Calendar of Courses
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2 events,
SEWING ACCESSORIES
Every quilter needs their accessories. Choose from making a board bag, pincushion and thread/scrap keeper, a needle park, a block keeper, a clip cushion, a machine mat, a sewing machine cover, and an ironing pad. Students can also bring their own project if preferred. Lis Binns Residential: £485 Non-residential: £330
JANE AUSTEN – A CELEBRATION OF ONE OF OUR GREATEST NOVELISTS
This year is the 250th anniversary of the birth of Jane Austen, perhaps the best and certainly the most loved of English novelists. From her Hampshire cottage she wrote six novels of family and social life in her time, with such fidelity and human understanding that her work seems to touch upon profound truths of
3 events,
STOICISM RETREAT: IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY
In this retreat you will explore the origins and principles of Stoic philosophy through engaging sessions on resilience, the dichotomy of control, and the role of virtue in adversity. Participate in guided meditations, group discussions, and practical journaling exercises to deepen your understanding. Discover modern applications of Stoicism and build supportive networks. Conclude with personal
WEDDING FLOWERS: SUSTAINABLE FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS
Gain the knowledge, experience and confidence to create your own unique beautiful wedding florals using local and British seasonal flowers. This course will touch on growing, sourcing and sustainability and help with tips and techniques for creating mood boards, cutting and designing, planning and practicalities. Sarah is an eco-friendly freelance wedding and events studio florist
2 events,
TALK & TEA: A PHILOSOPHER’S GUIDE TO BOREDOM
TALK & TEA: A PHILOSOPHER’S GUIDE TO BOREDOM
In this talk we will explore insights from Bertrand Russell and Fernando Pessoa. Russell views boredom as a barrier to happiness, urging us to seek meaningful pursuits, while Pessoa invites us to embrace boredom as a space for introspection and creativity, leading to self-discovery. Throughout the session, we’ll encourage participants to rethink their experiences with
1 event,
FULLY BOOKED: WIND SERENADES SUMMER SCHOOL
Wind Chamber course for high-advanced amateur players (diploma-standard level 1 minimum) to work in-depth on substantial original repertoire with the highest level of tuition. All works studied will be performed complete in informal concerts on the last day. The course includes a mid-week Tutors' concert. Laurence Perkins with Philippa Davies, Colin Honour and Jan Willem
2 events,
UPHOLSTERY WORKSHOP
UPHOLSTERY WORKSHOP
You will learn to strip a small item of furniture (e.g. a drop in dining seat or dining chair, stool), tackle interior paddings and rebuild it using traditional or modern upholstery techniques as appropriate. You bring the item of furniture you want to restore and the fabric you would like to use; all the fillings,
2 events,
A VERY SPECIAL WOODWIND RECITAL
A VERY SPECIAL WOODWIND RECITAL
An hour of memorable musical performances, held in the intimate setting of our wonderful oak-floored Lecture Room. (One hour, no interval). Laurence Perkins (Bassoon), Philippa Davies (Flute), Colin Honour (Clarinet), Jan Willem Nelleke (Piano) £15 Bar open before and after the concert BOOK ONLINE: https://www.trybooking.com/uk/EKUA
3 events,
BOOKBINDING: INTERMEDIATE (LIBRARY STYLE BINDING)
In this follow up from the beginner’s course we will concentrate on one significant change in the book structures of the 19th century. In this period a book structure was developed to counteract heavy use by the public, many of whom had no understanding or sympathy with the books they used which was why this
FULLY BOOKED: WATERCOLOUR LANDSCAPES FOR BEGINNERS
Learn how to paint a simple but effective landscape including skies, hills, trees, hedgerows and other landscape features. This is suitable for beginners and for intermediate level painters who want to brush up their techniques. Step-by-step demonstrations and individual help given throughout. Jane Beech Residential: £370 Non-residential: £265 (incl. all materials)
4 events,
PILATES AND NORDIC WALKING
Pilates and Nordic walking are a perfect combination for building core strength and fitness. A morning class of pilates followed by an afternoon discovering the technique and benefits of Nordic Walking. Once the correct technique is mastered, participants will find that over 85% of body weight is supported, meaning that this form of exercise is
ARC ANGEL FELTING WORKSHOP
ARC ANGEL FELTING WORKSHOP
Craft an angel… BE an angel! 
Join Anti Racist Cumbria for a fun, feel-good felting workshop where you'll create gorgeous felt angel ornaments! The amazing Cass (ARC’s own craft queen) will guide you through making two beautiful angels -- one to be sold at the charity’s Anti Racist Summit in October, and one
3 events,
FULLY BOOKED: BOOKBINDING: RESTORATION
Most books deteriorate over time and so book conservators had to develop skills in restoring them. On this course you will learn the basics of book repairs using a variety of cloths, papers, and adhesives. You will learn how to: deconstruct a book in a safe and systematic fashion, repair both individual pages and sections,
4 events,
IDENTIFYING WILDFLOWERS – SUMMER
This course provides an introduction to the skills and knowledge required to identify wildflowers. We shall cover a range of vascular plants including herbs, grasses and ferns from a range of habitats. The course will include classroom sessions where we explore the structures of plants. We shall also learn how to use a floral key
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: £485 Non-residential: £330
4 events,
LEATHERWORK: HAND-STITCHED LEATHER POUCH
Learn the traditional craft of leatherwork and make a quality item that will last you for years. In this course you will learn how to make your own hand-stitched leather pouch. A pouch for pens, your glasses or a small bag. Roslyn Whiting Residential: £375 Non-residential: £270 (incl. materials)
6 events,
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. Suitable for all levels of embroiders and a kit can be purchased for first time students. Angie Burt Residential: £350 Non-residential: £245
PEWTERWORK
Learn to give form and texture to flat sheet metal. Popularised by the Arts and Crafts Movement, pewterwork uses no heat, heavy tools, or machinery. Simple hand-held tools and an ability to follow direction are all that are needed to produce decorative pieces to wear or give as gifts. All materials are provided. Tilly Wilkinson
SUMMER YOGA RETREAT
An opportunity to explore and deepen your understanding of the concept of viniyoga, the accessible approach to yoga developed by Sri TKV Desikachar; adapted to the individual’s ability and needs. All levels welcome. Amanda Oakes Residential: £350 Non-residential: £245
7 events,
PASTELS PURE AND SIMPLE
Learn and develop a mastery of chalk pastel on its own, delivering vibrant colours across a wide range of tones. Work from landscape and still life under guidance of an artist who continues the authentic approach of the much-missed Christopher Assheton-Stones. All levels of ability and individualised approach is offered for previous attendees. Graham Oliver
VISITING LAKELAND GARDENS
Join expert horticulturalist Louise on an intimate tour of Lake District gardens, including some not normally open to the public. Meet the gardeners, discover new plants and garden design inspiration behind the gates, walls and clipped hedges of some hidden horticultural gems of the Lake District. Louise Stoddart Residential: £525 Non-residential: £370 (incl. fieldtrips)
FULL BOOKED: TRADITIONAL STAINED GLASS
Design and make a traditional stained-glass panel using key skills that will enable you to construct more elaborate projects later. Learn about design principals before creating and preparing your pattern, decide which glass to use and how to cut it safely, become confident in the leading and soldering process and finally, clean and polish your
SUNDAY LECTURE: TREES, FAIRIES AND ECOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES IN THE WORK OF BEATRIX POTTER
SUNDAY LECTURE: TREES, FAIRIES AND ECOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES IN THE WORK OF BEATRIX POTTER
This talk will explore Beatrix Potter’s importance as an ecological writer, looking at how her work encourages early ecological awareness and what is now called ‘nature literacy’ in young readers. The talk will focus on the way in which Potter uses trees in her books in ways which develop an understanding of natural ecosystems, animal
4 events,
FULLY BOOKED: THE SYMPHONY FROM SCHUBERT TO DVORAK
A strong lyrical thread runs through the works of those composers who stayed true to the symphony in the 19th century. Starting with Schubert’s ‘Unfinished’ Symphony we will enjoy the pictorial aspects of Mendelssohn’s Italian and Schumann’s Rhenish symphonies, before concluding with two sometimes underrated masterpieces, Brahms’ 3rd and Dvorak’s 7th. Ian France Residential: £350
6 events,
BLOW! INTERMEDIATE WOODWIND WEEKEND
A light-hearted woodwind weekend designed to build confidence and improve ensemble skills. This course is intended for players of flute, oboe, clarinet or bassoon, at around Grade 3 – 6 standard. Repertoire consists of light classical and traditional pieces, many of which will have been specially arranged to suit the combination of instruments and ability
APPRECIATING SHAKESPEARE IN PERFORMANCE: AS YOU LIKE IT
The perfect play for a summer weekend. Victims of sibling rivalry exiled to the forest unexpectedly find love and happiness after initial misunderstandings. The Festival Players' outdoor performance at Higham is followed by a Q&A with the director and cast. Lectures and discussions in the surrounding sessions add context and depth. Clare Smout Residential: £375
INTERMEDIATE PALETTE KNIFE EXPERIMENTS
Use the palette knife as a tool to add interest and impact to your mark-making and to enhance your creative repertoire. Build upon application techniques from the introductory course (e.g. scrape and spread technique) and consolidate by creating a piece of work that involves textures and layers using the addition of a medium. Coral Grace
4 events,
SHAKESPEARE IN THE GARDEN: AS YOU LIKE IT
SHAKESPEARE IN THE GARDEN: AS YOU LIKE IT
"All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players; they have their exits and their entrances, and one man in his time plays many parts" The Festival Players (www.thefestivalplayers.co.uk) return to Higham with the pastoral comedy As You Like It. Open 1.30 pm for picnics. Bring your own seating. Well-behaved dogs
4 events,
JAZZ PLAYERS’ SUMMER SCHOOL FEATURING ALAN BARNES (SAX)
A serious yet relaxed week for jazz musicians who are able to play and read music to rehearsal band standard. Play a range of material from Swing to Bebop in small groups under the expert guidance of three of the UK's best jazz musicians. All prospective players must contact David before enrolling to ascertain instrument(s)
2 events,
JAZZ CONCERT
JAZZ CONCERT
A lively and engaging evening of mainstream jazz with David Black and players from our residential jazz course joined by very special guests saxophonist Alan Barnes and trumpeter Mark Armstrong. £15 (Bar open before and after concert) BOOK ONLINE: https://www.trybooking.com/uk/EKUK
3 events,
ARTIST LABORATORY
Over six days in the studio this mentored programme, centred on your own practice, will foster experimentation, enquiry, and artistic development. With Steve’s knowledgeable and considered support, and utilising individual and group discussions, you will be encouraged to respond open-mindedly to your own questions and ideas around your medium/media, conceptual approaches, and subject matter. Steve
FULLY BOOKED: BOTANICAL ART USING COLOURED PENCIL: CAPTURING THE GLORIOUS COLOURS OF SUMMER
Summer is a time of vibrant and exuberant colour in the gardens and countryside. Learn to imitate nature’s rich and varied palette exploring colour mixing and matching using coloured pencils. Observing nature’s details, you can produce a single study or create a composition of smaller subjects to record this colourful season. This course is suitable