Thyme for a new taste of things

KERRY Sapsed is brewing up something delicious in Heathcote.

Launched last Wednesday at the Heathcote Community House, her new business Thyme for Tea aims to build a vibrant community around tea and herbs.

“I feel tea-riffic about what my new venture can bring to Heathcote and district,” Ms Sapsed laughed.

In addition to selling dried herbs and packaged tea blends sourced from the community garden, Thyme for Tea will endeavour to build a more vital community by providing an education on the products’ health benefits.

Ms Sapsed said Heathcote was crucial to the launch of the business.

“I’m very fortunate that I’ve got such a wonderful community network here – the whole community house has been amazing,” she said.

“I only expected a few people, and now look at it.”

“But that’s what a cup of tea does – it brings everyone together.”

The launch, which featured a high tea lunch and a spread of the new brews, was attended by 80 people including mayor Margaret O’Rourke and Councillors Yvonne Wrigglesworth and George Flack.

Heathcote Community House encouraged Ms Sapsed to start the tea business as a social enterprise.

“We soon realised that it would take too many permits for her to start the business from home, so we encouraged her to run it at the community house instead, with the help of our other volunteers,” coordinator Vicki Forde said.

“We’re already so passionate about encouraging our volunteers in their initiatives, particularly when they are house-made-house-grown.

“This initiative gives our volunteers a chance to connect with the community and learn different skills in the process.”

Ms Forde said she was encouraged by the turnout at the launch.

“There’s been a lot of support from the community for this enterprise, and it’s lovely to see Kerry’s dreams finally become a reality.”