Historic focus on herbs hark back to Roman times

Also welcomed were advisor Judy Wilson and federation merchandising officer Chris Potter.

Judy gave a reminder of forthcoming events such as the coach outing to Mapledurham, and the meeting at North Mundham.

A silent auction is to take place at Ashington in July and the Band of the Hampshire Constabulary has been booked for a grand concert to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the West Sussex Federation at Worthing in September.

Speaker Sue Broadbridge gave an interesting talk about herbs and their use down the ages. She brought many plants with her and described them in an informative and light-hearted manner.

Small aromatic bunches called tussie mussies were carried during the plague and black death to deploy the unpleasant odour and, during the first world war, herbs were used to treat burns.

The Romans introduced a number of plants into this country including sage and nettles. One good tip for planting was to study the leaves and, if variegated, the plant preferred a shaded area.

The competition for three tussie mussies was won by North Bersted Village. Iris Thomson organised a herb quiz and the raffle was drawn.

Joan Nash, president of North Bersted Village, thanked Pagham Harbour and invited all to the autumn group meeting at Jubilee Community Centre on September 24 when Ann Chance will be speaking on saddle sore in Montana.

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