Jekka’s Herb Farm is a specialist nursery just 10 miles north of Bristol, growing over 600 herb varieties organically for mail order. The farm is usually closed to the public, so Open Days are a great opportunity to browse and buy amongst the scents and senses of some rare and beautiful herb species, meet award winning writer and broadcaster, Jekka McVicar, and attend her (pre-bookable) herb workshops, plus a FREE farm tour.

Certified organic by the Soil Association, the farm is a haven for bees, birds and butterflies. In fact, the UK Government’s own advisors found that plant, insect and bird life is up to 50% greater on organic farms. The September Open Days begin on the first day of the Soil Association Organic Fortnight 2010, promoting organic as an everyday choice, and the Open Days feature an end-of-season herb plant sale – an excellent opportunity to stock up on perennial bargains for autumn planting (the best time in all to plant hardy, perennial herbs).

Seasonal, locally sourced refreshments available. Click below for further details.
www.jekkasherbfarm.com

This is an open show, so entries are welcome from neighbouring villages and further afield.

There'll be entertainment from The Hotwells Howlers and Sharpness Silver Band, a Belly Dance and Bangra Display, and a Punch and Judy Show and a fun dog show for children of all ages.

Try your luck on the raffle and tombola, test your skill at skittles and the coconut shy, or browse the stalls for crafts, books and toys.

Then when you're in need of refreshment, head to the tea tent for delicious cakes and biscuits, enjoy a local brew in the beer tent, or treat yourself to an ice-cream.

Show schedules are available at the Village Shop, along with entry forms and outlines for the children's colouring classes.

The afternoon ends with cup presentations and an auction of flowers and produce.

For more information, please ring the Show Secretary Peggy Collett on 01454 294545 or click below.
www.cromhall.com/events/flowersho...

Friendly classes for over 16s which focus on techniques to improve your drawing whatever your level of experience. Methods covered develop use of shape, proportion, shading, perspective and colour. Media include pencil, charcoal, pastels and water-colour pencils.

Pre-booking is essential please. Stella can supply materials and paper for a small extra charge, or you can bring your own. If you’d like to book please email or phone for a booking form - your place will be confirmed on receipt of a completed booking form and deposit cheque.

Price of course: £56/£50. Bookings Tel: 07791 400362 or click below.
www.stellashaw.co.uk
Email:

Pam Forrest - Alveston Gardens

Meetings are held on the first Monday of each month, with a guest speaker to enlighten us on all manner of things "gardening".
For more information, please call Frank on 01454 415443 or email below.
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Demonstration: ‘Footprints’ - Barbara Priest
For more information please contact the Secretary Penny Mackinnon on 07733 368967.

The meetings are a mix of demonstrations, speakers and hands-on experience, and normally conclude with an item to take home and show off to the family!
Click below for more information.
www.mythornbury.co.uk/thornbury/s...

Costume: Make or hire - doesn't have to be expensive just most creative to win BEST MJ OF THE NITE!

Disco: a mix of latest tracks, 80s, 90s etc - always open to requests - and I have requested a good mix of MJ songs to be planted now and again =o)

Karaoke: will have a few extra MJ songs to choose from so get practising into your hairbrush!

Tickets £5 - raising money for Mundy Playing Field Equipment. Ring Helen 413898. First come first served due to capacity of hall.

We meet on the second Monday of each month and all crafters are welcome to come along and share their crafts with others. For more information please contact Mary Slader on 07747 562264 or by email below.
Email:

The Stroke Association is urging cyclists to take part in a 42 mile cycle ride between Berkley Castle and Chepstow Castle.

This will be the second year of the event which saw 170 people kick-start the challenge last year.

Steve Chesworth, Regional Fundraising Manager for The Stroke Association explained: “Last year was incredibly successful and we are very much looking forward to celebrating the second year of the event with even more people taking part.

“Besides the amazing scenery you can enjoy along the route, you will have the opportunity to join cyclists from a range of ages and levels of fitness and bring your friends and family too.

“It is estimated that 1,440 people in Gloucestershire will have a stroke each year and 653 people will die from stroke. By taking part in this challenge, your fundraising efforts will help us to combat stroke in people of all ages through research and campaigning and by offering support to people who have been affected.”

Regular exercise can significantly reduce your risk of stroke by helping to lower your blood pressure. High blood pressure is the single biggest risk factor for stroke.

Taking part in Castle 2 Castle challenge will not only help you to lower your risk of stroke but will also help raise funds to enable The Stroke Association to continue to offer support to people in Gloucestershire.

Participants will be offered a choice of five routes. These include a 42 mile circular course starting at either Berkeley or Chepstow Castle, a 21 mile route from either castle or a 10 mile route starting and finishing at Berkley Castle.

Places are available for a £10 registration fee (£20 for families) and participants are asked to raise a minimum of £50 (£90 per family).

For a free information pack and to register please contact the Castle 2 Castle Events team on 0117 953 1200 or email below.
www.berkeley-castle.com
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Markel pens with Jean Grimshaw
For more information contact Sheila Butler on 01454 618143.

Practice Class: ‘Pots of Colour’ (Teaching session)
For more information please contact the Secretary Penny Mackinnon on 07733 368967.

We will re-open on Monday 18th October. Details of our re-opening activities will be published soon. While we are closed (or at any time) you can use any South Gloucestershire Library or indeed ANY library in the LibrariesWest consortium of libraries. You can also use the South Gloucestershire Mobile Library.
See www.southglos.gov.uk/libraries for details or ring 01454 868006.
www.mythornbury.co.uk/thornbury/s...