ALSTON HALL - Lancashire County Council · 5 As well as lots of popular courses including weaving, and tutors returning to Alston Hall, we are also excited to announce some new courses

Course Brochure Spring / Summer 2015

ALSTON HALL

ah

Cookery

xxxx

2

xxxx

3

Welcome and introduction .................................................................... 4Creative crafts ....................................................................................... 6Creative writing and Literature ............................................................ 12Horticulture accredited courses .......................................................... 15General interest ................................................................................... 16Health, wellbeing and personal development ..................................... 24Sunday lunches ................................................................................... 30Humanities ........................................................................................... 32Gift vouchers ....................................................................................... 43Languages .......................................................................................... 44‘SpringWatch’ ...................................................................................... 48Mother’s Day afternoon teas ................................................................ 49Music ................................................................................................... 50Textiles ................................................................................................. 54Visual Arts ............................................................................................ 60Courses in date order .......................................................................... 66General information ............................................................................. 72Directions ............................................................................................ 74Map ..................................................................................................... 75

Welcom

e

Contents

Cookery4

Many of you will have visited Alston Hall before, while some of you will be coming to us for the first time. Whether you are a new or returning visitor we are sure that you will enjoy the wide range of courses that we have on offer.

With spring and summer ahead of us there’s a new feeling of freshness and vitality around Alston Hall at the moment.

This year we are being joined by some new tutors who will be bringing new skills, expertise and enthusiasm. They will be joining many of our well-respected tutors.

Welc

ome

Welcome

5

As well as lots of popular courses including weaving, and tutors returning to Alston Hall, we are also excited to announce some new courses such as wine tasting, drama audition techniques and Latin language courses. We have also invested in new equipment and resources for many of our courses.

We are so lucky to have such beautiful grounds at Alston Hall and to make the most of this we have extended the range of gardening courses we offer. With such stunning surroundings you are bound to find inspiration that you can use in your own garden.

Our residential summer school courses give you the opportunity

to spend a little more time with us, enjoying informative courses in the day while relaxing in the bar area and taking in the surroundings in the evening. This is the perfect chance to relax and get to know like-minded people.

Even if you are not studying, Alston Hall is a lovely place to be. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly which is perfect if you are attending a course or event on your own. We are happy to arrange accommodation for mini breaks and even longer.

We also have gift vouchers which would be the perfect present for that special someone who has everything.

To help you find your preferred topics, courses and events are listed in alphabetical order in the curriculum sections, with a full chronological list from page 66.

Once again we welcome you to Alston Hall and hope you enjoy your time with us. We’d love to hear what you think, so please send us your feedback to [email protected]

Lesley HinchcliffeBusiness manager

Welcom

e

Last minute learning opportunitiesIf you are looking for a course in February or March 2015, we still have spaces available on some of the courses from our previous programme. This is the perfect time of year to join a gardening course, develop your spring flower painting skills or learn some new fitness techniques. For a full list of the courses available, please visit www.alstonhall.com

Crea

tive C

rafts

6

“This is something I’ve wanted to do for

a long time and it was a beautiful day and a

glorious place!”

Beginning with encaustic wax Saturday 16 May 2015, 10am – 4pm

Come and try using beeswax to make attractive and unusual cards. This course will introduce you to encaustic art and show you how to use a variety of techniques to get different images. The tutor provides all the equipment and materials (materials cost £5). This is a chance

Creative Crafts

Creative Crafts

7

to have a day of fun experimenting with encaustic wax and go home with two completed cards and other pieces.

Cost: £61.50 Tutor: Sue Tyldesley

Encaustic art bagsWednesday 18 February 2015, 10am – 4pm

Come and make a unique small bag, as featured in ‘Stitch’ magazine, using encaustic waxed papers.

The course will take you through the process of making the papers to stitch using encaustic wax and then assembling these to provide an attractive and unusual surface to stitch on. Participants need to be competent at using their sewing machine for straight and zigzag stitching.

Cost: £55 Tutor: Sue Tyldesley

Experiment with wax, tissue and textileThursday 16 July 2015, 10am – 4pm

This course uses encaustic wax with tissue and textile to create textured surfaces for stitch or for cards.

Encaustic wax usually has a hard shiny appearance, but by using tissue you can alter this and create more subtle images and effects. Many of these pieces can be used for stitch or adapted to create unusual effects.

This course is intended for those who are familiar with encaustic wax and want to extend their techniques and also stitchers who are looking for new ideas.

Cost: £61.50 Tutor: Sue Tyldesley

Fantastic feltFriday 27 March 2015, 10am – 4pm

Felt making is a fun way to make large wall hangings using simple techniques. This course will introduce you to the process of felt making and discuss design and sources of inspiration. You will complete a small project which will be ready to take home by the end of the day. You will need to bring

Crea

tive C

rafts

8

two towels, a pair of sharp scissors and a box of your favourite threads, beads and buttons.

Cost: £61.50 Tutor: Lizzie Star

Felt cases for mobile phones, iPads or glasses

Saturday 4 July 2015, 10am – 4pm

This is a day to learn the 3D felt making technique, working around a plastic pattern to create a made to measure case for any of your electrical devices or reading glasses. As we are using the 3D technique there won’t be any sewing involved. We will also felt around a pebble that can be used as a paperweight or decoration.

Cost: £61.50 Tutor: Gill Ferguson

Four day ceramics workshop Monday 15 to Thursday 18 June 2015 (four linked days), 10am – 4pm

Suitable for complete beginners or those with some experience of working in ceramics. You will be introduced to various ceramic craft techniques including slab building, coiling, throwing and slip decoration techniques.

The tutor will demonstrate a range of skills and support you while you learn the basics, enabling you to move on to creating your own personalised work.

Cost: £261 Tutor: Carla Scott Technician: Lizzie Star Bed and breakfast available, please enquire at time of booking. Limited places available, please book early.

Honiton LaceFriday 24 to Sunday 26 July 2015

Beginners and experienced lace makers are invited to learn how to make Honiton lace, one of the most famous fine laces. Fillings, raised work and designing will be covered on this course. You can also bring along your lace to be identified by your tutor who is Keeper of Lace at Allhallows Museum.

Cost: Single en suite £276.50 Non resident £216.50 Tutor: Pat Perryman

Lacemaking for pleasure14 April 2015, 12 May 2015, 9 June 2015, 7 July 2015, 11 August 2015, 10am – 3pm

Suitable for beginners or more experienced lace makers delivered

Creative Crafts

9

in a workshop style. Beginners will be guided through the skills and techniques needed to produce small projects whilst experienced lace makers can bring along their choice of project and benefit from the tutor’s extensive knowledge of traditional and contemporary lace. If you are a beginner the tutor can provide everything you need for a small fee to enable you to try lace making.

Cost: £53 Tutor: Pat Bradford

Loom weavingSunday 6 to Friday 11 September 2015

This course develops skills and confidence in designing and weaving fabrics on table looms or rigid heddle looms. Tuition and support will be appropriate to each individual student, from complete beginner to experienced weaver. Students may wish to complete a full small project, work on a particular

weave structure or try weaving for the very first time. Cost: Single en suite £637.50 Non resident £487.50 Tutor: Jane Flanagan

Mosaics summer school – fragments of fantasy

Monday 3 August – Friday 7 August 2015

We will use fine vintage china, ‘found’ objects, glass and ceramic tesserae to name but a few. Ideas for your special piece could be a small garden table, bird bath (an old one that could be resurrected) or large garden pots.

Please email your ideas to: [email protected] before the course. The tutor will

bring a wide range of materials and tools. There will be a charge of £50 for materials, adjusted to allow for any items you bring that can be used.

Costs: Single en suite £573 Non resident £453 Tutor: Priscilla WheaterStarts with lunch on 3 August.

Shibori and indigo dyeing9 May 2015, 10am – 4pm

Shibori is the Japanese word for a variety of ways of embellishing textiles by shaping the cloth and securing it by different means before dyeing it. Rather than treating the cloth as a 2D surface we give it a 3D form by pleating, scrunching, twisting or plaiting it.

Cost: £61.50 Tutor: Gill Ferguson

Cookery

Crea

tive C

rafts

10

Silver jewellery for beginners Saturday 9 May 2015, 10am – 4pm, or Saturday 25 July 2015, 10am – 4pm

This course is aimed at total beginners, and will introduce you to a range of simple jewellery making techniques. This will enable you to utilise your own creativity and make beautiful individual jewellery to wear and enjoy. At the end of the day you will have a unique piece of jewellery to take home with you. Previous experience is not needed, all tools are provided and silver can be purchased on the course.

Cost: £62 Tutor: Angie Da Silva

Silversmithing summer school

Sunday 9 to Friday 14 August 2015

This is an intense five day course for those wishing to upgrade their silversmithing skills. This course is designed for those who want professional information regarding how silver and gold are hand wrought into larger items. The course consists of four modules – raising Brittania silver, soldering a warthog from wire, square box making and mustard pot construction.

Cost: Single en suite £675.50 Non resident £525.50 Tutor: Vincent AshworthThe single en suite cost includes full board, tuition and use of workshop. Costs do not include the precious metal costs which will be payable direct to the tutor during your stay.

Stained glass and Tiffany lampsTuesday 7 to Saturday 11 April 2015

Design and create your own stained glass project, guided by the tutor in all aspects of this craft. You can choose from the traditional leading method, the more modern copper foiling technique or make a Tiffany Lamp. Slides will be shown in the evenings illustrating both ancient and modern stained glass. All materials will be supplied by the tutor payable during the course. No previous experience is required.

Costs: Single en suite £562 Non resident £502 Tutor: Bill DaviesCourse starts with lunch at 1pm.

Creative Crafts

11

WoodcarvingFriday 28 to Sunday 30 August 2015

On this practical course learners will produce a hand carved object using hand tools and reference material where necessary. The course is suitable for all levels of experience and will be relaxed and friendly. There will be a small charge for materials supplied.

Costs: Single en suite £271.50 Non resident £211.50 Tutor: Sharon Littley

Crea

tive w

ritin

g and

Lite

ratu

re

12

“A fascinating insight”

Creative writing: producing new workTuesdays 21 April, 16 June and 18 August 2015, 11am – 4pm

This is a practical workshop in which writers of all levels are guided through a variety of writing exercises. Create characters, build stories and draw on your own experiences to draft new pieces which you can build on at home. Be prepared to surprise yourself.

Cost: £53 Tutor: Marian McCraith

Creative writing and Literature


13

Creative writing: the next stepTuesdays 19 May and 14 July 2015, 11am – 4pm

A course for those who want to develop their writing from early draft to a more crafted level. You need to bring an extract of your work and will receive feedback from other group members. This will help writers to develop by looking at the strengths and weaknesses in their work.

Cost: £53 Tutor: Marian McCraith

Creative writing summer school – writing fiction

Monday 10 to Thursday 13 August 2015

A mix of individual writing, one

to ones with the tutor, and group workshops for feedback and sharing ideas. There will be daily tutorials on aspects such as plot development, structure and how to use narrative time, plus plenty of motivational writing exercises to springboard ideas or develop an existing project.

Cost: Single en suite £402 Non resident £312 Tutor: Rosanna LeyStarts with afternoon tea at 4pm.

Literature

Alan Bennett and the audience: meeting the Queen

Tuesday 30 June to Thursday 2 July 2015

This light-hearted play-reading course will look at three famous pieces about the Queen. Alan Bennett’s ‘A Question of Attribution’

took Anthony Blunt, ‘fourth man’ and Keeper of the Queen’s Pictures as the focus for a play about fakes. Peter Morgan’s 2013 ‘The Audience’ used the Queen’s Tuesday audience with her Prime Ministers as a thought-provoking picture of a changing Britain. There will also be a showing of Helen Mirren’s award-winning performance as Her Majesty in ‘The Queen’.

Cost: Single en suite £271.50 Non resident £211.50 Tutor: Jackie Wilkin

Cookery

Crea

tive w

ritin

g and

Lite

ratu

re

14

Two poets: the life and work of W.H. Auden and Dylan Thomas

During these sessions we will examine the life and work of two major twentieth century poets W. H. Auden and Dylan Thomas. You can book onto one or both of the sessions.

Wednesday 15 April 2015, 10am – 12.30pm Wystan Hugh Auden born in England, later an American citizen, is regarded by many to be one of the greatest writers of the twentieth century. His work is noted for its central themes of love, politics, religion and morals.

Cost: £27.50 Tutor: Pam RobertsIncludes coffee, available at 9.30am. Sandwich lunch also provided.

Wednesday 15 April 2015, 1.30pm – 4pm

Dylan Thomas gained widespread popularity in his lifetime and died a premature death in New York. In his later life he acquired a reputation as a ‘roistering, drunken and doomed poet’.We will examine his background and focus particularly on his more well-known works including ‘Under Milk Wood’.

Cost: £24.50 Tutor: Pam RobertsIncludes coffee, available from 1pm and tea and cakes at 4pm.

Stay the whole day on 15 April for the special price of £49. World War One poetsWednesday 8 July 2015, 11am – 4pm

The session will examine poetry written during World War One with an emphasis on the life and

work of Wilfred Owen who was described by Philip Larkin as ‘an original and unforgettable poet … the spokesman of a deep and unaffected compassion’. His poetry retains its relevance and universal appeal. Other poets discussed include Sassoon, Hardy and Brooke.

Cost: £53 Tutor: Pam Roberts


15

Meet the tutors

New to

Alston Hall

In September we are excited to launch Alston Hall’s range of accredited courses in Horticulture. These include Level 1 City and Guilds Practical Horticulture Skills Award; Level 2 Practical Horticulture Skills Certificate and Level 1 Gardening.

These qualifications can be used for learners wishing to progress into employment or to the following City and Guilds qualifications: • Level 1 Work-based Horticulture • Level 2 Work-based Horticulture • Level 2 Horticulture.

HorticultureThe courses are perfect for those wishing to take the first steps on a career in Horticulture or those with a keen, enthusiastic interest and who would like accredited recognition.

Call us on 01772 784661 to find out more and to register your interest.

Gen

eral

inte

rest

16

Food and drink

Alston event: the taste of chocolate – past, present and future

Friday 20 March 2015, 1pm – 4pm

On this fascinating afternoon talk, discover the history of chocolate from the days of the Olmecs through to the present day and learn how the ‘world of chocolate’ is changing today. The session will include tastings of the many types of chocolate and demonstrations on simple chocolate making.

Cost: £39 Tutor: Lesley Woods Course ends with tea and cakes.

“I’ve just had a really enjoyable and valuable

learning experience”

General interest

General interest

17

Indian cookery with Ali AmlaFollowing on from previous Indian cookery demonstrations, Ali’s next series looks at more advanced dishes.

Each demonstration will include recipes, step by step demonstration and the opportunity to taste the freshly cooked Indian delights.

Saturday 25 April 2015, 10am – 1pm

Vegetable biryani – a mix of fresh vegetables and lentils spiced and cooked with rice.

Saturday 16 May 2015, 10am – 1pm

Saag aloo – a spinach and potato curry served with pitta bread.

Saturday 6 June 2015, 10am – 1pm

Butter chicken – a delicious creamy curry served with naan.


Serwa wali kawsai – a mildly spiced chicken and coconut milk curry served with spaghetti, a fusion of tastes and flavours.

Saturday 22 August 2015, 10am – 1pm

Khuri khitchri (kedgeree) – a traditional Guajarati Indian dish comprising a vegetarian yogurt curry served with kedgeree, lentils and rice.

Each session costs £33.25Includes coffee on arrival, the demonstration and tasting of food.

The world of wine, spirits and beers with Wouter Greven

All alcohol will be provided thus allowing learners to widen their experience and understanding. Spitting bowls will be provided on each course as Alston promotes ‘don’t drink and drive’. Learners must be legally and medically allowed to drink alcohol and a disclaimer will be required from each learner prior to the start of each course.

Sunday spirits with a difference! Sundays 26 April, 3 and 10 May, 10am – 4pm

This course covers the raw materials and production processes of whisky, brandy, rum, vodka, tequila, liqueurs and fruit spirits. It includes knowledge useful for those who work

Cookery

Gen

eral

inte

rest

18

in bar and cocktail services and for anyone as a general interest.

Cost: £235 Tutor: Wouter Greven

Weekend with Wouter: aperitifsFriday 21 to Sunday 23 August 2015

Taste aperitifs you are familiar with plus some you have not known before!

A quality range will be tasted from the classics of sherry and port, to bitters (not beers), anis based and wine based aperitifs. Full tasting notes are supplied. The tasting is structured, starting with appearance, moving on to the nose and finally assessing the palate.

Cost: Single en suite £318 Non resident £258 Tutor: Wouter Greven

Weekend with Wouter: continental beersFriday 29 to Sunday 31 May 2015

Explore the huge range of Belgian, German and American beers available in the UK. Through extensive tasting, learners will identify their preferences. The course covers beer production, the range of styles, products of micro-breweries, food and beer matching and raises awareness of beer as a

healthier, varied and interesting drink to accompany food.


Weekend with Wouter: wine appreciationFriday 22 to Sunday 24 May 2015

Taste over 42 wines, ranging from classics such as Burgundy and Bordeaux to new grape varieties from all over the world. Full tasting notes are supplied. The tasting is structured, starting with appearance, moving on to the nose and finally assessing the palate. Discuss influences on the style, quality and price of wine, food and wine matching, storage and service.


General interest

19

Gardening and Foraging

4 week allotment course Starts Wednesday 29 April 2015, then every Wednesday for 4 weeks, 11am to 4pm

On this four week course you will learn the theory alongside the practical skills needed for running a small allotment. This course is suitable for beginners/intermediate gardeners.

Cost: £190 Tutor: Hilary Warren

Being creative with shrubsSaturday 11 July 2015, 10am – 3.30pm

Look at a wide range of shrubs that provide colour, fragrance and variety

through the whole year and learn some key pruning and maintenance techniques to keep your shrubs looking their best.

Cost: £57.50 Tutor: Sue Jeffries

Getting the best out of herbaceous perennials

Saturday 18 April 2015, 10am – 3.30pm

Find out about a wide range of types of herbaceous perennials and learn how to use them to the best effect in your garden, including attracting interesting wildlife.

Cost: £57.50 Tutor: Sue Jeffries

Growing for the table in containers Thursday 11 June 2015, 10am – 1pm

No matter how small your garden or balcony, you can grow food in containers. This course advises on what to grow and the best way to grow it, including salad and vegetable varieties developed especially for growing in small containers.

Cost: £38.50 Tutor: Hilary WarrenCourse ends with sandwich lunch.

Herbal medicineFriday 12 June 2015, 10am – 4pm

How medicinal plants have been and still are used to treat illness. A brief introduction is followed by an extensive herb identification walk

Cookery

Gen

eral

inte

rest

20

when learners will collect a sample of medicinal herbs. The afternoon will be spent making herbal preparations, including tinctures, syrups, creams and ointments. Suitable for all experience levels but note that outdoor walking is involved.

Cost: £61.50 Tutor: Jesper Launder

Prepare to garden Saturday 14 March 2015, 10am – 1pm

Learn how to make your garden work for you, whether this is growing annuals, perennials, shrubs or food for the table. We will look at the location and orientation of your garden, what you need to do to prepare your soil, fertilizers, pH, and using the right tools and equipment for the job.


Prepare to growSaturday 21 March 2015, 10am – 1pm

Consider what you want to grow and how to grow it. This will include how to choose plants, sow different types of seed, plant out seedlings and established plants and how to care for your plants. There will also be a discussion about some of the equipment you will need for the job. Cost: £38.50 Tutor: Hilary WarrenCourse ends with sandwich lunch.

Propagation techniquesWednesday 10 June 2015, 10am – 1pm

Learn about different types of seed and how to sow them. You will also learn about vegetative propagation including great methods to use to increase your number of plants without much cost.


Wildflower and wildlife gardeningSaturday 8 August 2015, 10am – 3.30pm

Learn how to make your garden more bee, butterfly and insect friendly and start to use native wildflowers as part of your garden.

General interest

21

By building up your own sustainable eco-system, possibly featuring ponds and woodland, you will find that you will create a natural balance that reduces common pests and diseases and brings your garden to life with beneficial insects, birds and animals.

Cost: £60 Tutor: Sue JeffriesCourse fee includes materials.

Wild food day Friday 22 May 2015, 10am – 4pm

Learn about the fascinating world of wild food. You will find out about important wild foods and poisonous look-alikes, followed by outdoor foraging for edible leaves, shoots and spring time mushrooms. Finally we have an opportunity to cook up our finds in various ways and to sample the delights of wild food. Suitable for all levels of experience but please note

that some outdoor walking will be involved.

Cost: £61.50 Tutor: Jesper Launder

Winter buds Saturday 21 February 2015, 10am – 1pm

Look at winter buds, fallen leaves, fruit and seeds and how they can be used to identify some of the trees which are native to the area, and some which are more exotic.

Cost: £38.50 Tutor: Hilary Warren

Culture

Audition techniques with Ribcaged Productions – summer school

Monday 24 to Friday 28 August 2015 Ideal for anyone considering drama school or auditioning as a professional actor. Award winning Ribble Valley Theatre Company Ribcaged Productions will teach you vocal techniques and physical exercises and you will practice modern and classical speeches and rehearse scenes. Receive advice on selecting monologues and making an excellent first impression. The course culminates with mock auditions, where you will perform speeches, sight-read and present scene work.

Cost: Single en suite £557.50 Non resident £437.50 Tutor: Ribcaged ProductionsCourse begins at 10am on day 1 – bed and breakfast available Sunday 23 August if needed £36 per person single ensuite.

Cookery

Gen

eral

inte

rest

22

The cinema of John HustonFriday 8 to Sunday 10 May 2015

The son of celebrated actor Walter Huston, John Huston began his film career as a screen writer. His cinematic debut in 1941, a remake of Dashiell Hammett’s The Maltese Falcon, began a directorial career lasting 46 years. We will examine Huston’s career and consider his film legacy. A pre course brochure with details and criticism of the course films and will be sent to learners.

Cost: Single en suite £276.50 Non resident £216.50 Tutor: David Redfern

Starts with dinner at 7pm on 8 May and ends with lunch a 1pm on 10 May.

Taking better photographsSaturday 27 and Sunday 28 June 2015, 10am – 4pm, 2 linked days

For those with modest photographic skills and experience. This will cover planning what photographs to take, how to achieve good compositions, taking photographs and analysing the results.

The course will develop skills in using digital or film cameras to produce good photographs and also how to use Photoshop software to produce good quality images.

Digital cameras are preferable as rapid production of images aids discussion.

Cost: £123 Tutor: Steuart Kellington

General interest

23

Hea

lth, w

ellbe

ing a

nd p

erso

nal d

evelo

pmen

t

24

Body beautiful – healthy holisticsFriday 7 to Sunday 9 August 2015

This course will introduce you to the theory behind facials, manicures and pedicures with the opportunity to practise on each other. Holistic care will be covered on the second day, with an introduction to reflexology and holistic massage with the option to practise techniques. Due to the use of oils and products during this course a health screening form is required prior to the start. Ideally everyone is expected to practise on each other. Before the start of the

“The whole experience has been enjoyable and valuable”.

Health, wellbeing and personal development

Health, w

ellbeing and personal development

25

course we will let you know what items you will need to bring with you.

Cost: Single en suite £272.50 Non resident £212.50 Tutor: Donna SlaughterStarts with 3 course dinner on 7 August and ends with afternoon tea on 9 August.

This course is also offered as two single study days for those wishing to focus on a particular aspect of holistic beauty.

Saturday 2 May 2015, 9.30am – 4.30pm

Classic beauty: facials, manicure and pedicure.

Saturday 20 June 2015, 9.30am – 4.30pm Total relaxation: reflexology, Indian head massage, back and shoulder massage.

Cost: £70 a dayCoffee available on arrival, lunch provided, course ends with tea and cakes.

Holistic fitness – a toolkit for wellbeingSunday 10 May 2015, 10am – 4pm

What does it really mean to have wellbeing and what is holistic fitness?

Based on ancient healing principles of Chinese medicine and the exercise disciplines of Qigong and T’ai Chi, we will look at the interplay of the body-mind-heart spirit (emotions) as they relate to our environment, stress, sleep, the breath, movement and mindfulness.

This lively and thought provoking session will help you to not only understand, but cultivate holistic fitness and wellbeing. You will practise techniques which can be applied to your daily life.

Cost: £61.50 Tutor: Heather Henry-Reade

How to deal with stress in your lifeWednesday 15 April 2015, 1pm – 4pm

Would you like to learn simple ways to cope with stress in your life? Learn why we may suffer from stress and the key signs and symptoms to look out for. We will also explore ten practical strategies for dealing with stress in your life.

Cost: £34 Tutor: Kathryn WhitakerThe course ends with tea and cakes.

An introduction to mindfulness and meditation


Meditation offers a route to calmness

Cookery

Hea

lth, w

ellbe

ing a

nd p

erso

nal d

evelo

pmen

t

26

and relief from stress. Mindfulness helps us to observe our state of being at any time. Together the techniques can help us to calm the mind, think creatively and productively and to listen to our own inner wisdom. The session includes practical involvement in meditation and reflective practice. We will consider how we might apply the techniques to promote well-being for ourselves. No previous experience is necessary.

Cost: £61.50 Tutor: Margaret Walton

An introduction to neuro-linguistic programming

Sunday 12 April 2015, 10am – 4pm Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) has been described as a study of human subjective experience. We

will explore some of the principles of NLP which can provide us with ways to notice how we experience the world and how we acquire habitual patterns in our thinking and actions. NLP can also help us to make life changes, move forward and discover new possibilities for ourselves. The course will be mostly practical.


Introduction to philosophy and mindfulness


Mindfulness is very much in fashion but mindfulness as a therapy is rooted in ancient philosophy and a variety of wisdom traditions. You will have an opportunity to explore the historical background

and the philosophical ideas underpinning this latest approach to health and well-being. You will also be invited to try some mindfulness techniques.

Cost: £61.50 Tutor: Ken Townsend

Journaling for personal developmentSaturday 22 August 2015, 10am – 4pm

Keeping a journal has many positive benefits, helping with personal growth and development. It can be used for problem-solving and stress reduction and can improve mental and physical health.

We will practise journaling techniques and use them to explore aspects of our own experience.


Health, w


27

Looking after yourself with Marcia HenshawJoin one or all of these courses to increase your understanding of health and safety in your home, from food to first aid.

Safety at homeThursday 26 March 2015, 10am – 1pm

Look at food preparation, storage and cooking within the home and what to be aware of when out dining.

The safety theme is extended to health and safety within your home including lifting correctly, fire safety and a safety topic of your choice.

Cost: £38.50Lunch provided.

Watch your backThursday 16 April 2015, 10am – 1pm

Look at the physiology of our backs and why it is so important to ensure we lift correctly. Tasks that we take for granted such as lifting shopping bags, lifting children/grandchildren will be considered, discussed and an opportunity to practise the theory will be offered.

Cost: £38.50Lunch provided.

Homeopathic first aidThursday 14 May 2015, 11am – 4pm.

Homeopathy has been used for over 200 years and is a natural method of healing. It is a gentle approach to health and ideal for use in first aid situations. The course introduces homeopathy, the remedies used in a first aid situation and an opportunity

to select a number of remedies for their own first aid kit.

Cost: £53 Lunch provided.

Philosophy and mindfulness – follow on


This is a further opportunity to explore the philosophical ideas underpinning mindfulness practice. True philosophy has always been a practical affair and the wise in every tradition have been concerned to promote health and well-being through their teaching. Philosophy might well be called ‘reflective healing’ and you are invited to taste and see.

Tutor: Ken Townsend Cost £61.50

Cookery

Hea

lth, w

ellbe

ing a

nd p

erso

nal d

evelo

pmen

t

28

Philosophy at the moviesFriday 8 May 2015, 10am – 4pm

Philosophy’s main concern is to open our eyes to truth and the human condition; great films do exactly the same thing. Ken, the course tutor, has used films throughout his teaching career to communicate major philosophical ideas and he will present a taste of what the movies have done with philosophy.

Cost: £61.50 Tutor: Ken Townsend

Retirement planning coursesTuesday 17 February – Wednesday 18 February 2015 Tuesday 28 April – Wednesday 29 April 2015 Tuesday 30 June – Wednesday 1 July 2015

Two day pre-retirement courses.

This course provides an in depth look at retirement issues over two days.It is for anyone starting to consider their future retirement or opportunities for voluntary redundancy, enabling them to make informed decisions. In a safe environment you will be able to discuss hopes and fears and more practical concerns such as finances, health and wellbeing and explore new directions. Partners are particularly encouraged to attend and there is a reduced fee.Overnight accommodation is available and can be reserved at the time of booking your place on the

course - £36 per person single en suite.

Cost: £190

The sleep story – it will be fine in the morning

Sunday 15 March 2015, 1pm – 4pm

A comprehensive explanation of the role of sleep in relation to routines, mental health, nutrition and the use of technology giving practical tips and advice on creating a healthy attitude to sleep, not only for children but for the whole family. Of particular interest to parents, carers of infants, nursery nurses, grandparents and shift workers.

Cost: £34 Tutor: Patrick ReadeRefreshments provided, ends with tea and cakes.

Health, w


29

T’ai ChiSaturdays 25 April, 16 May and 4 July 2015, 11am – 4pm

This series of courses provides an introduction to T’ai Chi for beginners and an opportunity to progress through a sequence of forms for those learners beyond beginners’ level. T’ai Chi is accessible to all ages, and different levels can be accommodated as tuition is on a one to one or small group basis with emphasis on health and relaxation.

Cost: £53 Tutor: Anne Wells

T’ai Chi residentialFriday 5 June to Sunday 7 June 2015

This course provides an introduction to T’ai Chi for beginners or extends and deepens the knowledge of returning learners. The emphasis will be on health and relaxation

and the provision of a supportive atmosphere in which to discover more about T’ai Chi.

Costs: Single en suite £271.50 Non resident £211.50 Tutor: Anne Wells

Women and fashion

Colours to look your bestSaturday 27 June 2015, 10am – 4pm

How to harmonise your wardrobe and choose clothes of the right colours to suit you. Wearing colours that complement your overall colouring will give you confidence and bring variety into your wardrobe. Discover your best make up colours to complete the look. Cost: £61.50 Tutor: Judith Davitt

Styles to look your bestSunday 28 June 2015, 10am – 4pm

Find out how to choose clothes that make you feel more confident and comfortable and complement your face and body shape. Discover your style personality to develop a look that works for you. This course follows on from Colours to Look Your Best on Saturday 27 June 2015, but courses can also be attended as stand-alone sessions.

Cost: £61.50 Tutor: Judith Davitt

Inspiring womenSunday evening 1 March to Monday 2 March 2015

International Women’s Day takes place on 8 March. To celebrate the event, learners will discover some of

Cookery

Hea

lth, w

ellbe

ing a

nd p

erso

nal d

evelo

pmen

t

30

the most Inspiring Women in history and be uplifted, enlightened and empowered by their stories.

Cost: Single en suite £155 Non resident £125 Tutor: Viki Mason

Mother and daughter weekend awayFriday evening 1 May to Sunday 3 May 2015

This weekend course is a time for mothers and daughters to break from the routine of everyday life and relax, laugh and unwind together. Enjoy the beautiful grounds at Alston Hall and take part in a range of workshops. Feel rested and rejuvenated with a weekend where making memories together is the essence.

Cost: Single en suite £272 Non resident £212 Tutor: Viki Mason

Sunday lunches12 April and 3 May and 24 May 2015

Enjoy a superb 3 course lunch whilst relaxing in the beautiful surroundings. This is a wonderful occasion to get together with family and friends, so come and enjoy this special day in this special place.

Menu• Homemade soup of the day• Roast of the day with traditional

accompaniments• Alston pudding of the day• Vegetarian option will be available• Booking is essential - minimum booking

– table of four• Please check availability on

alternative dates – we may be able to accommodate you.

3 course lunch with coffee - £19.50 per person

Health, w


31

Hum

aniti

es

32

16th and 17th century botanical artWednesday 4 March 2015, 10am – 12.30pm

In the 1500’s, two landmark German publications marked the move towards illustrating plants from nature, replacing the centuries-old tradition of copying illustrations from ancient herbals. This session will

“A vivid account of life in the past ...a

thoroughly enjoyable course”

Humanities

Hum

anities

33

follow developments in botanical illustration during the 16th and 17th centuries and will look at the stories behind some of the lavish and expensive florilegia which illustrated the gardens of Europe’s wealthiest patrons.

Cost: £27.50 Tutor: Susan GleaveCoffee available at 9.30am, lecture finishes with a sandwich lunch.

18th and 19th century botanical explorers and artists

Wednesday 4 March 2015, 1.30pm – 4pm

During the 18th and 19th centuries, many new plants were being discovered as a result of increasing botanical exploration.

These plants were illustrated by artists who accompanied botanists

on their travels, often enduring appalling conditions. This session will follow developments in 18th and 19th century botanical illustration and will focus on some of the most fascinating plant hunting expeditions in history.

Cost: £24.50 Tutor: Susan GleaveCoffee available from 1pm, lecture finishes with tea and cakes at 4pm. Stay the whole day on 4 March for the special price of £49.

19th century social reformMonday 13 April 2015, 10am – 12.30pm

This morning’s session will explore the 19th century conditions of public health and education. Particular focus will be made of the contributions made by the Rochdale born doctor and Victorian

educational reformer Sir James Kay-Shuttleworth.

Cost: £27.50 Tutor: Susan GleaveCoffee available at 9.30am, lecture finishes with a sandwich lunch.

19th century realism in artMonday 13 April 2015, 1.30pm – 4pm

This afternoon we will look at the 19th century trend for realism in art and the depiction of social conditions, such as the painting ‘Work’ by Ford Maddox Brown.

Cost: £24.50 Tutor: Susan GleaveCoffee available from 1pm, lecture finishes with tea and cakes at 4pm.

Stay the whole day on 13 April for the special price of £49.

Cookery

Hum

aniti

es

34

Alfred Shaw’s photographs of old Preston

Friday 7 August 2015, 1pm – 4pm

Alfred Shaw (1874-1954) was a skilful photographer who took numerous photographs of Preston in 1911. The photographs give us a fascinating glimpse of Preston’s main streets, shops, residential properties, public buildings and parks, as well as the local townsfolk going about their daily life not long before the outbreak of World War One.

Cost: £34 Lecturer: Stephen SartinTalk starts with coffee at 12.30pm and ends with afternoon tea.

Alston event: London’s architectural heritage

Sunday 12 April 2015, afternoon lecture

This impressive slideshow takes learners on a journey through the Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian periods, visiting the spectacular buildings of the capital. Starting with the building of St Paul’s Cathedral (1675 – 1710) after the great fire of 1666, the virtual tour will include the impressive residential area of the West End, museums and art galleries, the Houses of Parliament, railway stations and hotels, grand office blocks of industry and commerce and major civil engineering works.

Cost: £18.50 Tutor: Colin DickinsonTalk starts with coffee at 2pm and ends with afternoon tea, including sandwiches.

The art of RembrandtFriday 15 May 2015, 1pm – 4pm

Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669) is one of the towering figures in Western art. His work conveys an intense sense of human experience and depth of feeling, which derives from a magical combination of Dutch realism, Italian theatrical expression and innovative use of light. This together with a unique handling of paint, set the scene for later generations of artists. This course will trace the origins and development of Rembrandt’s art through his paintings, drawings and prints, and place him in the context of other artists working at the time.

Cost: £34 Lecturer: Stephen SartinTea and coffee available at 12.30pm and ends with afternoon tea.

Hum

anities

35

Australia: landscapes and landscape painting

Thursday 30 April 2015, 11am – 4pm

The continent of Australia has some remarkable landscapes and an impressive, if relatively little known, tradition of landscape painting. This course explores those landscapes from Sydney to Perth and from Tasmania to Queensland.

Cost: £53 Tutor: Roger Mitchell

Alston event: Botswana wildlife safari and the Victoria Falls

Sunday 3 May 2015, starting with 3 course dinner at 6.30pm

In Botswana, we view the prolific wildlife in the Okavango delta enjoying close encounters with lion, leopard, cheetah, hippo and elephant in this beautiful area where the Okavango River brings life to the Kalahari Desert.

We also enjoy views of the spectacular Victoria Falls both on foot and from the air.

Cost: £27.50 Lecturers: Steuart and Anita Kellington

The British invasion of Madagascar (Operation Ironclad)

Friday 24 April 2015, 11am – 4pm

In May 1942, the British launched the biggest amphibious operation undertaken since the Gallipoli campaign of 1915. It’s objective was the capture of the strategic naval base at Diego Suarez on Madagascar. Controversially, this was an operation against a former ally and a non-belligerent nation. Draw your own conclusions about whether the operation was a success or necessary.

Cost: £53 Tutor: Cliff Lloyd

Cookery

Hum

aniti

es

36

The Desert War 1940 – 1943Friday 12 June 2015, 11am – 4pm

Havildar (Sergeant) Nila Kanten described the desert as “a miserable thing! I wondered why the hell we were fighting here.” For 3 years the Allied and Axis forces fought over a seeming wasteland. This course will explore how military commanders became legends, myths grew of courage or cowardice and warfare became ever more advanced.

Cost: £53 Tutor: Cliff Lloyd

Alston event: A first visit to the ‘Emerald Isle’

Sunday 24 May 2015, evening lecture

Join Malcolm Tranter on a motoring visit to rural Ireland and Dublin, including Trinity College and Dublin Castle.

We then cross the country to explore the scenic Ring of Kerry, the Ring of Bearra, Kenmare and its bay, Bantry House and gardens, Queenstown Titanic and Emigrant’s Museum and finally, back to the National Botanic Gardens in Dublin.

Cost: £27.50 Tutor: Malcolm TranterEvening starts with a 3 course dinner at 6.30pm.

Alston event: a geographer goes on holiday to the Grand Canyon and other national parksSunday 21 June 2015, evening lecture

The Grand Canyon is the world’s largest gorge and its immense chasm is a corridor through geological time.

We will also view other superb national parks including Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Capitol Reef and Canyon lands plus interesting places like Monument Valley, the rocky red backdrop of the Wild West.

Cost: £27.50 Lecturer: Mike Pearson Evening starts with a 3 course dinner at 6.30pm.

Hum

anities

37

History of Turkey: from Trojans to RomansFriday 13 to Sunday 15 March 2015

This exploration of the history of Turkey begins with a study of the Trojan War followed by an examination of the so called Dark Age at the dawn of the first millennium and the different kingdoms that emerged. Finally it examines the impact of the rise of the Empires of Persia, Greece and eventually Rome, all of which would seek control of this strategic land.

Costs: Single en suite £271.50 Non resident £211.50 Tutor: Michael Tunnicliffe

Alston event: Join the fire service and see the world

All 2pm – 4pm

Colin Cunliffe retired after 31 years as a Fire Fighter and Station Commander at Accrington Fire Station. Colin has worked and travelled to numerous countries at times of disaster, supporting fire service needs, carrying out training and humanitarian projects. Join Colin for his talks that touch on history, politics and geography with many personal, anecdotal stories both sad and humorous.

Sunday 17 May 2015

Join Colin as he shares his humorous, sometimes sad and reflective memories of 31 years as a Fire Officer here in Lancashire and beyond. Colin never imagined where his career would take him as he rose up the ranks to serve in Blackburn,

Preston, Euxton and Accrington; a career that would see him serving in some of the remotest, bleakest parts of the world.

Sunday 14 June 2015

Travel with Colin to Paraguay and reflect on the life of the Mennonites in the Chaco. Get to know the people he met there and still keeps in touch with. We then journey on to explore the Western Sahara, the refugee people forgotten by the rest of the world living in one of the most inhospitable and bleak parts of the world.

Sunday 26 July 2015

Hear Colin’s reflections on his time spent in St Helena. Contrast this with Colin’s time spent in Armenia, rescuing people from the devastating earthquake of 1988. Sunday 23 August 2015

In this session hear two inspiring stories. Colin will talk about an

Cookery

Hum

aniti

es

38

orphanage in Tanzania and its quest for pure water with a growing population of orphans. The second story is both tragic and uplifting with Colin talking about his experiences in Tuzla (Bosnia) following the ceasefire in 1995.

Cost: £18.50 per talkEnds with afternoon tea, including sandwiches.

London and its historic buildings and spaces: great London houses

Thursday 11 June 2015, 11am – 4pm

This course will consider town houses like Spencer House and Marlborough House, grand suburban villas like Chiswick House and Strawberry Hill and

country houses like Kenwood and Sion.


London and its historic buildings and spaces: great London squares

Thursday 16 July 2015, 11am – 4pm

London’s growth from 1600 – 1900 was phenomenal but the open, leafy squares like Berkeley Square and Grosvenor Square made it a pleasant place to live as long as you were rich – a fact that remains to this day.


London and its historic buildings and spaces: great London parks and gardens

Thursday 27 August 2015, 11am – 4pm

This course will consider the lost pleasure gardens of Georgian London like Vauxhall and Ranelagh, before moving on to discuss how the ‘lungs of London’, royal parks like St James’, Green, Hyde and Regents, provided a public open space and a setting for grand houses.

You will also discover how The Royal Palace of Kew developed into Kew Gardens, a centre of research as well as a place of beauty.


Hum

anities

39

The military history of the Second World War: summer school

Monday 20 to Friday 24 July 2015

This is a thought-provoking course designed to develop a critical understanding of the largest conflict in human history. The course will address the main campaigns of the war using inter-active lectures, discussions and site visits to local museums. Delegates are encouraged to draw their own critical conclusions on this fascinating period of history. Please note that one of the visits includes a site which has no disabled access.

Costs: Single en suite £620 Non resident £500 Tutor: Cliff LloydCourse starts at 9.30am on Monday 20 July, bed and breakfast available Sunday 19 July, £36 Single en suite.

Pop up toy theatresFriday 31 July to Sunday 2 August 2015

Toy theatres fascinated the Victorians and remain an instant attraction for all paper craft enthusiasts. We make 2 toy theatres: a tunnel book, in which scenery ‘layers’ are viewed through a proscenium arch and a ‘pull the lever’ theatre which is a hand operated mechanical device that enables the scenery ‘picture’ to be changed by moving levers. Learners of all levels are welcome.

Cost: Single en suite £271.50 Non resident £211.50 Tutor: Paul JohnsonStarts with 3 course dinner at 7pm on 31 July and ends with afternoon tea on 2 August.

Power of an ageWednesday 24 June 2015, 11am – 4pm

By the end of the 19th century, hydraulic power had made its debut in major engineering projects including London’s Tower Bridge in 1894 and Preston’s Dock of 1892. By the dawn of the 20th century, electrical power was being used throughout the towns and cities, especially in association with urban tramway systems. On this course, you will trace the development of these new forms of motive power.

Cost: £53 Tutor: Colin Dickinson

Reading landscapes: ice and water in the Ribble Valley

Wednesday 22 April 2015, 9.30am – 5pm

This excursion will follow parts of two GeoLancashire geotrails looking

Cookery

Hum

aniti

es

40

at the impact on landscape of glaciation and rivers and examining the local geology. In the morning, you will walk along the river fields from Hothersall Lane to Ribchester; the afternoon will be spent in Dinckley Gorge.

Cost: £80 Tutor: Keith Williams Includes coffee on arrival, transport from Alston Hall and tea and cakes on your return. You will need to bring your own packed lunch.

Reading landscapes: Silverdale – the limestone coast

Wednesday 20 May 2015, 9.30am – 5pm

The Silverdale coast is the only significant rocky shoreline in Lancashire. It offers excellent opportunities to examine the rocks and fossils, mineralisation and mining and the impact of

coastal erosion. The morning will be spent around Scout Crag and Jenny Brown’s Point while in the afternoon you will walk up the coast north of Silverdale.


Reading landscapes: rocks and man in Rossendale

Wednesday 17 June 2015, 9.30am – 5pm

Rossendale is all about gritstone. Firstly, you will visit Clough Head south of Oswaldtwisle Moor to examine the structural impact of the gritstone beds on the landscape. The afternoon will be spent at Lee quarry, where many features of the rocks can be seen along with the

methods of winning and dressing the stone.


Reading landscapes: hushing in Shedden Clough

Wednesday 8 July 2015, 9.30am – 5pm

Shedden Clough is one of a handful of places in Lancashire where ‘hushing’ has been used to extract rocks or minerals. It was limestone which was sought there and the course will consider how it got there in an area of gritstone rocks. You will also discuss how hushing worked, why it was employed and what happened to the rock once it was extracted.

Hum

anities

41


Scandinavian romantic painting ‘Spirit of the north’

Tuesday 18 August to Thursday 20 August 2015 Nordic art is almost unknown in Britain apart from Edvard Munch. Yet the pictures of the Golden Age of Nordic art in the late 19th century are dramatic, colourful and full of confidence and deserve much more attention. The course will look at depictions of fjord and forest, mountain and river, sun and snow, and the people, who are increasingly proud of their homeland.

Costs: Single en suite £271.50 Non resident £211.50 Tutor: Tim Stimson

A series of history talks with Tertia Dowdall

The history of the Grand NationalFriday 10 April 2015

The Grand National has been the high point of the National Hunt Season for 175 years. Run almost exclusively at Aintree racecourse this death defying feat of bravery traverses four miles and three furlongs and jumps 30 terrifying fences. Here we look at some of the great stories from this ever popular event and some of the characters (human and equine) who will be remembered forever in the annals of horse-racing history.

The theatres and cinemas of PrestonFriday 8 May 2015

Back in the 19th century there were venues galore for Preston’s theatre going public – 3 on Tithebarn Street alone. This session looks back at the famous and infamous characters that trod the boards, the architectural wonders of the theatres themselves and the changing roles they played as Hollywood came to town.

The residents of Winckley SquareFriday 5 June 2015

Behind the bustling shopping streets of Preston city centre lies a calm, reflective square that has its roots firmly set in the dark chaos of the Industrial Revolution. Take a virtual trip around Winckley Square and discover its hidden secrets, spectacular architecture and infamous residents.

Cookery

Hum

aniti

es

42

Preston’s lost buildingsFriday 3 July 2015

The Preston landscape has evolved and changed for a thousand years but none of the changes have been as drastic as those throughout the 20th century. Whole areas have been swept away to accommodate economic progress, areas that are fondly remembered by generations of Prestonians. We will look back at the buildings that were lost and at what now stands in their place and explore whether these changes have been a detriment or to the benefit of the city of Preston.

Kings and queens of EnglandFriday 14 August 2015

1,000 years of betrayals and beheadings. Through the medium of popular quizzes and games we will explore the fun side of being king or queen and the not so fun side

of being a subject. Which king did what and which queen was most bloodthirsty? You will learn how horrible history actually was.

Cost: £18.50Coffee is available at 1.30pm, all talks start at 2pm and end with full afternoon tea at 4pm.

Understanding the universe – 13.7 billion years in one day

Saturday 28 March 2015, 10am – 4pm

A brief history of man’s view of the heavens from ancient times, through to the discovery of the planets and their orbits. Consider how the skies are seen now, what to see with the naked eye and with binoculars and discuss recent explorations using satellites, space probes and modern telescopes. The course concludes with the search for life beyond the Earth. No prior knowledge needed.

Cost: £61.50 Tutor: Barrie Walters

Victorian art: town and country, romance and reality

Tuesday 21 to Thursday 23 April 2015

“God made the country but man made the town” was a view widely held in the Victorian period. This led to pictures of country idylls and sordid streets becoming popular. However, the visual legacy of this period is far more complex and the paintings, cartoons and photographs studied on this course contradict these simplistic views.

Costs: Single en suite £271.50 Non resident £211.50 Tutor: Tim StimsonStarts with 3 course dinner at 7pm on 21 April and ends with afternoon tea on 23 April.

Hum

anities

43

From mother’s day gifts to birthday presents for the man in your life, or a hard to buy for grandparent - Alston Hall vouchers are the perfect gift. With courses from arts and crafts to learning which fashion styles and colours suit you and from practical gardening courses to history talks. There really is something for everyone.

Available in £10, £25, £30 and £50.Terms and conditionsThe voucher must be claimed against a course featured in this brochure. Please quote the voucher reference when booking. The actual voucher must be presented on the day of the course. Vouchers can only be used once and refunds are not available if you cancel your place on the course. In the event of a course being cancelled by the organiser we will provide a replacement voucher. Courses are subject to availability.

Something special…for the person who has everythingGift Vouchers

43

Lang

uage

s

44

“Both tutors are first class communicators and work very hard”

Language weekends

French language weekend

Friday 15 May to Sunday 17 May 2015

German language weekend

Friday 27 March to Sunday 29 March 2015 Friday 3 July to Sunday 5 July 2015

Italian language weekend

Friday 10 July to Sunday 12 July 2015

Spanish language weekend

Friday 5 June to Sunday 7 June 2015

Languages

Languages

45

Language weekends are a wonderful opportunity to maintain your language skills and increase your confidence. The courses concentrate on conversation, communication and culture in the target language.

The weekends are delivered by a team of native speakers who are qualified teachers and have a wealth of experience in the classroom. They will make your experience fun, informative and challenging.

Our expert tutors will complement your language learning with cultural and historical information so that you are fully equipped when travelling to the country.

Important information about our language breaks

You will be contacted approximately three weeks prior to the start of the break to discuss your prior experiences of language learning and assess your current language level. This makes sure that you are

put into an appropriate group with learners of a similar ability.

Cost: Single en suite £285 Non resident £225

Amo, amas, amat and all that – beginners Latin

Saturday 27 June 2015, 10am – 4pm

This course provides an introduction to Latin and considers how the language has influenced our language today. Learn basic grammar and translation.

Cost: £61.50 Tutor: Mary Mitchell

Intermediate LatinSaturday 25 July 2015, 10am – 4pm

Build on your appreciation of Latin through exploration of the cultural similarities between Roman life and our life today. You will continue to develop your language skills.

Cost: £61.50 Tutor: Mary Mitchell

Introduction to Russian language and culture


This course is aimed at absolute beginners and will introduce you to the Russian language and culture.

Learn about Russian cuisine and then attempt some basic phrases

Cookery

Lang

uage

s

46

that would help when visiting Russia, such as ordering food and drink; asking for directions and giving personal information. After this course, you can progress on to Beginners Russian, which will look at these topics in greater detail.

Cost: £61.50 Tutor: Vera Grantham

Beginners RussianSaturday 18 July 2015, 10am – 4pm

This course will provide an introduction to the Russian alphabet. You will learn some essential basics of the language that will be needed when visiting Russia, such as ordering food and drink, asking for directions, giving personal information and recognising street signs.

Cost: £61.50 Tutor: Vera Grantham

Russian summer school

Monday 20 July to Friday 24 July 2015

The Russian summer school provides a rare opportunity to immerse yourself into Russian language and culture. The course will focus on communicating in Russian, consolidating aspects of the language you have learned so far and encouraging you to use your skills as much as possible throughout the course of the week. Tutors provide a variety of activities during the seminar sessions and encourage you to also use the language outside the sessions to help you to fully develop your skills.

Costs: Single en suite £590 Non resident £470Tutor: VariousBed and breakfast available on Sunday 19 July - £36 single en suite. Starts at 9.30am on Monday 20 July.

Talk the talk part 1: introduction to Chinese language


This workshop focuses on pronunciation. Using a variety of methods you will cover the basic vocabulary of numbers, greetings and family members.

There will be a discussion about the origin of Chinese characters and how to draw them following a few simple rules. By the end you should be able to pronounce Chinese words in Pinyin, count and write numbers 1-99 and speak some essential phrases with the help of a glossary. Cost: £61.50 Tutor: Yu Hong Zhang

Languages

47

Talk the talk part 2: introduction to Chinese language


This course is suitable for those who have completed part 1 or already have some prior knowledge of Chinese. The tutor will revisit pronunciation and introduce more vocabulary, including time words, names of animals, place names and some common verbs and adjectives. However, organising words into meaningful sentences is the emphasis. Learn to communicate in simple, written Chinese.

Cost: £61.50 Tutor: Yu Hong Zhang

Mee

t the

tuto

rs

Join our team of biology and ecology experts for Alston Hall’s very first ‘SpringWatch’.

The woodlands and wetlands around Alston Hall make it the ideal setting for this week full of events and courses celebrating Spring. Learning activities include ‘The Science of Spring’, ‘River walk – meet the stars of Spring’, ‘Birds, bats and boxes’, ‘Citizen Science’, ‘Dawn to dusk photography’ and family activities such as ‘Den building and storytelling’ and ‘Scavenger hunting’. The days will end round the camp fire for ‘Alston Unsprung’, an opportunity to listen to guest speakers and discuss the day’s events.

This is an event not to be missed!

Call us on 01772 784661 for a detailed timetable and to book your place. Residential options are available, please call for further information.

‘SpringWatch’ at Alston HallTuesday 26 May to Friday 29 May

48

Sunday 15 March 2015

49

£11.50 per person. Booking is essential.Bring your mum along and experience the tranquillity of Alston Hall. Book your own table and indulge your mum in an afternoon tea including sandwiches, homemade scones and cakes. Why not finish off the afternoon by taking a stroll around the beautiful grounds?

Afternoon teas also available on other dates – please check availability

Mother’s Day afternoon teas

Mus

ic

50

Music

“I have enjoyed excellent friendship,

tuition and hospitality”

British banjo, mandolin and guitar (BMG) federation summer schoolFriday 19 June to Sunday 21 June 2015

The British banjo, mandolin and guitar federation is returning to Alston Hall for their annual summer school. Non-members are welcome to enrol. For all enquiries about these courses please contact BMG federation co-ordinator Henry Girvan email: [email protected] or tel: 01592 630374.

Music

51

Classic finger-style 5-string banjoThis course is suitable for beginners who have a good basic knowledge of the instrument and ability to read music, as well as more experienced players. It will cover all main aspects of finger-style banjo playing with an emphasis on interpretation, technical development, fingering, sight reading, practice methods and ensemble playing.

Tutor: Elias Sibley

Baroque mandolin with guitar accompaniment

This course is for intermediate and advanced players who can read music. There will be a focus on repertoire, technique, style, interpretation and understanding of harmony. The music studied will

be sonatas by Scarlatti, Gervasio, Corette and Variations by Bortolazzi.There is an additional cost of £30 (£20 for federation members) for sheet music which is payable separately to the BMG federation.

Tutor: Frances Taylor

Long Ridge Ramblers string bandThis course brings Appalachia to Lancashire with an exploration of American Old-Time Music using mixed instruments.

All players of stringed instruments at any level can join in and contribute to the creation of a Hillbilly string band.

Cost: Single en suite £235 Non resident £175 Tutor: Nigel GathererStarts with dinner at 7pm on 19 June and ends with afternoon tea on 21 June.

Chamber music summer school

Monday 27 to Friday 31 July 2015

The chamber music summer school is for strings and piano and will explore the colourful world of nineteenth and twentieth century Russian chamber music.

We will study Tchaikowsky, Borodin, Arensky, Shostakovich and many more. Applications are invited from preformed groups and individuals with previous chamber music experience. Previous chamber music or orchestral experience is an advantage and Grade 6 is a minimum requirement. The tutors will be Louise Latham, Stephen Threlfall and Kath Uren.

Cost: Single en suite £560 Non resident £440 Facilitator: Louise LathamCourse starts with afternoon tea.

Cookery

Mus

ic

52

Chamber music workshopMonday 15 to Tuesday 16 June 2015

This course is a chance for experienced players to enjoy 2 days of intense study with professional tutor Louise Latham. Applications should be from preformed groups who should choose 2 works for special study.

Cost: Single en suite £215 Non resident £185Tutor: Louise Latham

Easter chamber musicMonday 30 March to Thursday 2 April 2015

With strings, wind and piano, the whole chamber music repertoire is at our disposal. Students may apply as preformed groups or as individual players. Preformed groups may

choose their own repertoire for study. Individual players will be organised into groups which will be changed to give a lot of repertoire experience. Good sight reading skills are essential. Tutors will be Louise Latham (violin), Heather Bills (cello), Laurence Perkins (bassoon).

Costs: Single en suite £365 Non resident £275 Facilitator: Louise LathamCourse starts with afternoon tea at 4pm.

The piano concerto and the string quartetFriday 21 to Sunday 23 August 2015

This new course will contrast a type of concerto with a much-loved form of chamber music. Through this comparison we will encounter a great wealth of instrumental music, from the grandiose Romantic piano concertos of the 19th century to the more intimate offerings of the string

quartet repertoire. Composers will include Mozart, Mendelssohn, Ravel and Tchaikovsky.

Costs: Single en suite £271.50 Non resident £211.50Tutor: Christopher RodwellStarts with 3 course dinner at 7pm on 21 August and ends with afternoon tea on 23 August.

Music

53

Music appreciation

Masters of the English symphonyWednesday 15 to Friday 17 July 2015

This course provides an overview of the symphonies of Elgar, Vaughan Williams and Walton. We will consider the parts played by Sullivan, Parry and Stanford before examining Elgar’s 2nd, Vaughan Williams’s 5th and Walton’s 1st in greater detail.

Cost: Single en suite £271.50 Non resident £211.50 Tutor: Ian France

The 10 best ‘places’ to be in Verdi operaThursday 4 June 2015, 11am – 4pm

This course will dip into the invigorating world of Italian opera with a whistle-stop tour of the highlights from Verdi’s mature operas and an excerpt from Verdi’s Requiem. You are guaranteed to go out singing!

Cost: £53Tutor: Ian France

The 10 best ‘places’ to be in a Wagner operaThursday 9 April 2015, 11am – 4pm

This course starts with a general introduction to Wagner’s music, which will open up a larger-than-life world, filled with memorable characters and epic stories. We will listen to excerpts from each of his mature operas before going on to discuss what is familiar and what is not, to enable us to build a picture of Wagner’s world.

Cost: £53Tutor: Ian France

The Ring in a weekendFriday 12 to Sunday 14 June 2015

This course considers all four of the epic operas forming Wagner’s Ring. Power, deception, wisdom, innocence, lust, greed, revenge and murder all feature plus redemptive love, represented by Brunnhilde, one of Wagner’s most inspiring characters.

Cost: Single en suite £271.50 Non resident £211.50Tutor: Ian FranceStarts with 3 course dinner at 7pm on 12 June and ends with afternoon tea on 14 June.

Text

iles

54

Bespoke butterfliesTuesday 14 April 2015, 10am – 4pm

Using an inspirational book full of colour photos of a wide variety of butterflies, we will create a selection of layered organza butterflies with free motion embroidery, beading and sequin detail. These can be mounted in a frame or used as a brooch or accessory detail.

Cost: £61.50 Tutor: Hilary McCumiskey

Bluebell woodTuesday 24 March 2015, 10am – 4pm

Using the ‘transfer dye’ technique

“Right pace and right mixture of demonstration

and independent time.”

Textiles

Textiles

55

we will create a printed background which will be embellished using hand embroidery, beading and free motion machine quilting, to create a three dimensional image of a bluebell wood.


Creative digital manipulation for textiles 1

Saturday 20 June and Sunday 21 June 2015, 10am – 4pm, 2 linked days

On this course you will be using your own digital photographs to create a set of new designs using Photoshop Elements. You will explore the use of layers, filters and bend modes, move unwanted areas, change colours, and overlay more than one image and learn how to adjust settings. Some images will be printed on fabric

and hand stitched if time permits.

Cost: £123 Tutor: Anne Christy

Creative digital manipulation for textiles 2

Tuesday 18 August and Wednesday 19 August 2015, 10am – 4pm, 2 linked days

On this course you will be using your own digital photographs to create a set of new designs using Photoshop Elements. You will convert colour images to black and white, add colour to black and white, create interesting textures, arrange and frame photos, add text and fade out areas to create a worn look. Some images will be printed on fabric and hand stitched if time permits.

Cost: £123 Tutor: Anne Christy

Drawing with the machine needleFriday 28 to Sunday 30 August 2015

Produce stunning pictures by using your sewing machine and coloured threads in new and creative ways.

The step-by-step instructions enable you to draw using the thread as if it were your ink and the needle as your pen. Following a demonstration by the tutor, you will go on to use this technique to ‘draw’ your own designs and to use coloured threads in unusually creative ways.

It is important that you can already use your machine, which you need to bring with you, and that it is equipped with a ‘darning foot’ which facilitates this kind of work without unnecessary problems.

Costs: Single en suite £265.50 Non resident £205.50 Tutor: Richard Box

Cookery

Text

iles

56

Exotic flowersTuesday 7 July 2015, 10am – 4pm

Using an inspirational book full of colour photos of a wide variety of exotic flowers, we will create a selection of layered organza flowers using free motion machine embroidery with sequin, beading and a hand sewn detail. These can be mounted in a frame or used as a brooch or accessory detail.


Indian inspirationsTuesday 12 May 2015, 10am – 4pm

Learners will create a mixed media textile appliquéd panel copied from a photograph using silks, braids, beads, sequins and a ‘shisha’ embellishment. The panels will be created using both machine

and hand embroidery.


Japanese embroideryFriday 3 to Sunday 5 July 2015

This course caters for all levels of experience. For those who are new to Japanese silk thread, we will provide an opportunity to discover the beauty of pure Japanese silk. You will learn the basic techniques of Japanese embroidery and stitch a traditional design featuring cherry blossoms, chrysanthemums and water. Experienced embroiderers can select a piece to work on from the design book and become more expressive and stitch sophisticated pieces. Guidance is offered to suit each learner’s needs.

Costs: Single en suite £271.50 Non resident £211.50 Tutor: Midori Matsushima

Lady Di’s gown: a piece of historyTuesday 9 June 2015, 10am – 4pm

Using the fully illustrated programme from the famous charity sale of the dresses of Lady Diana, former Princess of Wales, learners will create a small sample panel, copying the exquisite beading, couching and hand sewn detail used to embellish these fabulous garments. The finished item can be presented in a box frame.


Textiles

57

Dimensional organza flowers Friday 5 June 2015, 10pm – 4pm

Create dimensional and layered flowers using free motion embroidery, layers of organza, water soluble film and a soldering iron. Learn how to assemble them together using wire work and beads to make stunning brooches, raised elegant quilt toppers or ornamental decorative structures.

Cost: £61.50 Tutor: Kathleen Laurel Sage

Machine embroidered and quilted zen tangling

Friday 5 to Sunday 7 June 2015

Zen tangling is a fun way of doodling

with your sewing machine. Learn to create simple or intricate designs filled with continuous lines of pattern. This course is for those who already have knowledge of free motion machine embroidery or quilting. You will learn how to mark out the designs, free motion stitch and quilt them before applying colour and beads to make a hanging.

Cost: Single en suite £266 Non resident £206 Tutor: Kathleen Laurel Sage

Mixed media workshop: gardens and birds

Saturday 22 August 2015, 10am – 4pm

Explore how to create a mixed media collage using gardens and birds as inspiration. You will create a variety of experimental papers using mixed media techniques and experiment

with the process of assembling your collage using hand and machine stitch to create a finished image. No previous sewing experience is needed. If you have a sewing machine please feel free to bring it.

Cost: £61.50 Tutor: Priscilla Jones

Sewing and patchwork days This series of courses is suitable for beginners or improvers. There will be a choice of projects including cushions, bags, purses, book covers, small wall hangings. Each learner will choose which project they wish to continue through to completion on any of the subsequent course dates. There will be opportunities to learn different techniques, both by hand and machine. Nicola will demonstrate a different subject on each course date. Students can choose to join in with that subject or continue working on the project they started earlier.

Cookery

Text

iles

58

Learn how to do crazy patchworkWednesday 15 April 2015, 10am – 4pm

Crazy patchwork can be done by hand or sewing machine using scraps of fabric. It will then be decorated by adding lovely stitches, lace, buttons, beads or other decorations of your choosing. Your finished piece could be made into a cushion panel, book cover or purse on the June or July class.

Cost: £61.50 Tutor: Nicola Hulme

Get to know your sewing machine betterWednesday 13 May 2015, 10am – 4pm

This course will provide lots of tips about tension, threads and needles.

Learn about the decorative stitches on your machine and how to use them. Make a lovely panel that can be made into a cushion or purse on the June or July class.


Holiday pursesWednesday 10 June 2015, 10am – 4pm

This course should provide enough time for you to make one or two new purses in lovely fabrics. A choice of designs will be offered which will have decoration, pockets and zips.


Applique cushionWednesday 8 July 2015, 10am – 4pm

Learn how to do invisible, raw edge and satin stitch applique in the making of your cushion panel. Add some lovely trim and buttons to complete the look. There will be lots of tips for a professional finish including how to insert a zip.


Hand stitch ‘autumn berries’Wednesday 12 August 2015, 10am – 4pm

Learn how to make wired leaves, autumn currants and beaded blackberries in stumpwork (raised embroidery) so that you can create an impressive ‘autumn berries’ design.


Textiles

59

Sketchbook and journal makingWednesday 8 April 2015, 10am – 4pm

Spend the day learning how to create scrap-books and journals out of your old fabrics, scrap paper/card and haberdashery. This is a great way to experiment with techniques such a stitch, collage and surface decoration to make something that is personal to you. No experience necessary just bring enthusiasm.

Cost: £61.50 Tutor: Priscilla Jones

Surface design printmaking – six week course

Starts Thursday 26 February 2015, then every Thursday for six weeks, 9.30am – 12 noon

On this creative course you will try graffiti spraying, marbling, Indian woodblock printing, dyeing materials and painterly silkscreen. You will become confident in mixing colours and making designs and you will complete a printed calico bag, scarf or bandana.

Cost: £128Tutor: Susie KnowlesPlease note: no refreshments are provided on this course, but will be available to purchase.

Summer time seaside beach hutsThursday 4 June 2015, 10pm – 4pm

This is a great class for everyone, covering mixed media, machine and hand work. Pick fabrics suggesting sea and shoreline to create an interesting background to display your beech huts modelled from clay.

Cost: £61.50 Tutor: Kathleen Laurel Sage

Tantalising tray dyeingWednesday 6 May 2015, 10am – 4pm

Learn the techniques involved in tray dyeing which produces varied and wonderful effects on natural materials. We will also experiment with decolourant stamping.Their will be a material cost of approximately £15 payable to the tutor for the use of dyes and decolourants, one un-dyed silk scarf and a pre tray dyed silk scarf.

Cost: £70 Tutor: Sue Chisnall Sumner

Visu

al A

rts

60

Artists development – summer school

Sunday 19 to Friday 24 July 2015

This exciting series of specialist daily workshops explores current best practice which anticipates the following day’s practical studio activity. Landscape sketching techniques and working with professional models are included on this course. Considerable

“One of the best courses I have been

on due to the tutor’s extensive knowledge

and method of presentation”.

Visual Arts

Visual Arts

61

technical guidance and advice is provided. Superb for complete beginners and important for more experienced artists seeking personal development.

Costs: Single en suite £690.50 Non resident £540.50Tutor: Dr Patrick Oates

The following public evening lectures form the evening sessions of the above and are included in the cost for students but are also open to those not attending the summer school.

Twentieth century artists of landscapeSunday 19 July 2015

Including Piper, Ravillious, Nicholson, Nash and Hilder.

Historical and contemporary figure drawing

Monday 20 July 2015

Examining artists of exceptional style and vision in figurative drawing from Schiele to Hockney and Kitaj.

Historical and contemporary portraiture

Tuesday 21 July 2015

Admiring painted works from Sergeant to Lauren Knight and Lucian Freud.

Painted composition of exceptional still lifeWednesday 22 July 2015

Appreciating works of botanical illustration and the quiet elegance of still life. Works from Hedegus to Cezanne and the later 20th century.

Revealing the enigmas of ‘abstraction in fine art’

Thursday 23 July 2015

The complexities of abstraction have a profound philosophical sensibility individual to each artist. These concepts can be explained to bring them into a fuller understanding and appreciation.

Cost: Each lecture costs £27.50 All lectures start with 3 course dinner at 7pm (except Sunday at 6.30pm) and end approximately 9.30pm.

Cookery

Visu

al A

rts

62

Art days

Soft pastelsFriday 17 April 2015, 10am – 4pm

Explore a variety of soft pastel painting and drawing techniques creating a range of effects. During the day we will create landscape and still life images. There will be demonstrations and one to one help throughout. This workshop is suitable for beginners and learners with some practical art experience.

Cost £61.50 Tutor: Graham Lowe

Mixed media painting dayFriday 15 May 2015, 10am – 4pm

You will have the opportunity to combine and experiment with

a variety of art materials and techniques to produce exciting and innovative artwork. There will be demonstrations and one to one help throughout. This workshop is suitable for beginners and learners with some practical art experience.


Portraits in acrylicFriday 19 June 2015, 10am – 4pm

Learn how to draw and paint the head in proportion and from different angles. You will be shown the work of contemporary portrait painters and their approach will be discussed and demonstrated. There will be one to one help throughout. This workshop is suitable for beginners and learners with some practical art experience.


Acrylic painting for beginnersFriday 24 July to Sunday 26 July 2015

This 6 week course will explore the basic painting approaches, along with advice on all the materials you can use with acrylic paint. Lessons will cover portraiture, landscape, colour theory, tone, impasto techniques and watercolour techniques. This course is suitable for those who are new to painting, or for existing painters wishing to try acrylics.

Cost: Single en suite £265 Non resident £205 Tutor: Chris Hart

Visual Arts

63

Bright organics – colour and design from natural forms

Tuesday 17 March 2015, 10am – 4pm

Fruit and vegetables are a colourful subject matter for drawing. This workshop revives an awareness of pattern, colour relationships and the overall design of a piece of work.

Cost: £61.50 Tutor: Caroline JohnsonStarts with afternoon tea on Monday 3 August.

Calligraphy summer school – let’s twist again

Monday 3 to Friday 7 August 2015

This is a course on manipulation in

calligraphy, using different nibs and tools, including chisel brush. We’ll undertake a series of exercises to exploit flexibility in nibs and brush, taking exploratory exercises through to small finished pieces of work. This course is suitable for anyone past the beginning stage.

Costs: Single en suite £535 Non resident £415 Tutor: Jilly Hazeldine

IllustrationFriday 5, 12, 19, 26 June, 3 and 10 July 2015, 1pm – 3pm

Ever sought to inject some meaning into your work? Do you want your paintings and drawings to communicate something?

This 6 week course will delve into the world of illustration and conceptual idea generation as we follow initial ideas through to the finished piece. This course will be a mixture of theory, practical drawing and painting. It is suitable for any level/experience, but will require basic reading skills.

Cost: £102 Tutor: Chris HartPlease note no refreshments are provided on this course, but will be available to buy.

Cookery

Visu

al A

rts

64

One summer’s day – sketchbooksSaturday 13 June 2015, 10am – 4pm

As an official ‘Urban Sketchers’ correspondent, Caroline Johnson knows it is daunting starting and keeping a regular sketchbook.Be motivated and inspired by the use of different materials and new approaches and ways of seeing, resulting in a lively record of your day.

Cost: £61.50 Tutor: Caroline Johnson

Ribble Valley landscapes in acrylicsSaturday 7 March and Sunday 8 March 2015, 10am – 4pm

This course will cater for all abilities and will draw inspiration from the

beautiful spring landscape of the South Ribble Valley around Alston Hall. You will plan, prepare and execute your own unique landscape painting using acrylics on canvas.

Cost: £123 Tutor: Rob EdmondsonBed and breakfast may be available to link the two days - £36 single en suite. Evening meal £19.50.

Seasonal fruits, vegetables or flowers in pencil

Wednesday 20 to Thursday 21 May 2015

During the course there will be an opportunity to learn how to improve your observational skills and explore in detail the texture and tone of your subject in a relaxed atmosphere. The course is suitable for all levels of experience, but some ability to draw from still life is useful.

Cost: £215 Tutor: Julie SmallCourse starts at 10am on the first day – coffee available from 9.30am.

Sketch your world Tuesday 14 April 2015 for 6 weeks, 7pm – 9pm

Join artist Caroline Johnson, who is Manchester’s official Urban Sketcher, to discover the creative possibilities of you sketching on location.

This course of six lively evening workshops will aid motivation, encourage your self-expression and help you to record your visual memories in a highly personal, vivid way.

Cost: £115 Tutor: Caroline Johnson

Visual Arts

65

The art room in summer – summer school

Monday 10 to Friday 14 August 2015

This exciting, well-structured course suits all level of ability and individual needs. You’ll develop your drawing and painting skills, discover new materials and techniques, and see things anew. Be inspired by your surroundings and immerse yourself for days on end in all things artful, among like-minded people.

Cost: Single en suite £535 Non resident £415 Tutor: Caroline Johnson

The gourmet botanical artist – using coloured pencils

Friday 31 July to Monday 3 August 2015

Use this season’s edible plant offerings to create a tasty piece of botanical artwork. From fruits, vegetables, salad crops and herbs through to edible flowers, the choice is yours. There will be an opportunity to try out lots of different coloured pencil types, with instruction on how to build vibrant and intense colour as well as create restrained hues. For those with more experience it will be a chance to develop your techniques and colour handling. You can develop at your own pace with lots of individual attention.

Cost: Single en suite £430 Non resident £340 Tutor: Susan Christopher Coulson Course starts at with lunch at 1pm.

Cookery66

17 February 2015 Retirement planning courses - 2818 February 2015 Encaustic art bags Sue Tyldesley 621 February 2015 Winter buds Hilary Warren 2126 February 2015 Surface design printmaking – six week course Susie Knowles 591 March 2015 Inspiring women Viki Mason 294 March 2015 16th and 17th century botanical art Susan Gleave 324 March 2015 18th and 19th century botanical explorers and artists Susan Gleave 337 March 2015 Ribble Valley landscapes in acrylics Rob Edmondson 6413 March 2015 History of Turkey: from Trojans to Romans Michael Tunnicliffe 3714 March 2015 Prepare to garden Hilary Warren 2015 March 2015 The sleep story – it will be fine in the morning Patrick Reade 2817 March 2015 Bright organics – colour and design from natural forms Caroline Johnson 6320 March 2015 Alston event: the taste of chocolate – past, present and future Lesley Woods 1621 March 2015 Prepare to grow Hilary Warren 2024 March 2015 Bluebell wood Hilary McCumiskey 5426 March 2015 Safety at home Marcia Henshaw 2727 March 2015 Fantastic felt Lizzie Star 727 March 2015 German language weekend - 4428 March 2015 Understanding the universe – 13.7 billion years in one day Barrie Walters 4230 March 2015 Easter chamber music Louise Latham 527 April 2015 Stained glass and Tiffany lamps Bill Davies 108 April 2015 Sketchbook and journal making Priscilla Jones 599 April 2015 The 10 best ‘places’ to be in a Wagner opera Ian France 5310 April 2015 The history of the Grand National Tertia Dowdall 4112 April 2015 Alston event: London’s architectural heritage Colin Dickinson 3412 April 2015 An introduction to neuro-linguistic programming Margaret Walton 2613 April 2015 19th century social reform Susan Gleave 33

Date order course listD

ate o

rder

cour

se li

st

67

13 April 2015 19th century realism in art Susan Gleave 3314 April 2015 Lacemaking for pleasure Pat Bradford 814 April 2015 Sketch your world Caroline Johnson 6414 April 2015 Bespoke butterflies Hilary McCumiskey 5415 April 2015 Two poets: the life and work of W.H. Auden and Dylan Thomas Pam Roberts 1415 April 2015 Learn how to do crazy patchwork Nicola Hulme 5815 April 2015 How to deal with stress in your life Kathryn Whitaker 2516 April 2015 Watch your back Marcia Henshaw 2717 April 2015 Soft pastels Graham Lowe 6218 April 2015 Getting the best out of herbaceous perennials Sue Jeffries 1921 April 2015 Creative writing: producing new work Marian McCraith 1221 April 2015 Victorian art: town and country, romance and reality Tim Stimson 4222 April 2015 Reading landscapes: ice and water in the Ribble Valley Keith Williams 3924 April 2015 The British invasion of Madagascar (Operation Ironclad) Cliff Lloyd 3525 April 2015 Introduction to Russian language and culture Vera Grantham 4525 April 2015 Introduction to philosophy and mindfulness Ken Townsend 2625 April 2015 T’ai Chi Anne Wells 2925 April 2015 Indian cookery with Ali Amla Ali Amla 1726 April 2015 Sunday spirits with a difference! Wouter Greven 1729 April 2015 4 week allotment course Hilary Warren 1930 April 2015 Australia: landscapes and landscape painting Roger Mitchell 351 May 2015 Mother and daughter weekend away Viki Mason 303 May 2015 Alston event: Botswana wildlife safari and the Victoria Falls Steuart and Anita Kellington 356 May 2015 Tantalising tray dyeing Sue Chisnall Sumner 598 May 2015 The theatres and cinemas of Preston Tertia Dowdall 418 May 2015 Philosophy at the movies Ken Townsend 288 May 2015 The cinema of John Huston David Redfern 229 May 2015 Shibori and indigo dyeing Gill Ferguson 99 May 2015 Silver jewellery for beginners Angie Da Silva 10

Date order course list

Cookery

xxxx

68

9 May 2015 Talk the talk part 1: introduction to Chinese language Yu Hong Zhang 469 May 2015 An introduction to mindfulness and meditation Margaret Walton 2510 May 2015 Holistic fitness – a toolkit for wellbeing Heather Henry-Reade 2512 May 2015 Indian inspirations Hilary McCumiskey 5613 May 2015 Get to know your sewing machine better Nicola Hulme 5814 May 2015 Homeopathic first aid Marcia Henshaw 2715 May 2015 The art of Rembrandt Stephen Sartin 3415 May 2015 French language weekend - 4415 May 2015 Mixed media painting day Graham Lowe 6216 May 2015 Beginning with encaustic wax Sue Tyldesley 616 May 2015 Philosophy and mindfulness – follow on Ken Townsend 2717 May 2015 Alston event: Join the fire service and see the world Colin Cunliffe 3719 May 2015 Creative writing: the next step Marian McCraith 1320 May 2015 Reading landscapes: Silverdale – the limestone coast Keith Williams 4020 May 2015 Seasonal fruits, vegetables or flowers in pencil Julie Small 6422 May 2015 Weekend with Wouter: wine appreciation Wouter Greven 1822 May 2015 Wild food day Jesper Launder 2124 May 2015 Alston event: A first visit to the ‘Emerald Isle’ Malcolm Tranter 3629 May 2015 Weekend with Wouter: continental beers Wouter Greven 184 June 2015 The 10 best ‘places’ to be in Verdi opera Ian France 534 June 2015 Summer time seaside beach huts Kathleen Laurel Sage 595 June 2015 Four day ceramics workshop Carla Scott 85 June 2015 The residents of Winckley Square Tertia Dowdall 415 June 2015 Spanish language weekend - 445 June 2015 Illustration Chris Hart 635 June 2015 Dimensional organza flowers Kathleen Laurel Sage 575 June 2015 Machine embroidered and quilted zen tangling Kathleen Laurel Sage 575 June 2015 T’ai Chi residential Anne Wells 299 June 2015 Lady Di’s gown: a piece of history Hilary McCumiskey 5610 June 2015 Holiday purses Nicola Hulme 58

Dat

e ord

er co

urse

list

xxxx

69

10 June 2015 Propagation techniques Hilary Warren 2011 June 2015 London and its historic buildings and spaces: great London houses Roger Mitchell 3811 June 2015 Growing for the table in containers Hilary Warren 1912 June 2015 The Desert War 1940 – 1943 Cliff Lloyd 3612 June 2015 The Ring in a weekend Ian France 5312 June 2015 Herbal medicine Jesper Launder 1913 June 2015 One summer’s day – sketchbooks Caroline Johnson 6415 June 2015 Chamber music workshop Louise Latham 5217 June 2015 Reading landscapes: rocks and man in Rossendale Keith Williams 4019 June 2015 British banjo, mandolin and guitar (BMG) federation summer school Various 5019 June 2015 Portraits in acrylic Graham Lowe 6219 June 2015 Classic finger-style 5-string banjo Elias Sibley 5120 June 2015 Creative digital manipulation for textiles 1 Anne Christy 5520 June 2015 Baroque mandolin with guitar accompaniment Frances Taylor 5121 June 2015 Alston event: a geographer goes on holiday to the Grand Canyon and other national parks Mike Pearson 3621 June 2015 Long Ridge Ramblers string band Nigel Gatherer 5124 June 2015 Power of an age Colin Dickinson 3927 June 2015 Amo, amas, amat and all that – beginners Latin Mary Mitchell 4527 June 2015 Colours to look your best Judith Davitt 2927 June 2015 Taking better photographs Steuart Kellington 2228 June 2015 Styles to look your best Judith Davitt 2930 June 2015 Alan Bennett and the audience: meeting the Queen Jackie Wilkin 133 July 2015 Preston’s lost buildings Tertia Dowdall 423 July 2015 Japanese embroidery Midori Matsushima 564 July 2015 Felt cases for mobile phones, iPads or glasses Gill Ferguson 84 July 2015 Talk the talk part 2: introduction to Chinese language Yu Hong Zhang 477 July 2015 Exotic flowers Hilary McCumiskey 56


Cookery

xxxx

70

8 July 2015 World War One poets Pam Roberts 148 July 2015 Reading landscapes: hushing in Shedden Clough Keith Williams 408 July 2015 Applique cushion Nicola Hulme 5810 July 2015 Italian language weekend - 4411 July 2015 Being creative with shrubs Sue Jeffries 1915 July 2015 Masters of the English symphony Ian France 5316 July 2015 Experiment with wax, tissue and textile Sue Tyldesley 716 July 2015 London and its historic buildings and spaces: great London squares Roger Mitchell 3818 July 2015 Beginners Russian Vera Grantham 4619 July 2015 Artists development – summer school Dr Patrick Oates 6019 July 2015 Twentieth century artists of landscape Dr Patrick Oates 6120 July 2015 The military history of the Second World War: summer school Cliff Lloyd 3920 July 2015 Russian summer school Various 4620 July 2015 Historical and contemporary figure drawing Dr Patrick Oates 6121 July 2015 Historical and contemporary portraiture Dr Patrick Oates 6122 July 2015 Painted composition of exceptional still life Dr Patrick Oates 6123 July 2015 Revealing the enigmas of ‘abstraction in fine art’ Dr Patrick Oates 6124 July 2015 Acrylic painting for beginners Chris Hart 6224 July 2015 Honiton Lace Pat Perryman 825 July 2015 Intermediate Latin Mary Mitchell 4531 July 2015 Pop up toy theatres Paul Johnson 3931 July 2015 The gourmet botanical artist – using coloured pencils Susan Christopher Coulson 653 August 2015 Mosaics summer school – fragments of fantasy Priscilla Wheater 93 August 2015 Calligraphy summer school – let’s twist again Jilly Hazeldine 637 August 2015 Alfred Shaw’s photographs of old Preston Stephen Sartin 347 August 2015 Body beautiful – healthy holistics Donna Slaughter 248 August 2015 Wildflower and wildlife gardening Sue Jeffries 209 August 2015 Silversmithing summer school Vincent Ashworth 10

Dat

e ord

er co

urse

list

xxxx

71

10 August 2015 Creative writing summer school – writing fiction Rosanna Ley 1310 August 2015 The art room in summer – summer school Caroline Johnson 6512 August 2015 Hand stitch ‘autumn berries’ Nicola Hulme 5814 August 2015 Kings and queens of England Tertia Dowdall 4218 August 2015 Creative digital manipulation for textiles 2 Anne Christy 5518 August 2015 Scandinavian romantic painting ‘Spirit of the north’ Tim Stimson 4121 August 2015 The piano concerto and the string quartet Christopher Rodwell 5221 August 2015 Weekend with Wouter: aperitifs Wouter Greven 1822 August 2015 Mixed media workshop: gardens and birds Priscilla Jones 5722 August 2015 Journaling for personal development Margaret Walton 2624 August 2015 Audition techniques with Ribcaged Productions – summer school Ribcaged Productions 2127 August 2015 London and its historic buildings and spaces: great London parks and gardens Roger Mitchell 3828 August 2015 Woodcarving Sharon Littley 1128 August 2015 Drawing with the machine needle Richard Box 556 September 2015 Loom weaving Jane Flanagan 9


Gen

eral

info

rmat

ion

72

How to bookOur booking office is open from 8.30am – 5.30pm, 7 days a week, with an answering machine in operation if lines are busy. Telephone 01772 784661.Email [email protected]

You can ring us and pay by credit or debit card. You can also book by post with a cheque made payable to ‘Lancashire County Council’. We would encourage you to book early to make sure of your place and to enable us to decide if the course is viable. We review courses before their start date and may need to postpone or cancel courses with low enrolments.

What is included in the cost of my course?

Residential coursesTuition and full board are provided. Please see course information sheets for details of included refreshments. The cost per course is based on single en suite accommodation. We can offer a reduction of £7.50 per night, per person, to people willing to share a room. Tea and coffee making facilities and complimentary toiletries are available in every room. If your partner wants to stay but not attend a course they can share a twin room with a residential student at the special price of £100 full board for two nights – please enquire for prices for longer stays.

Day coursesThis includes the tuition, tea/coffee on arrival and departure and a

2-course buffet lunch (unless stated otherwise).

Alston events Please see individual programmes for details of what the fee includes. Overnight accommodation may also be available if you wish to extend your stay or link our day activities together.

How to pay

Day courses

Full fees need to be paid for all day courses and events at the time of booking.

Residential coursesPlease call us on 01772 784661 before making a residential booking to check we have appropriate accommodation available for you. We require a minimum of a 50% deposit

General information

General inform

ation

73

for residential courses, with the full balance to have been paid six weeks before the course start date. You can pay by Visa, Mastercard, cheque, postal order or cash. Instalment options are available. Please note if you wish to take up this option there will be a £10 administration fee and you must enrol in person to sign your instalment agreement. You then need to pay the balance six weeks before the course starts. If you do not pay the balance then we reserve the right to offer that place to another applicant. Please note that to reduce costs, we do not send reminders.

If attending a residential course

All our residential courses start with an evening meal at 7pm on the first night unless we have stated otherwise. We recommend that you check the course information sheets for the actual course timings. You are welcome to register from 5pm on the evening of the start of the course.

Non–residential learners on residential courses

If you live locally and would prefer not to stay overnight at Alston Hall, you are welcome to attend our residential courses at a reduction of £30 per night.

Local bed and breakfast accommodation is usually available when all our bedrooms are taken. We can put you in touch with a number of establishments within the area and you can then book directly with them.

Refunding costs of courses1. Lancashire Adult Learning will

refund all fees paid by learners when:

• We cancel the course because we are unable to recruit enough learners to make the course economically viable

• We permanently change the course to a different time or place from that originally advertised so that it is no longer convenient to you

• We make a significant change to the course aims and objectives.

Any course fees and examination/accreditation fees you have paid will be refunded in full, or if you prefer we can transfer the fees to another of our courses.

2. We will refund course fees only when:

• A learner requests a refund at least 2 weeks before the beginning of a course.

• A learner requests a refund less than 2 weeks before the beginning of the course because of serious illness or hospitalisation (*evidence may be requested)

The course fee will be refunded, less an administration charge of £20. If the course fee is less than £20,

Cookery

Gen

eral

info

rmat

ion

74

there will be no refund but no further administration charge will be made.

3. We will not refund any fees when:

• A learner cancels an enrolment after the course has started

• A learner changes his/her mind about a course

• The course becomes inconvenient to the learner

• A learner has missed some sessions, including as a result of illness.

How we can help youWe will send you a course information sheet when you book. You can request this from us before you enrol. We welcome participation by learners with disabilities. We have a range of assistive technology available and there is wheelchair access to most parts of Alston Hall. Please call us to discuss any particular additional needs before your course.

We cater for vegetarian, vegan, medically recommended and religious restrictive diets. Please notify us prior to the course.We are grateful for permission to re-produce photographs from a variety of sources.

Directions

Public transport

The nearest train/bus station to Alston Hall is Preston which is approximately 8 miles away. A taxi to will cost approximately £20.

Alternatively, the Stagecoach No 1 service passes the end of the lane at regular intervals; it is then a 30 minute walk to Alston Hall.

M6 Junction 31a (Northbound)At M6 Junction 31a - follow signs for the B6242 (B6243) to Longridge. At the third roundabout, turn left for

Longridge (B6243). Drive through Grimsargh. After the village, you pass a church and a school on the right. About 200 metres on from the church there is a cottage on the right. Turn right down the lane and right at the T-junction signposted Alston Hall. If you miss this turning there is another just after the White Bull Pub further along the road. Alston Hall is one mile on the right.

M6 Junction 32 (Southbound)Take A6 (Garstang) and turn right at the first major junction to the B5269 (Longridge). Follow this road through Goosnargh and Whittingham, turn right at the roundabout when you arrive in Longridge. Turn right at the mini-roundabout by the Old Oak Pub and pass Spout Farm on the left. Just before the White Bull Pub, turn left onto Alston Lane. Alston Hall is one mile on the right. (There is a second turning after the pub if you miss this one.) People coming along the M55 should leave at Broughton.

Course Brochure Spring / Summer 2015

comms:3931

ALSTON HALL

ah

ALSTON HALL - Lancashire County Council · 5 As well as lots of popular courses including weaving, and tutors returning to Alston Hall, we are also excited to announce some new courses

Documents