Celebrating Women's History Month in Hammersmith & Fulham: What's On at Health Defence Organics

March is Women's History Month, and if you’ve been craving something a bit more real than “just another talk,” you’re in the right place. This month at Health Defence Organics CIC (132 King Street, Hammersmith, W6 0QU) we’re turning the shop into a little hub of food, music, creativity, herbal tradition, and community—all with women’s stories at the centre.

If you've been walking past 132 King Street for decades, you might remember us as Bushwacker. We've been part of the fabric of this neighbourhood since the early 1980s, and now as Health Defence Organics CIC, we're proud to continue that legacy while honouring the women who've shaped both our business—and the way we care for our health.

Four Decades of Community Health

Let's rewind a bit. When Bushwacker first opened its doors on King Street all those years ago, the health food movement was just finding its feet in the UK. Organic produce wasn't mainstream. Wholefoods were considered niche. And a business advocating for natural health back then? That was pretty revolutionary.

For much of those first 40 years, Bushwacker was led by a husband-and-wife team, building a proper neighbourhood institution—one conversation, one recommendation, one regular customer at a time.

Fast forward to 2026, and while the world has caught up with many of those ideas, our mission hasn't changed. We're still here, still championing organic living, still putting community health first. Now under my ownership as Ruth, we've evolved into Health Defence Organics CIC: a Community Interest Company dedicated to making wellness accessible to everyone in Hammersmith and beyond.

And today, it’s a joy to mark Women’s History Month as a woman-led shop—celebrating the women who support this place as customers, community organisers, creatives, carers, and everyday change-makers.

Women Who Shaped Hammersmith & Fulham (A Quick Nod)

Hammersmith & Fulham has been home to generations of women who’ve quietly (and sometimes loudly) helped shape local life—through community work, creativity, education, care, and business.

And for us, the best way to honour that is to get together: share skills, swap stories, taste something new, sing a little, make something with our hands, and leave feeling more connected than when we arrived.

What's Happening at Health Defence Organics This March (Women’s History Month Special)

If you’ve been meaning to pop in, this is your sign. We’re hosting a run of in-shop events that feel equal parts uplifting, grounding, and genuinely fun—and they’re all happening at Health Defence Organics CIC, 132 King Street, Hammersmith, W6 0QU (unless we say otherwise).

Our Women’s History Month events

12th March (1–3pm): Interactive Historical journey into Nigerian Cookery with Toyin's Kitchen Come for the history, stay for the flavours. You’ll explore the cultural roots and stories behind classic dishes, with a delicious focus on Egusi Soup, Pounded Yam, and traditional Puff Puff. Expect warmth, conversation, and plenty of inspiration for your own kitchen.

Wednesday, 11th March (1:00pm) and Wednesday, 25th March (1:00pm): “An Intimate Throwback Gospel Music Experience” with Ruth – The Gospel Storyteller in Song A live, close-up gospel session led by Ruth, featuring her rich, expressive voice and a warm “stories behind the songs” feel—spotlighting the lives and legacy of female gospel singing legends who helped shape the sound and spirit of the genre. Pop in on your lunch break and leave with your shoulders a bit lower and your heart a bit fuller.

Book on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-gospel-singing-shopkeeper-tribute-to-gospel-singing-legends-tickets-1982992382597

Thursday 26th March (7:00pm): The Wise Woman’s Cabinet — A Networking Night of Tasting & Tradition This one’s for the curious (and the busy). We’re bringing together Partner.Co-only product tasting and business/community networking, with a twist: a guided nod to the history of female healers and herbalists—the original apothecaries. On the tasting table (and nowhere else): Partner.Co Noni, Moa, and Everglow. Come and sample, chat, connect, and learn something fascinating along the way.

Thursday 26th March (11am–1pm): Upcycling workshop — re-purposing items like in “the days of old” A hands-on session inspired by the practical creativity of earlier generations. We’ll share ideas for breathing new life into everyday items—less waste, more resourcefulness, and a lovely bit of old-school pride.

Tuesday 17th March (12–2pm): “She Lives in Me” Reflective Art Session with Sanctuary for Sisterhood A gentle, reflective session using embroidery inspired by influential women—the ones we’ve learned from, inherited courage from, or are still becoming. No need to be “good at art.” Just bring yourself.

Book (or check for updates) via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/ (search “Health Defence Organics” and the event name). Spaces can be limited, so it’s worth reserving when you can.

Supporting Women's Health Every Day

While March gives us a special opportunity to spotlight women's contributions and needs, supporting women's health is what we do year-round. Walk into our shop at 132 King Street, and you'll find:

Targeted Supplements: From hormone-balancing herbs to iron-rich formulas, we stock products specifically formulated for women's health needs across all life stages.

Organic Wholefoods: The foundation of good health starts with what you eat. Our selection of organic grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds provides the building blocks for hormonal balance and sustained energy.

Natural Beauty Products: Because what you put on your skin matters as much as what you put in your body. Our carefully curated range avoids harsh chemicals and synthetic hormones.

Expert Guidance: Our knowledgeable team can help you navigate everything from perimenopause symptoms to optimising fertility through nutrition. We're not here to push products: we're here to help you find solutions that work for your unique body and lifestyle.

Events Around the Borough

If you fancy making a full month of it, there’s plenty going on nearby too. Here are a few to look out for:

• H&F Women’s Heritage Trail – Guided Walk:Tuesday 26th March (12pm–1pm), meeting at the William Morris Society. More info: https://www.lbhf.gov.uk/celebrating-hf/heritage-trails/womens-history-trail

• Lyric Hammersmith Exhibition: running throughout March (dates/times vary—check what’s on when you’re free).

• Plus local talks, walking tours, performances, and community events celebrating women’s stories across Hammersmith & Fulham.

For the full programme and booking links, please use Eventbrite listings where available: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/.

And if you’re doing a day of borough events, make us one of your stops—132 King Street is a great place to pause, browse, and get your bearings (with a herbal tea in hand).

Why This Matters

You might be wondering why a health food shop is making such a fuss about Women's History Month. Here's why: health has always been a women's issue, and women have always been at the forefront of health movements.

From herbalists and midwives who preserved healing knowledge through centuries, to the modern nutritionists and wellness advocates pushing for better healthcare options, women have been the keepers and sharers of health wisdom. The natural health movement: which we've been part of for 40 years: was largely built by women who questioned mainstream approaches and sought gentler, more holistic alternatives.

That legacy continues today. When you choose organic food, you're supporting farming practices that protect the environment for future generations. When you opt for natural remedies, you're honouring traditional knowledge systems. When you invest in your health, you're not just caring for yourself: you're setting an example for your daughters, sisters, friends, and community.

Visit Us This March

We'd love to see you at 132 King Street this month. If you’re coming along to an event, please book your place via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/.

Our regular opening hours continue throughout March, and our team is here to help you navigate your health journey with personalised advice and genuine care. We've been doing this for 40 years because we love what we do and the community we serve.

This Women's History Month, let's celebrate the progress we've made while acknowledging there's still work to do. Let's honour the women who came before us and empower those coming after. And let's do it together, as a community that values health, sustainability, and each other.

Come celebrate with us at Health Defence Organics CIC, 132 King Street, Hammersmith, W6 0QU. Bring a friend, come solo, stay for a chat—and let’s make Women’s History Month feel properly alive in the neighbourhood.

Come celebrate with us. Your health: and your history( matters.)