Reframing Menopause: Wisdom from the Waves
12, 14 & 20 August
Wisdom from the Waves is a three-day programme in August exploring a remarkable connection between whales and humans — two of the very few species known to experience menopause. In whale communities, older females play a vital role as carriers of knowledge, care and leadership. Inspired by this powerful parallel, the programme reflects on perimenopause, menopause and beyond as a season of wisdom, contribution and shared experience.
Across three days, join talks, conversations, a Menopause Café and guided tours exploring wellbeing, lived experience and the transitions and changes that shape this stage of life.
Why Whales?
Humans and whales are among the very few species known to experience menopause. In whale communities, older females help guide their pods, sharing knowledge and supporting younger generations. Their wisdom helps entire communities thrive.
Inspired by this remarkable connection, Wisdom from the Waves invites us to reframe perimenopause and menopause not as an ending, but as a time of insight, leadership, connection and renewal.
Programme at a Glance
Wednesday 12 August
10:00 - 12:00 Menopause Café - Entry by donation - no need to book
11:45 - 12:15 Ladies of The Vale: Guided tours (Tickets: £5pp)
13:15 - 13:45 Ladies of The Vale: Guided tours (Tickets: £5pp)
14:00 - 16:00 Waking the Women with Jayne Manfredi (Tickets: £10pp)
Friday 14 August
11:45 - 12:15 Ladies of The Vale: Guided tours (Tickets: £5pp)
13:15 - 13:45 Ladies of The Vale: Guided tours (Tickets: £5pp)
14:00–16:00 Fitness and Menopause with Josh Hubbard (Tickets: £10pp)
Thursday 20 August
11:45 - 12:15 Ladies of The Vale: Guided tours (Tickets: £5pp)
13:15 - 13:45 Ladies of The Vale: Guided tours (Tickets: £5pp)
14:00–16:00 Nutrition for a Healthy & Happy Menopause with Jackie Lynch (Tickets: £10pp)
Menopause Café
Wednesday 12 August | 10:00–12:00
Join us for a welcoming and informal Menopause Café beneath the whales.
A Menopause Café is a space to talk, listen and share experiences of perimenopause and menopause. There are no presentations or experts on stage—just open conversation in a supportive environment.
All are welcome. Entry by donation. No booking required.
Meet the Speakers
Waking the Women with Jayne Manfredi
Wednesday 12 August | 14:00–16:00
Tickets: £10 per person
Join writer, teacher and Anglican Deacon Jayne Manfredi for a thoughtful and inspiring conversation exploring women's experiences, spirituality and the wisdom that can emerge through life's transitions.
Drawing on her own work and lived experience, Jayne invites us to consider what it means to embrace this stage of life with curiosity, courage and hope.
About Jayne
Jayne Manfredi is an Anglican Deacon, writer, teacher and regular contributor to BBC Radio 4. She lives in Crewe with her husband and four children. Her first book, Waking the Women, explores women's spirituality and faith with her characteristic warmth, wit and wisdom.
Fitness & Menopause
With Josh Hubbard (J Hubbard Coaching)
Friday 14 August | 14:00–16:00
Tickets: £10 per person
Perimenopause and menopause bring significant hormonal changes, but they don't have to mean restrictive diets, endless cardio or feeling less like yourself.
In this interactive talk and live Q&A, local midlife fitness specialist Josh Hubbard cuts through the confusion to share practical, evidence-based strategies to support your health, energy and strength through midlife and beyond.
Together, we'll explore:
- The truth about menopausal weight gain
- The role of sleep, stress and metabolism
- Why strength training matters for bone and muscle health
- How nutrition can support energy and wellbeing
- Your questions on exercise, motivation and hormonal changes
Whether you're noticing the first signs of perimenopause, navigating menopause or thriving beyond it, this session offers practical tools to help you feel strong, capable and confident.
About Josh
Josh Hubbard is a midlife fitness specialist and founder of J Hubbard Coaching. He works with clients to build sustainable habits that support strength, wellbeing and confidence through every stage of life.
Nutrition for a Healthy & Happy Menopause
with Jackie Lynch
Thursday 20 August | 14:00–16:00
Tickets: £10 per person
Discover how nutrition can support your health and wellbeing through perimenopause, menopause and beyond.
In this practical workshop, nutritionist Jackie Lynch explores how diet and lifestyle choices can help reduce the impact of common menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, anxiety and insomnia.
The session will include:
- The role of nutrition in balancing hormones and managing symptoms
- The impact of stress on menopause and wellbeing
- Nutritional strategies to improve resilience
- Achieving the right balance of nutrients
- Practical advice on meals and snacks
- A live Q&A
You'll leave with evidence-based advice and practical strategies to support long-term health and wellbeing.
About Jackie
Jackie Lynch is the founder of the WellWellWell nutrition clinic, specialising in women's health and menopause. She hosts The Happy Menopause podcast and is the author of several bestselling books on nutrition and menopause.
She is a BANT Registered Nutritionist®, Registered Nutritional Therapist (CNHC), Fellow of the British Association for Nutrition & Lifestyle Medicine, and an Affiliate Member of the British Menopause Society.
Ladies of The Vale: The Women of the Cathedral
Guided Tour. Approx. 30 minutes £5
Wednesday 12 August 11:45 - 12:15 & 13:15 - 13:45
Friday 14 August 11:45 - 12:15 & 13:15 - 13:45
Thursday 20 August 11:45 - 12:15 & 13:15 - 13:45
We invite you to discover the remarkable women remembered throughout Lichfield Cathedral. Saints and poets, a queen and a medical pioneer. Women who led quietly and fiercely, through grief and through faith, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire today.
This special guided tour uncovers the stories of the women woven into the Cathedral's 1,300-year history, celebrating their courage, resilience and influence. Inspired by the wisdom of older female whales, Ladies of the Vale offers a fresh perspective on leadership, community and the enduring impact of women's lives across generations.