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

Free entry to the museum plus attic tours and family trails.
www.jennermuseum.com

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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Evening lecture by David Tandy on The Waterways of Berkeley.
www.berkeley-castle.com

The Festival runs from 1st to 17th October and over 30 producers are involved. Events include a demo on how to make sausages, a visit to Thornbury Castle's vineyard, the chance to learn how to joint poultry and much more.

For further information, please contact Val Harding on 01454 863883 or by e-mail below.
www.southgloslocalfood.org
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We are part of South Gloucestershire Food Festival and will be holding a demonstration to show you how to cut and portion a whole chicken. Also, how to french trim a loin of pork. NB: there is only room for 30 people (refreshments will be provided). Please call 01454 261633 for details.
www.tortworthestateshop.co.uk

Visit this award winning local bakery, established in 1986, for a tour including light refreshments. A family run business where three generations work alongside each other. (Limited disabled access) Maximum 15 people. Tel: 01454 321629 to book a place.

This event is part of the 'Taste' Local Food & Drink Festival. Unless mentioned, all events are FREE – just turn up. Bookings are only necessary where stated for individual events. Bookings are taken separately by each producer, so please contact them directly in order to book your place.

South Gloucestershire Council is responsible for organising the Festival but does not take responsibility for actual visits or sampling of produce.

Remember, in some cases you will be visiting working farms and walking on rough and muddy ground. Please take care on all visits and wear appropriate footwear and clothing. All information is correct at time of uploading, but it's worth checking details before setting out.
www.southgloslocalfood.org
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With Dr Stuart Prior (University of Bristol)
This year’s archaeological dig has revealed more tantalizing clues to the early history of Berkeley.
In his larger-than-life style, Doctor Stuart Prior, the biker-archaeologist, will wade through mud, bones and a few oyster shells to present the latest findings and ideas.

Stuart Prior is a Lecturer in the Department of Archaeology and Anthropology, Bristol University, and the Fieldwork Director for the Berkeley Castle Project. He was also once a gravedigger.
Organised by The Edward Jenner Museum, it is intended that the Old Cyder House talks will become a permanent fixture offering a mix of informative and entertaining subjects to the public.

The admission charge will usually include a glass of wine and all profits will go to the charitable trust running The Edward Jenner Museum in Berkeley.

Sarah Parker, Museum Director said: "The Old Cyder House Talks are a new venture for us in a year where we have introduced events for the first time. We are delighted to have some very notable speakers and we are grateful that they are willing to support our Museum. Hopefully there will be something for everyone to be interested in!"
www.jennermuseum.com
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An evening of investigation, speculation, and ghost stories, all hosted by the inimitable Richard Felix.
www.berkeley-castle.com

David Smith discusses the development of hunting from medieval to modern times.
www.berkeley-castle.com