Events Search and Views Navigation
November 2013
Creative Retreat
Design your own creative escape and stay anything from 3 days to 2 weeks.
Find out more »Romans in Britain
Experts are divided about the lifestyle Rome imposed on the Britons but this weekend we take a visual and stimulating tour of Roman sites far and wide to learn more about everyday life - for us and the Romans who lived, worked and played here - learning more about the enduring consequences that changed this place forever.
Find out more »History Writing
We believe that true narratives can be as gripping, as literary and as appealing to the general reader as imagined stories, and we have evolved writing techniques to reflect those standards. Explaining our methods, we will help participants enhance their own capabilities in non-fiction and provide a practical toolkit for realising them.
Find out more »Canal Style Art
Canal Art is a British folk art with origins in the 19th century, developing as a way of decorating the commercial barges which carried goods through the canal system. You will learn the basic techniques involved in creating roses, daisies, forget-me-nots and leaves with embellishments of borders, swags and flicks to bring your designs to life. We will practise with acrylic paint on paper or papier-mâché objects and you will be able to use the skills learned to work with enamel paint on metal or wood.
Find out more »A Crash Course in Opera
As well as looking at great works by composers such as Handel, Mozart, Puccini, Verdi, and Wagner and examining that delicate relationship between words and music, we’ll take works by lesser known composers and talk about opera’s changing position within societies past and present.
Find out more »Photography
A three day residential photographic course, located in the beautiful countryside of south west Scotland.
Find out more »The Music of Haydn (with the Brodowski String Quartet)
Haydn is the composer who more than any other epitomizes the aims and achievements of the Classical era. Our weekend will conclude with a performance of Haydn’s final string quartet by one of Britain’s leading ensembles, the Brodowski String Quartet.
Find out more »Brahms through the Looking Glass – with Julian Williamson
A look at the many aspects of Brahms’s life and music as seen and heard by the many interesting people with whom he came into contact - his life and music through the eyes and ears of his contemporaries.
Find out more »Themed Guitar Weekend Course for Improvers
A themed Weekend for Improvers to learn left and right hand techniques, grooves and licks through the eyes of Clapton, The Eagles, The Beatles and others.
Find out more »Yoga – ‘Advanced Sleeping’ The Ability to relax and Increase Vitality by Letting Go
Tension is what happens when we actively stretch or feel pressured. An accumulation of tension builds up into stress, distress and breakdown. “Advanced sleeping” is a concept familiar to ancient yogis (who called it pratyahara). It enables us to connect and communicate with our essential life activities (such as breathing, digestion, movement – and sleeping).
Find out more »Roderick Swanston Lecture: Sharing Life’s Passions – Warlock, Moeran and their Circle
This talk examines the songs that Warlock, Moeran and some of their friends composed in this period, when their admiration for the music of Delius, English folk song and the Elizabethan madrigal went hand in hand with the downing of a sea of alcohol.
Find out more »Jen Lynch’s Cello Afternoon
This popular Saturday afternoon course with the wise and affable Jen Lynch combines fun with invaluable help with technical and interpretative issues.
Find out more »Pine Cones, Holly, Ivy and Winter Berries in Coloured Pencil, Graphite or Watercolour
Choose from an amazing selection of pine cones and learn how to portray their interesting structures or enjoy illustrating winter berries, holly and ivy with a view to a Christmas card design. An enjoyable workshop with informative tuition and demonstrations along with handouts provided by experienced tutor and artist, Sue Vize. Suitable for all abilities.
Find out more »A Wellbeing Weekend in Snowdonia National Park
A choice of 3 weekend courses for health & wellbeing taking place at Plas Tan y Bwlch in Snowdonia National Park - choose from Meditation, Pilates for beginners or An Introduction to Homeopathy
Find out more »Esoteric Philosophy: The Three Pillars
t has been said that there is no stronger form than an equilateral triangle. Though normally viewed physically, this also has profound application when considering the spiritual dimension of life. There are many triplicities that contribute to our spiritual growth and development. Yet, none are more essential to human evolution than that of Meditation–Study–Service. Sometimes called The Three Pillars, they are the means that will lead each of us toward the gate of enlightenment and its accompanying joy. These three spiritual practices will therefore be the central theme and focus of this workshop.
Find out more »A talk on Esoteric Philosophy: Behind the Veil with William Meader
Explore the many veils of illusion that prevent us from more fully living the life of Spirit. From this, we will examine how consciousness is changed when each veil is lifted.
Find out more »Winter Willow Weaving with Norah Kennedy
Start off the festive season with a treat for yourself and some friends, and make some lovely presents too! Start a new hobby or refresh your skills with wreaths, angels and other merry designs. All materials provided. Just bring yourself (and perhaps an apron).
Find out more »Willow Weaving
This two day course will be an introduction to working with willow. Students will learn all the basic techniques required to make a traditional basket.
Find out more »The Czech Tradition: Symphony and Symphonic Poem
The Czech tradition is one of the most significant in the whole of Western music. The national style which developed during the 19th century and continued during the 20th has contributed much fine music by many composers, and remains central to the repertoire of musicians the world over.
Find out more »Intermediate Italian
A course designed specifically for students eager to take a basic knowledge of Italian a step further, and to practise their communication skills. By using certain techniques and routines particular to the tutor, the student will be able to improve upon their existing Italian, and rediscover an interest in, and a love of, a beautiful language.
Find out more »Bobbin Lace for Christmas
Total beginners and experienced bobbin lace makers are all welcome on this very friendly course. You will have the choice of making unique Christmas cards or decorations, or working on your own projects during this festive course.
Find out more »Wild fermentation – sourdough baking and vegetable preservation
An experiential workshop focussing on the skills needed to do-it-yourself, including explanation and discussion of the nutritional benefits of the fermentation process.
Find out more »Christmas Workshop
Get ready for your Christmas celebrations. Prepare all your decorations, including a door wreath ready for the festivities. New ideas and inspiration for new and repeat learners, and an opportunity to cover a wide range of skills in a relaxed workshop environment.
Find out more »Drawing for the Terrified
Are you terrified of drawing but have a secret longing to learn how to do it? Then enrol on this course where Richard will guide you through certain processes slowly, gently and step by step.
Find out more »On the Spur of the Moment: a Course in Improvisation
Joel Bell returns for his third course devoted to the art of improvisation. He’ll be encouraging participants to devise improvisatory works as they go along, combining the vital spontaneity with the equally important sense of shape which all good improvisations require.
Find out more »Composing with Andrew Toovey
One of the most admired British composers of his generation, Andrew Toovey is also an experienced, sensitive and inspirational teacher. On this midweek course he advises and encourages, enabling students to find their own voices while developing the sometimes painful skills of self-criticism and self-editing.
Find out more »Real Lancashire Cookery for Real Lancashire Day!
Why not spend Real Lancashire day at Alston Hall as Bill prepares and demonstrates a range of Lancashire recipes using locally sourced ingredients.
Please note this session includes coffee and afternoon tea only as you will taste Bill’s food throughout the day.
Painting for the Petrified
Are you petrified of painting but long to try watercolours but have been deterred by the erroneous myth that they are supposed to be ' difficult '? On this course at Knuston Hall, Richard Box will dispel that myth.
Find out more »Illuminating Winter – Porcelain pottery weekend
With the Winter Solstice fast approaching and the nights drawing in, we’ll be looking at the theme of containing and holding light through the use of porcelain and its translucent qualities. We’ll be taking these insights and using them to hand build lanterns and tealight holders.
Find out more »The Big Art Weekend
Art doesn’t come much bigger than Manet, Munch, Vermeer and Picasso. Well, you could make up your own list but these particular artists will feature prominently during the weekend. In addition there will be presentations and discussions about the purpose of the visual arts both in the past and today.
Find out more »Getting to grips with Patchwork
A weekend residential course on a wide range of patchwork techniques - with Liza Jones at Belstead Brook Hotel, Ipswich
Find out more »Making Music Together – An Improvisation Weekend
An excellent course for those who wish to develop their skills as a performer, ensemble player, composer or workshop leader… or those who simply wish to enjoy making music in the company of like minded people!
Find out more »Festive Knitting
This fun and friendly weekend workshop will give you the techniques required to complete a selection of decorative pieces with a festive theme, as well as giving ideas for gifts for friends and family.
Find out more »December 2013
Everyone Matters – a Course for the Community
This new course, led by the London Mozart Players’ former principal clarinetist and Education and Community Manager Margaret Archibald, offers participants the chance to prepare performances which we will then take into care homes in our neighbourhood.
Find out more »Blues II weekend – How to play better Blues and Slide guitar, the original and best
Fully residential weekend guitar tuition courses since 1994. Our Weekends are for both experienced and not-so-experienced players alike at superb country venues
Find out more »Beautiful Memory Albums with Digital Photos
Do you have lots of photographs stored on CD or thrown into a box? How often do you look at them? Starting with the very basics, you will discover how to transform those treasured memories of your loved ones and special events forever. Memory albums are easy to create, lots of fun and very addictive.
Find out more »The Gods of the Greeks
We’ve all heard about Zeus and his thunderbolts; we know about Cupid and his arrows, but what about the rest of the Greek gods? What was believed about them; what do their stories tell us about them? Their names are still with us – we talk about Olympian tasks – but who lived on Olympus and what were they doing? Join us for a weekend while we look to the myths and beliefs about some of the Greek deities.
Find out more »The Christmas House Party
Now in its 21st year, this almost needs no introduction but if you want an overture to the festive season then the Dillington House Party is for you.
Find out more »Learn a skill, Make a gift: Make a Silver Spoon
Experience hand forging sterling silver using hammers to make a silver spoon – a special gift or a family heirloom.
Find out more »Bread Making for Beginners
Monkton Wyld Court's Victorian gothic setting and outdoor wood fired clay oven provide an inspiring background for learning traditional bread-making and baking skills. Suitable for Beginners
Find out more »Quintessential Clarinets
Shea Lolin’s course, which carefully caters for a wide ability range, aims to develop your solo and ensemble playing both by working through the pieces you bring along and by presenting you with fresh challenges.
Find out more »Silver Jewellery Making
This popular, practical course provides invaluable hints, tips and skills to interest and inspire all levels of jewellery maker. You will practice techniques such as soldering, forging, stone setting and polishing, going home with completed items of jewellery. The teaching style is flexible, allowing for individual progress regardless of ability. Participants should bring work clothes and an apron.
Find out more »Getting Festive with Dickens
We will look in detail at Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’ and one of his lesser known short stories, also written especially for Christmas ‘The Haunted Man’. There is no need to read these in advance of the course, but students should bring copies of both books, available in cheap Penguin Classics.
Find out more »Mosaic
Mosaic is an absorbing (and addictive!) craft. Create your own mosaic panel working from a selection of glass, ceramic and china pieces. You will learn to design, to cut and shape the tesserae and how to finish and grout your piece. Bring your own design ideas or be guided by Erica. All levels of experience are welcome.
Find out more »A Christmas Carol
Dickens’ immortal classic of misanthropy and redemption is brought vividly to live in this one-man reading. Steve Dimmer adopts all the well known characters from the tale and even does the sound effects in this heart-warming, accessible adaptation that tells of the miser Scrooge, his encounters with the ghosts and his ultimate salvation.
Find out more »Knuston Hall Seasonal Celebration
Why not treat yourself or a friend with an early Christmas present? Arrive at 4pm for afternoon tea with Christmas cake. Check into your bedroom and prepare for our Gourmet Dinner. Following a pre dinner aperitif join your fellow guests in the Dining Room for a seasonal feast.
Find out more »Solstice Spiral at Hawkwood College
A simple ritual beginning at dusk, to celebrate winter solstice and focus on the meaning and beauty in your life.
Find out more »January 2014
How To Write for Newsletters, Magazines and Newspapers
Discover the basic skills needed to write news, features, vox pops and other articles for newsletters, magazines and newspapers from a Fleet Street professional.
Find out more »Stained Glass for All Levels
Using traditional stained glass materials, tools and techniques, we will produce a unique stained glass window, so whatever your skill level, this open course is a great chance to learn this art form, make new friends and find that creative spark.
Find out more »Arts in Residence: Heroes & Villains
Our music will focus particularly on the nature of heroism and villainy in relation to two operas: Verdi’s tragedy La traviata and Mozart’s opera buffa The Marriage of Figaro. The same theme will also be explored in music by Gluck, Janáček and Berlioz. The event is designed as an informal house party, and guests need only the ability to enjoy music, since no technical knowledge is required.
Find out more »Stained Glass for All Levels
This course is the ideal opportunity for students to develop new ideas and to try out traditional kiln painting techniques, or work on a larger project if combined with course E317 15-17 January 2014.
Find out more »Acoustic Guitar Improvers Weekend
This relaxed weekend guarantees a wide range of music played in good company, opportunities for individual advice and chance to expand your horizons!
Find out more »The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden
Explore the history of the different theatres and how the buildings were used and developed over the centuries.
Find out more »Gentle De-Toxing and Real Nourishment after the Festive Season
A one day practical course in de-toxing strategies and techniques at Hawkwood College with food writer Judy Barber.
Find out more »Visual Art Appreciation
This is a beautifully illustrated series of lectures and discussions looking at some of the world’s finest visual art including masks and costumes of the Venice Carnival; iconic world architecture; a history of early photography; ‘Al Andalus - The Moors in Spain; renaissance sculpture and painting; polar art from C19th/C20th; and finally, to Liverpool - ‘City of Sculpture’.
Find out more »Journeying through Creativity
A workshop for learners to explore creatively, those inner images we all have but don't always know how to express.
Find out more »Japanese Embroidery
This course with Janet Cronin is designed for everyone regardless of whether they have done Japanese Embroidery before or not.
Find out more »Spin Your Own Yarn – Beginners Long Draw
Wheels, wool and alpaca fibre are provided, so no previous experience or equipment is necessary. This is a relaxing and informal course led by two inspirational tutors, for beginners or spinners who want to become more accomplished and creative.
Find out more »Pilates – Strong to the Core
This short course is aimed at developing the skills and understanding necessary to practice the Pilates method effectively and safely.
Find out more »February 2014
Bead Embellished Cabochons
Explore four different bead-weaving techniques for beading around cabochons of all shapes and sizes and adding an embroidered embellishment.
Find out more »An Introduction to Hedgelaying with Nick Fowler
Nick Fowler is one of the counties best Hedgelayers and has won competitions for his craft. He will teach you the theory and practical side of hedgelaying.
Find out more »Visions of Heaven: Music in search of the eternal
Our weekend will feature music aspiring towards the eternal, in particular Mahler’s Resurrection Symphony and Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius. There will also be masterworks by Mendelssohn, Schütz, Gabrieli, Strauss and Stravinsky.
Find out more »Androula’s kitchen: a meze of Cypriot food and craft
Sonia cooks her favourite family dishes from a cuisine still rooted in Mediterranean seasonal food traditions. A greedy artist in search of the crafts and food of her homeland, she also gives an illustrated talk about the traditional and emerging crafts of the sun-drenched home of her ancestors.
Find out more »Exploring English Music
A mid-week residential course at Dumbleton Hall to explore the varied repertoire of English music, featuring compositions by celebrated figures such as Vaughan Williams, Butterworth, Bliss, Finzi, Britten, Arnold and Elgar.
Find out more »Pastels and charcoal for absolute beginners
If you have always wanted to draw and paint, but are not sure where to begin, this is the course for you.
Discover the charm and freshness of pastels, their purity of colour and their immediate response when applied to
paper.
Make an Embroidered Panel or Art Quilt (weekend residential course)
Discover how to create a work of art in a weekend in the heart of the Suffolk countryside - a course tutored by Annette Morgan organised by Anglia Leisure Learning.
Find out more »The Tudor & Stuart Dynasties
This course focuses on the personalities and achievements of the different monarchs, and seeks to answer the question of why the Tudors were one of the most successful royal families of the early modern age
Find out more »Chinese Painting for Beginners
Demonstrations and individual guidance on how to use the materials and achieve the strokes and methods characteristic of Chinese painting.
Find out more »March 2014
Bookbinding
This course with Sarah Jarrett-Kerr is intended for all levels from the complete beginner to the more experienced.
Find out more »Planning for Smallholders
Learn all about the planning and administrative considerations for setting up your own smallholding.
Find out more »Meddling with Mixed Media
There are so many exciting materials and new approaches to painting these days. This course will give artists an opportunity to experiment, meddle and create pieces of work using a variety of media in different ways.
Find out more »Making Stringed Musical Instruments
A workshop at Buckinghamshire New University High Wycombe campus offering the opportunity to construct a stringed musical instrument of your choice with advice and guidance from the tutor.
Find out more »Making the Most of your iPad
An opportunity to be guided through the benefits of using an iPad and to gain confidence in embracing the new technological advances.
Find out more »15/ Reed Making Day for Oboists with Adrian Rowlands
Standard : Elementary , Intermediate , Advanced One of the best reed makers in the business, Adrian Rowlands, returns to Benslow Music for another course devoted to the subtle, but critically important, art of reed making. This day course offers the chance for oboe players to discover the secrets of the craft and whatever your standard of playing, you can be confident that the knowledge and skills you acquire will improve your sound. The course begins at 10am and finishes…
Find out more »Puppet Making
Spend the weekend designing and constructing a beautiful handmade puppet with Kathy Kelly.
Find out more »Satie, Picasso & Les Six
Our weekend will explore the extraordinary artistic developments centred on Paris in the years following the First World War. The art of Pablo Picasso will be explored, with illustrations reflecting his development, while the music will feature compositions by Erik Satie, Darius Milhaud, Francis Poulenc, Arthur Honegger and others.
Find out more »Antiques and Collectables
This course with Peter Edwards will deal with a range of antiques and collectables from furniture to glass, and from silver to ceramics.
Find out more »Tai Chi Taster Day
Tai Chi is a holistic approach to mental, physical, and spiritual health. Learn more on this day course at Missenden Abbey with Steve Gorwits
Find out more »Street Café in Watercolour
Do you feel envious as you dash past people relaxing and having a snack under the shade of a café umbrella? Well why not paint the scene, hang it on your wall and then you can imagine yourself there too.
Find out more »Coastal View in Watercolour
Come along to this day course where you will complete a watercolour of a coastal view that incorporates a boat and shoreline.
Find out more »Summer House in Watercolour
The combination of garden landscape and a simple structure like a summer house can be the basis for an excellent painting.
Find out more »A Simple Website in a Weekend
Starting with the very basics, this course at Knuston Hall will show you how to design a simple yet very effective web site.
Find out more »An introduction to short story writing
This weekend course organised by Anglia Leisure Learning will unveil the essential elements of the short story and
how to put them together.
Exploring Beads and Jewellery
A glorious weekend of jewellery making - learn to knot, wind wire and wrap beads, finish necklaces, and make earrings - all with techniques that you can continue at home without the need for lots of tools or heat and chemicals.
Find out more »Machined Textured Landscapes with Gina Ferrari
Here is the ideal course for anyone who likes machine embroidery. Gina will show you how to apply an exciting
range of free machine embroidery techniques with the focus on colour and texture.
Calligraphy with Gaynor Goffe
A weekend residential course on calligraphy in the heart of the Midlands at Hillscourt Conference Centre, Birmingham tutored by Gaynor Goffe. For more details contact Anglia Leisure Learning 020 7834 1066
Find out more »April 2014
Low Impact Woodland Management
A course designed to look at the natural habitat of woodlands and how best to go about managing your woodland in a low impact way.
Find out more »Transformations – Poems in Translation
The course is suitable for French-speakers and translators of French into English, but is also suitable for poets without a second language who are interested in broadening their vision beyond the Anglo-American canon.
Find out more »Operas and Music in Prague – with Arts in Residence & Vamos Travel
This 5 day/4 night trip to Prague includes performances at three different venues: the National Theatre, the State Opera and the Rudolfinum, the home of the Czech Philharmonic.
Find out more »Art & The 1951 Festival of Britain
During this course we will look at the Festival of Britain during the turbulent year of 1951, with a particular emphasis on the “60 for ‘51” art competition.
Find out more »A Mindful Easter awaits you!
A 3-day weekend retreat combining meditation, mindfulness and gentle movement. An opportunity to reconnect with yourself, and to find natural calm, clarity and stillness within, helping you to be more present and awake in all aspects of your life.
Find out more »Stained Glass
Design and create your own beautiful stained glass panel at Alston Hall. You will be guided by tutor Bill Davies in all aspects of this fascinating craft.
Find out more »Mindfulness & Meditation
This weekend is intended to introduce meditation and mindfulness to those who are interested in learning more about it as well as those who have some experience.
Find out more »Calligraphy: Italics with a Flourish
Discover the possibilities of this 16th Century hand, which was taught to Queen Elizabeth 1. It can become decorative and expressive through the use of flourishing strokes, satisfying and relaxing to develop. Left handers are very welcome!
Find out more »Sounding the Century
An informal house party, guests need only the ability to enjoy music, the 20th century covers the widest stylistic diversity in the musical repertory
Find out more »Gregorian Chant for Everyone
This is an entertaining, informative and friendly chance to experience Gregorian chant through singing it.
Find out more »Bead Needle Weaving
Spend a relaxing weekend making beautiful beaded jewellery with just beads and thread. Your tutor, Olive, has an ever growing selection of easy to follow patterns for you to use, with explanation diagrams as well as words.
Find out more »How to Build a Low Impact Building
You will learn about design, scheming out, quantity surveying and siting the build. By the end of the course you will have the skills to site and build your own low impact timber building.
Find out more »May 2014
The Power of Baroque
Explore passages from writers such as Thomas Browne, John Bunyan, George Herbert and John Milton in the context of the sound of Monteverdi, Handel, Vivaldi and Bach and works from Rubens, Rembrandt, Velasquez and Vermeer.
Find out more »