For our summer social, we met up for a few drinks and a relatively short stroll on the Gloucester Road. As well as stopping in three very different establishments (Bacco, The Bristol Flyer and Sidney & Eden), committee members told the group some interesting local facts and stories that they’d researched. Attached are some photos of the last ones standing!
Two female members of the team at Bristol Beer Factory came and gave us a really engaging talk about Women in Brewing. Beer, and particularly brewing, can still be seen as a male-dominated area, so it was great to hear that 50% of BBF brew staff are female, and this high percentage is sustained through large parts of the company. We heard about their Cowgirl Supernova beer, brewed by an all-female team for this year’s International Women’s Day, and also BBF’s role as an official sponsor for Bristol Pride 2026, marked by the launch of a limited-edition Bristol Pride IPA. And we were lucky enough to have some tasters too, which some non-beer-drinking members admitted to liking!
This super event included a relaxing sauna session and an interesting talk from nutritionist, Alia Swann, who specialises in Women’s Health and Fertility. We are so lucky to have the Ardagh Centre on our doorstep – such a great setting for a lovely evening together.
A Talk and Tasting from Bristol Beer Factory
This month we are excited to be inviting Bristol Beer Factory (BBF) to come and to talk to us about Women in Brewing. 50% of BBF brew staff are female, and this high percentage is sustained through large parts of the company. Beer, and particularly brewing, can still be seen as a male-dominated area, so we’re getting the girls in to prove otherwise! BBF launched a special limited-edition beer for International Women’s Day called Cowgirl Supernova, which was brewed by an all-female team and used hops from The Pink Boots Society, which aims to help support women and non-binary individuals in brewing.
Why not come along for a tasting session and to find out more about beer, and the women who make it and drink it.
Visitors are welcome at a cost of £7.
If you are interested in any of our events, please email us for more information on info@gloucesterroadwi.org. You can also check our out website www.gloucesterroadwi.org.
Tuesday 21 July
Doors open 7:45
St Bonaventure’s Parish Hall
TRIP TO THE ARDARGH CENTRE FOR A WELLBEING EVENING COMMUNITY SAUNA AND A TALK ON NUTRITION
This exciting event includes a lovely sauna session and an informative talk on nutrition. It is free for members (guests £9.00). Spaces still available at the time of publishing this post, but please email info@gloucesterroadwi.org to check availability and for further details. Please note we are unable to accept cash on the site on the night (card only, please).
Tuesday 16th June at the earlier time of 7-9pm
The Ardargh, Kellaway Avenue, Horfield Common, BS6 7YL
We were excited to welcome Paul Evans, the Head Gardener of National Trust Tyntesfield, to our May meeting. He talked us through the ‘potted’ history of the garden, what they have discovered over the last 20 years and plans for the future.
In addition to our talk, members brought along any spare plants, seedlings or seeds for a swap which was great now that the evenings are longer and we look to spend more time outside.
For our April meeting we were lead by Joe Hoare in an uplifting Laughter Yoga session, which involved a blend of playful laughter exercises and gentle breathing techniques designed to improve both mental and physical health. Laughter quickly became contagious, connecting attendees with each other. We really did discover how a little laughter can go a long way, leaving feeling energised and less stressed. What a joyful way to boost wellbeing!
Programme 2025
16 January
Swishing! Start the year in style with a clothes swap – clear out the old and herald in the new.
And a talk on Sustainable Fashion by personal stylist Becky Barnes https://www.beckybarnesstyle.com
20 February
Quiz night
Quiz night with a difference!
19 March
A fascinating, gory and glorious, insight into the life of a Victorian Surgeon with Geoff King
16 April
Tai Chi with Rob McKay https://nextdoor.co.uk/pages/rob-mackay-bristol-england-2
21 May
Mental Health Awareness – Anxiety causes and solutions, including hypnotherapy with Sally Hare https://healingroomsbristol.co.uk/amo-team/sally-hare/
18 June
A talk about Death and how women lead the way with Delia Ryding. https://www.divineceremony.co.uk
16 July, 7:15pm – at Castle Park (please note venue and time change)
Alice in Wonderland themed Treasure Hunt
20 August
Walk around the Neighbourhood
17 September
Line Dancing with Ashley Syms-Rees Dance
22 October
AGM & Sewing Workshop with Tweed & Bird
26 November
Christmas Wreaths. Pre-booking essential.
17 December
Festive Gathering at Bombas Tapas and Cocktails.
Additional charges may apply for extra events or activities.
Programme may be subject to change at short notice
TALK FROM HEAD GARDENER OF TYNTESFIELD
As the evenings get longer and we look to spend more time outside, we are excited to welcome Paul Evans, the Head Gardener of National Trust Tyntesfield, to our May meeting. He will be talking to us about the ‘potted’ history of the garden, what they have discovered over the last 20 years and plans for the future.
Plant and Seed Swap
In addition to our talk, please bring along with you any spare plants, seedlings or seeds for a swap with other members at the meeting.
Tuesday 19th May,
Doors open 7:45pm,
St Bonaventure’s Parish Hall,
Visitors welcome.
Gloucester Road WI 
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