Calendar of Courses
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2 events,
FULLY BOOKED: QUILT AS YOU GO LOG CABIN
Log Cabin is a very versatile patchwork block with many variations. For this project you can create nine different log cabin variations (no foundation piecing involved) as a sampler quilt (see picture) or as a 'Sew A Row' quilt. The different blocks are quilted before being joined together using a 'Quilt As You Go' technique.
TIME TO WRITE
A creative retreat in the idyllic surroundings of the Lake District which has been an inspiration to generations of writers. Whether you’re a beginner needing help to put your ideas on paper, or an author longing for a peaceful space, constructive feedback and the company of other writers, this is for you. There will be
2 events,
FULLY BOOKED: INTERMEDIATE WOODWIND WORKSHOP DIRECTED BY LAURENCE PERKINS
All applications to be made initially through Laurence to ascertain ensemble line-up. www.laurenceperkins.com/wind-serenades There will be a free informal concert with participants on Sunday 11:15am Laurence Perkins with Mandy Burvill Residential: £620 Non-residential: £485 We can pick up at 5pm from Penrith Rail Station (+£40) BY PRIOR ARRANGEMENT ON PAYING BALANCE.
4 events,
FULLY BOOKED: ELGAR: MUSIC FOR AUTUMN
Elgar often looked back nostalgically, with wistful tenderness or at times with regret. For this course Ian has selected movements from Elgar’s symphonies and concertos together with his shorter orchestral pieces, chamber works and choral excerpts. This heartfelt music will enrich the autumnal journey with Elgar as our companion and guide. Ian France Residential: £305
BOTANICAL ART IN COLOURED PENCIL: OBSERVING NUTS, BERRIES, SEEDS AND FRUITS
Take a close look at seasonal nuts, fruits and berries to accurately capture their colours, textures and forms in coloured pencil. Working on either a single study or a small mixed composition, there will be explanations of techniques, demonstrations and individual attention while you work at your own pace in a relaxed atmosphere. Suitable for
FULLY BOOKED: LANDSCAPE EXPRESSIVE SEMI ABSTRACT ACRYLIC MIXED MEDIA
Explore mixed media techniques using watercolour, gouache, acrylics, inks and soft pastel. We may venture outdoors (weather permitting), painting and drawing in the dramatic Lakeland landscape in order to build up a body of source material to work with, but this course focuses on developing your personal painterly style through exercises in the studio. We
4 events,
STOICISM AS A GUIDE TO LIFE: THE FOUR VIRTUES
Though many people wish to live a full and flourishing life, it is not always as easy as the next self-help bestseller might suggest. For the Stoics, there is a clear path to flourishing and well-being, and this involves cultivating the virtues of courage, temperance, justice and wisdom. Happiness in life depends upon the quality
6 events,
FULLY BOOKED: UPHOLSTERY
Hands-on! Bring chair, stool, ottoman, headboard... Build up from scratch or just re-cover, tackle interior paddings with traditional or modern techniques. Please contact Cathy prior to your course to discuss your project needs 07770 714103. Cathy Newbery Residential: £305 Non-residential: £220
A WEEKEND WITH THE HARP
All ability levels except absolute beginners. Emphasis will be on having fun, but attention will be paid to technique, tone, accuracy and musicality. Written music supplied and specially written parts will cater for all levels. All styles - something for everyone! Guest Tutors: Karen Marshalsay and Lauren Scott Organised by Gill Salter-Smith for Harps Northwest
TALK & TEA: A PHILOSOPHER’S GUIDE TO SIMPLICITY
TALK & TEA: A PHILOSOPHER’S GUIDE TO SIMPLICITY
Ever contemplated the profound essence of simplicity? Can Thoreau's retreat to Walden Pond unveil the secrets of a meaningful, uncluttered life in the midst of nature? How does Emrys Westacott’s philosophy navigate the intricacies of modernity, offering insights into embracing simplicity amidst the complexities of a technology-driven world? Join us for ‘A Philosopher’s Guide to
3 events,
CEILIDH BAND FOLK ENSEMBLE FOR ALL
For musicians of any standard with basic playing skills and a concert pitch instrument such as violin (fiddle), viola, cello, mandolin, mandola, banjo, ukulele, guitar, flute whistle, piano accordion, melodeon, concertina etc. Parts for transposing instruments in Bb, Eb and bass clef will be available. We will play a wide range of traditional and contemporary
1 event,
3 events,
FULLY BOOKED: CALICO GARDENS EMBROIDERY
Calico Embroidery is worked in neutral shades of cream and beiges only. It relies upon textured stitches and its own unique 3D elements to add interest to the embroideries. It is suitable for all levels of embroiders and a kit can be purchased for first time students. Angie Burt Residential: £410 Non-residential: £285 (WEEKEND course
TRADITIONAL STAINED GLASS
Make a traditional stained-glass panel using key skills that will enable you to construct more elaborate projects later, including preparing your pattern, cutting glass safely, leading and soldering and finally, finishing your panel ready to be hung in your home. No experience required - be guided in all aspects by local Stained Glass Artist, Nikki
5 events,
RECORDER ENSEMBLES: GRADES 4-6
For intermediate players (roughly grades 4-6). An opportunity to play together over a pleasant weekend with others, with expert guidance as appropriate. Annemarie Klein Residential: £310 Non-residential: £230
CALICO GARDENS EMBROIDERY
Calico Embroidery is worked in neutral shades of cream and beiges only. It relies upon textured stitches and its own unique 3D elements to add interest to the embroideries. It is suitable for all levels of embroiders and a kit can be purchased for first time students. Angie Burt Residential: £305 Non-residential: £220
FULLY BOOKED: SILVER RING MAKING WITH ART CLAY SILVER
Making rings in metal clay can be one of the most challenging things to do with this medium. During this course, students will learn the essential tips, tricks and trade secrets to make beautiful silver clay rings, sizing them to account for shrinkage to make perfect, seamless ring bands. With so many different and endless
4 events,
CRAFTER’S WEEK
We are turning Higham over to CRAFT for a week of workshops and demos for craft students led by some of our most sought-after tutors, offering a rich mix of inspiration, techniques and styles. Students will spend a day with each tutor, completing a simple project in a day while learning the fundamentals of four
1 event,
1 event,
1 event,
1 event,
2 events,
WILLOW BASKET-MAKING – BEGINNERS
Work with Cumbria basket maker Phil Bradley to learn the techniques involved in English roundwork basketry. We will cover some of the basic elements of working with willow and - new for this year - visit Phil's studio and smallholding to take a look at the growing, harvesting and managing of willow beds. Phil Bradley
1 event,
3 events,
CARTOONS FOR CHRISTMAS
This entertaining short break will give you the basic skills necessary to draw cartoon figures and animals and offer several ingenious methods to cheat at drawing your own Christmas cards. Everyone can produce their own cartoon card with the aid of a few simple tricks, a modicum of practice and the supportive company of fellow
SUNDAY LECTURE: NORMAN NICHOLSON: A WRITER FOR OUR TIME
SUNDAY LECTURE: NORMAN NICHOLSON: A WRITER FOR OUR TIME
The Cumbrian poet Norman Nicholson (1914-1987) lived in Millom all his life, apart from the two-year period he spent as a teenager in a TB Sanatorium in the New Forest. Proud to be identified with his region, Nicholson was nationally and internationally respected for his poetry and other writings, which were accessible, insightful and even
3 events,
FULLY BOOKED: INSECTS IN CHINESE BRUSH PAINTING
You will either wish to improve your Chinese brush painting or be a painter wanting to try new techniques in this ancient artform that is still evolving. A relaxed, informative and practical course. Time will be spent on composition with a little theory from studying some masters. Lots of support, guidance and all materials necessary
4 events,
GEOLOGY WITH ANNETTE MCGRATH: ROCKS, MINERALS, FOSSILS
A thorough introduction to rocks, minerals and fossils through illustrated talks and hands-on practical sessions. You will have the opportunity to examine a museum-quality geological collection from around the world and scrutinise the inner secrets of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks down the microscope. A large selection of geological specimens, geological maps and books will
3 events,
SILVERPOINT, PEN AND BRUSH WITH INK
We will be exploring traditional drawing techniques including the old art of silverpoint - an early method of drawing used by artists such as Albrect Dürer and Leonardo da Vinci. It is a drawing made on a prepared ground using silver (or gold or copper) which then tarnishes, creating fine lines. There will also be
5 events,
AUTUMN YOGA RETREAT: TOWARDS A PERSONAL PRACTICE
An opportunity to explore and deepen your understanding of the accessible approach to yoga within the spirit of Vini yoga as developed by the pioneering yoga teacher T.K.V. Desikachar; adapted to the individuals ability and needs. All levels welcome. Amanda Oakes Residential: £305 Non-residential: £220
FULLY BOOKED: CHRISTMAS CREATIONS (MATERIALS PROVIDED)
Get into the Christmas Spirit! Arrangements will include several of the following: a scarlet Christmas basket, a lit bauble bowl, an icy winter scene, a lantern, a Scandi felt pot design, a decorated Christmas tree, a candlelit platter, a window ledge design with accessories. All materials will be provided. Just bring scissors, wire cutters and
CONTEMPORARY LANDSCAPE PAINTING
Look at fresh approaches to working from the landscape, via the lens of contemporary painting. With exercises, briefs and tutorials, be pushed to extend your responses to your chosen media and subject matter. Steve Humble Residential: £605 Non-residential: £420 (incl. field trips)
7 events,
FESTIVE FOLK SINGING WITH ROSIE AND WILL
Come and join Rosie and Will for some seasonal folk singing with this gentle introduction to singing folk music in three- and four-part harmony! Can’t read music? No problem - folk is an oral tradition, and we teach everything by ear. Learn how to warm up your voice, sing in rounds and in parts and
THE ART OF PAINTING NOCTURNES
Take advantage of the early sunsets of mid-winter to sketch the nocturnal scene from dusk to starry night at Higham Hall including natural and artificial light. Back in the studio we will develop these into painting studies that evoke a sense of nocturnal place and mood. We will look at great nocturnal painters like Whistler,
SUNDAY LECTURE: THE CULINARY CALENDER CUSTOMS OF CUMBRIA
SUNDAY LECTURE: THE CULINARY CALENDER CUSTOMS OF CUMBRIA
Until recently, the working class families of the farming, forestry and mining communities of Lakeland subsisted on a fairly simple diet, largely based on locally grown oats and barley. However, on feast days and other special occasions, this grainy monotony was enlivened by celebratory dishes, which often contained exotic spices and dried fruit. A Christmas
WILL FINN AND ROSIE CALVERT IN CONCERT
WILL FINN AND ROSIE CALVERT IN CONCERT
Join Will Finn and Rosie Calvert for festive spine-tingling harmonies and rousing instrumentation with warm and witty stage presence - a show not to be missed! Will Finn and Rosie Calvert £18 each or £32 for 2. Includes a glass of wine in the bar afterwards BOOK ONLINE: https://www.trybooking.com/uk/DSAL