Free gardening advice online with Farncombe tutor Andrew Mikolajski

How green does your garden grow?! A great chance to post some gardening questions to an expert. Throughout the month of February, author and Farncombe tutor Andrew will be hosting a gardening forum on our Facebook page - Gardening advice online with Farncombe tutor Andrew Mikolajski

Price reductions for non-resident students !

We have just reduced prices on the following courses to £118 per person (includes 2 lunches & 2 evening meals)

5-7 February 2010

Recorder Ensemble
Drawing Buildings in Pen & Wash

19-21 March 2010

Bridge Weekend: Improve Your Bidding

Prize winners announced !

Congratulations to Keeley in Leicestershire who won the prize in our Eckington Manor Cookery School prize draw.

Congratulations also to Natasha in Coventry who won a supply of Naked Soap.

Thank you very much to all those that took part.

Follow us on Twitter for updates on new competitions and special offers ... www.Twitter.com/FarncombeEstate

*NEW for 2010* Ceramics Weekend with Angie Sayer

Come & enjoy the wonderful world of making clay pieces.
(Participants can also have their work fired for them to collect later).
Have a look at Angie Sayer website http://www.angie-sayer.co.uk/

Colour the Clay: A Ceramics Weekend - Crafts & Textiles

We are looking for a local arts organisation

Farncombe Estate (Broadway Cotswolds) will be holding an Open Day event on Sunday 12 September 2010. This free admission event is the launch of the 2011 course programme brochure. The day includes a programme of exhibitions, workshops and demonstrations. We are looking to work with at least one other like-minded arts organisation on the day. Ideally you will be based in our local area; Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, Warwickshire or Oxfordshire. If you are interested in being involved in this project and showcasing your group/work at Farncombe for the day, please contact annette@farncombeestate.co.uk before 12th February.

Festival of Writing 2010

The Festival of Writing York 2010 will be Britain's biggest and best festival for the new writer. There'll be lots of bestselling authors there to spill their secrets - and loads of big name agents and publishers scouting for talent.

This is an amazing chance to meet top industry professionals face to face:
you can share a drink, pitch your work, and pick their brains.
Open for bookings now ...

but it's first come, first served, so please don't leave it too long.

Breaking into Television, Special Guests + Q&A

Tuesday 26 January 2010
6.30pm: Doors & Bar
7.00pm: Event start
At: Lighthouse, 28 Kensington St, Brighton BN1 4AJ
Entry: £3.50/£3 concs.

Spaces are limited. To book tickets in advance please go to: https://express.iristickets.co.uk/k?lighthouse

Have you got a cracking drama series concept but aren‘t sure of the first steps to get your idea realised?

Come and join writer Philip Palmer in conversation with BBC Commissioning Editor Esther Springer.

Listen to experienced voices as they discuss the journey from two viewpoints.

For more information about the event and panellists please visit: http://www.lighthouse.org.uk/whatson/breakingintotv.htm

Lute Lessons via The Early Music Shop

Friday January 15th & 29th - 10:00-17:00

February 5th & 26th - 10:00-17:00

March 5th & 19th - 10:00-17:00

Lessons are available to students of any level. The Early Music Shop is also offering a complimentary one-hour consultation for new players visiting for the first time.
Lessons are priced at £30 for a full hour's tuition and will take place on the hour, between the times shown.

Contact us on 01274 288100 now to book your lesson.

Look out for Holst scholar & tutor Raymond Head on BBC's The One Show tonight !

Tune in from 7-8pm on Tuesday 19 January - programme features composer, teacher and Holst scholar Raymond Head + the Holst Birthplace Museum.

1934: Re-assessing Elgar, Delius and Holst - Music Appreciation

Christmas Craft Fair 2010 - book it now

Can you believe we are talking about Christmas already?! Only a few tables left for our Christmas Craft Fair in November Christmas Art & Craft Fair - Christmas & New Year

Sing the Motown Music of Stevie Wonder !

Calling all Stevie fans ...! The fabulous Jo Sercombe has been teaching and singing at Farncombe this weekend. Her next course in March is a sell out - but we do still have some places for her Stevie course 14-16 May . Don't miss out !

Sing the Motown Music of Stevie Wonder - Singing Courses

Elizabethan Puzzles, Kenilworth Castle and Shakespeare's Stratford - Unlocking secrets in history

Was William Shakespeare ‘a closet Papist’? Did the Elizabethan dramatist Kit Marlowe die in a drunken tavern brawl or was he deliberately murdered? What truth lies behind the contemporary charge that the Queen’s astrologer Dr John Dee practiced the black arts of devil conjuring? Was the execution of Mary, Queen of Scots the result of a deliberate and sinister plot by Elizabeth’s spy-master, Sir Francis Walsingham? Can Lady Penelope Devereaux be identified with Stella in the beautiful sonnets of Sir Philip Sidney?

Join John Sutton to find out - "Unlocking the Secrets of the Elizabethan Age" 20-23 August 2010

Unlocking the Secrets of the Elizabethan Age (3 nights) - History, Family History & Architecture

The English Years of Robert Frost - 'Once they lived in Gloucestershire'

Come to Farncombe on Sunday 18th April for a fascinating talk by Linda Hart (author of Once They Lived in Gloucestershire: A Dymock Poets Anthology).

The English Years of Robert Frost: 1912-1915 - Literature & Writing

Love Opera? New Wagner Day Course - "The Valkyrie"

Wagner's great cycle of music-dramas, Der Ring des Nibelungen, is one of the most monumental of the world's artistic achievements. Die Walküre (The Valkyrie) is the second drama of the cycle, and, unlike its predecessor, Das Rheingold, which was in one continuous act, is a full-length music-drama in three acts. Dramatically, The Valkyrie is intensely moving because of its arrestingly beautiful lyrical qualities. These two factors help to make The Valkyrie perhaps the most approachable section of the ‘Ring’ cycle.

This Study Day should be of particular interested to those people attending the performances by Longborough Festival Opera in July 2010.

"Die Walkure" Day Course - Music Appreciation

Highlights - 'what's on' at Farncombe Estate 2010

Special events this year

Here are just some of the key events happening at Farncombe in 2010. If you would like any further details please don't hesitate to get in touch !

See botanical art tutor Simon Williams at the Botanical Artists exhibition on 16-25 April at Westminster Hall, London

Simon will be exhibiting at the Botanical Artists exhibition on 16-25 April at Westminster Hall, London. He is also attending the National Orchid Show on 20-21 March at the Royal Horticultural Halls, Vincent Sq, London.

Botanical Painting in Watercolour or Gouache - Painting & Drawing

FREE information event for older people in Gloucestershire

Live your life your way

Changes to social care will help you build a support network of trusted people, places and services

10.30am - 2.30pm
Thursday 28th January 2010
Forest Hills Golf Club, Mile End Road, Coleford, GLOS GL16 7QD

Discover how you can stay healthy and get the most out of life:
Informative talks
Exhibition stands
Tai Chi demonstration
Free refreshments and buffet lunch

For more information or help with transport call Vicki Hewlett or Barbara Piranty on 01452 528491

Singing Day Courses and Voice Workshops

Solo Singers day with Jo Sercombe 13 March fully booked ! Next day workshop is with Miranda Barber on 1st May -
for people who love to sing and have a burning desire to explore their voices further. Discover Your Voice Discovering Your Voice - Singing Courses

Flavours of Farncombe - dining menus for 2010

Our sample menus for 2010 are now online - take a look !
Dining & Bar

Cookery Courses - new programme out now - first course runs 21 January !!

The first of our 2010 cookery course breaks begins 21 January with Chinese Cookery. If you would like to receive a copy of the full cookery breaks programme please ring 01386 854100 or email us at stay@farncombeestate.co.uk . For more details on the cookery break weeken 21 January please visit our website - Chinese Cookery - Cookery Courses

Open Art Competition - Broadway Arts Festival 2010

Saturday 12th June - Sunday 20th JuneDaily 10am - 5pm

OPEN ART COMPETITION

The Competition is open to any artist based in Worcestershire, Gloucestershire or Warwickshire. The closing date for registration is Friday 30th April 2010.We are looking for original work in any medium based on either a broad view of life in the North Cotswolds or reflecting the work of John Singer Sargent, to tie in with the rest of the Broadway Arts Festival in 2010.Up to three pictures may be submitted. £8.00 per submission.

The work should be delivered to Little Buckland Gallery, Broadway, Worcestershire, WR12 7JH .

Details and directions at www.littlebucklandgallery.co.uk . Handing in days: Friday 14th May 1pm – 7pm, Saturday 15th May 10am – 4pm, Sunday 16th May 10am – 4pm.

If you are unable to do any of the above please contact Arabella Kiszely at ajkiszely@aol.com. 40 selected works will be hung in John Noott Galleries (in Cotswold Court) during the Festival.We will also guarantee to hang at least one picture from each entrant at another exhibition at Little Buckland Gallery just outside Broadway.

All the work exhibited will be for sale with 60% going to the artist and 40% going to the BAF Charity to defray expenses. Please price your work with this in mind. Images of those hung at the John Noott Gallery may be used on the Festival website and other Festival publicity material. The judging panel will be chaired by Peter Wileman (President of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters)

http://www.broadwayartsfestival.com/event_Detail.php?event_ID=1

Short Story Competition

Graffiti Magazine Short Story Competition Rules

1. Closing date 7th February 2010
2. Entries must be in English and be the writer’s own unpublished work. They must not be on offer for publication or entered in any other current competition..
3. Maximum length 1,000 words.
4. Each piece of work, with its title, must be in clear type on one side of A4 sheet(s). Details of the writer must not appear on this sheet.
5. The name and address of the writer and the titles of all entries should be typed on a separate sheet of A4 paper.
6. The prizewinner will be notified by post.
7. Entries are only accepted by post. Please keep a copy of your work, as entries will not be returned.
8. The fee is £2 per story. Cheques in sterling only, should be made payable to:
Catchword Writing Group
9. All entries that arrive on time will be considered by the adjudicator, whose decision is final. No correspondence will be entered into concerning the result.
10. Competitors wishing to be informed of the results should enclose an SAE marked ‘Results’ or provide an email address.

National Youth Jazz Summer School

The National Youth Jazz Collective is delighted to launch its 'National Youth Jazz Summer School 2010', funded by Youth Music and parented by Sound and Music.
This week long summer school will be held at The Yehudi Menuhin School, Stoke d'Abernon, Cobham, Surrey 22nd – 28th August 2010
With a FREE public performance in the Menuhin Hall on 28th August 2010 at 6pm – 8.30pm and a pre-concert public seminar in "Good practice for young jazz musicians" at 4.30pm Tutors include Issie Barratt, Alec Dankworth, Nic France, Mark Hodgson, John Hollenbeck, Mark Lockheart, Liam Noble, Jeremy Price, Nick Smart, Martin Speake, Rowland Sutherland and Mike Walker.
The focus of the National Youth Jazz Summer School is to develop improvisatory and interactive skills within the context of small group playing, as well as offering a high level of performance experience and professional guidance
Summer School participants will be asked to pay a registration fee of £150
FREE regional auditions, open to all young jazz musicians aged 14 - 18 and residing in England, will be held at the following venues between 27th March and 17th April 2010
The closing date for applications is 19th February 2010.
For more information and the on-line application form please visit the National Youth Jazz Collective’s website http://www.blogger.com/www.nyjc.co.uk

Win a hands-on cookery course with Farncombe Estate and Eckington Manor Cookery School

Celebrating the launch of our new Cookery Course Breaks with Eckington Manor Cookery School for 2010, Farncombe Estate are delighted to offer you the chance to win a place on a half day hands-on cookery course of your choice at Eckington Manor Cookery School plus a luxury overnight stay at Eckington Manor (5 Star gold guest accommodation, to the value of £165.00 (www.lowerendhouse.co.uk)

Closing date for entries is Sunday 24 January 2010. The winner will be notified by email on 25 January 2010 http://www.farncombeestate.co.uk/eckingtonprizedraw/

Country Living Magazine Spring Fair 24-28 March 2010, London

FarncombeEstate will be at the Country Living Spring Fair at The Business Design Centre from 24-28 March 2010.

Packed with fresh ideas for the home and garden, meet some of the UK’s most talented artisans and really celebrate spring in style.

Farncombe will be on Stand N18 – watch this space for details of demonstration theatre workshops offered by some of our tutors !

Country Living Magazine Spring Fair 24-28 March 2010, London

Win Farncombe gift vouchers in our referral scheme !

Congratulations to prize winners in December 2009 :

1st prize Mr & Mrs Petto, 2nd prize Mr Edmonds-Seal & 3rd prize Ms A Anderson

We giveaway 3 Farncombe gift vouchers every month - to participate in our referral scheme simply visit http://www.farncombeestate.co.uk/referafriend.asp

Botanical Illustration Courses at Farncombe - book now !

Botanical Illustration course 4-6 June 2010 with Valerie Oxley is now fully booked but we have some availability for a later course so book now to avoid disappointment.

16-18 July - A course set out to learn various methods of using Gouache or Watercolour and illustrating a botanical subject successfully. With Simon Williams

Visit our website for more details
Botanical Illustration - Drawing and Painting Summer Flowers - Painting & Drawing

Broadway Arts Festival - events at Farncombe 2010

We are delighted to launch the festival with a talks and courses at Farncombe.
John Singer Sargent RA was the most celebrated portrait painter of the Edwardian age.
For more details see our website : Broadway Arts Festival - Short Weekend Courses, Leisure Breaks & Events, Farncombe Estate, Broadway, Cotswolds

WEA campaign for lifelong learning

In the run up to the general election the Workers’ Educational Association (WEA) will be making sure that adult education and lifelong learning is firmly in the minds of our existing and aspiring politicians. Since 1903, its has argued the case for 'Learning for Life' and democratic participation - and there's no better time to celebrate and promote the two than in the weeks before a general election.

In September 2009 the adult learning sector welcomed Learning Through Life, a report which makes ten recommendations for a stronger national lifelong learning strategy. The WEA is supporting the proposals outlined in the report and asking MPs and prospective parliamentary candidates (PPCs) to do the same.

Read more at http://www.blogger.com/www.wea.org.uk/weanews/supportlearningforlife.htm.

Lacemaking Course January 2010 - LaceScapes with Jan Gardiner

Artists do it, Embroiderers do it and now Lacemakers can do it. During this course you will be shown how to use lacemaking skills to produce beautiful LaceScape pictures. LaceScapes - Crafts & Textiles

The Churches under the Hill: Didbrook to Mickleton - Evening Talk 29 January with Tim Porter

Farncombe stands on the Cotswold Escarpment, looking down on a string of lovely villages. It turns out that seven of these, along with their beautiful churches, belonged to seven of the great medieval abbeys. This evening talk with Tim Porter is an armchair trip through the local history and landscape on which the monks left such an indelible mark. From Didbrook to Mickleton with everything in between.
The Churches under the Hill: Didbrook to Mickleton - Evening/Afternoon Talks

Where in the world do you want to go next...?

Come and see us at Earls Court on Friday 5 February !

Farncombe will be attending The Times Destinations show in London so if travel is your passion, spend just one day at the Show and meet hundreds of travel experts face to face (ask them the questions that the internet cannot always answer) and gain travel inspiration to tailor-make your next trip.

Save money… enjoy exclusive Show offers ready to be snapped up.

Plus… reignite the holiday feeling inside you with world entertainment at the Show including music and dance performances and interviews with our guest celebrities including BBC World Affairs Correspondent John Simpson, writer and TV presenter Julia Bradbury and Conor Woodman, star of Around the World in 80 Days.

From career breaks, to city breaks, or from beach holidays to boating holidays, whatever your next adventure – make sure your first stop is Destinations.

For more details and opening times see http://www.destinationsshow.com/london/welcome

Play Bridge? Improve Your Bidding at Farncombe Estate this Spring

Join our new bridge hosts Gill and John Pain. They are compulsive bridge nutters who spend almost all of their time either running bridge, training people to learn or teach bridge, organising bridge events and even finding time to play bridge. Bridge Weekend: Improve Your Bidding - Bridge Holidays

Intensive Audition Technique Course

Acting or Musical Theatre

Feb 15th 2010 - Feb 19th 2010

Monday - Friday 10am- 5pm

THINKING OF AUDITIONING FOR DRAMA SCHOOL?

GIVE YOURSELF THE BEST POSSIBLE CHANCE.

This 1 week intensive course is primarily aimed at people who wish to audition for full time courses. Working with industry professionals the course will guide you through selection, preparation and performance of your audition material. The course can be taken focusing on either Acting or Musical Theatre. Both courses will end with a mock audition panel where the students will be given feedback. Preparation outside of the classroom is essential both before and during the course.

Intensive Audition Technique Course, Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts
Contact: Eddie Gower cadev@moutnview.org.uk www.mountview.org.uk

The Farncombe Folk Weekend - sign up now for 2010 !

Writing East Midlands has a new look home page

Writing East Midlands supports, promotes and champions writing from the East Midlands to create opportunities for practicing writers and to discover new writers of quality.

Visit http://www.writingeastmidlands.co.uk for more details.

New, challenging, contemporary artwork wanted

New, challenging, contemporary artwork wanted for Worcestershire Exhibition.
Entry deadline 1st March 2010.

For details contact Carol Cox : ccdesignuk@yahoo.co.uk

FREE Radio Courses

Interested in Radio?
Reprezent, a vibrant youth-led online radio station based in Peckham, is looking for 19 - 25 year olds who live, work or study in Southwark to participate in FREE Radio Courses.

Introduction to Radio
Participants will learn all the elements needed to present and produce their own show including how to make jingles, how to use radio equipment and how to conduct an interview.
Training begins on Wednesday 20th January 7 – 9pm and runs for eight Wednesdays thereafter, excluding half-term.

Become a Presenter
Participants will learn all the elements needed to present their own discussion-based show, including how to plan and record a show and how to conduct an interview.
Training begins on Friday 22nd January 3 – 5pm and runs for eight Fridays thereafter, excluding half-term.

Jingle Making
Participants will learn all the elements needed to make radio jingles, including recording vox, editing and collating material and using SFX and music to create usable high quality jingles.
Training begins on Tuesday 19th January 7 – 9pm and runs for five Tuesdays thereafter, excluding half-term.

If you are interested in a place on one of the above sessions then please email your reply to lydiah@eclectic-productions.co.uk, but be quick as places are limited!

Please note that participants may only attend one of the above named courses, so please specify which course it is you are interested in attending.

Contact: , Eclectic Productions Lydia Hoskin LydiaH@eclectic-productions.co.uk

Get Singing in 2010

Portobello Community Choir

WHY? Singing is very good for personal and community health and happiness

WHERE? St Peters Church, Kensington Park Road W11 2ES

WHEN? Mondays in term time from January 11th 2010, 7 – 9 pm

WHAT? A varied repertoire of part songs, including african and world music, jazz, gospel

WHO? ANYONE who loves singing and can hold and memorise a part and/or follow their part in a score. Young people welcome, TENORS AND BASSES PARTICULARLY WELCOME.
Informal audition at the first session.

Tel 020 8964 5930 07984 544 968

Contact: Biddy Partridge Samuels biddy.partridge@googlemail.com

Midlands Potters' Association Exhibition

Are you a fan of 3-D art? Are you potty about ceramics? These talented artists produce beautiful and useful items for the home. The works include a number of techniques and glazes. The exhibition will include work ranging from traditional to bold, contemporary styles, all in celebration of their 30th Anniversary.

Nuneaton Museum & Art Gallery will host this wonderful variety of pottery in the White gallery. Featuring vases, figure sculptures, wall hangings, plant holders, lamps, pots and bowls, the local group will showcase their members’ signature works.

Many of the artworks will be on sale. Prices will range from £15 - £450 , Nuneaton Museum & Art Gallery For more details contact: Jhinuk Sarkar Exhibitions Officer museum@nuneatonandbedworth.gov.uk

Writing Events Bath

Would any of your writers like to subscribe to our Writing Events Bath?

Next workshop is on Tuesday 2nd February at Mr. B's.

A workshop with novelist and short story writer DEBBY HOLT - so come and be Inspired, meet other writers and enjoy a glass of wine.

Debby Holt is the mother of five grown-up children, yes that’s right five!! and lives with her husband in Bath.

She has had over fifty short stories published in women's magazines and her fifth novel is coming out in January… Her novels are witty romantic and engaging and she inspired us, so we hope she inspires you…

For more details contact writingeventsbath@googlemail.com

Carducci Quartet performance

The Carducci Quartet will be giving a concert at Wigmore Hall on 18th January, performing the Elgar Piano Quintet (with fantastic pianist - Charles Owen), Haydn's 'Joke' Quartet and Franck's epic string quartet.

Tickets are available online: Wigmore Hall website www.wigmore-hall.org.uk/whats-on/productions/carducci-string-quartet-24473

MusicLeader Start-Up session - Only 6 places left!

Are you a musician who would like to work as a music leader? Just setting out on your music leading career? Not sure where to start? Then 'Start-Up!' is for you!There are just 6 places left on this jam-packed half day session, which will take you on an informative journey around the world of music leading and will give an insight into what it is like to work as a music leader. From an overview of the type of work available, through to how to navigate local and national contacts, this FREE Start-up session will give you the tools needed to kick-start your music leading career.

Date: Monday 18th January 2010
Time: 10am - 1pm
Venue: The Big Peg, Birmingham, B18 6NF
Contact Emma Beecham at west-midlands@musicleader.net to book your place - first come first served!

Crysse Morrison's blog - Farncombe November 2009

my blog

Happy New Year from Farncombe !

I love January, and not just because it has my birthday in it, but for the hope of a decent amount of snow and the countryside looking completely wonderful in a different way from usual. I do realise that snow is not everyone's idea of rural bliss, especially not when driving, but on the Estate we have excellent snow ploughing, sweeping and gritting so you should be fine here. Remember too that if you come by train to Moreton-in-Marsh, we offer a taxi collection which is less than half the price of booking it directly for yourself, and that saves you worrying about possible snow.
Some of our courses are already full but most still have places and snow or no snow we look forward to welcoming you to Farncombe. Oh, and if you need a little bit of an incentive, there is a great offer on courses in March !
William Reddaway, Head of Lifelong Learning