herbs In the Medieval Manor
From household accounts, cookery recipes and leechbooks comes a wealth
of information and recipes using herbs as flavourings, colourings,
preservatives, fragrances, medicines and pest repellents. In making
recipes participants will learn balancing herb flavours in sweet
and savoury dishes to create a delicious spread on the table in North
Cray. Scented water for washing, blending fragrance and protection
in strewing herbs and decorating the house for special occasions
will bring the past to life. Sage, parsley, garlic, tansy, pot marigolds,
rosemary, saffron, and wormwood are some of the herbs used and discussed
on the day.
9.30-4.30pm. £50.
www.wealddown.co.uk
Email courses@wealddown.co.uk
Tel: 01243 811464. |
|
The Secrets of the Tudor Stillroom
Friday 20th. June
Earlier recipes form a background for exploring the Elizabethan dominance
of perfume against pestilential air in the form of pomander beads,
tussie mussies,
scented mixes and distilled aromatic waters and vinegars. Sources
of recipes and instructions are explored, together with practical
experience in making cough sweets, herb honeys, salves and drinks
alongside the fragrant luxuries. Some herbs featured-
rose, rosemary, elecampane, pot marigold, frankincense, marshmallow,
yarrow, hyssop, betony, St. Johns wort and angelica.
9.30-4.30pm. £50.
www.wealddown.co.uk
Email courses@wealddown.co.uk
Tel: 01243 811464. |
|
Herbs for Health
Monday 21st. July
From the cottage herbaceous border of the past we identify suitable
herbs to supply home remedies for a small medicinal garden today.
Guided by medical herbalist
Christina Stapley, this is a day to learn about practical and safe
home use of herbs.
Follow the stages of gathering to drying and storing for use in herb
teas, foot or handbaths and soothing pillows. Learn how to preserve
fresh herbs in honey or honey syrups, oils or vinegars. Historical
and modern recipes provide applications in treating everything from
insect bites to sore throats or diarrhoea. Effective traditional
herbs featured include marshmallow, elder, fennel, chamomile, lemon
balm, houseleek, sage, thyme, lavender and more.
9.30-4.30pm. £50.
www.wealddown.co.uk
Email courses@wealddown.co.uk
Tel: 01243 811464 |
|
17th Century. Herbs of the New World
Thursday 21st. August
In looking at this century of change, trial and discovery we will
give special attention to those herbs the settlers felt it vital
to take with them as they set out for North America. These were herbs
such as the great mullein, plantain, pennyroyal, and tansy. We will
be making recipes from the medicine of the period, with those exotic
introductions from the New World also being featured, the gums, balsams,
sassafras, Virginian snakeroot etc. Cookery enters a new and exciting
time with cakes, biscuits and comfit recipes using herbs such as
rosemary, coriander, angelica and rose to make on the day.
9.30-4.30pm. £50.
www.wealddown.co.uk
Email courses@wealddown.co.uk
Tel: 01243 811464. |
|
19th Century. Herbs, Elegant and Deadly
Tues. 23rd September
As the medicinal herb patch evolved into the herbaceous border, and
necessary needlework for household use was diversified for the fortunate
with time for other crafts; we explore herbs in flowercrafts. Elegant
effects using pressed, dried and fresh herbs and seeds are readily
created in miniature gardens. The fashion for artificial flowers
led to fascinating ways of producing them - revealed on the
day.
This century also saw many poisonings and comparing two plant families,
Labiatae and Solanaceae gives the opportunity to contrast healing
and poisonous natures of some herbs. Safety aspects in the flower
garden address growing thornapple, belladonna, henbane and irritants.
9.30-4.30pm. £50.
www.wealddown.co.uk
Email courses@wealddown.co.uk
Tel: 01243 811464 |
|
Christmas Gifts and Decorations with Herbs
Sunday 14th December
Tuesday 16th December
 Choose to make up to five gifts and decorations on a day bright with
the colours and heady with the scents of Christmas. Get away from
the work of Christmas to have a fun day making your choice from:
1. A gilded star anise star to hang from the tree or in a doorway.
2. A Christmas door wreath.
3. Christmas pot-pourri.
4. A pretty table decoration Arabic myrrh tree.
5. A snugly soft Snowman filled with soothing herbs.
6. Santas sack of Flavours filled with spices and seasonings
for the kitchen.
7. A herbal cosmetic basket containing any of the following:- aromatic
rose water, herbal soap, body lotion, vinegar skin toner, cream,
bath sachets.
8. Pressed herb decorated candles.
9. A Yule log with festive greenery, a candle, dried seedheads, herbs
and spices.
10. A Herb Swag {openwork narrow banner trimmed with bags of seasoning,
sprays of bay leaves, spices and gingerbread men suitable for the
kitchen after Christmas is past.}
9.30-4.30pm. £45.
www.wealddown.co.uk
Email courses@wealddown.co.uk
Tel: 01243 811464 |
|
Peat Moors Centre. Somerset |
|
Remedies for Today from Native British Herbs
Saturday 12th /Sunday 13th. July
A walk identifying and gathering herbs begins each day, with more
herbs to examine from a different habitat back at the roundhouse.
Led by medical herbalist Christina Stapley, these days will offer
the chance to concentrate on the therapeutic value of native herbs.
Ways to put these herbs to safe use in simple treatments will be
demonstrated. These will be suitable for home use and everyday problems.
The role of herbs in diet will be discussed, along with a small,
practical, medicinal herb garden. Hands on participation will be
available in making teas, inhalations, footbaths, an oil, cream or
ointment.
The second day builds on knowledge imparted on the Saturday to give
the in-depth study of the herbs, their actions, strengths and contraindications
that was requested after last years highly successful workshop.
More remedies will be made. Growing individual herbs and harvesting
them for best medicinal effect, their storage and preparation will
be part of the day.
Either day could be attended separately or the two booked together.
www.somerset.gov.uk/somerset/cultureheritage/heritage/pmc
Email: peatmoorscentre@somerset.gov.uk
Tel: 01458 860697. |
|
The American Museum in Britain. Bath. |
|
 Herbs of the New World.
An opportunity to explore the uses of the many herbs settlers took
with them
as necessary aids to their survival and comfort in the new world.
From John
Winthrop Jnr.s seed list of 1629 and other sources, those
herbs considered most essential are made clear. Medical herbalist
and herb historian, Christina Stapley
will explain the importance of the herbs in the Museums Colonial
Garden in medicine. She will be making recipes and displaying other
items. Also demonstrating their delicious flavours in simple cookery
recipes made as part of the experience in
the log cabin.
www.americanmuseum.org
Tel: 01225 460503.
Bookings taken from March. |
|
Mary Hare School, Arlington Manor. Snelsmore Common, Newbury. Berks. |
|
Talk and display on Herb Cultivation and Gardens
Sunday 22nd June
At Rare Plants Fair Day. 10-4pm. Admission £4. Tel:01635 244200. |
|
|
|
|
Alpine Herbs and Health
Thursday 11th – 15th. September
 This is an herb holiday with all the splendour and health offered
by the stunning village location 1,200 metres above sea level. Offering
the added benefit of increasing your knowledge of herbs in health
care ready for your return home. It includes guided walks in the
Alps led by local herbalist Karen Jones. Time will be spent identifying
herbs in their alpine habitat, then making herbal recipes in Wengen.
Short breaks will give opportunities for personal time. Topics covered
by Christina and Karen will be:- Herbs for stress, herbal first aid,
herbs for men and for women, herbs for the young family and health
and skin care for later years. Practical experience in blending and
sampling teas, making fragrant recipes, ointments, medicinal wines
etc. Discussion on diet, guidance on growing herbs at home, their
properties, preparations and cautions are all part of the holistic
approach to the subject. A day visit to the extensive herb garden
in the Ballenburg Museum is included. Course 3 full days, one evening
and a half day, £240.
For more details
Email david_stapley@btinternet.com
Or Email karenwengen@netscape.net
Call Karen on 01 33 855 5023.
Or Christina on 01249 821087. |
|
