9.30am to 4pm

The course

Comforting and easing the ills and chills of winter has always been part of the role of busy housewives and mothers. The woman’s role in the home has changed dramatically in the last century. However, the need to lift your own spirits and health, together with those of your family; remains the same as the dark nights close in. Herbs, spices, a little alcohol and preserved autumn fruits will be combined to make tempting recipes which are effective and enjoyable.

Recipes on this day, both historical and modern, will address the effects of winter from rheumatic aches and pains  to coughs, colds and low spirits from too little sun. Making a delicious punch, health giving liqueurs, jellies, sweets and syrups are part of the workshop. Also advice on how to protect against winter infections, through supporting the immune system and general health. Herbs and spices included will be elderberry, bramble, bilberry, haws, hips, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, elecampane, peppermint, hyssop, rosemary and garlic.

The tutor

Christina Stapley BSc (Hons) MCPP is a qualified medical herbalist with a degree in Phytotherapy (plant therapy) and practises in Wiltshire.  She has grown some 300 herbs, studied and used them for over 30 years.  Her Hampshire garden was featured on television several times. 

Her knowledge of herb history is shared in historical herb workshops at Butser Ancient Farm, the Weald & Downland Open Air Museum, the Chiltern Open Air Museum and other centres in Somerset and East Anglia.

She has written three books on cultivating and using herbs in cookery, fragrant recipes, wines and liqueurs, crafts and home remedies.  Christina has also edited and interpreted a 17th century book of cookery and physic recipes.

Participant information

Places are limited to 12 people. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear as some of the day will be spent outside. Please also remember a pen and paper for taking notes and a camera, if you wish.

Fee

£50 per person, including tuition, teas and coffees.
The Museum café will be open for lunch-time snacks or alternatively participants can bring their own packed lunch.

The Museum

The Weald & Downland Open Air Museum has over 45 historic building exhibits.  It is also home to the award winning and innovative Downland Gridshell, which houses a conservation workshop and artefact store, and is also used for many practical courses.  The Museum runs a full programme of courses in historic building conservation and traditional rural trades and crafts, along with MSc programmes in Building Conservation and Timber Building Conservation. Please telephone for further details.

To book, download a form here. Alternatively, fill in the booking request below.

Make a Booking Request

 
This is an initial booking request form, and does not guarantee a place on the course. The Adult Learning Team will check the availability of the course, and reply to you as soon as possible - usually within one working day.