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Tea Tasting & Talks with the WI

Tea Tasting & Talks with the WI
Back in August, Holy Cow Tea was delighted to hold a tea tasting stand at the WI Centenary
celebrations. Held at Waddesdon Manor, this garden party was a wonderful summer get together.

The Women’s Institute was actually 100 years old in 2020, however social restrictions led to the
event being postponed for a year. Fortunately, the day was largely bright and sunny, so all could
enjoy the stunning grounds of the National Trust property. Afternoon teas on the lawn, ice creams
and picnics were accompanied by musical entertainment and a scarecrow competition.

I joined the event as a stallholder. To create interest, I prepared a tea tasting opportunity. Visitors
were invited to try unfamiliar teas, such as Wuyi Oolong, along with some of our bespoke blend
loose leaf teas. As they tasted the teas, I was able to impart knowledge about the origins, processes
and traditions associated with each variety.

One of the favourites was our Mystic Moroccan Mint tea. Refreshing peppermint and peppercorns
combined with Chinese Gunpowder green tea was ideal for a summer’s day.

The tea tasting generated a buzz around the Holy Cow Tea stall – almost as much as the Gin Tasting
stall! It was wonderful to have the opportunity to engage so many people in a conversation about
the nation’s favourite drink.

Tea-themed Event Speaker
As an unexpected development, several WI groups approached me at the Centenary event to ask
about me visiting their group. They were looking for speakers to give talks at their meetings. Anyone
who knows me we vouch for the fact that I love to talk, especially about one of my favourite
subjects! I was intrigued.

After a few further conversations, I am now booked to deliver a couple of WI talks in 2022. I am so
excited!

Tea is the nation’s favourite beverage, yet few of us venture beyond mass-produced teabags. I am
an UK Tea Academy accredited Tea Champion and an enthusiastic tea drinker. Hopefully, my talks
will enlighten the groups about different varieties, tea production and the cultural traditions that
surround a good cuppa.

I’m starting with Chai Masala, which was very much part of my upbringing. Chai Masala translates as
spiced tea; a delightfully warming drink with rich aromas and flavours. I won’t share any more, just
in case you are at one of the talks!

I’ve also been planning the subject matter for future tea talks. So far, I’ve created an outline for:

 An introduction to Tea
 Around Asia in Five Teas
 The History of Tea in the UK
 Sustainable Tea Production

I wonder if there are any other aspects of tea that you would be curious to learn about?
If you are looking for a speaker for your 2022 event and if these are of interest, please get in touch.

Aylesbury Christmas Market
If you are curious about tea, we have a wonderful selection on offer in our boutique shop in
Aylesbury Town Centre. Holy Cow Tea will also be part of the Aylesbury Christmas Market. This

wonderful event brings together local makers and producers – the perfect place to find unique gifts
for friends and family.
Find out more about Aylesbury Christmas Market.

All Holy Cow Teas are ethically-sourced and are sold in sustainable packaging. Our commitment to
social and environmental responsibility means we only sell premium loose-leaf teas, no teabags.
Join us on Saturday 5 December in the Market Square between 10.30am and 3.00pm. Visit our stall
to ask questions about tea and taste a few samples. We have a selection of gifts for tea-lovers; ideal
for those people in your life who are never far from the kettle!

Love Poonam,

Holy Cow Home