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February 2016
Classical Guitar Orchestra Weekend
A unique musical experience for classical guitarists of all ages and of varying abilities (but not complete beginners). The emphasis is on participation, with students working in a non-competitive and supportive environment. Parts of the orchestra range in difficulty from elementary (Grade 2) to advanced (Grade 8) and are allocated in accordance with each students’ playing standard. The music required for the course will be made available one month before, to allow for some advance preparation.
Find out more »Daily life and the afterlife in ancient Egypt
Have you ever wondered what life was like in ancient Egypt? Or why the Egyptians mummified their dead? From childbirth to mortality, funerals to Osiris's judgement, in this course, you will explore daily life in ancient Egypt, and beyond. By the end, you will have a better understanding of the ancient Egyptians, and a foundation for any future study.
Find out more »Bede and the history of early England
Bede's Ecclesiastical History of the English People tells us much of what we know, or think we know, about the history of England from its origins to the 730s. This course will revisit Bede, in the light of recent historical and archaeological research, to estimate how far he has misled generations of readers.
Find out more »Immortality and eternity: different conceptions of the afterlife
What answers come from having more life? In this course, an alternative picture will be considered to the dogmatic view of eternal life as 'more life'. Through retrospective analysis of the teachings of Christ and that of 19th and 20th century philosophers, we will expose a profound and equally valid interpretation of eternal life as mortality.
Find out more »Advanced French: Monsieur de La Fontaine
This weekend course is held entirely in French. It focuses on various topics illustrated through literature and art, often related to present cultural events, and aimed at language improvement. The texts, chosen from a wide range of classic and modern writers, will be used as a basis for discussion throughout the sessions. A variety of audio-visual documents will enlighten the weekend theme and expand your knowledge of French culture.
Find out more »New Testament Greek
This course is aimed at students who have been studying Greek for a year or more. We shall read and discuss a selection of extended passages from the New Testament Gospels and Epistles, aiming to understand both their language and their historical background. We shall also by way of contrast look at some shorter extracts from the Septuagint. Copies of the chosen texts will be sent to students who enrol on the course, and should be prepared in advance.
Find out more »Tai Ji Quan
Tai Ji Quan and Qigong (Tai Chi & Chi Kung) stimulate the mind, balance energy levels and strengthen the immune system. Through practice and exercise, you will feel encouraged by improved vitality and feelings of well being. The work can be adapted to individual fitness and health needs.
Find out more »Paint and Print in Watercolour
This course will embrace all levels in an experimental workshop aimed at stretching ideas by creating contemporary watercolours with printing techniques and collage on a variety of papers.
Find out more »Magnificent Mountmellick
Developed in Ireland during the 19th century, Mountmellick embroidery is a white-on-white hand embroidery technique used in the past for household and bed linen. Worked on cotton sateen fabric in thick matte threads. The designs are usually floral, using raised, padded and knotted stitches. Very textured with a knitted fringe.
Find out more »Lace and Organza Bags with Machine Embroidery
Explore the possibilities of combining water soluble fabric with machine embroidery, sheer fabrics, fancy threads and sequins, to create a sparkly lace and organza bag.
Find out more »Knitting for the Home – Design and Knit a Cushion Cover Front
Knitted textiles lend themselves fantastically to the home interior. Jane will teach you the basics of design and guide you through an array of techniques, such as fairisle, intarsia and beading, to help you design and start knitting your own cushion cover front. Aimed at knitters with a good understanding of the craft, participants need to be able to read a pattern and work basic stitches with confidence.
Find out more »Berlioz & The Trojans
We will explore Berlioz’s greatest work, the epic grand opera Les Troyens (the Trojans) which was based on Virgil’s Aeneid, a work which stirred the composer’s soul deeply. The opera portrays the capture of Troy by the Greeks and the subsequent arrival of the Trojan survivors in Carthage. The ensuing tragic romance between Dido, the Queen of Carthage, and the Trojan prince, Aeneas, is one of the most searing of all love stories.
Find out more »Looking Good Feeling Good
Our style needs to evolve as we age so if it’s been a while since you took an honest look at your colours and styles, this is the perfect opportunity to spend a relaxing day gaining input into what suits you and why. Realise your true potential with colours that suit your natural colouring and clothing and accessories that flatter your personality. Make dressing a joy not a chore and find the real you. This course is specifically designed for…
Find out more »Abstract Sensations in Encaustic Wax
Learn how to create fantastic, powerful abstract paintings in coloured waxes, using irons, hot styluses and hot air guns. This course is going to take you places that you have never been before, so prepare to be amazed. A fun and informative course guided by an enthusiastic and talented teacher.
Find out more »Achieving Colour Harmony using Acrylics
Explore exciting ways to implement colour theory in a practical “hands on” course focused on colour mixing in the context of acrylic and oil painting. Demonstrations and guidance by a professional artist makes the course suitable for all artistic ability levels.
Find out more »Discovery Day Wine Tasting
This one day course, with 15 great quality wines, explores how your wine preferences are influenced by your taste buds! Discover why you prefer certain styles and how wine and food work best together. We also cover how to spot common wine faults, how glass shapes change the way wines taste, plus tips for ordering at restaurants. Gain the knowledge to drink better wine without spending more! Participants have the option of booking Saturday night dinner, bed and breakfast at…
Find out more »Easter and Spring Cake Decorating Techniques
Learn key cake decorating techniques, such as icing and decorating a spring-themed cake. This will include some piping techniques and using moulds and stencils to make spring sugar flowers, such as daffodils and tulips, as well as Easter and spring modelling.
Find out more »Making Stringed Musical Instruments
A workshop offering the opportunity to construct a stringed musical instrument of your choice with advice and guidance from the tutor. Projects may include guitars, lutes, mandolines, dulcimers and ukuleles. The choice of materials and construction methods will be discussed and advice will be given to complete any unfinished instruments. Please note that costs may vary considerably and are at your discretion. Please note, this course takes place at Buckinghamshire New University High Wycombe campus.
Find out more »One day, one novel: Pride and Prejudice
This day school is part of the 'One day, one novel' series for 2015-16. Each day school focuses on one novel and through a series of lecture and class discussions, helps you to study the novel in great depth, getting to know the author and the text as closely as possible.
Find out more »One day, one novel: Wuthering Heights
This day school is part of the 'One day, one novel' series for 2015-16. Each day school focuses on one novel and through a series of lecture and class discussions, helps you to study the novel in great depth, getting to know the author and the text as closely as possible.
Find out more »March 2016
Acoustic Folk
A great holiday break where you will join other like-minded players for an excellent social and informative weekend.
Find out more »Improvers
On this weekend we cover the same core subjects covered on the 'Strugglers' weekend but in more detail and using more advanced material.
Find out more »Usui reiki level 1 workshop – learn reiki healing for yourself, friends, family, pets
1 day workshops Friday 4 March & Saturday 12 March - On successful completion you will be awarded a certificate
Find out more »Chinese Brush Painting – Summer Flower with Bird and Insect in Freehand Style
Flowers and birds have been popular subjects in traditional Chinese brush painting for over two thousand years. This course will focus on the basic skills of painting different kind of flowers, birds and insects in free hand style, such as: wisterias with swallow, peony with butterfly and Chinese lotus flower with dragonfly. The course will include demonstration and individual supervision. You will be given a list of things to bring but the tutor will also have some materials available for…
Find out more »William the Conqueror and His Sons
The Battle of Hastings and William's Norman settlement which followed it were one of the great watersheds in English history. It was a period of revolutionary change but also some striking continuity with the Anglo-Saxon society and culture it was replacing. The reigns of his sons William Rufus and Henry I were to build on William's legacy to create a powerful Anglo-Norman kingdom of England. Dispute over the succession of Henry's daughter Matilda as Queen of England was to plunge…
Find out more »Sibelius: The Man and The Music
Sibelius is one of the giants of music. In particular his seven symphonies are recognised among the towering achievements of western man, but they and other masterpieces were only created out of enormous struggle. Using both musical and visual illustrations we will explore the relationship between the man and the music as his remarkable career evolved, while also noting his developing musical personality.
Find out more »Explore the River Axe
Spend a spring day with David Hunt in the valley of the River Axe in east Devon exploring some beautiful countryside and visiting unusual sites including the World War 2 defences. Our minibus takes us to places off the beaten track and (weather permitting) to some interesting views and excellent photo opportunities. Packed lunches and refreshments will be provided. All comers welcome but please note there may be some walking on rough ground.
Find out more »Elizabeth Bowen – Selected Short Stories
Elizabeth Bowen’s stories explore childhood memories, the natural world, love, loss and the occult. Place is as significant as character and her writing is noted for its sharpness of observation. Both World Wars inspired many of her best short stories. From The Demon Lover, we learn what it was like to live in London during the blitz. In Joining Charles, the story of a young, unhappy wife: ‘A ghost from the future stood out from the looking glass.’ In Daffodils,…
Find out more »Four Medieval Christians
What inspired medieval men and women to give their lives to God? We will examine the lives and writings of four very different individuals: St Benedict, Hildegard of Bingen, Francis of Assisi and Margery Kempe. Benedict’s Rule for Monasteries was a foundational text throughout the Middle Ages; Hildegard was a gifted abbess. In contrast, Francis of Assisi saw himself as ‘the little poor man’. Margery Kempe was a mother who described her adventures as a pilgrim. All-comers welcome.
Find out more »An Introduction to Chi Kung
An introduction to a gentle and effective exercise routine that stimulates all the energy channels, major organs, muscles, bones and joints. This course has been running several times a year for a number of years and attendees have been known to repeat the course to increase their knowledge and ability. It is aimed initially at those with no previous experience of Chi Kung, but who would like to learn how to help manage their physical well-being. All ages and levels…
Find out more »Woodcarving
These courses take learners from complete beginners to the very advanced through a carefully planned series of projects covering traditional and modern carving styles such as foliage ornament and frame or architectural mouldings, figure and animal carving in the round, lettercutting and abstract sculpture. Design skills are also included. Learners can enrol on single courses as tasters or join several weekends to develop their skills and ideas. The courses run from Saturday 9.30am until Sunday 4.30pm and are held in…
Find out more »The Romans in Buckinghamshire
Who were 'the Romans' and what were they doing in Buckinghamshire? Learn about new evidence of local Roman life. Based on sound archaeology, local sites will be explained, to provide a flavour of life and death in this turbulent time.
Find out more »Art History – The Dukes of Burgundy
The Burgundian Dukes were the real winners of the Hundred Years War between England and France. With lands from Burgundy to the Low Countries, the Dukes were wealthier than the French Crown and from their courts came the most extraordinary arts of the late Middle Ages and early Renaissance.
Find out more »Portrait Drawing in Charcoal
Work alongside award-winning portrait artist Peter Keegan on this day course where you will capture unique portrait subjects in charcoal. Using photographs provided by the tutor, or ones you bring with you, you will explore a range of techniques including beginning a drawing, capturing tonal values, facial details and ultimately a likeness.
Find out more »Floristry Masterclass
A really inspirational course for students with existing skills. Come and experiment with some cutting edge ideas. We take our lead from the best contemporary florists in the world and will use new techniques and innovations to develop and create beautiful designs.
Find out more »Oliver Cromwell: Saint Or Serpent?
Oliver Cromwell, the only commoner ever to become supreme head of a British state, has always produced deep divisions of opinion, between those who view him as one of the greatest of Britons, to those who see him as a usurper, tyrant and fanatic. This lecture is designed to show why Cromwell is such a complex figure and to provide its own assessment of his character.
Find out more »Rhythm
A great holiday break where you will join other like-minded players for an excellent social and informative weekend.
Find out more »Nefertiti: Ancient Egypt’s Most Intriguing Queen
Nefertiti is arguably the most famous queen of pharaonic Egypt. Her bust displayed in Berlin is iconic. She was the Chief Royal Wife of the Ancient Egyptian pharaoh Akhenaten (c1352-c1336 BC), and together they continue to fascinate. Intriguing changes appear in the art and religion of this period of Egypt’s history – peculiar representations of the royal family, and an attempt at monotheism in what was traditionally a polytheistic society. The female members of this royal family were exceptional. In…
Find out more »Bead Needle Weaving
Whether new to beading or more experienced, you will quickly be able to complete a first piece of jewellery before moving on to something more complex.
Find out more »Moorish Spain
No era of European History was as remarkable or left as indelible a mark as Moorish Spain. The history, language, architecture, decorative arts, music, gastronomy, personality of the Iberian Peninsula owes so much to the civilization that occupied at least part of Spain for nearly 800 years. We shall follow the history of Moorish Spain from the invasion of 711 to the final surrender of Granada in 1492. We shall explore its architecture in particular the great cities, the Andalusian…
Find out more »Saqqara: Egypt’s Most Important Ancient Necropolis
In this weekend course we will enjoy an in-depth exploration of one of Egypt’s most significant ancient sites – Saqqara, the necropolis of Egypt’s ancient capital Memphis. We will examine the architecture, reliefs, inscriptions, statuary and funerary equipment of the extraordinary tombs of pharaohs, nobles and sacred animals, dating from the Early Dynastic Period through to the Ptolemaic Period. We will consider the mastaba tombs of some of Egypt’s earliest pharaohs and statesmen; the oldest large-scale stone monument in the…
Find out more »Reading Classical Latin: Suetonius on Caesar
Suetonius's Life of Divus Iulius provides a miscellany of 'facts' from Julius Caesar's life. We discover the origin of veni vidi vici, meet his lovers, see him scorning religion, learn of his oratorical skills and follow him to his assassination on the Ides of March. Anyone with a sound basic knowledge of Latin will be able to cope with Suetonius's prose. Participants will be encouraged to contribute to translating the text, discussing its contents and style and so enjoy an…
Find out more »John’s gospel: where children can paddle and elephants can swim
John's gospel contains some of the most well-known phrases in the New Testament: 'the Word became flesh', 'I am the bread of life'. But there are also puzzles: why does John's Jesus die on a different day to the Jesus of the other gospels? Is the gospel anti-semitic? Is John's Jesus more divine than human? This course will explore these questions as well as delving into John's language and theology.
Find out more »Reading Classical Latin: Ovid and love
Ovid claims that there are a hundred reasons why he is always in love and in reading Amores Book 2, we shall discover some of these reasons. But we shall also encounter a dead parrot, his girl Corinna's jealousy and her abortion, and Ovid's wish to be a signet ring. Anyone with a sound basic knowledge of Latin will be able to cope with Ovid's verse. Participants will be encouraged to contribute to translating the text, discussing its contents and…
Find out more »O rare Ben Jonson
The appearance in 2013 of Ian Donaldson's brilliant life-and-works book on Shakespeare's friend and only serious rival Ben Jonson proves a wonderful stimulus for the study of three of his sourly evergreen comedies, The Alchemist, Volpone and Bartholemew Fair, and his tragedy Sejanus, recently and successfully revived at Stratford. There will be many laughs and much entertainment as well as a scattering of acid!
Find out more »Spring Landscapes in Acrylic
This course will show you how to paint spring landscapes with acrylic paint. Techniques covered will include thick and thin paint, colour mixing, working from dark to light and glazing. The course will include spring landscapes in an impressionistic style from photographs supplied by the tutor.
Find out more »Botanical Illustration – Spring Flowers
Spring is an exciting and unique time for flowers; learn how to compose a picture, prepare precise pencil drawings and how to use watercolours skilfully to produce accurate, vibrant illustrations. Individual help ensures that beginners and experienced artists can work at their own pace but with strong support.
Find out more »Blackwork Embroidery
Blackwork embroidery became popular during the reign of King Henry VIII. Introduced into the Tudor court by Queen Catherine of Aragon, the traditional style is worked on linen using the weave as a basis to count stitches. A variety of different stitches will be taught using a range of different weighted threads. Butterflies were popular motifs to use as they represented a life cycle of natural beauty.
Find out more »News From the Fronts: Verdun and Allied Planning for 1916
As the Allied military chiefs assembled at Chantilly to discuss plans for co-ordinated offensives on Western and Eastern Fronts, the French position at Verdun had been rendered tenuous with the German capture of Fort Douaumont, keystone to the whole front. News from the mInor theatres was mixed but in Mesopotamia a British force was trapped in Kut. Against this backdrop the political leaders met in Paris to review plans for summer offensives on both major fronts.
Find out more »Eggstra Special Floral Designs for Easter
Come along and join our enthusiastic and flamboyant tutor and create three sumptuous designs for Easter from seasonal flowers, foliage and materials to enhance your home and delight your family and friends. During the day there will be demonstrations and lots of hints and tips. You will be provided with a list of items to bring which will cost you approximately £20.
Find out more »Make a Mosaic for your Garden
Create a mosaic that’s specifically designed to go outside! You can make a mosaic sign or panel to adorn your garden, or mosaic a pot or other decorative object. This course is for students of any ability, beginners or experienced mosaicists. Course materials are available from the tutor; please see the course information sheet for details.
Find out more »Make a Mosaic for your Garden
Create a mosaic that’s specifically designed to go outside! You can make a mosaic sign or panel to adorn your garden, or mosaic a pot or other decorative object. This course is for students of any ability, beginners or experienced mosaicists.Course materials are available from the tutor; please see the course information sheet for details.
Find out more »Stories to live and die for: the literary prize winners
Fiction enables us to consider some challenging, vital and creative issues and moments in life, and to imagine how things could be otherwise. We will be reading and discussing prize-winning contemporary fiction including Eimear McBride's challenging A Girl Is a Half-Formed Thing (2013), which explores the life of a young Irish girl. We will also look at Ali Smith's inspirational How to Be Both(2014), a book concerned with art and parallel lives, both 'compassionate' and 'playful'.
Find out more »Usui reiki level 1 workshop – learn reiki healing for yourself, friends, family, pets
Usui reiki level 1 workshop - learn reiki healing for yourself, friends, family & pets 1 day workshops: Friday 4 March & Saturday 12 March 11.00 - 16.00 Usui reiki level 1 workshop Rei – universal Ki – life force/energy (known as Chi in China or prana in India) Reiki is an ancient Japanese healing technique for relaxation and stress relief. It is a natural energy therapy that promotes holistic balance and healing. Reiki can benefit the physical, emotional,…
Find out more »The Anglo-Saxon Fenland
The Anglo-Saxon fenland was colourfully described by the great Clifford Darby as 'a frontier region...the resort of brigands and bandits' in whose empty wilderness saints like Æthelthryth of Ely and Guthlac of Crowland established their new monastries. The course critically examines these assumptions in the light of recent research which suggests fenland history was more complicated and more interesting in this period.
Find out more »Astronomy days: Rocky worlds and gas giants
How do planets form? Is there life elsewhere in the Universe? In the first of a new series of astronomy day schools, we will explore the planets and other rocky bodies of our solar system, catch up on the rapidly advancing hunt for planets around other stars, and discuss the origins of life and the prospects for finding it in the solar system and beyond. No previous astronomy experience is needed, and each astronomy day is self-contained so you are…
Find out more »Study Tour – A Cultural Adventure to Seville & Moorish Spain
Following on from the weekend Course, we pack our bags and head for the south of Spain and the unique city of Cordoba where we spend four nights in a hotel next to the great Mosque. We shall experience a rich and wonderful four days: two in Cordoba itself, the most 'Moorish' (still) of all Spanish cities, where, among other things, we shall visit the Mosque, the summer palace of the Caliph and its wonderful museum; one in Seville, where…
Find out more »Colour Theory and Mixing
This one day workshop will show you how to improve your colour mixing using colour theory and practice with watercolour and/or acrylic paint. Subjects covered will include how to use a colour wheel, categorising colours and how to darken and lighten your colours.
Find out more »Haydn and the Classical Symphony
Haydn is the composer who more than any other epitomises the aims and achievements of
the Classical era. We will explore the range and nature of his compositions by reference to a
number of symphonies from across the whole span of his career.
An Astonishingly Brief History of the Piano – From Bach to Boogie, From Ragtime to Rachmaniov, From Jane Austen to Jazz’
Join Chris Howes for a whirlwind journey through pianos and their musical sounds - from the harpsichord and spinet to the concert grand. Our music includes the wit and wonder of composers and star musicians, including Franz Liszt, Jane Austin and her ‘square’ piano, Horowitz, Duke Ellington, Ravel and more.
Find out more »Discover the Joys of Playing the Ukulele
Whether you are a beginner or an improver on the ukulele, this workshop weekend is for you.
Find out more »Stumpwork Strawberries
Intricate strawberry designs have embellished embroidered textiles all through history, particularly in the Elizabethan age. This course will cover many different ways of working raised strawberries, together with their flowers, to build an attractive piece of work that could be made up into a scissors holder or needlebook. This course will cover a variety of hand embroidery stitches, and is suitable for all abilities.
Find out more »Musical Impressionism – From Dawn Till Dusk
During this weekend we will try to get inside the ‘feel’ as well as the ‘nuts and bolts’ of the Impressionism label in search of what it means in music. It’s not as easy to pin down as is the Impressionist Painting Movement. Debussy initially scoffed at the tag, but what did he and Ravel owe to Monet and Pissarro as well as to composers of the earlier Romantic Movement? How did Franz Liszt’s revolutionary ideas pave the way for…
Find out more »1685 – A Great Year for Music
The three greatest figures in the world of baroque music were all born in the same year. Bach, Handel, and Scarlatti grew up in very different environments, and only the latter two ever met. So it is fascinating to explore how their careers developed in parallel, but on very different lines. Harpsichordists Steven Devine and Colin Booth are naturally immersed for much of their lives in the music produced by these three great geniuses. This weekend course gives them and…
Find out more »Mah Jongg – Chinese Traditional Way to Play
Mah Jonng, also known as 'The Game of Four Winds', has been the Chinese national game for centuries. It is said that half the population of China can play this game. The beauty of the tiles, the variety of the rules, the Eastern tradition and culture in the playing make the game logical, competitive and addictive. Contrary to common belief it is easy to learn how to play the game, but as in many other games, the more you play…
Find out more »Sustainable Development Goals: what difference will they make to international development?
We are at the cusp of significant changes in both thinking and delivering 'international assistance' as a result of the new set of targets known as the Sustainable Development Goals. With reference to case studies, this course explores the consequences of the changes ahead by looking in turn at the criteria and targets set for each goal, what they mean for policy makers, and for individual countries how the successes and failures of the new targets are determined.
Find out more »Viking Britain
For over 300 years, the Vikings were profoundly involved in British society and politics, and their legacy can still be felt throughout the British Isles. This course will introduce you to the history, archaeology, art and literature of the Vikings, and show how the idea of 'Viking Britain' continues to resonate to this day.
Find out more »Intermediate Russian: The 1917 Revolution – facts, fiction, arts
This weekend is designed for those who already have a reasonable conversational grasp of Russian. You will be able to expand your knowledge of contemporary Russian language, culture and society and gain more confidence in speaking and writing. The sessions will be mostly in Russian and will include, besides language exercises, a look at current affairs, a talk on an aspect of Russian history or culture, a Russian film and a discussion of a story or an article. The linguistic…
Find out more »Why are the Americans more religious than the British?
As the race for the Presidency hots up, are you baffled by the role religion continues to play in American life? This course will set you straight. Learn about the history that has shaped American religious sensibilities, explore the data of religious practice today, and enter the American mind.
Find out more »The English economy before the Norman Conquest: agriculturalists, artisans and aristocrats
How did people make a living when there was no money in England, and how did goods circulate with no market? Come and explore fundamental questions like these on this weekend course, and trace how Anglo-Saxon towns, trade and coinage began and developed as the early Middle Ages progressed.
Find out more »Goldwork Embroidery
This course will extend the knowledge of experienced goldwork embroiderers working on their own projects. Explanations, demonstrations and individual advice will be given throughout, whilst students work at their own pace on pre-set designs or on their own design ideas.
Find out more »More Tapestry Weaving
This course will enable participants to explore tapestry weaving through interpretation of a personally selected image or idea. For those new to tapestry weaving or established weavers wanting to extend their skills, there will be opportunities to learn new techniques and insights into this exciting contemporary textile art.
Find out more »Tatting Techniques
Tatting is a very portable form of lace making, with just two basic stitches to learn, yet these can be used to produce a myriad of designs from formal to fun. Beginners will learn basic stitches to produce a simple motif, while competent tatters will extend their knowledge of the continually evolving tatting techniques.
Find out more »West Country Railways
This course explores the archaeology and heritage of railways from Wiltshire to Cornwall. Brunel’s work is seen in the Box Tunnel, Dawlish railway, Royal Albert Bridge and spectacular viaducts. Abandoned lines are worth investigating, especially branches serving mineral and other industries. Case studies include the contrasting Liskeard and Caradon Railway, and the Somerset and Dorset Railway. Alongside, the region’s heritage includes a number of important preserved steam-worked railways. All-comers welcome.
Find out more »The Genius of Metaphysical Poets
The seventeenth century witnessed an amazing flowering of a group of writers later known as the Metaphysical poets because they used the discoveries of explorers and the wealth of contemporary science to become metaphors for their emotions and spiritual journey. Of these many gifted poets, John Donne, George Herbert and Thomas Traherne are possibly the most ingenious and powerful in their range of subjects which move and enrich our lives today.
Find out more »Dynamic Life Sketching
A unique opportunity to sketch from a life model, posing dynamic movements. You will learn how to depict the motion of the human body and commemorate the fleeting moments on paper, with paint or sketching materials. There will be demonstrations by our professional artist and one to one guidance and support.
Find out more »French Beaded Flowers for a Wedding Corsage
Learn how to make a beaded cornflower, filler flowers and foliage to create a stunning corsage. The course will cover four French beading techniques, as well as teaching you how to assemble a corsage or use the flowers you have made in another arrangement. This course is suitable for all levels: no previous experience of beading is necessary.
Find out more »Peace, conflict and international society
The news seems dominated by war, violence and conflict, but these forces also lie at the heart of how and why the world operates as it does at the level of international politics. If you have ever wondered why peace is so elusive and conflict so prevalent, then this course will help you understand such questions.
Find out more »1685 – The Three Masters
Kate Semmens, soprano, with harpsichordists Colin Booth and Steven Devine. To conclude this year's weekend course, a celebration of the three most famous Baroque composers, all born in 1685 - Bach, Handel, and Scarlatti. This concert will feature two beautiful double-manual harpsichords in addition to Kate Semmens’ radiant voice.
Find out more »A326 OU Empire Revision Course
What better place to learn about empires than Dillington, the home of Lord North, the Prime Minister when Britain lost the US colonies?! This is a course for Open University A326 students. The objectives are: revision; preparing TMA06 and the EMA; and creating a supportive atmosphere. The course is based on lectures, films and discussions. No check will be made to see if Lord North has turned in his grave! Please note this course is run independently of the Open…
Find out more »The Dartington Dream
In 1925 Leonard and Dorothy Elmhirst embarked on the adventure of their lives, by purchasing the run-down medieval estate of Dartington Hall in Devon and turning it, within their lifetimes, into a flourishing centre for the arts and education with an international reputation. Discover the history of their staggeringly ambitious efforts to revitalise the crumbling Estate with Maggie Giraud, who for almost twenty years was employed by the Dartington Hall Trust, firstly as a teacher of Art History, and most…
Find out more »Carole King Tapestry – Vocal Day
Released in 1971, Carole King’s ‘Tapestry’ album topped the U.S. album chart for 15 weeks and remained on the charts for more than six years. Spend a day exploring King’s earthy, L.A. session-pop style and learning to sing tracks from this enduring music sensation including ‘You’ve Got a Friend’ and ‘I Feel the Earth Move’. This fun group-singing format is suitable for male and female voices. Some harmony singing experience would be helpful but you don’t need to be able…
Find out more »Bookbinding
This course is intended for all levels from the complete beginner to the more experienced and will take place in a studio that is well equipped for general bookbinding. Beginners will be introduced to the basic theory and techniques of bookbinding, while advanced students will be assisted in pursuing particular projects. All aspects of bookbinding are encouraged and there will also be an optional session on different styles of endpaper.
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