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September 2016
Coloured Pencils Landscapes
Whilst we look at development of a landscape picture chosen for the weekend by the Tutor, other subjects are available and will be supported. We progress through the stages of a picture with demonstrations and individual advice where required. The programme for the weekend is tailored to the needs of the students attending and the course has a flexible structure. All abilities are welcomed, but some prior knowledge of coloured pencil techniques is assumed
Find out more »Cryptic Crosswords for Beginners
The aim of the course is to teach the skills and knowledge needed to solve cryptic crossword. The course starts with the simplest ideas and easiest types of cryptic clue and gradually builds to the more advanced aspects of solving cryptic crosswords. Practical activities are blended with theory, enabling students to develop their skills and understanding in tandem. The course is engaging and enjoyable.
Find out more »Flutes Inspired 4 day course – Elisabeth Hobbs
Do you love playing the flute? Would you like to improve your flute skills in an encouraging and supportive environment? Elisabeth’s focus is on helping you to make real progress in your flute-playing journey. This 4-day course includes flute choir, chamber music, technique classes, also included is an individual lesson. There will also be yoga and Feldenkrais sessions to deal with tension in your playing and the opportunity to work on issues around performance anxiety. For more information please visit: www.flutesinspired.co.uk Course…
Find out more »Flutes Inspired
An encouraging environment with flute choir, technique classes, an individual lesson, yoga and Feldenkrais to improve your skills.
Find out more »Watercolour Painting in France
Learn how to paint with watercolours in a relaxed and friendly environment with sensitive tuition from English artist Nicola Blakemore.
Find out more »Goldwork Embroidery Day
Be introduced to goldwork embroidery by making a delightful Christmas decoration. This course is ideal for beginners, but is open to all wishing to learn the basics behind this form of embroidery through a small set project. Students will work up a small section of each technique and will have learnt enough to complete the remaining part of the decoration at home. It is an excellent starting point and students could easily progress onto a longer course to increase their…
Find out more »Goldwork Embroidery
Goldwork is a stunning form of embroidery most often associated with ecclesiastical vestments. This course will introduce you to the main techniques involved. Students can either stitch pre-set designs such as dragonflies, ivy leaves, tile motifs or work on their own design ideas. All levels are welcome from total beginners to the more experienced. Everyone will work at their own pace and guidance will be given through explanations, demonstrations and individual tuition.
Find out more »Singing Workshop: Best of Bacharach & David
Dynamic song-writing duo Burt Bacharach and Hal David dominated the pop music scene during the 1960s and 70s, penning 52 Top 40 songs and bringing a new sophistication to the traditional ‘pop’ sound with their unique combination of memorable melodies and unsentimental, bittersweet lyrics. Spend a day with experienced vocal coach Jo Sercombe delving around in the Bacharach and David back-catalogue as we learn to sing gems such as Walk on By and I’ll Never Fall in Love Again. Suitable…
Find out more »Developing New Ideas from Old Textiles
A two-day residential course on recycling textiles to create works of art in a quality hotel at Bristol. Your course starts with Friday dinner at 7 pm and runs through to Sunday afternoon tea, but you can check in from 3 pm and take advantage of the hotel’s facilities before you meet your fellow students. Fees include an en suite double room for single occupancy, tuition, use of course room, full board and refreshments, along with free wifi, and access…
Find out more »German Language and Culture – Int and Advanced
SPASS MIT DEUTSCH! Immerse yourself in the language for a weekend. This course is for German speakers with a good knowledge of the language who would love to read, view, listen to and most of all speak German for a whole weekend. We will undertake a variety of activities working individually, in pairs, groups or all together around topics of general interest and current affairs. Emphasis will be on the language as well as on Germany as a country and…
Find out more »More Cartoon Fun
Learn how to create simple cartoons and caricatures and go home with a bank of visual jokes that you can share with family and friends. Cartoon figures, showing movement and expression will be built into cartoon situations. Following the tutor, you will learn how to combine your wit and drawing skills. Just book your place and pack your sense of humour.
Find out more »Goldwork & Silk Shading
Silk shading is also referred to as painting with the needle. It creates beautiful naturalistic effects, especially when depicting flowers and it gives the illusion of looking three dimensional. During the course the mysteries of this delightful form of stitchery will be explained and put into practice on a small floral design. The motif could later be enhanced with touches of goldwork embroidery. A choice of designs will be available or students could work upon their own projects.
Find out more »Woodcarving: One Day Workshop
This one day taster course is suitable for the complete beginner, or those who have some experience of woodcarving. You will be introduced to tools and woods and learn some basic techniques with a simple relief design. If you already enjoy this creative craft, come along and embark on your chosen project with hands-on tuition available when required. The aim of the workshop is to impart practical carving skills in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. *Materials supplement of £5.00.
Find out more »Ancient Rome: the city, society and infrastructure (online)
This course describes ancient Rome as the Romans saw it - not as stone ruins, but as a vibrant, living city. We see how the people of the largest metropolis on the planet in AD 200 were fed, governed and entertained; who the ancient Romans were and how they lived.
Find out more »Applying psychology to the workplace (online)
This course will begin with an introduction to Applied Psychology in work settings by taking a context based approach. Students will be introduced to the development of Applied Psychology and will then see how various psychological theories help our understanding of, and contribute to explaining, human behaviour in the workplace. We will look at the application of Psychology in the context of organisational behaviour, including leadership, working in groups, and employee motivation, satisfaction and wellbeing. There will be a different…
Find out more »The early Tudors, 1485-1558 (online)
The Tudor dynasty, which ruled between 1485 and 1603, transformed England and monarchs such as Henry VIII are larger-than-life figures who are instantly recognizable. But where did the Tudors come from and why were they so successful? This online course will examine the first four Tudor monarchs, we will begin with Henry Tudor's victory at Bosworth, before moving on to examine the complex and often violent history of the English Reformation under Henry, Edward VI and Mary.
Find out more »Forensic science: poisoning (online)
The course will explore the fascinating topic of forensic science. In the first week participants will be introduced to a crime scene and each week will examine a piece of evidence relating to a suspected poisoning. As the course progresses participants will have to decide, based on the evidence collected: was a crime committed? What happened at the crime scene and who committed the crime? The topics explored during this course will include an introduction to toxicology including poison and…
Find out more »Creative writing: an introduction to life writing (online)
This course is aimed at anyone who wants to write a biography, memoir or other form of non-fiction. It will use examples and practical exercises to guide students through the skills needed to write interesting non-fiction: research, editing, how to tell a story and ways of using discription. Given the nature of creative writing, it is important that students' use of English is sufficiently fluent to be able to understand in English nuances of meaning and have a familiarity with…
Find out more »September In Somerset
Dillington is located in a region that is steeped in history and has a rich and varied landscape, from moor to sea all within easy reach. Enjoy a three night stay in the beautiful surroundings of Dillington and be free to explore the wonderful counties of Somerset, Dorset and Devon. Return to a delicious evening meal and spend a relaxing evening in front of the fire. Price includes tea and cake on arrival and three nights dinner, bed and breakfast.
Find out more »Shakespeare 400
2016 marks the 400th Anniversary of Shakespeare’s death and as part of the celebrations during this short course we are hoping to include a visit to Stratford to watch the magnificent Sir Antony Sher in his performance of King Lear (*see below). The course is designed to engage with some of the key issues surrounding Shakespeare; the authorship controversy; the history of the theatres in Stratford-upon-Avon; consideration of the plays in performance and a look at Shakespeare’s enduring cultural legacy. …
Find out more »Pop-Up Tree House
Tree houses have fascinated us for centuries and here is an opportunity to make one yourself albeit a pop-up model of one! We make a 180-degree pop-up on a base comprising over fifty separate pieces all interlocked into the one structure. All-comers welcome.
Find out more »News From the Fronts: August – September 1916
This standalone day course is one of a rolling series covering the centenary of events as they occurred during the Great War. The approach taken is broader than the conventional narrative treatment. Each course starts with a strategic overview of events across all Theatres of the war thus highlighting the immediate problems confronting the leadership of the major belligerents. Thereafter the courses will consider the prosecution of on-going operations. This course focuses on the concurrent Battles of Verdun, The Somme…
Find out more »Bobbin Lace: Beginners & Beyond
Have you always wanted to make lace but are worried that it looks complicated? Are you a beginner wishing to continue to develop your skills? Are you already a lace maker but would like to continue with your work or start a new pattern? Help is at hand! This is the ideal course for you. Enjoy a few days developing your lacemaking skills and knowledge. Beginners kit available to purchase from the tutor at a cost of £25.00.
Find out more »Plants that changed the World
Plants provide us with most things we need, medicine, shelter, food, fuel and oxygen. They have played a significant part in history. We’ll delve into the world of extraordinary plants which brought about massive changes around the world. Starting with the cinchona or quinine tree, we’ll also consider the growing, production, uses and significance of a range of the following: - tea, sugar ,opium poppy, coffee, tulips and rubber. If you are interested in the history of plants and their…
Find out more »Impressionist Collage and Stitch Textile course
A weekend residential course on machine and hand embroidery in a three star hotel in Hertfordshire. Set in 55 rolling acres of countryside, Theobalds Park is just a few minutes from the M25 and 20 minutes by fast train from London Liverpool Street. Course fees single occupancy en suite bedroom with TV, free wifi and tea/coffee making facilities. Your course starts with supper on Friday evening and a brief introductory session, and runs through Saturday and Sunday to afternoon tea.…
Find out more »Tedesca String Quartet Coaching Weekend
Following on from the great success of the first such course at Knuston in September 2015 the Tedesca Quartet returns for a weekend of chamber music. Groups will receive coaching from each of the four members of the quartet and will also have free entry to the Saturday evening concert, the programme of which will include string quartets by Mozart, Shostakovich and Dvorak. The course is intended for pre-formed string quartets: however, interested individuals are encouraged to contact the quartet…
Find out more »Bobbin Lace: Beginners & Beyond
Have you always wanted to make lace but are worried that it looks complicated? Are you a beginner wishing to continue to develop your skills? Are you already a lace maker but would like to continue with your work or start a new pattern? Help is at hand! This is the ideal course for you. Enjoy a few days developing your lacemaking skills and knowledge. Beginners kit available to purchase from the tutor at a cost of £25.00.
Find out more »Scrapbook in a Weekend
During the weekend we will complete a 12 x 12 inch scrapbook (2 single page and 9 double page layouts). The layouts will be based on 6x4 inch photos, and these can be trimmed to required size on the day. Although we are creating a whole scrapbook, the pages do not all have to be on the same theme. If you have any questions then please do email me. *Supplement of £30 will be payable to the tutor for the…
Find out more »Batik
On this relaxing one day course, you will discover how to design and create a beautiful hard-backed book with your own piece of batik on the cover. * create a unique piece of batik * learn formal book binding * use your batik as a cover for your book * suitable for beginners and more experienced crafters You will begin by learning the art of Indonesian batik – hot wax resist painting on cloth – to create a piece of…
Find out more »Enamelling on Silver Clay
Silver clay is magical stuff. It is a mixture of tiny particles of pure silver mixed with a binder. * work with silver clay and enamel * create your own original jewellery * embellish your work to make it unique to you * ideal day course for all, whatever your skill level The clay binder enables you to mould the silver into the shapes and designs you want. Once the binder is burnt away – either by firing in a…
Find out more »Your Sewing Machine Know-How
If the machine can do it, you can make it with a little know how Beginners and experienced welcome to make an article of your choice or simply experiment with a variety of sewing techniques. Your machine can be an older basic type or a modern more advanced model. There will be a display of the Tutor’s projects to give you inspiration. This includes bags, book covers, cards, coaster, jewellery, table runners, place mats and pictures.
Find out more »Creative Writing Workshop: “The Child is Father to the Man…” (Wordsworth)
What are the most important influences which make us the adults we are today? Nature, nurture or our education in the widest sense? During this day we will explore the many areas of education we had as children: the teachers who inspired us with a love of learning and conversely those who sadly made us feel a failure and stupid. We will discuss a variety of novels and poems which describe many different schools and influences and their impact on…
Find out more »Harmony Singing
Sing Helen's original material as well as enjoying improvisation.
Find out more »Music & Revolution
During this weekend we shall explore the work of four great composers whose careers, and the very different paths they took, illustrate clearly the impact of the huge changes that came about in Russia in the early twentieth century. They are: Serge Rachmaninov, who fled his homeland just before the Revolution in 1917; Igor Stravinsky, who left as a young man to achieve greatness first in Europe, then the USA; Sergey Prokofiev, who left in the 1920s, but later returned;…
Find out more »Dillington String Quartet Coaching Weekend
The Coull Quartet will lead a further weekend of coaching for string quartets who play to a good standard. The Coull are one of the finest and most experienced quartets in the country and we are delighted that they are returning to Dillington for a weekend of serious music-making and fun. The course includes a seat at the Sunday afternoon concert by the Coull Quartet.
Find out more »Art Appreciation: Four Major Artists- 1435 – 1903
Giovanni Bellini, Pieter Bruegel, Rembrandt and Cézanne. We will explore some of the work of the four artists. Each was born in a different century and a different country. Each stands, to many, as one of the masters of art within the European tradition. Examples of paintings and drawings by each will be presented, and we will ask what is the impact of each work, what might have been the intention of the artist in his time and how we…
Find out more »Singing for the Terrified
This is the course for you if you have been told not to sing, to mime or if you reserve your singing for the car and the shower. For complete beginners, the course will show you that everyone can sing – yes even you! The course is performance based and is relaxed, supportive and fun with mostly group singing but if you feel like it you can even have a go at singing on your own. Give it a go,…
Find out more »Your Sewing Machine Know-How
If the machine can do it, you can make it with a little know how Beginners and experienced welcome to make an article of your choice or simply experiment with a variety of sewing techniques. Your machine can be an older basic type or a modern more advanced model. There will be a display of the Tutor’s projects to give you inspiration. This includes bags, book covers, cards, coaster, jewellery, table runners, place mats and pictures.
Find out more »Ukulele Jam
This will be a fun and relaxed day of playing the uke and jamming with a group of equally enthusiastic players. You’ll already be able to play the uke to a basic standard (know some basic chords and strumming patterns) so we’ll start with some songs that get us playing together and then gradually move on to more challenging songs that introduce you to new chords and techniques. We’ll spend the sessions together as a group, but the relaxed pace…
Find out more »Rameses the Great: An Egyptian Superman
Everything about Ramses II was great. His reign was the longest of any pharaoh, his building works were the most colossal, his military successes were outstanding, his children numbered over one hundred and his self-praise was unlimited. His reign ushered in the height of Egyptian power in the region with Ramses crushing any foreign opposition and promoting his deeds shamelessly on every great monument he erected. It is also the period of magnificent works of architecture like the Temple to…
Find out more »Concert: Coull Quartet
The magnificent Coull Quartet offers a rare combination of maturity and freshness and we are delighted that they are once more returning to Dillington. For this year’s concert their programme includes Mozart’s Quartet in E-flat major K428, Shostakovich’s Quartet No. 11 Opus 122 and Dvořák’s Quartet No. 9 in D minor Opus 34.
Find out more »Watercolour painting holidays in the Limousin, SW France
We are very pleased to announce 2 NEW watercolour painting holiday courses with artist Nicola Blakemore this September and October at De Tout Coeur Limousin. Learn the Magic of Painting with Watercolours on this holiday for people at all levels. about Nicola: 'her teaching approach and philosophy really come through—she invites students to put aside any “limiting belief” that has previously “inhibited them from enjoying a fun, enlightening, soothing, and expressive creative pursuit.” In other words, Nicola wants her students…
Find out more »Drawing With the Sewing Machine Needle
Do you want to develop your skills with your sewing machine and learn how to ‘draw’ with the simple straight stitch? Then this is your course! You will start by stitching a design which Richard, your tutor, has prepared for you. He will demonstrate every stage step-by-step. This will give you the confidence and the understanding necessary to empower you to start and develop your own design for the rest of the course if time allows. However, there is no…
Find out more »Upholstery
This course offers the opportunity to learn the basics of upholstery, or develop those you already have and at the same time produce a useful piece of furniture in a fabric of your choice. Beginning with the application of webbing and base hessian, then going through the stages of various filling materials, we finish off with calico and finally top cover fabric, which could be calico or embroidery. Teaching is by demonstration and explanation of the methods, which you can…
Find out more »Dao Yin and Tai Chi
Spend a day enjoying a variety of flowing Chinese exercises and leave feeling relaxed. This course is suitable for men and women, for beginners and those with experience of Dao Yin or Tai Chi. We will work on a variety of Dao Yin exercises, including some from the Baton set, and a section of even-paced, Yang style, Tai Chi. In the process, gaining greater confidence and coordination in movement and breath and releasing tension.
Find out more »Silver Jewellery Weekend
This course is an introduction to a variety of traditional silver jewellery making techniques, but is also suitable for those with some experience. You will use the techniques to construct at least two wearable items, such as earrings, cufflinks, pendant and also a ring with a tube stone setting. The course will cover rolling texture, saw piercing, press forming, tube stone setting, various soldering techniques, shaping and polishing. *Materials Supplement of £25.00
Find out more »Papermaking with Textiles
For people who love textiles and want to expand into new areas. Learn how various fabrics and rag pulp can be recycled to make beautiful papers. The handmade papers will be filled with colourful threads, fibres, textures, and pieces of cloth; some will be finished pieces of artwork in their own right. Your papers will be suitable for further applications, hand/machine embroidery, book making, construction projects .This course is a must for people who thrive on the versatility of textiles.…
Find out more »Patchwork and Christmas Crafts Part 1
This course aims to bring together a group of like-minded students who enjoy crafting together. They will share their knowledge and enthusiasm during their time together and produce a number of Christmas Crafts which are be kept or passed on to celebrate the season.
Find out more »October 2016
The Naked Voice: A Pathless Way
A range of vocal practices that reveal the contemplative and creative use of the voice.
Find out more »Introduction to Meditation
A day learning meditation techniques to release stress, improve concentration and aid better sleep.
Find out more »Watercolour painting holidays in the Limousin, SW France
We are very pleased to announce 2 NEW watercolour painting holiday courses with artist Nicola Blakemore this September and October at De Tout Coeur Limousin. Learn the Magic of Painting with Watercolours on this holiday for people at all levels. about Nicola: 'her teaching approach and philosophy really come through—she invites students to put aside any “limiting belief” that has previously “inhibited them from enjoying a fun, enlightening, soothing, and expressive creative pursuit.” In other words, Nicola wants her students…
Find out more »Patchwork and Christmas Crafts Part 2
This course aims to bring together a group of like-minded students who enjoy crafting together. They will share their knowledge and enthusiasm during their time together and produce a number of Christmas Crafts which are be kept or passed on to celebrate the season.
Find out more »Patchwork and Christmas Crafts Part 3
This course aims to bring together a group of like-minded students who enjoy crafting together. They will share their knowledge and enthusiasm during their time together and produce a number of Christmas Crafts which are be kept or passed on to celebrate the season.
Find out more »Qi Gong
Discover an energetic, embodied way of understanding the transformational qualities of Qi Gong.
Find out more »Earthwalking
Spend time connecting with nature and walking on the Earth with supportive companions.
Find out more »Argyll Scottish Country Dancing Weekend
Suitable for those who already have a good working knowledge of common steps and formations in Scottish Country Dancing, this weekend will provide you with an opportunity to improve your technique, learn new dances and enjoy all social aspects of Scottish Country Dancing. There will be social dancing on Friday and Saturday and classes both Saturday and Sunday morning and an optional workshop on Saturday afternoon. Please note this weekend is not suitable for beginners. The balance of fees for…
Find out more »Exploring English Music
We will explore the varied repertoire of English music, featuring compositions by celebrated figures such as Vaughan Williams, Elgar, Bliss, Finzi, and Bax. There will be full programme notes and music examples on excellent hi-fi equipment, as well as a live recital by one of Britain’s leading pianists. The Dumbleton Hall Hotel is a splendid and traditional 19th century manor house set in 19 acres of private gardens and woodland with a private lake. The hotel has stunning views of the Vale of Evesham and…
Find out more »Blues Intermediate
Blues Rhythm playing, from Texas to Chicago the journey of the blues shuffle. Using simple ideas to create great rhythm playing. Sliding chords which are perfect for slow blues, 'Less is More' it really can be. Developing rhythmic accuracy. Blues soloing and improvising. A great holiday break where you will join other like-minded players for an excellent social and informative weekend.
Find out more »Bobbin Lace Making
A weekend residential course making beautiful lace in the heart of the Midlands. Course feels include accommodation, teak and coffee making facilities, flat screen TV, all meals and refreshments, tuition, use of workroom and on-site facilities such as free wife. Hillscourt is close to the M5 and M42 motoways and near to Longbridge train station. Alison Winn’s bobbin lace making courses are ideal whether you are a beginner or experienced lace maker. Complete beginners can choose to make either a…
Find out more »Drawing for the Terrified
Are you terrified of drawing but have a secret longing to learn how to do it? Then this is the course for you. * Secretly longing to draw? * Not sure where to start? * Discover how to truly SEE objects * Monochrome and colour techniques Your tutor, Richard Box, will guide you through certain processes slowly, gently and step by step. If you follow his ‘recipes’, you will be amazed at what you will be able to draw. Because…
Find out more »Creative Textiles
Please enquire for further details
Find out more »Bead Weaving
Over this weekend you will discover how to create beaded bezels for cabochons, as well as bead-weaving and bead embroidery techniques to create a bracelet, brooch or pendant encrusted with a host of wonderful beads and crystals. Starting with an overview of bead embroidery, Sally will show you how to consider various aspects of design, and how to select colours and materials. You will then create a bezelled cabochon piece that you can use as a pendant, brooch or incorporate…
Find out more »Mindful Drawing
An exploration of drawing as meditation that is suitable for all levels. Observe the beauty of everyday life and capture its essence.
Find out more »Singing For Larks – Jazz & Swing Harmonies
Singing with others is an exhilarating and liberating experience that everybody can enjoy. Singings for Larks workshops, run by Faith Watson, are based on the tradition of learning songs by ear. This approach makes the joy of singing with others easily accessible to those who are new to singing, whilst offering more experienced singers the opportunity to develop their aural skills. On this Jazz and Swing Harmonies weekend we shall be exploring the kind of complex, close harmonies found in…
Find out more »Mixed Media Textile Weekend
Here is a weekend course where you will have the opportunity to try out a wide range of different textile techniques, having fun with a variety of related products.
Find out more »Perform like a Pro
A great holiday break where you will join other like-minded players for an excellent social and informative weekend.
Find out more »Rock
How to improve your playing with regular practice routines. How to get a better sound from your guitar and equipment. Techniques used in playing this style of music both rhythm and lead.
Find out more »Developing your Hand Quilting Skills and Beyond, with Barbara Chainey
Discover the secrets of hand quilting in a weekend just north of London Here is your opportunity to develop your hand quilting expertise with one of the best tutors in the field. On this weekend you will discover all the essential steps to produce beautiful hand quilting, including how to mark out a cushion-sized pattern using one of Barbara’s exclusive designs. Barbara will show you the correct way to baste layers together and begin stitching, and there will be lots…
Find out more »Hand quilting
Here is your opportunity to develop your hand quilting expertise with one of the best tutors in the field. On this weekend you will discover all the essential steps to produce beautiful hand quilting, including how to mark out a cushion-sized pattern using one of Barbara’s exclusive designs. Barbara will show you the correct way to baste layers together and begin stitching, and there will be lots of information on what markers to use, various marking methods, battings, basting, and…
Find out more »Bangle Weaving
Please enquire for details
Find out more »Living the New Story
Spend a weekend looking at communication, sustainability, activism and spirituality. Leave with a renewed sense of purpose!
Find out more »MENDELSSOHN
With his unique blend of classical poise and romantic feeling, Mendelssohn was one of the great composers of the 19th century. His music has a special appeal and personality, and we shall explore some of his best loved works, as well as some wonderful music that is less well known. The music will be played on excellent hi-fi equipment, and the weekend will conclude with a performance of one of his greatest works by one of Britain’s leading string quartets. Dating from the early 19th…
Find out more »Weekend textile course making Cockades
On this weekend course you will create your very own beautiful cockades. Made out of grosgrain or petersham ribbon or other narrow fabric, this nearly forgotten art form is a delightful way to produce distinctive adornments.
Find out more »Painting the Seasons: Autumn
Explore your creativity through painting and colour inspired by Autumn.
Find out more »An introduction to international development: understanding contemporary issues and themes (online)
This online course is designed to introduce students to the field of international development. Participants will develop knowledge of contemporary issues and themes, such as poverty and livelihoods, global food security, aid, urbanisation, and sustainable development, and will be encouraged to think critically in looking at a variety of case studies and examples of international development from around the world. The course will be interactive in nature, combining discussion forums, real-time one-to-one and group discussions and an online interactive seminar.
Find out more »The medieval village landscape, 1000-1500AD (online)
This interactive, practical course introduces participants to the 'grammar' of the medieval landscape. It explains how visitors to villages can use evidence from the landscape around them - roads and hedges, buildings and greens - as well as from maps and other sources, to unravel the origins of many settlements. No background knowledge of medieval village landscape is assumed, and so the course is open to anyone who has an interest in understanding their local landscape. Many of the approaches…
Find out more »Creative writing: an introduction to short story writing (online)
The short story is often described as one of the most satisfying literary genres, both to read and to write. This course encourages students to identify how these stories 'work' by considering classic examples which, in each class, illustrate a particular aspect of short story composition. An exchange of ideas and responses between students and tutor enable the student to then put into practice what they have observed in a series of writing challenges, designed to extend their writing skills…
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