Workshops at the Weald and Downland Open Air Museum. W. Sussex.2010. To book any Weald and Downland Museum workshops
Email courses@wealddown.co.uk
Or Phone 01243 811464.
www.wealddown.co.uk
Aging Through The Ages.
Weald and Downland Open Air Museum. W. Sussex.
Sunday 13th March.
Are we truly in better health than past generations? Has longevity increased? A day taking a penetrating look at attitudes, diet, lifestyles and medicine over the past five centuries. Using official evidence, obituaries with biographies and personal letters and diaries, we discover a holistic view of the ongoing human condition. William Wakeley, baptized in 1590, lived through the reigns of eight monarchs, dying in 1714? Do we believe that? If not, why not? In the 18th Century centenarians appear regularly in the monthly mortality bills for London. Fascinating theories from the past on what keeps you young add humour, together with many true stories of rich and poor.
Having examined the past we will apply old and new wisdom to consider the best ways of staying mentally and physically active ourselves.
9.30-4.30pm. £50.
Cottage Herb Garden.
Weald and Downland Museum.
Friday 21st May.
When is a flower not a flower? When it is also an herb. Discover the hidden uses of familiar garden flowers from the herbaceous border. The importance of fragrance, beauty, and, above all, usefulness when choosing plants to grow, continued from the Medieval period to the Industrial Revolution. Forgotten uses will emerge as we explore all aspects of growing, maintaining and harvesting traditional, popular garden plants. These will include Lilies, Hollyhock, Golden Rod, Roses, Mallows, Soapwort, Dahlias, Aquilegia, Sunflower, Iris and the smaller Violets, Houseleek etc. Samples of wines, dyed materials, remedies and skincare products will inspire a choice of designing your own ideal border or plot for personal needs or making recipes.
9.30-4.30pm. £50.
Make a Herbarium – a Personal plant record.
Weald and Downland Museum.
Saturday 12th June.
The oldest surviving herbarium in this country is from 1606. It contains whole pressed plants that are still recognizable today, with added notes on identification and use. This remains an exciting connection with the past.
The Herbarium workshop provides the chance for you to make and leave an invaluable gift to coming generations. Learn how to press plants effectively and mount them for their best survival. Learn also how to identify herbs accurately and record important details. In a modern herbarium photography can add an extra dimension to the record in revealing the habitat of the plant in question.
9.30-4.30pm. £50.
15th Century Herbs in the Medieval Manor.
Weald and Downland Museum.
Friday 18th June.
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.
Secrets of the Tudor Stillroom.
Weald and Downland Museum.
Saturday 19th 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. John’s wort and angelica.
9.30-4.30pm. £50.
Herbal Walk Around the Museum.
Weald and Downland Museum.
Saturday 10th July.
By popular request this day gives the opportunity to explore not only the numerous gardens in the Museum, but many out of the way places between. On a relaxed, guided tour with a difference, Christina will unlock the secrets of herbal folklore and uses of plants growing in the woods, hedges, alongside tracks and by the water. There is sure to be some wildlife in evidence as a bonus. There will be details of medical applications of the herbs, past and present alike, edible weeds, dyes, pest repellents and more.
Whether your interest is in botany, beauty, fragrance, flavours for cookery, times of gathering, safe use, recognising dangerous plants, or country lore – there will be fascinating discoveries for all. The wide range of habitats at the Museum will ensure an interesting day with an occasional opportunity to rest.
9.30-4.30pm. £50.
Herbs for Health.
Weald and Downland Museum.
Tuesday 20th 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.
Re-writing History: Making Historical Inks.
Weald and Downland Museum.
Saturday 21st August.
Recipes for inks have been many and various over the centuries. Putting wormwood into inks to stop mice eating documents, adding brandy to inks to keep them from freezing in winter, and an ink stand that turns water into ink are some examples of practical genius. Brightly coloured inks, invisible inks, even portable inks carried round to be made up on arrival have fulfilled necessary roles.
Herbs added fragrance to inks, and some gave colour from their sap such as the greater celandine, or from fruit juices such as the elderberry. Barks, berries, fruit, leaf juices, flower stamens, resins and galls are all represented among ink recipes from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Yellow ink from saffron or French berries, soft, pinkish-purple from elderberry, green with added rue juice, red from brazilwood, blue from indigo – a rainbow of colours can be made. At the end of the day there will be a session to try them out.
9.30-4.30pm. £50.
18th Century Stillroom Secrets.
Weald and Downland Museum.
Friday 24th September.
Despite the growing interest in chemical medicines, for most of this century the stillroom continued to be the scene of distilling aromatic waters for medicine and cosmetics. Remaining a hub of activity many preserves of all kinds were made there including fragrant powders, foods and confections. The range of recipes on this day is wide and will include harvesting and preparation of roots and any viable hedgerow fruits. Seasonal roots to be harvested include Elecampane, Soapwort, Meadowsweet, Sweet Cicely, Orris, Liquorice etc. Additional herbs featured will include Rosemary, Myrtle, Southernwood, Asarabacca, Lavender and Maiden-hair.
Period recipes on the day range from snuff and hair tonic, through gargles, medicinal cooling and warming drinks to confections and fragrances.
9.30-4.30pm. £50.
Christmas Gifts and Decorations with Herbs.
Weald and Downland Museum.
Sunday 12th December.
Thursday 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. Tree Decorations. Gilded star anise & cinnamon stars & woodland birds and animals made from seed-heads, seeds and nut husks to hang from the tree.
2. A kitchen wreath with spices, bags of herbs for seasonings, mulled wine and teas. 3. Christmas pot-pourri.
4. Table decoration inspired by the table parterres of the 18th century, made with elegant swirls of coloured herb powders on a stencilled base with miniature potted trees. Perfect for a Christmas party.
5. Snowman. Made quickly in soft white fur fabric and filled with soothing herbs.
6. Sugar and Spice – A unique selection of Jars of sugar flavoured, coloured or fragranced with your choice from Vanilla, Rose, Cinnamon, Lavender, Pot Marigold, Angelica and more. Pack them into a presentation basket or container supplied by you. These can be used to decorate cakes or desserts, make sweets etc.
7. A Christmas stocking of gold or silver net containing any of the following:- aromatic rose water, herbal soap, body lotion, cream, bath sachets or shower gel.
8. Pressed herb decorated Candles. Or the option to fashion your own flower shaped or seasonal candles with wax moulded with the heat of your hand.
9. A Yule log with festive greenery, a candle, dried seed-heads, herbs and spices.
10. Calligraphy Set. Dyed paper and 2 inks. Decorate a presentation box to your own design.
9.30-4.30pm. £40 + cost of materials.
Workshops in Calne. Wilts.
Email: Christina.stapley@tiscali.co.uk
Or. Phone: 01249 821087.
Sowing the Seeds of Good Health.
Calne. Wilts.
Thursday 25th 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; this includes how to 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. £30. Lunch not included.
The series of How Well Are You Aging Workshops is intended to inform in a fun way with a mix of facts, recipes and activities - both gently physical and mental. It is suitable for anyone over 30 years of age. The sooner you begin understanding and looking after your body the better, however, there are always helpful changes you can make… Each session is complete in itself yet forms part of the whole understanding.
How Well Are You Aging? (The Brain & Nerves).
Wednesday 28th April.
Could you improve your health in old age, starting now? Do you have specific worries? This workshop offers the opportunity for you to find out about the effects
of aging on the brain and nervous system. With a light-hearted approach to the subject, strategies are given for improving your chances of remaining as healthy and agile in mind and body for as long as possible.
The nutritional and supportive qualities of herbs will be explored and emphasised. Care of the brain and nervous system includes herbs such as sage, rosemary, betony, St. John’s wort, lavender and more. Helpful dietary advice, mental exercises and a look at lifestyle lead the way forward. Practical experience of simple recipes to make at home will be part of the day with making teas, flavourings, sleep balm, fragrant pillows, a soothing lotion and footbath. Have fun putting on your thinking cap.
10-4pm. £30. (£15 seniors). Lunch not included.
How Well Are You Aging? (The Heart & Circulation).
Wednesday 26th May.
Again a light-hearted approach to improving your health in the future is the basis of the day. At the same time sound information is included to help you understand the needs of your body. Cardiovascular health has received more press than any other area of health in recent years and we are all aware of unhelpful diet, lifestyle etc. This day is looking behind those well known rules to find both the reasons for them and good ideas to aid motivation and offer helpful, safe, everyday support for your better health.
Heart disease and high blood pressure are not conditions to be treated with home medicine. Only safe approaches to prevention and care of areas affected by poor circulation will be detailed. Both warming and calming herbs will be included with a blood pressure check as part of the day to determine whether certain herbs may be unsuitable for you. Amongst the herbs, ginger, bilberry, hawthorn, lemon balm, gingko and rose are some of importance. We will be making teas, ointment, syrup and looking at the role of distilled aromatic waters.
10-4pm. £30. (£15 seniors). Lunch not included.
How Well Are You Aging? (Digestion & Breathing).
Wednesday 23rd June.
These are two important body functions to explore on this day, starting with some basic anatomy and physiology. Simple rules and exercises are suggested to improve health. The addition of digestive herbs in diet and support herbs for throat and lungs will be detailed. If either of these systems of the body is compromised then the nutrition of the whole body is affected also. Information given on this day will help the whole body.
The better known herbs are of course the digestives of sage, rosemary, parsley, fennel and cumin, along with the soothing marshmallow and ribwort plantain which serve equally well for the respiratory system. Sage, thyme, rosemary, eyebright and elderflower and berries give home treatments for everyday family needs.
There will be practical experience in making an inhalation, healthy and tasty seasonings to reduce sugar or salt, or make a restricted diet more interesting; a mix to clear the head, cough syrup, footbath and bitters for appetite.
10-4pm. £30. (£15 seniors). Lunch not included.
A Medicine Chest from Garden and Hedgerow.
Saturday 28th August.
Beginning by thinking about looking after your herbs as autumn approaches, we then explore the most useful first aid herbs to grow or be aware of when on country walks. These include treatments for bites and stings, sunburn, sprains, stomach upsets, stress etc. There will be experience in making herbal oils, teas, herbal syrup, poultices and compresses.
You will learn about commonly grown herbs and their uses for everyday problems, their preparation, dosage and contraindications. Rules for safe home medicine will be given alongside some hands on experience. Fruits and berries feature, contrasting with soothing leaves such as houseleek and ribwort plantain. From peppermint to Calendula there will be plenty of interest.
10-4pm. £30.
How Well Are You Aging? (The kidneys, skin & hair).
Tuesday 21st September.
The connection of these three body parts will become apparent on looking at some simple physiology. The day will be about cleansing internally and externally and toning both the urinary system and the lymph with safe herbs. Diet is also closely related to matters of skin and hair conditioning and will play an important part. Herbs for specific conditions will be discussed, these will include chickweed, Calendula, elderflower and frankincense. Rosemary, yarrow, nettle and sage are important for the hair and some others explored on the day are white deadnettle, houseleek and marshmallow. We will be making creams, toners, lotion, shampoo, lip-salve and teas.
10-4pm. £30. (£15 seniors). Lunch not included.
How Well Are You Aging? (The immune system).
Tuesday 19th October.
This system of the body is one under the greatest strain from our modern lifestyle and that strain is showing in the growing number of obstinate infections and auto-immune diseases. It has a complex physiology and the immune system will be presented at a level which is aimed to retain a light-hearted aspect in the presentation, while at the same time being sufficiently informative. Auto-immune diseases cover a wide range of conditions, some of those associated with aging will be discussed. Rheumatic and arthritic diseases affecting joints will be in the next session. Any particular requests should be mentioned when booking.
Exercises, attitudes and strategies to repel infections form part of the day as well as a practical session making teas, protective sprays, vinegars, hand-baths, and more.
10-4pm. £30. (£15 seniors). Lunch not included.
How Well Are You Aging? (The muscles and joints).
Tuesday 9th November.
The last session in the series, to many people it will appear to be the most important. Looking after our muscles and joints in age requires attention to diet, specific forms of exercise as well as general exercise, massage and herbs. Anatomy and physiology will be explained for specific joints if requested. Different forms of pain relief will be explored and the practical session will include poultices, compresses, herb pillows, teas, ointments and creams. Many herbs are used in this area and we will look at those containing salicylates such as willow and meadowsweet, hormonal treatments including black cohosh, resins, and others, detailing which are suitable for home use and which should be prescribed.
10-4pm. £30. (£15 seniors). Lunch not included.
Workshops at 23, Bennett Street, Bath. Somerset. 
Meeting Herb Families - Primulaceae and Rubiaceae.
Saturday 20th March.
Co-tutors Christina Stapley B Sc. Phyt. MCPP and Ruth Mannion-Daniels B.Sc Hons Biol. B.Sc Phyt MNIMH.
In addition to learning about the familiar and less well known members of these two interesting families of plants, this workshop offers the opportunity to take home the skill of making your own herbarium. Learn about making a record of pressed plant specimens to enable you to refer back for certain identification of the herbs around you.
Although containing many species, the Primulaceae family includes just a few herbs, the most familiar and commonly used over the centuries being primroses and cowslips. Cyclamen, yellow and scarlet pimpernels and moneywort belong with them and have seen a much greater familiarity and use in the past. This family is teamed with Rubiaceae for a double introduction to noting botanical similarities and differences. This will prove useful when meeting other larger herb groups in later sessions. The few herbs in Rubiaceae are remarkably wide ranging in their effects, uses and importance. This includes herbs to treat the lymphatic system, as well as those used in cookery and dyes for wool and silk. Alongside the home hedgerow bedstraws we discover coffee and ipecacuanha. Recipes and activities on the day will include herbal wines, teas, candied flowers, syrups, dyeing silk and leaf printing.
10.15-4.15pm. £40. Lunch not included
Georgian Herbs in Peace and War.
Saturday 29th. May.
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.
10.15-4.15pm. £40.
Lunch not included and may be taken at the Assembly Rooms nearby.
Meeting the Labiatae Family
Saturday 24th July.
Co-tutors Christina Stapley B Sc. Phyt. MCPP and Ruth Mannion-Daniels B.Sc Hons Biol. B.Sc Phyt MNIMH.
A brief look at the botany of this important family containing mints, thyme, rosemary, sage, betony and many more useful herbs, begins the day. Many, but not all of the herbs looked at are Mediterranean in origin and we compare these to our own native family members. From combating infections to aiding digestion, and memory we can take care of our whole body with Labiatae herbs. A very practical, “hands on” opportunity will follow getting to know the herbs and their properties. We will be making fragrant recipes, including an aromatic water, and make blends for teas, a cream and washes to suit holiday needs. These will include those both to protect against and to treat insect bites; to combat infections and aid digestion of unfamiliar food.
10.15-4.15pm. £40.
Lunch not included and may be taken at the Assembly Rooms nearby.
Meeting the Umbelliferae Family
Saturday 18th September.
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 this important group of plants. 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, aromatic waters, ointments etc. The family of Umbelliferae includes some of the most useful herbs such as the Fennel, Anise, sweet Cicely, Angelica and many more. It is an important family to know for it also contains poisonous members such as hemlock. Learn to distinguish friendly from the dangerous.
10.15-4.15pm. £40.
Lunch not included and may be taken at the Assembly Rooms nearby.
Meeting the Rosaceae Family
Saturday 9th October.
Co-tutors Christina Stapley B Sc. Phyt. MCPP and Ruth Mannion-Daniels B.Sc Hons Biol. B.Sc Phyt MNIMH.
An introduction to the botany of this family reveals the often little known relationship of the rose with so many familiar fruits, such as raspberry, blackberry, plum and quince. Equally unsuspected may be the inclusion of lady’s mantle, salad burnet and meadowsweet. A practical day with many delicious recipes.
The glories of the Apothecary’s rose may have passed with the summer but the rose will still be very much present in dried form, preserves and delicious aromatic water. Other members of the Rose family are at their best providing fruits and berries for our winter health – sloes, crab apples, rowan berries, hips and haws are very much part of our traditional autumn harvest. A harvest to fill winter store-cupboards with remedies and treats. We also look at harvesting roots with the meadowsweet, as well as making health-giving teas with agrimony, raspberry leaf, rosehip and hawthorn.
10.15-4.15pm. £40.
Lunch not included.
Herbal Christmas Gifts and Decorations.
Saturday 4th June.
Tutor Christina Stapley.
6 items to make. Complete up to 5 on a day filled with fragrance, colour and the spice of Christmas. Choose from 1. A cinnamon sled with sacks of frankincense, myrrh and spices, pulled by reindeer. 2. A leaf printed scarf or herb-filled sachet. 3. A candle decorated with pressed flowers. 4. Small wreath of kitchen spices, seasonings and herbs.5. Afternoon Tea Collection – a selection of nicely presented winter herbal tea blends and herb jellies to spread on bread or scones. 6. Novelty Scented Tree Decorations, Lavender angels or hanging stars and balls covered with spices.
10.15 – 4.15pm. £30 + Cost of materials.
Workshops at Butser Ancient Farm. Hants.
Sunday 6th June.
An in depth introduction to native herbs as they grow and have been used, since very early times. This day will be suitable for those who already have some knowledge or experience of herbs. We will consider individual plants, how their environment affects their strengths and properties and how these interact with our own needs. Herbal lore on traditional gathering times and preparations will form a background for considering the individual herbs. We will look also at their use by some animals. Indications and contra-indications for individual herbs add modern views.
Hands on participation in practical exercises making safe recipes for home use today will include teas, inhalations, an oil, cream or ointment.
During the practical session of making recipes, helpful combinations of herbs will be explored along with their combined actions. There will be careful guidance on identification of those herbs likely to cause confusion. The important elements of growing, harvesting and storing herbs for the best therapeutic properties will be part of the day.
10-4.30pm. £50.
www.butserancientfarm.co.uk
Herbs in Roman Everyday Life.
Butser Ancient Farm. Hants.
Sunday 11th July.
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. £50.
Allen Gallery, Alton. Hants.
Medicinal Herbs
Monday 28th. 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.
www3.hants.gov.uk/museum/allen-gallery.htm
Email: tony.cross@hants.gov.uk
Tel:01420 82802.
West Dean College. W. Sussex.
Wednesday 18th August – Friday 20th August.
Priced with and without accommodation.
A course to introduce the world of herbs to newcomers. This begins with a stimulating introductory session on the evening of the 26th. On the following day we will cover designs for a garden offering both a beautiful and fragrant sanctuary to enjoy working in; and offering harvests of health-giving and stress-relieving herbs. Herb identification and discovery of the range of uses, indications and contraindications of individual plants will inform in readiness for making recipes on the second day.
Storage of dried herbs and ways of preserving them effectively and usefully leads into the practical recipes. Students may expect experience with making healthy seasonings, teas, a foot or hand bath, ointment, a lotion, a poultice, herb honeys or a syrup. Suitably inspirational and calming tea blends will enhance the days.
www.westdean.org.uk
Email: short.courses@westdean.org.uk
Tel: 0844 4994408
Alpine Herbs and Health.
Christina Stapley with Karen Jones
Monday 6th Sept – Friday 10th Sept.
This course consists of the combination of a holiday in the Alps with all the splendour and health offered by the stunning village location 1,200 metres above sea level and increasing your knowledge of herbs. It includes short walks in the Alps led by local herbalist Karen Jones and a guided tour of the magnificent Alpine garden at 6,000 metres.
Time will be spent identifying herbs in their alpine habitat, then making traditional herbal cures in Wengen. Short breaks will give opportunities for personal time. Topics covered by Christina and Karen will be:- uses of Alpine favourites such as bilberry, gentian, arnica, etc., local recipes and a discussion of how, why and if they work. Herb identification skills will be encouraged with instruction on recording herbs by making a herbarium of pressed specimens of common herbs. Practical experience will be given in blending and sampling teas, making medicinal liqueurs, ointments, oils, creams 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 Alpine garden on Schynige Platte is included. Course 3 full days, an evening and a morning.
For more details Email: Christina.stapley@tiscali.co.uk
Or karenwengen@netscape.net
Call Karen on 01 33 855 5023.
Or Christina on 01249 821087.
Chiltern Open Air Museum.
Wednesday 15th September. 10-4pm
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. Coffin’s 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. There will also be tasty confections and mixed herbal teas. Delights to hang on the Christmas tree and typical Victorian small gifts are accompanied by a spicy herbal foretaste of Christmas cookery. Some recipes made can be taken home.
10-4pm.
Email: educationcoam@btconnect.com
Tel: 01494 875542. |
