THE lovely ladies of Newton Abbot WI recently learnt how to make their very own perfume.

The group said it was ‘wonderful’ to welcome Kate Green from Newton’s Place not only for a history lesson about Bibbings Pharmacy, but also to learn how to make their own delightful scents.

A pharmaceutical chemists, Bibbings opened in Newton Abbot in 1877 in what is today the Pharmacy Cafe.

The shops now iconic mahogany cabinets had 117 small drawers, mostly of plant origin, which came from all over the world.

Using his knowledge of botany, Bibbings created his own perfumes, namely 'Bradley Woods Bouque’ and 'Devonia Violets'.

The shop shut in 1974 and re-opened as a cafe, which shut in 2025.

Kate brought in some items from the museum relating to the Pharmacy, which are over 100 years old.

Some of the museum items
Some of the museum items (Newton Abbot WI)

Thereafter Kate showed Newton Abbot WI how to make perfume.

Newton Abbot WI’s press officer, Karen Jenks, said: ‘There was much fun and laughter with Kate showing us how to make our own perfume from a selection of flowers, herbs, fruit, and essential oils.

‘The room smelt wonderful with our different creations.

‘We could also name our perfume too.

‘Thanks Kate for a wonderful evening’.