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April 2016
Traditional Bedfordshire Lace
Students will learn the next steps on their personal ladder of achievement wherever it is, from beginner to very experienced, giving them more confidence with which to tackle new work. Through discussion of previous work and assessments of each student’s needs, individual programmes of work for the day will be established and a pattern provided. Old and new Lace will be displayed for discussion to add to our understanding of the techniques used.
Find out more »Creating Silver Jewellery
This is a practical course with regular teacher demonstrations to provide step by step instruction.A range of traditional skills will be used to create several unique pieces of jewellery using silver and other metals, also semi precious stones. The teaching style is flexible, allowing for individual progress regardless of experience and ability. Achievement is invariably higher than expectation. *Materials supplement of £15-£20.
Find out more »Prayer, Place and Politics
Religion is fundamental to defining Victorian England. The Anglican Church was characterised as 'the Tory Party at prayer', and religion was 'the opium of the people'. This course explores geographic patterns of belief and how the established church and nonconformist groups faced the twin challenges of industrialisation and urbanisation.
Find out more »Belgian and other European Laces
For experienced learners and those new to lace making who are able to work the basic stitches and want to learn the mysteries of the European laces. These include Brugge Bloemwerk, Flanders, Binche Parijse, Valenciennes, Chantilly, Idrija and Tonder. Many are taught with the aid of colour-coded diagrams.
Find out more »Casalguidi – Italian Embroidery
Spend a relaxing weekend learning this little known 19th century Italian technique to create an exquisite and unique pin cushion or small bag. Traditionally a white on white embroidery, it has areas of raised stem band and needlelace flowers on a pulled fabric background.
Find out more »Unlocking your Creative Unconscious
Your mind is a treasure trove of creative memories. This course aims to open up that store and get you writing for fact or fiction, poetry or prose. Through writing exercises, discussion and tutor mini-lecture in a non-threatening environment you will come away with ideas, a beginning and a direction for your writing. Please bring a photo and an object which have a resonance for you and pen and paper.
Find out more »Songs in Harmony
Sing in harmony - lovely music in parts. What a treat to experience the sound of songs in harmony! Learn to sing with others from music and enjoy some old and some new numbers in different styles. We will include folk songs, musical hits and many more!
Find out more »A Coastal Scene with Acrylic
A one day course that will show you how to paint a coastal scene with acrylic paint. Techniques covered will include using thick and thin paint, colour mixing, working from dark to light and glazing. The course will include a seascape in an impressionistic style from photographs supplied by the tutor.
Find out more »Mah Jongg
A national game in China, “The Game of Four Winds“ features beautiful tiles, varied rules, excitement and fascinating Eastern tradition. Although easily learnt, the more one plays, the more one realises how much there is to learn. The course will show you how to play in a joyful and encouraging way.
Find out more »Impressionistic Landscape Painting
Have you ever wanted to paint a landscape like one of the Impressionists? This course is designed to give you both an insight and opportunity to work in the same style and manner as some of the great Impressionist painters, producing landscape paintings enriched with colour, texture and light.
Find out more »Reading prehistoric figurines
Prehistoric figurines elicit many reactions and emotions. They show the human body in a variety of fascinating ways and, in many ways, are the closest we can get to seeing prehistoric people. This visual tour of prehistoric figurines will explore their complex diversity and show how figurines played an active role in people's lives.
Find out more »Usui reiki level 1 workshops
During the reiki workshop day you will be 'attuned' to reiki level 1 (healer level) by a simple process of 4 attunement procedures carried out by your reiki master-teacher. This will enable you to use reiki to heal yourself, your friends, family and pets.
Find out more »Che Guevara
Ernesto 'Che' Guevara became a mythical figure during his lifetime. This course examines his career from the famous motorcycle journeys via his role in the Cuban Revolution to his death in Bolivia in 1967. It also explores his writings on revolution and guerrilla warfare and his influence on a generation of young Latin American revolutionaries in the 1960s.
Find out more »Poetry masterclass: the play of memory
It is fascinating to follow the play of memory across the rich body of work that Richard Wilbur, a poet who can fairly be called a modern master, has built up over 75 years. In shadowing him we may well find our own memories taking us by surprise.
Find out more »Furniture Making
make one of three pieces (chair, side table or wine table). You should be practically minded with some woodworking experience in order to join this course. Fee includes materials.
Find out more »Calligraphy
Demonstrate the value of Calligraphy as a form of relaxation and self-expression as well as a practical skill. This course is open to those interested in pursuing this subject from beginners onwards and will be particularly useful for card makers. We will explore actual lettering skills plus the use of different techniques and of colour to discover the many possibilities of this subject. Lefthanders are very welcome!
Find out more »Weaving Summer School
Learn to weave on the latest folding rigid heddle looms from Ashford; for absolute beginners or those wishing to develop and explore advanced rigid heddle techniques such as second heddle. Complete at least two projects of choice from simple scarves to double weave hand bound books, throws, or cushions. Topics include: Design-sources of inspiration; Structure-tabby candlewick etc; Colour-how to manage it; Texture-choose yarn and fibre that fits the purpose; Finishing and Recording. A unique fun-filled creative experience with lots of…
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. If you follow his 'recipes', you will be amazed at what you will be able to draw.
Find out more »Extended Clarinet Weekend
This new course is for clarinettists with at least 18 month’s experience. Participants will receive individual support and advice as well as group tuition. Participants can expect to play with those of similar experience whilst benefitting from the skills and expertise of the tutor. A varied library of music will be available for use. There will be a Eb, alto, bass and conta clarinets available to try. Experience in sight-reading will be beneficial. PLEASE NOTE: There will be opportunities to…
Find out more »Extended Flute Weekend
This new course is for flautists with at least 18 month’s experience. Participants will receive individual support and advice as well as group tuition. Participants can expect to play with those of similar experience whilst benefitting from the skills and expertise of the tutor. A varied library of music will be available for use. There will be a piccolo, alto flute and bass flute to try. Experience in sight-reading will be beneficial. PLEASE NOTE: There will be opportunities to join…
Find out more »Spin Wool & Alpaca Yarn
Be inspired; Spin your own yarn for knitting weaving and crochet using fine wool, fleece and alpaca during a really satisfying and eco-friendly weekend. All wheels, fleece, fibre and equipment included and no previous experience necessary. Use traditional wheel, drop spindle or e-spinner and make at least one skein, probably more. Use a unique luxury yarn. Learn: long draw, wheel maintenance, colour theory, fibre preparation, yarn structure and how to use specialist equipment. Discover your creativity with lots of help…
Find out more »Film Legends: Marlon Brando & Marilyn Monroe
On this course we shall trace the careers of two screen legends. Brando (1924-2004) progressed from “rebel” in the ’50’s (“A Streetcar named Desire”, “On the Waterfront”) to international acclaim with “The Godfather”. Monroe (1926-1962) moved from model, through bit-player to sex symbol in “Gentlemen prefer Blondes” and “Some like it Hot” and to serious actress in “Bus Stop” and “The Misfits”. We shall also trace the fascinating private lives of these stars. The evidence and the performances will be…
Find out more »Vibrant Watercolours – A Taste of India
Immerse yourself in a weekend of vibrant colour and rich pattern. Using bold dyes, watercolours and simple print techniques, we will explore those exotic elements that we associate with India and use them as the basis for creating your own striking and colourful paintings.
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 »How to Write your Life Experiences and Memoirs
We all have a rich treasury of anecdotes to share. But where do you start? Enjoyable exercises will help trigger memories and tell your story in a way that's lively and engaging. Whether you're writing for publication, family and friends, or simply to understand the meaning of your own life, this course will smooth the way.
Find out more »Felt Teddy Bear Making
Using needle felting techniques and colourful Merino fleece we will create cute teddy bears to keep or give as presents. No experience is necessary and all equipment will be provided. There will be a charge of £5 per person to cover materials used, payable to the tutor. Be prepared to create a family of bears!
Find out more »Operas in Dresden
Arts in Residence in Dresden 30th April – 4th May 2016 Hindemith: Mathis der Maler Puccini: Tosca Mozart: Le nozze di Figaro The trip includes: • Return flights from Heathrow and airport transfers in Germany • centrally located hotel • 4 Star **** Steigenberger Hotel de Saxe on B&B basis • Guided city tour • Gala group dinner on the first evening • Top category opera tickets • Introductions to all the performances by Terry Barfoot • Programme notes on…
Find out more »A Fun Introduction to Origami
These days we are inundated with all manner of paper but most of us don’t realise how these humble sheets of paper could be transformed into something special, fun and entertaining. This course will show you not only basic skills, techniques and traditional models but also introduce a new aspect of the paper, merely using coloured paper. At the end of your day, you will never look at a sheet of blank paper the same way again!
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 »Chinese Brush Painting – Mist and Waterfalls
Through tutor demonstrations and one-to-one guidance, beginners will learn the basic skills of landscape painting in free hand style, painting trees, rocks, mountains and waterfalls and mist. More experienced artists will develop and expand skills in all aspects of landscape painting. You will also learn how to mount a picture in the traditional Chinese way.
Find out more »Usui reiki level 1 workshops
During the reiki workshop day you will be 'attuned' to reiki level 1 (healer level) by a simple process of 4 attunement procedures carried out by your reiki master-teacher. This will enable you to use reiki to heal yourself, your friends, family and pets.
Find out more »May 2016
Coloured Pencils: Down on the Farm
This is a course that will show you how to draw farm animals with coloured pencils. Using photographs supplied by the tutor you will be shown how to shade, select and mix colours, how to achieve textures such as fur and feathers and how to use different surfaces. By the end of the course you will have produced a drawing of a cockerel, a horse and a pig. The course is aimed at beginners and people with some experience of…
Find out more »The exotic Universe
From exploding stars to dark matter, join us for a non-mathematical exploration of some of the strangest places in the Universe. Each session will introduce a type of astronomical object (e.g. pulsars, quasars, supernovae), then we will investigate its extreme behaviour and explore how it fits into our understanding of the lives of stars and galaxies.
Find out more »Research at the museums
Taking a behind-the-scenes tour of a different Cambridge museum each week, this course will explore how the collections housed across Cambridge are still being used in cutting-edge research. We will see that, far from being a record of past discoveries, Cambridge collections are still leading to surprising discoveries about the past, as well as helping us to tackle current urgent questions such as climate change and global food production.
Find out more »Coloured Pencils: Rust and Rustic
This is a course that will show you how to draw rusty and rustic still life and architectural features. Using photographs supplied by the tutor you will be shown how to draw old rusty metal features such as door locks, hinges and peeling paint and also how to draw parts of old wooden gates and fences. This is an opportunity to explore different colours and textures from subjects you would not normally choose. By the end of the course you…
Find out more »Writing non-fiction: bringing the past to life
The past might be your grandfather's experience of the Great War, the secret life of your house or your parents' early years as newcomers to post-war Britain. Whether you're just starting out or have already begun writing, this weekly course will help you to think more deeply about the past and the most compelling way to present it to your reader. Workshops will give you the chance to experiment with your own writing and boost your confidence in a friendly…
Find out more »Early Christian ethics: slavery, sex and salvation
Did the early Christians present an ethical challenge to the society of their day or leave it unchanged? Did they practise equality or provide a religious justification for patriarchy and slavery? Did they really turn the other cheek and share their possessions? What did their non-Christian contemporaries make of their behaviour? An introduction to current thinking about the controversial ethics of the first followers of Jesus.
Find out more »Beginners’ Portuguese (Brazilian)
A course to lay the foundations or develop existing language skills. The main focus will be on speaking, listening and reading the relevant language at the appropriate level. Authentic materials will be used as far as possible to ensure that language use is embedded in its cultural context. Learners will be provided with grammatical building blocks for developing their language skills to suit personal, professional or academic purposes.
Find out more »The Heat Is On
Defining the Anthropocene and looking at the effects that human activities are now having on our planet; and investigating the way forward to reverse the damage we are causing to protect our planet for future generations. Illustrated throughout with images from Brian’s travels to some of the world’s most fragile wilderness areas.“Human activity is threatening the very survival of the world we know, its environment and its wildlife.”
Find out more »Beautiful Birds
Treat yourself to a weekend doing the craft you love along with like-minded people – and try out some new techniques into the bargain. * discover a new slant on patchwork * try out new techniques * extend your skills with numerous patterns * ideal for beginners and accomplishers stitchers Birds provide the soundtrack to our lives, and all the projects that Gail is offering on this retreat are inspired by our feathered friends. You’ll find garden birds and seabirds,…
Find out more »Wild weaving weekend
Take a relaxing, fun weekend to consider and explore a whole range of ideas and topics associated with weaving effects. You will use unconventional materials such as wire to construct a warp and then develop a weft (that’s the one from left to right!). You will focus on unusual combinations using a variety of materials within the woven process. Starting with simple design preparation from a source of your choice – (themes from nature, abstract art are ideal) or other…
Find out more »Beethoven and the Archduke Rudolph
Beethoven’s wide-ranging list of compositions offers endless opportunities for
discovery. Our weekend will feature a variety of music written for or dedicated to his
favourite patron, the Archduke Rudolph, including concertos, chamber music, piano
sonatas and the great Missa Solemnis.
Beethoven and the Archduke Rudolph
Beethoven’s wide-ranging list of compositions offers endless opportunities for discovery. Our weekend will feature a variety of music written for or dedicated to his favourite patron, the Archduke Rudolph, including concertos, chamber music, piano sonatas and the great Missa Solemnis. There will be visual and musical illustrations, as well as a performance of the celebrated Archduke Trio by one of Britain’s leading chamber ensembles, the Gould Piano Trio, for which tickets are included. This course is run in association with…
Find out more »The poetry of D H Lawrence
Best known for his ground-breaking novels, D H Lawrence was also a remarkable poet, sharply observant and possessed of a highly individual poetic voice. This course will examine a selection of his poems, relating them to the wider context of his life and times.
Find out more »Strong-minded women: the 19th-century women’s rights movement
This weekend meet some strong-minded Victorian women to discover how their life's work, in a variety of spheres, changed public attitudes towards women and their role in society, influenced government policy and paved the way for winning the vote. Using biographical material and discussion groups we shall investigate how the women's rights movement worked alongside the suffrage movement.
Find out more »The American musical: Broadway to Hollywood
Come and explore the history, development and genre of the American musical, from the iconic Showboat, to the Broadway and Hollywood smash hit film musicals by Rodgers and Hammerstein, Lerner and Loewe, George and Ira Gershwin, Kander and Ebb, and Sondheim, through DVD and CD recordings, group and solo singing if desired.
Find out more »IT to computer science: teaching in transition
A weekend course for current teachers of IT to assist in transitioning to teaching Computer Science. This is an intensive course which is designed to help IT teachers make the leap into teaching Computer Science at GCSE and first year A-Level. A basic standard of mathematics will be required and some preparatory work will be expected before attending. Teachers will leave the weekend with a broader understanding of computer science principles and a study plan to enable them to develop…
Find out more »Everyday ethics
Do animals have moral standing? How ought we treat the environment? What ethics do we need in a consumer society? This course offers an introduction to the basic positions in normative ethics, namely virtue ethics, deontology and utilitarianism, and then looks at some ethical issues of pressing contemporary concern. It is a stimulating introduction to the use of ethical thinking in everyday life.
Find out more »Early Music: From Susato to Sweelinck
While many composers of Franco-Flemish or Netherlandish stock were lured south to warmer climes, others preferred to stay put, adding to the rich seam of music of post-Josquin and post-Lassus idiom. Investigating the latter, we shall see how Antwerp could compete with Venice in its array of talented printers, some of their publications of exceptionally high quality. The course will be predominantlypractical, and is intended for singers and players of early instruments (A=440) confident in a one voice or instrument…
Find out more »Wet Felt Making
These workshops are designed to give a basic knowledge of wet feltmaking and to explore the possibilities of this wonderful medium. During the weekend we will discuss specific feltmaking techniques and processes such as nuno, lamination, cobweb and 3D. We shall also take a look at natural breeds and their felting qualities. I also hope to find time for you to make a small flat sample of felt. On Saturday using the techniques discussed on Friday evening we will design…
Find out more »A Sumptuous Chatelaine: Hand Embroidery
Most embroiderers I know would love to own a Chatelaine – so why not take this opportunity to make a sumptuously embroidered and beaded one to treasure Time permitting it could include a scissors case, needle case, thimble case and pinwheel all embroidered with beautiful threads and encrusted with beads.
Find out more »Make an Occasion Hat for a Summer Event
This course will help you complete your outfit for your special event: Ascot, weddings, the Derby etc! These require Occasion Hats - so find your outfit and come along to create your exclusive accessory, from start to finish. You will receive styling guidance on what suits you, along with help to complete your design. Only basic hand sewing knowledge required.
Find out more »Dyeing the Blues
Learn how to prepare fabric using Japanese Shibori resist techniques. After experimenting with stitching, tying, clamping and wrapping techniques you will dye the results with indigo, that most magical of dyes, to produce a range of samples for future reference or to be turned into a unique project.
Find out more »What’s New on the Internet for Family Historians?
Are you just using a few family history websites and not finding anything new? This course is your chance to widen your search and find out about the many new sites family historians can benefit from to further their research. Jane will present an up to the minute review of websites you can use both free of charge and through a subscription. This course is not suitable for beginners in Family History.
Find out more »News From the Fronts: Focus on the Battle of Jutland
While the Battle of Verdun ground on, the Allies built up resources for major offensives on the Eastern Front under General Brusilov and a coordinated Anglo-French offensive astride the River Somme. At sea the German High Seas Fleet sought a conclusive engagement in the North Sea. Thus came about ‘Der Tag’ - the culmination of the Dreadnought Arms Race – fought off Jutland on 31 May 1916.
Find out more »Figure & Portrait Drawing in any Medium
Beginners and those of all levels of experience are welcome on this day of drawing or painting from a professional life model, clothed and posed in everyday, familiar settings, including observation of the human head. Students are invited to bring any materials they prefer. Demonstrations and studies in proportion, tone and colour will support individual tuition. Everyone will enjoy this friendly and informative day in Dillington’s beautiful surroundings.
Find out more »Beading Day
This course is for total beginners to learn some basic bead work stitches. It is hoped that on this taster day student's will gain enough knowledge and experience to complete the chosen project at home, and have a wearable piece of jewellery resulting from their first experience in Bead work
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 »Bridge – The Weak Twos (Benjamin Acol)
A half-day course practising Benjaminised Acol, the system of weak twos in the majors and strong twos in the minors, which is a very popular convention for players with some experience who want to increase their competitive edge and enjoy the benefits resulting from adding this very competitive tool to their bridge knowledge.
Find out more »Japanese Sumi-e – Traditional art form of Japanese ink painting
An introduction to Sumi-e, the ancient art of creating Japanese ink pictures or Japanese brush painting. Traditionally, these paintings feature subjects from the natural world such as flowers and birds. The Japanese experience painting as a form of meditation that brings peace and harmony to the artist and the finished pieces are intended to inspire the same sense of tranquillity and joy in the viewer.
Find out more »Concert with the Gould Piano Trio
For over twenty years the Gould Piano Trio have remained at the forefront of the chamber music scene, and we are very excited to welcome them to Dillington. The programme for this concert will include Ravel’s Sonata for Violin and Cello in C Major, Mozart’s Trio in G Major K564 and Beethoven’s Archduke Trio.
Find out more »Writing with confidence
This short series of stimulating workshops aims to take the isolation and frustration out of creative writing, and inject enthusiasm and confidence in their place. The basic nuts and bolts of good fiction will be scrutinised, with attention to constructing a satisfying plot, writing believable characters, developing a narrative voice, creating effective dialogue, building atmosphere, sustaining tension and pace and, importantly, adopting useful strategies for self-editing. You will engage with your own writing equipped with new perspectives, fresh ideas and…
Find out more »Flash fiction
Flash fiction is the art of the very short story and is a great place for beginners to start and old hands to refine their skills. These sessions expose students to a range of styles, subjects and approaches and aim to build both confidence and expertise through writing short complete pieces of fiction. Challenging and satisfying, experiments in flash fiction will also equip you with the transferable skills of economic, efficient and effective writing.
Find out more »Papermaking with Plants
Learn how to use plants to make decorative, colourful, and unique papers through embossing, laminating and embedding. We’ll make paper using petals, leaves, fibres, seeds, perfumes and dyes from marigolds, roses, tagetes, sunflowers, lavender, clematis, cardoons, thistles, bulrush, and horse radish! If you like plants and gardening, have an appreciation for colour and texture, and enjoy working with and on paper, you can combine all of these things in this programme and make papers of great interest and beauty. *A…
Find out more »An Introduction to Designing Your Own Garden
This classroom based course, which runs over three consecutive s, provides an opportunity to improve and refresh your garden with support and help from a professional garden designer. You will learn, step by step, how to redesign your own plot. The course will begin with basic principles and go on to consider choosing the right plants. By the end of the course you will have produced a new design, to scale, for your garden. No previous experience is required but…
Find out more »European Bobbin Lace
This is a practical course for all abilities of lacemakers, from those who only have knowledge of the basic stitches to those who wish to study advanced techniques. Many of the laces are taught with the aid of colour coded diagrams to help students continue to work at home. Laces available to study are: Torchon, Flanders, Binche, Parijse, Chantilly, Brugge, Valenciennes, Tonder, Idija and chrysanthemum lace.
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 Tutors projects to give you inspiration. This includes bags, book covers, cards, coaster, jewellery, table runners, place mats and pictures.
Find out more »Picture it in Collage and Stitch
Have you ever wanted to create one of your own designs and then translate this into a work of art using the combined techniques of fabric collage with both machine and hand embroidery? * Long to create your own designs? * Combine fabric collage and embroidery * Both machine and hand techniques * Ideal for beginners and experienced Under Richard Box’s careful guidance on this course you will be able to achieve this. You will be supplied with a learning…
Find out more »The Cambridge Five and the Soviet espionage offensive against Great Britain
Five of the most successful spies in history, the Cambridge Five, generate both interest and controversy. The Soviet intelligence offensive against Britain, however, was much greater. This course examines why, how and where Soviet espionage took place and looks at the true nature of Soviet espionage in Britain which operated across all classes and posed a significant threat to the security of this country.
Find out more »Intermediate Spanish: Barcelona, cultural capital
This course provides an opportunity for total immersion in the Spanish language and Hispanic culture as well as plenty of speaking practice in a sound and supportive environment. It offers a mixture of language and culture - learning through topics such as Spanish and Latin American art, cinema, cuisine, fiestas, history, literature, etc. - thus making the course dynamic, interesting, stimulating and above all fun. The linguistic level required is Intermediate; that is, A2 according to the Common European Framework…
Find out more »The Grand Tour
The Grand Tour was an artistic and cultural phenomenon of the 18th century. This course analyses its effect upon portraiture, landscape, architecture and the art of collecting. We will also focus on the significance of Italian culture to the Englishman abroad and the impact of his patronage upon artistic development in both Italy and England.
Find out more »Reading Classical Greek: Continuing Beginners (Students who began in September 2015 – Group E)
This weekend course is part of a series designed for those who want to learn Classical Greek. Over a series of weekends, Beginner students are introduced to the basic elements of grammar through reading passages adapted from ancient Greek authors. At Intermediate level, students move onto collections of passages selected from major Greek writers, and finally, in the Advanced groups, students read what they choose from the whole of Greek literature.
Find out more »Reading Classical Greek: Continuing Beginners (Students who began in September 2014 – Group D)
This weekend course is part of a series designed for those who want to learn Classical Greek. Over a series of weekends, Beginner students are introduced to the basic elements of grammar through reading passages adapted from ancient Greek authors. At Intermediate level, students move onto collections of passages selected from major Greek writers, and finally, in the Advanced groups, students read what they choose from the whole of Greek literature.
Find out more »Reading Classical Greek: Advanced (verse)
This weekend course is part of a series designed for those who want to learn Classical Greek. Over a series of weekends, Beginner students are introduced to the basic elements of grammar through reading passages adapted from ancient Greek authors. At Intermediate level, students move onto collections of passages selected from major Greek writers, and finally, in the Advanced groups, students read what they choose from the whole of Greek literature. The set text is: Pindar. Stephen Instone (ed.) Pindar:…
Find out more »The pollinators: painting European butterflies
In this course you will learn to draw and prepare a pencil drawing of a European butterfly, recording carefully the anatomical structure and pattern of the wings and then going on to complete a watercolour illustration. Practical work will be supplemented with an illustrated talk looking at the work of the great insect and butterfly painters throughout history. All the stages required to produce an illustration will be demonstrated by the tutor.
Find out more »Reading Classical Greek: Intermediate
This weekend course is part of a series designed for those who want to learn Classical Greek. Over a series of weekends, Beginner students are introduced to the basic elements of grammar through reading passages adapted from ancient Greek authors. At Intermediate level, students move onto collections of passages selected from major Greek writers, and finally, in the Advanced groups, students read what they choose from the whole of Greek literature.
Find out more »Reading Classical Greek: Advanced (prose)
This weekend course is part of a series designed for those who want to learn Classical Greek. Over a series of weekends, Beginner students are introduced to the basic elements of grammar through reading passages adapted from ancient Greek authors. At Intermediate level, students move onto collections of passages selected from major Greek writers, and finally, in the Advanced groups, students read what they choose from the whole of Greek literature.
Find out more »Pottery for Beginners
This is a structured course for students with little or no previous experience. It comprises of a series of short projects designed to introduce basic making and decorating techniques that allows the student to create interesting and individual pieces. Work will involve using coiling, slab and throwing techniques working with different clays. Surface decoration will explore the use of relief and slip decoration techniques. Students will be encouraged to photograph stages of making and decoration for future reference. Advice will…
Find out more »French (Advanced)
Un week-end tout en français ! Nous étudierons le roman de Kamel Daoud, Meursault contre-enquête, ce qui nous donnera l’occasion de redécouvrir L’Etranger d’Albert Camus. Deux livres pour le prix d’un ! Je vous engage à les lire tous les deux et à venir prêts à discuter en français avec d’autres étudiants tout aussi motivés que vous. This course is suitable for those who have reached A level standard or above.
Find out more »European Bobbin Lace
This is a practical course for all abilities of lacemakers, from those who only have knowledge of the basic stitches to those who wish to study advanced techniques. Many of the laces are taught with the aid of colour coded diagrams to help students continue to work at home. Laces available to study are: Torchon, Flanders, Binche, Parijse, Chantilly, Brugge, Valenciennes, Tonder, Idija and chrysanthemum lace.
Find out more »Learn to use a Sewing Machine
A course for absolute beginners to learn the basic uses of a sewing machine. Learn about the machine parts and maintenance of the machine, about using the correct needles and threads and how to wind the bobbin, thread the machine correctly and adjust the tension. You will then learn how to start and finish, practise basic stitches, finish edges, sew hems, apply trims and make two beginner projects to practise your new found skills, a tote bag with a ‘magic’…
Find out more »Painting Irises in Watercolour
Irises come in an assortment of beautiful colours. Jill will show you how to create an accurate drawing and demonstrate how to colour mix and apply the watercolours to achieve a painting that not only pleases the eye but also demonstrates the skills learnt during the course.
Find out more »Print, Transfer, Stitch …
Gain an understanding of the way transfer paint and dyes work, using printing blocks and painted papers to build layers of colour to transfer onto synthetic fabrics. Mixing these shiny surfaces with flat dyes and cottons, we will cut and collage shapes onto a surface and use a few machine embroidery tricks to embellish.
Find out more »Silver Jewellery Making
Total beginners, and those with some experience, will complete two or three projects involving skills such as cutting, filing, forging, drilling, soldering, stone setting and polishing. Using hand tools, power tools, heat and chemicals, learners will transform silver and other metals to create beautiful pieces of jewellery to treasure. All materials can be bought from the tutor and will cost £10 - £20 depending on the projects chosen.
Find out more »Rag Rug Making – Make a Sofa Art Cushion
Your sofa art cushion will be made with gorgeous reclaimed textiles that will be worked onto a hessian backcloth. Create a unique piece of work, using simple hand tools and techniques, for a looped or clippy surface that will jazz up your sofa!
Find out more »Pick up the Ukulele and Play in a Day
Aimed at total beginners, this fun and light-hearted course will have you playing the ukulele (uke!) in no time at all. Starting with the absolute basics, you will learn how to play through a variety of different sessions, some led by the tutor, others in small break-out groups. By the end of the course you will be able to play a variety of chords and songs as part of our own mini orchestra! Please note that participants must bring their own ukulele…
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 »Taking Control of your Photos on the Camera and Computer
Aiming to take you beyond simple snapshots, this course offers you the opportunity to capture images that have personal meaning and individuality, from people to landscapes, architecture, nature, people, still life or movement. If you want to have control over your camera and get the best results through digital manipulation using Photoshop Elements, then this course is for you.
Find out more »Graphology – Explore the Personality through Handwriting
The fascinating science of graphology, combined with simple psychological theories, enable understanding of the dynamics of relationships and of the criminal mind and why some people take the anti-social route. There will be practical investigation of well-known cases through handwriting samples and participants are invited to bring samples of handwriting for analysis. An ethical approach and respect for the writer are always paramount.
Find out more »Sing from the Heart group singing holiday May 2016
Singing holidays and retreats in France focus on facilitating positive group learning and interaction. Our breaks are a great opportunity to meet new people whilst sharing a fun and creative activity. Many lifelong friendships have been formed on our singing workshops and holidays throughout the years.
Find out more »Women of the Italian Renaissance: who were they?
Have you ever seen a 'desco da parto' (birth tray)? What is it and what was it used for? And why is goddess Flora so often shown in paintings with a bare breast? For what special occasions were these things commissioned? All these objects are linked to the female sphere of Renaissance women. Through this course you will be questioning and learning about one of the most complex and contradictory chapters of our history.
Find out more »A history of special education in England
Idiot, defective, educationally sub-normal, handicapped – the labels put on children with special needs have changed over the last 150 years, but is it really a story of progress? You can judge for yourself as you explore behind the walls of the forgotten schools to which these forgotten children were consigned.
Find out more »AA316 – Open University Nineteenth Centrury Literature Revision
This course is designed specifically for Open University students studying AA316 and preparing for the examination. Its purpose is to revise and consolidate the work that has been done on the nineteenth-century novel, and to examine ways of turning that work to the best effect in the examination. Skills of close analysis will be practised, along with study of the theoretical material, and discussion of the key themes of the module. The structure of the examination will be looked at…
Find out more »Recorder Short Course
This is an ensemble course for upper intermediate level recorder players. We shall play as a large conducted ensemble, exploring music in many different styles and from all periods of music from the sixteenth to the twenty-first century. The music to be studied will utilise all sizes of recorder, from descant to contrabass. Students are required to have the ability to play in F and C fingerings. The repertoire will include some Renaissance multi-choir pieces along with music by William…
Find out more »Style, Image and Colour
This course encourages you to explore and develop your personal style. It aims to encourage a greater sense of confidence in your own self-image through the clothes you wear. It does this by explaining what factors are important and why. It helps you identify your body shape and how best to dress it with maximum effect. It explores the impact of different colours and also helps you to evaluate your wardrobe and recognise how to shop more effectively.
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 »Calligraphy with Gaynor Goffe
A two-day calligraphy course in a quality hotel in Bristol 20-22 May 2016.
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