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.
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
Our January meeting was very successful, with a lot of members and visitors alike interested in exploring the world of fermented foods and their benefits for gut health!
Local producers Nadia’s Vineyard (Kombucha) and Muti (Kimchi) joined us for a very engaging live demonstration and tasting.
We learned how Kombucha, a cultured living drink, and Kimchi, a cultured living food, are made—and why they’re so good for your digestion. Both are rich in probiotics, containing beneficial bacteria and yeasts that help support a healthy gut.
For more information go to https://www.eatmuti.com/ and https://naniasvineyard.co.uk/
Sound Bath Evening with Rounik
What a wonderful chance to slow down, unwind, and recharge that we had at our Sound Bath session. It was just what we needed.
Through the soothing power of sacred sound frequencies, guided meditation, and gentle breathwork, Rounik guided us on a journey designed to relax the mind, calm the body, and restore balance.
Using both ancient and modern instruments—including a full chakra set of singing bowls—Rounik worked intuitively with the group to create a sacred, supportive space. The harmonic vibrations of sound help eased tension, release stress, and encouraged a deep sense of peace and wellbeing.
This experience was suitable for everyone, no matter ones level of familiarity with meditation or sound healing. All we needed to do was get comfy! Attendees brought blankets to keep warm and a yoga mat to lie on and let the waves of sound carry them into a state of deep relaxation and renewal.
After the session we enjoyed a cup of tea to rehydrate, ground ourselves and feedback before heading home. And thank you to those that felt inspired and brought cake to share – always a lovely addition.
Discover more at Rounik
What a lovely garden walk we went on in the heart of St Werburghs.
Was had strong turn out and Garden Folk CIC treated us to a lovely evening walking around their regenerative market garden where they produce mixed salad and flowers. And quite a few of us availed of the opportunity to treat ourselves to bouquet of beautiful flowers grown in the garden.
Gloucester Road WI 
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