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!
We were delighted to welcome Becky Purchas, Declutter Coach and Pro Organiser, from White Space.
Becky shared practical ways to bring calm into our homes.
She also covered her personal journey from the corporate world to registered decluttering and home organisation expert.
There was plenty of time for questions too so people left with simple ideas and gentle approaches to sorting, organising and letting go of things no longer needed, or at least the motivation to tackle that corner we’ve all been meaning to get to.
Community Event
We teamed up with Window Wanderland, to support their theme of ‘Hope’ by creating our unique window design, using our own ideas or provided templates.
We were delighted Lucy Reeves-Khan, the founder of Window Wanderland joined us for this session. Lucy talked about its history and led us in template making, so that we are all ready for this years event.
All materials were included, however
For more information on Window Wanderland go to https://www.windowwanderland.com
Gloucester Road WI 
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