We run weekend leisure courses throughout the year. Adult Education is at the heart of Farncombe. Set in 320 acres of beautiful Cotswold countryside we also offer optional ensuite B&B accommodation.
Friday, 16 December 2011
Farncombe Estate - Christmas Gift Vouchers
Some people are devilishly hard to buy for at Christmas. You want to surprise them with a gift that is thoughtful, imaginative, even life-enhancing – so why do you find yourself considering a set of socks featuring the days of the week?
A Farncombe Estate gift voucher is one way around the perennial present problem. We’ve made it really easy for you to spend as little or as much as you want on a leisure course or study break for a loved one. Any amount is possible: even a £5 voucher makes a nice little stocking filler, or a gift from a child. If you want to be more extravagant, a dedicated Course Voucher will cover all the costs of a Farncombe weekend, including expert tuition, four-star accommodation and delicious food.
So when you’ve run out of ideas, let us send you a white envelope. It will contain all the gift inspiration you need.
Call us on 0333 456 8580 to buy your gift voucher.
Wednesday, 23 November 2011
How to Look at Art - New Date
Discover how to develop your visual and critical skills by using a strategy for looking at art. This is a simple and flexible approach to analysing and interpreting any piece of art work. The strategy will easily become second nature, giving you the confidence to dispense with the guide books, unplug the headphones and become an active, rather than a passive, viewer!
We will put this strategy into practice by looking at a wide range of art works from across the history of Western art. You will begin to recognize styles and conventions, materials and techniques, and place them within a historical context. Most importantly, you will look with insight and hone your critical skills.
This day school has the simple aim of helping you to achieve a deeper understanding and greater enjoyment of art.
Book early to avoid disappointment by calling Mandy on 0333 456 8580.
Monday, 21 November 2011
Calling all History Buffs...
In our drive to run every course in the programme, we need more of you to book at an early stage. Our Early Bird promotion gives you up to 20% off – the earlier you book, the better the deal.
For those of you thaat are interested in History here is a list of the Farncombe History courses which qualify for Early Bird discount in 2012 (January to December.) Click on the links to read all about each course and book your place:
Sir Richard "Ruffian Dick" Burton - Traveller, Adventurer
Charlemagne and the Carolingian Empire
The Norman Settlement and Saxon Rebellion post 1066
Stalin, the Soviet Union and the Anatomy of Tyranny
Eighteenth Century London
Chatsworth and the Cavendish Family 1550-1850
Competition and Conflict in the Cotswolds
The Olympic Games through the Ages
'All the Queen's Women': the Female World of Elizabeth I
The Landscapes and Buildings of Tudor England
Pilgrimage & Shrines
Courtiers and Courtesans: The World of Samuel Pepys and John Evelyn
Mother Countries, Virgin Territories
Wild Hills and Lawless Folk: The Medieval Scottish Border
Early Bird replaces all other offers, including our Book While You’re Here promotion. However, if you put your name down for a course while on a Farncombe weekend, we will call to let you know if you qualify for a discount. To book your Early Bird place, call us on 0333 456 8580. To see all of our 2012 programme, go online at www.farncombeestate.co.uk
GIFT VOUCHERS
A Farncombe Estate study break makes a thoughtful and original Christmas present. You can buy vouchers of any value, or book your loved on a chosen course. Buy online at http://www.farncombeestate.co.uk/about.asp?id=18 or call 0333 456 8580.
Wednesday, 19 October 2011
Everyone Can Sing Again - A voice Workshop
Rekindle some of the fun and camaraderie that you experienced on Dan’s popular and successful Everyone Can Sing voice workshop. There will be warm-ups, chanting and a quick reminder of what was previously learned. Then the focus will be on working in syndicate groups, preparing and presenting songs.
Dan will again deploy his positive reinforcement process, which develops confidence and bonds groups. This is an opportunity, not only to enjoy this especially positive ambience but also, should you wish, to gently challenge yourself and further develop your confidence with singing.
You need to have attended one of Dan’s Everyone Can Sing classes to book on this reunion.
Friday, 7 October 2011
What goes on in Room 617 at Cotswold Conference Centre?
Military heroes past and present were honoured in a moving ceremony at Cotswold Conference Centre, Broadway, yesterday [Thursday.]
Maudslay Court, a new £3.5m Cotswold-stone building constructed at Farncombe Estate, was officially opened by Victoria Trevelyan, niece of the Dam Busters’ hero Henry Maudslay. The Maudslay family lived on the Estate during WW2 when Henry was tragically killed in raids on six German hydroelectric dams.
To commemorate the connection with 617 Squadron, the Dam Busters’ unit of which Henry Maudslay was B Flight Commander, a plaque was also unveiled by Wing Commander Keith Taylor, currently Officer Commanding 617 Squadron.
“This beautiful building has given us a fantastic opportunity to honour an earlier resident of the Estate,” said Cotswold Conference Centre’s MD Mark Philip-Sørensen. “We would like to thank the Maudslay family and Wing Commander Taylor for making our opening ceremony so special.”
The large new wing of 32 en-suite bedrooms, constructed by skilled local tradesmen, boasts a number of ecological features, including a ground-source heat pump and solar panels. The Cotswold stone building even has its own tower.
One deluxe room - Number 617 – is themed with prints that tell the Dam Busters story, including a picture of the Lancaster Bombers in action in May 1943.
Emotional tribute
The Grand Ceremony began with the Celebration Reed and Brass Band of Hampton playing stirring renditions of the Dam Busters theme and the RAF March Past, while 80 guests and staff assembled in Maudslay Court.
The historic afternoon was completed with traditional afternoon tea – in the Estate’s dining room decorated with gingham and bunting, to the strains of Vera Lynn.
Keith Taylor spoke about 617 Squadron’s heroic history, including recent tours of Afghanistan and Libya, while Victoria Trevelyan gave an emotional tribute to Henry Maudslay, the uncle she never knew. She presented Farncombe Estate with a rarely-seen portrait of her uncle – Henry had been just 21 when he died on his return from the Dam Busters’ raid.
In the 1954 film The Dam Busters, Henry Maudslay’s role was played by actor Richard Thorp, later known as Alan Turner in “Emmerdale”. A remake of the film, with a script by Stephen Fry, is expected to premiere soon.
Wednesday, 5 October 2011
Simon de Montfort Day School
On Saturday 8th October, Farncombe Estate is proud to host
Lords, Halls and Chronicles: A Thirteenth Century Miscellany.
This is your chance to listen and contribute to a panel of medieval historians and archaeologists on the politics and society of ‘long thirteenth century’ England.
This day of historical delving, organised by heritage charity The Simon de Montfort Society, will concentrate on the secular elite. Topics include How to win friends and influence people; models of lordship in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries and Entertainment in the Gentry Household.
Medieval experts Professor Peter Coss (Cardiff University), Professor David Carpenter (Kings College, London), Professor Tom James (University of Winchester) and Dr John Hunt (University of Birmingham) will draw on published and unpublished research to discuss the material world of the elite and royalty. The day will also feature the discovery of The Pershore Flores Historiarum, a previously-unrecognised Worcestershire chronicle of this period.
Fees for the day (10am to 4.15pm), including morning coffee, lunch and afternoon tea, are £40 for members of the Simon de Montfort Society and £45 for non-members.
To book your place, please send a cheque payable to ‘The Simon de Montfort Society' to the Hon Treasurer, Mr T Paul Jenkins, 4 The Mews, Head Street, Pershore, Worcestershire WR10 1DA. Please say if you have any dietary requirements.
This is an event organised directly by the Simon de Montfort Society. Queries should be directed to David Snowden on 01386 421747.
Friday, 16 September 2011
Farncombe Estate wins Cotswold Leisure Break of the Year
“Throughout the year, the Directors at London & Home Counties Today select organisations that have best demonstrated a proven ability to go that extra mile in not only meeting but exceeding the needs of their clients,” said Senior Editor
Joshua Holtom. “In line with this philosophy, it gives us pleasure to announce that Farncombe Estate has been selected to receive this year’s award.
“Our completely independent Award Programme recognises business excellence across a wide range of disciplines and the Business Achievement Award is recognised both locally and nationally.”
Farncombe Estate is set in 370 acres of private parkland, with stunning panoramic views over the Vale of Evesham towards the Malverns. Inspector Morse author Colin Dexter said on a recent visit: “This is one of the most beautiful views in the whole country.”
But not everyone is aware of that inside Farncombe’s eight dedicated training rooms, hundreds of weekend leisure courses are taking place every year.
The range of subjects on offer is exceptional. You can learn about astronomy, Tchaikovsky or the history of the Olympic Games. Feeling brainy? This is your chance to dabble in philosophy, consider the Golden Age of Dutch Painting or write travel stories.
For the practically-inclined there is a wealth of craft courses, including painting Atmospheric Snow Scenes and Chinese Brush Painting. You can learn how to Get the Best from Your Digital Camera, decorate Cupcakes or dance the tango.
“We are delighted to win this award, which reflects our commitment to customer care and the many hours of work that go on behind the scenes,” says Farncombe programme manager Mandy Morrison.
Since the Centre opened its doors in 2003, it has attracted thousands of visitors from around the world.
Popular programmes include Everyone Can Sing and Go Gospel. Students can learn to be a Guitar Hero or play Bodhrán, an Irish drum.
2011 has been an exciting year for Farncombe. A new £3.5 million bedroom courtyard has been built in line with the company’s green policy. Now it has 89 en-suite bedrooms which attract B&B guests and special interest groups, from walkers to musicians.
“This award ranks Farncombe Estate amongst the best in its field,” says Joshua Holtom, “as well as acting as a seal of approval to prospective clients.”
Monday, 12 September 2011
Our Creative Cupcakes for Christmas Course has arrived!
Tuesday, 16 August 2011
Farncombe Freshens Up...
We are busy preparing our programme for 2012 at Farncombe and are delighted to offer a wide range of new course subjects and tutors. The 2012 programme brings together a range of topics that covers a wide specturm of interests, giving farncombe a fresh feel for next year.
Our new topics include; Bollywood Fitness, Cupcake Decorating and Walking breaks.
The Farncombe Brochure will be available from the 4th of September and everyone on our mailing list will receive a copy in the post. If you would like to request yours then please e-mail us at enquiries@farncombeestate.co.uk
Friday, 12 August 2011
Polymer Pamper Play at Farncombe
After the successful 2011 Polymer Pamper Play event, we are excited to launch Polymer Pamper Play II at the Cotswolds Conference Centre an award-winning venue in a picturesque location.
This year's programme has been extended and we have an eclectic mix of workshops and activities suitable for all. Heading the programme are three internationally recognised artists teaching for the first time in the UK, Spain’s Ana Belchi, Austria’s Eva Ehmeier and Scotland’s Melanie Muir.
What is included in the delegate package?
Polymer Programme Three workshops 24hour polymer play room access Polymer Trouble Shooting Surgery Artists Quiz Delegate bag and prizes
Special Features Guided nature walk Well-being for artists session Lotions and potions session Preferential non-delegate package
Venue Two nights own room en-suite accommodation (Friday and Saturday) Traditional Cotswold breakfast (Saturday and Sunday) Morning and afternoon tea (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) Two course lunch (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) Three course dinner (Friday and Saturday) Use of on-site leisure facilities Free transport to and from local rail station Free on-site parking
*PROGRAMME
Friday 16th March 2012
– 10:00am: Delegate registration and setup
– 10:30am: Morning tea
– 11:00am: Guided nature walk
– Polymer Play
– 1:00pm: Lunch
– 1:30pm: Workshop One
– 3:45pm: Afternoon tea
– 7:00pm: Dinner & Activity
– Polymer Play Twilight zone
Saturday 17th March 2012
– 7:30am: Breakfast
– 8:45am: Workshop Two
– 1:00pm: Lunch
– Workshop Two continues
– Artist Well-Being Session
– 3:45pm: Afternoon tea
– Polymer Play
– Ongoing pamper appointments
– 7:00pm: Dinner & Activity
– Polymer Play Twilight zone
Sunday 18th March 2012
– 7:30am: Breakfast
– 8:45am: Workshop Three
– 1:00pm: Lunch
– Workshop Three continues
– 3:45pm: Afternoon tea
– Polymer Play
– Polymer Show and Tell
– 5:00pm: Farewell
*All times are approximate
PAMPER
Julia Baker a qualified aromatherapist will be offering a selection of pampering treatments, from an Indian head massage to hand, back and shoulder massages using an individual blend of essential oils. www.juliabakeraromatherapy.com
Wednesday, 3 August 2011
Go Gospel
Why not treat yourself to a weekend away in the Cotswolds and Go Gospel, with Jo Sercombe?
What better way to remember the heat of summer than by singing some red-hot gospel! Experienced vocal tutor, Jo will help you improve your vocal skills while creating that special gospel group sound as we explore a variety of gospel styles from early spirituals to RnB gospel of the present day. At the same time you can learn about vocal technique, harmony singing and the gospel performance style as well as having a go at the swaying and clapping. No music-reading ability required.
To book your place call Mandy on 0333 456 8580 or visit us at http://www.farncombeestate.co.uk/
Friday, 29 July 2011
25% Off August
All our bedrooms for the weekend of 19th August are fully booked. We have an exclusive offer for our online subscribers. If you book a non-residential place on one of the following courses, you will receive 25% off the brochure price.
Painting Studio Weekend - 1 place left
Actually it's Acrylics: Beginners to Intermediates - 4 places left
Play Jazz - Small Group Workshop (All Instruments) - 1 place left
West End Musical Weekend - 5 places left
Book now to avoid dissapointment, please call 0333 456 8580 & quote 'Aug19'. Terms & Condtitions apply.
Wednesday, 20 July 2011
Celebrate our 2012 Brochure Launch
To launch our 2012 programme, Farncombe Estate is staging a special one-off event: An Afternoon with Morse and Mephisto.
Inspector Morse author Colin Dexter OBE and Sunday Times crossword compiler Tim Moorey will be entertaining us with the joy of words and crosswords – and there’ll be tea with scones.
You can even book Sunday lunch to complete your trip.
Sunday 4th September is the date for your diaries. The event begins at 2.30pm and goes on until 5pm. Afternoon tea will be served at 3.30pm.
Tickets are £20. Please call us on 0333 456 8580 to book your place, or email enquiries@farncombeestate.co.uk
A delicious three-course Sunday lunch will be served at 1.15pm and can be added to your booking for only £10. (Lunches cannot be booked on their own and are subject to availability.) We hope you’ll be able to join us – and pick up your 2012 Farncombe programme hot off the press.
Friday, 8 July 2011
Calling all Art Lovers
What better place than the Cotswolds to put up your easel, get out your brushes and be artistic!
Wednesday, 6 July 2011
Creative, Vintage and Flower Garden Cupcakes...
The first courses will be the Creative Cupcakes on 14th & 28th August, 2nd October & 20th November.
This is what you will create and take home with you at the end of the course:
Tuesday, 28 June 2011
We're going Cupcake Crazy!
We also have a wonderful special offer on Dinner Bed and Breakfast if you are attending one of the Cupcake courses. If you would like to join us for Dinner B & B the night before or after any of Ann's courses then you can for just £45 per person.
I am sure once you have seen these pictures you will not be able to resist making them yourself, taking them home and eating them!!
If you would like to find out more or book please call Mandy on 0333 45 8580.
To find out when our Cupcake courses are taking place please visit http://www.farncombeestate.co.uk/
Friday, 17 June 2011
It's magic! Take a closer look ...
Presentation, timing, and misdirection are more important. With a few hours of practice, normal dexterity, and some everyday objects, you can begin to amaze and entertain.
Join Neal Weigel for a weekend course at Farncombe 15-17 July "Close Up Magic for Beginners". No expensive equipment needed. A basic kit of everyday objects is included in the course fee. Some other equipment will be offered for sale at modest prices, but is strictly optional.
For more details email enquiries@farncombeestate.co.uk or book online via www.farncombeestate.co.uk
Friday, 10 June 2011
Farncombe Estate join the Cotswolds Green Scheme!
Cotswolds Green Scheme businesses make a commitment to:
- Improving energy efficiency
- Recycling & reducing waste
- Encouraging car free tourism
- Promoting local produce
- Supporting nature and conservation
- Promoting the local area and the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Cotswold & Forest of Dean Tourism, West Oxfordshire Tourism and the Cotswolds Conservation Board have introduced the ‘Cotswolds Green Scheme’ as a local sustainable tourism initiative. In this scheme, tourism businesses are invited to complete a questionnaire to measures a commitment to environmental issues such as car-free tourism, use of local produce, nature and conservation, recycling and resource use, and energy efficiency.
For more information about the Cotswolds Green Scheme visit www.cotswolds.com/site/membership/cotswolds-green-scheme
Further details about Farncombe Estate is available from www.FarncombeEstate.co.uk
A Thirteenth Century Miscellany at Farncombe Estate
Lords and Chronicles: A Thirteenth Century Miscellany
Speakers:
- Professor Christopher Dyer
- Professor Peter Coss
- Professor David Carpenter
- Dr John Hunt
A panel of medieval historians review aspects of the politics, life and society in thirteenth century England, looking also to the centuries before and after. Drawing on current, published and unpublished research, this day offers the opportunity to join in a consideration and discussion of some wide-ranging themes, including, the failure of some medieval towns; approaches that barons might adopt in their exercise of lordship; gentry households and life within them, looking particularly at entertainment; and the discovery of a previously unrecognised Worcestershire chronicle of this period.
Download a booking form here
FEES: Inclusive of morning coffee and afternoon tea.
MEMBERS of the Simon de Montfort Society pay £18.50;
NON-MEMBERS pay £19.50.
Payable in advance, to the Society's Hon Treasurer, Mr D Snowden, 2 St Matthews Close, Four Pools, Evesham, WR11 6ES ( 01386 421747 ).
ALL CHEQUES should be made payable to the 'Simon de Montfort Society'. Please Note: Refreshments and lunch is provided.
CLOSING DATE FOR ENROLMENTS - Monday, September 12th.
Registered Charity No. 1092319
Thursday, 9 June 2011
A life in learning : William Reddaway retires
William, 63, is one of the founders of the Farncombe Estate programme, which features an astonishing range of leisure and special interest courses every weekend. “I have a belief that ongoing learning throughout your life is a good thing,” he says. “My father was a university historian. As a child, I remember my mother leaving me with a babysitter so she could drive him to his ‘extra-mural’ lectures. It’s something I grew up with.”
Skeletons in the cupboard
Like his father, William began as a historian at London University. Here he met his future wife Christine on the very first day. During a stint in Indonesia, William proposed to Christine by letter. The couple moved to the southern Sudan and were then posted to India. William worked for 13 years with UNICEF on many government programmes to help women and children. He promoted education and nutrition, helped organise flood relief and also, for some reason, shipped a few human skeletons… “I may be the only person for miles who has shipped skeletons around the world,” he reminisces. “In those days, most ‘skeleton stringers’ were based in Calcutta. As I was responsible for procurement and export, I found myself shipping out 100 skeletons to the UNICEF warehouse in Copenhagen.”
New role
The decision to return to the UK was prompted by the birth of daughter Chloë in 1982 in New Delhi. “We didn’t want to live forever outside the UK and we didn’t want our baby to grow up without the involvement of her family,” says William. The family returned to England to take an M.Sc in Social Planning at the London School of Economics. William’s second career began in October 1983, with a role in commercial training for the international security company Group 4, who owned Farncombe Estate. He remembers the 370-acre estate on Fish Hill, overlooking the Vale of Evesham, long before it had been developed as the Cotswold Conference Centre: “Many of the buildings we know today did not exist. Where we now have our modern reception and dining room was then a tin shed.”
Heart and soul
Group 4’s training business grew rapidly through the 1980s and 90s. After a range of roles in training, consultancy and a PFI (private financing) schools project, William was asked to research the potential for a Lifelong Learning Centre at the Farncombe Estate. “Jørgen Philip-Sørensen, The Boss [Group 4’s founder, who died in 2010], loved the idea of lifelong learning,” says William. “He particularly wanted people to come and enjoy the beauty of Farncombe Estate.” In 2003, the new centre launched with a mission to educate. Thousands of people have since travelled to Farncombe for one of the widest education and leisure programmes around. While other adult learning centres are closing their doors, Farncombe still offers specialist weekend courses on singing and French, perfume making and art history, conveyancing, painting and crafts. Nick Akerman, Head of Sales at Cotswold Conference Centre and Farncombe Estate, says William will be truly missed. “William has been the heart and soul of the Farncombe Estate Centre since its inception,” he says. “The programme is very much the result of his vision and his relationship with our excellent tutors.”
Raising funds
William retires at the end of June, but he’s not planning to relax. His ambitious scheme is to ride a horse, solo, to the four corners of England. Starting in May 2013, he will visit Bowness-on-Solway, Berwick-upon-Tweed, North Foreland in Kent and Land’s End. Along the way, he will call in to 30 English Cathedrals, including St Paul’s, gathering publicity to raise a massive £250,000 for two charities: Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre - riding for the disabled - and the Family Holiday Association. “Cathedrals are almost the only buildings in a city that haven’t moved for centuries,” says William. “Castles fall down and town halls get moved – but cathedrals stay put. And I love that connection with history.”
Friday, 3 June 2011
Two Nights in the Cotswolds for only £78
Why not take a last minute break in the Cotswolds this summer ?
Farncombe Estate are offering specially reduced rates for b&b bookings made for June.
Just outside the picturesque village of Broadway, we are only a short distance from the M5 and M42 with easy access to Stratford-upon-Avon, Cheltenham, and the surrounding Cotswold countryside. We have 89 comfortably furnished ensuite bedrooms, gym, wifi access, free parking and licensed bar and dining facilities.
Take advantage of our special June offer !
Bed & breakfast from only £39 per room for a standard single
Bed & Breakfast from only £59 per room for a standard double/twin
Add a 2-course dinner for only £10 per person
Prices are per night and include VAT. Upgrades available from £10 subject to availability.
To check availability please contact our reception team on 01386 858000 or e-mail reception@cotswoldconferencecentre.com
Friday, 27 May 2011
Summer/Autumn courses at Farncombe - have you received your copy?
Our new leaflet also includes details of a special "Early Bird" booking offer so if you book well in advance on selected courses you will receive a super-discounted price.
For a copy of the leaflet or details of the Early Bird discount call 033 3456 8580 or email enquiries@farncombeestate.co.uk
Thursday, 26 May 2011
Bed and Breakfast in the Cotswolds - call 01386 858000
For B&B availability, please call 01386 858000 or email stay@FarncombeEstate.co.uk
Wednesday, 25 May 2011
An air of excitement at Farncombe Estate
The four-star accommodation is equipped with wi-fi and all rooms have baths and showers. Twenty rooms have real double beds and two have full access for disabled residents. They will be warmed by a ground-source heat pump and hot water supplied from the Farncombe Estate reservoir.
Our first new build for 13 years has been managed as sustainably as possible, using local suppliers and natural materials. The £3.5 million development will be a beautiful addition to the Farncombe landscape.
For more details about the venue or a free brochure, call 033 3456 8580 or email stay@farncombeestate.co.uk
Make it a long weekend…?!
Farncombe Estate is set in stunning Cotswold countryside, near the old market towns of Broadway, Chipping Campden and Moreton-in-Marsh. You couldn’t be better placed for a long weekend.
To find out more about reduced rates for extended breaks email stay@FarncombeEstate.co.uk or call 033 3456 8580
Tuesday, 24 May 2011
Take advantage of our Early Bird booking offer!
The first customers to book on certain weekend courses* at Farncombe Estate will get a super-discounted price.
The earlier you can book, the better the deal: it’s rather like bagging your seat on a budget airline.
This new approach will help us to keep our programme on track and minimise cancellations. And because you are helping us to streamline our system, we can pass our cost savings on to you.
To take advantage of the Early Bird offer, simply look out for the courses marked with the Early Bird Logo on the website, check your diary and give us a call to book 0333 456 8580.
*Not all courses are eligible.
Looking for Basses and Tenors and a £50 voucher for you!
The Choral Evensong Weekend, 4-6 November 2011 is already two-thirds full. However, we need more voices to complete our counterpoint!
In particular, we are seeking Basses and Tenors to bring our choir into balance. If you have a friend, partner or acquaintance who sings in these registers, please could you persuade them to join us in November? Then your Cotswold’s weekend will be perfectly pitched.
As a token of our appreciation for introducing a new bass or tenor singer to the course, we are very pleased to offer a £50 gift voucher to use towards an event at Farncombe in 2012. (Usual Terms and Conditions Apply.) To find out more please call 033 3456 8580.
Friday, 20 May 2011
We need some bass...
The course will appeal to singers of all voices and wind and string instrumentalists who would like to explore a different and exciting repertoire, suitable for both church and concert hall. The music is not technically challenging, and sight reading is not essential, as the instruments double the four vocal lines.
We already have a group well balanced in voices, and several instrumentalists. What we still lack is a bass instrument. Ideal would be a cello or bassoon, but any instrument which can play bass parts would be welcome. If you are a suitable player who might be persuaded to attend, or know someone that may be interested then please consider this special offer.
Offer: If you are able to attend and you play a bass instrument then we will give you £50 off the price of the weekend course.
We only have 3 bedrooms left for that weekend so early booking for this offer is advised. To claim this offer bookings need to be made by Monday 13th of June, please call 0333 456 8580. Please quote ‘Bass’ at the time of booking. Offer cannot be transferred and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
Thursday, 5 May 2011
Bank Holiday Offer...
Chroma's Interactive Acrylics, with Rosemary Hale 27th - 29th May
Cavalier Ladies, with John Sutton 27th - 29th May
Seascapes in Watercolour - Beginners to Intermediates, with Colin Beckett 29th - 31st May
Holbein and the Illusion of Reality, with Gillian White 29th - 31st May
The Battle of Hastings 1066, with Graham Winton 29th - 31st May
Offer:
If you book on one of theses courses you will receive a FREE night's Dinner Bed & Breakfast preceding your course. Thursday 26th for a course beginning on Friday 27th and Saturday 28th for a course beginning on Sunday 29th. Please Quote 'Bankhol' at the time of booking. Bookings need to be made by calling 0333 456 8580. Terms & Conditions apply. Discount cannot be transferred to another booking.
Tuesday, 19 April 2011
How will you celebrate Adult Learning Week ?
Have you always wanted to pick up a paint brush? Learn more about photography? Discover if you can really sing?
Then why not take the opportunity right now during Adult Learning Week. Farncombe holds a range of weekend and day courses 50 weekends of the year. It is a case of just doing what you've always wanted to do. Go on...do something for yourself.
To request a course brochure please call Mandy on 0333 456 8580.
Monday, 18 April 2011
Happy Customers...
Tuesday, 12 April 2011
No room at this Inn...!
English Piano Music - A Garden of Rare and Neglected Delights, with Mark Bebbington
Mark Bebbington's CD's of British piano music have met with golden reviews across the globe and are leading to a renaissance in this glorious music; following on from the success of his previous British music course, Mark looks at the major piano works of Arthur Bliss, Frank Bridge and John Ireland - as well as many lesser known, but equally rich works by Ivor Gurney, William Hurlstone and Benjamin Dale. The course will be revelatory to all lovers of British music, as well as to devotees of great piano music - and will be illustrated with copious musical illustrations at the piano by Mark. The course includes a recital by Mark on Saturday evening.
Chinese Brush Painting, with Swee Tan Caseley
Chinese Painting is emphasis on simplicity & spontaneity. A practical course, focusing on developing Chinese painting techniques of flowers and landscapes. Demonstrations followed by individual tuition will enable students of all abilities including beginners to progress. Painting materials can be borrowed free of charge on the day, also can be purchased at reasonable price.
To take advantage of this great offer please call us on 0333 456 8580 and quote ‘Full11’ at the time of booking. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer and cannot be transferred. Terms and conditions apply.
We also have limited places available on the following day schools that weekend: (don’t forget about the wonderful day school offers we have in the front of our 2011 brochure)
Portraits of British Farm Animals, with Alexandra Woods – Saturday 21st May
Shakespeare's MACBETH, with Angela Day – Saturday 21st May
Making Rag Rugs, Hooking and Prodding, with Cilla Cameron – Sunday 22nd May.
For more information on the above, do visit our website www.farncombeestate.co.uk
Monday, 11 April 2011
A Girlie Weekend at Farncombe
We only have a few places left (and very few bedrooms) on our Soul Divas: Here Come the Girl Groups! - 06th – 8th of May.
Hey ladies, if you catch yourself dancing around in front of the mirror wielding your hairbrush as a microphone, then this is the singing workshop for you! Become part of a giant girl-group for the weekend and sing your favourite soul classics from the great girl-groups of the Motown era. We'll be looking at soul melodies and rhythms, singing backing harmonies, and vocal techniques that help to create that magic Motown sound, while swinging along with The Shirelles, The Marvellettes and others. This is an all-comers workshop run in a group-singing format. There's no need to be able to read music notation and all levels of vocal experience welcome.
OFFER - Book two places on this course, sharing a twin/double room, and receive £77 off the second place. Just £193.50 each for the whole weekend!
To take advantage of this wonderful offer, please quote ‘Diva11’ at the time of booking. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or transferred to a new booking. Terms and conditions apply. To book your place, please call us on 0333 456 8580.
Tuesday, 29 March 2011
Textured Landscapes - Change of Date
This course has been changed to 27th - 29th of May...
Create a unique 3D textured, embroidered and embellished landscape. Discover the manipulative marvels of scrunching, ruching, tucking, folding, inserting and pleating for a dynamically tactile design. Add decorative embroidery from free motion to set machine patterns, learn machine quilting either with or without a walking foot. It is creative play for all - twiddle and fiddle your way through a wide range of amazingly manoeuvred machinations. No artistic ability required - it can't go wrong and if the result is not as intended, the effect will just be a little different! For coloured photographs see http://www.jennierayment.com/ - workshops.
Wednesday, 23 March 2011
Be our guest, be our guest...
We are offering a special rate over the Easter period of £50 per night for a cosy double or single room for a minimum of a 2 nights stay.
Your bedroom is one of 89 well-appointed en-suite bedrooms from four locations on the Estate. These are sympathetically set in 300 breathtaking acres of Cotswold scenery.
Unwinding has never been easier.
Please contact Lesley on 01386 854206 for more information and to check availability.
Tuesday, 22 March 2011
Extend your stay at Easter...
For any new bookings we receive for a course on Easter weekend we are offering a complimentary overnight stay including Dinner for the night preceding or the night following any of our courses.
The courses we have on offer for Easter weekend are:
The French Revolution and its Enemies – 22nd – 24th April with Sean Lang
The Bloomsbury Group – 22nd – 24th April with Geoff Doel & Fran Doel MA
Oil Painting Techniques – 24th – 26th April with Ian Coleman
Everyone Can Sing - A Voice Workshop – 24th – 26th April with Dan Evans
The English Republic 1649-1662 – 24th – 26th April with Andrew Lacey
To take advantage of this great offer please call us on 0333 456 8580 and quote 'Easter11' at the time of booking. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Please visit our website for full terms and conditions.
Monday, 14 March 2011
Bridge: Improve your Bidding 15th – 17th of April
Tuesday, 8 March 2011
25% off Farncombe Courses
Soul Divas: Here Come the Girl Groups, with Jo Sercombe 6th – 8th of May
Hey ladies, if you catch yourself dancing around in front of the mirror wielding your hairbrush as a microphone, then this is the singing workshop for you! Become part of a giant girl-group for the weekend and sing your favourite soul classics from the great girl-groups of the Motown era. We'll be looking at soul melodies and rhythms, singing backing harmonies, and vocal techniques that help to create that magic Motown sound, while swinging along with The Shirelles, The Marvellettes and others. This is an all-comers workshop run in a group-singing format. There's no need to be able to read music notation and all levels of vocal experience welcome.
Buddhism - A Philosophy for Life, with John Preston 6th – 8th of May
Buddhism is becoming increasingly well known in the West today. This introductory workshop covers the key Buddhist concepts. During the course we also explore the origin of Buddhism, its ethical foundation and enlightenment - the goal of the Buddhist path. The course will include an opportunity to experience a variety of Buddhist meditative exercises (10 - 20 minutes) seated on ordinary chairs. No special postures are required.
Sing the British Isles, with Chris Rowbury 10th – 12th June
You don't have to be a 'folkie' to enjoy singing traditional songs in wonderful 4-part harmony! Whether you only sing in the bath, or are in a choir, this weekend will use songs from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales to create gorgeous group harmonies to die for. The British Isles have a rich singing tradition stretching back centuries. Popular songs of the 'folk' have been passed down orally from generation to generation in a range of local dialects and languages. Many of us learnt traditional songs at school. Songs such as The Skye Boat Song, The Ash Grove, Widdicombe Fair, Blow the Man Down and Cockles and Mussels. On this course you will learn traditional songs from the British Isles, all arranged especially for voice only in full glorious harmony. Some familiar, some unexpected, and some in new guises, but all guaranteed to delight and feed your musical soul!
Please quote Full11 at the time of booking to receive the discount. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Offer only applicable when booking over the phone 0333 456 8580.
Thursday, 3 March 2011
NADFAS courses at Farncombe Estate
You can join us here to study the following:
Framing the View: Landscape and Art
The Arts and Crafts House and Garden
Medieval English Craftsmen: Ways of Looking at their Works
All of the study breaks run from 4pm on Friday to 2pm on Sunday on the weekend of the 9th of September 2011. The courses are subject to availability. These course are exclusively for NADFAS members only.
Please call the booking office on 0333 4568580
Wednesday, 2 March 2011
Family Fun at the Estate's first ever Easter Egg Hunt
The Easter Egg Hunt will be running between 11am and 3pm.There is free parking on site and free refreshments and biscuits throughout the day.
Entrance Fee: Adults £4 and Children under 15 £2. If you would like to attend then please call us on 01386 854169.
Thursday, 24 February 2011
Farncombe Courses £99
Liszt - Man, Music and Myth, with Roderick Swanston – 4th – 6th of March
Franz Liszt was a phenomenon. He was a prolific composer, letter writer, conductor and pianist. Too relegated to just being a platform dandy he gave the premieres of Wagner's Lohengrin and Berlioz's Benvenuto Cellini. He was the inventor of the symphonic poem and the piano recital. He was an internationalist in outlook but an ardent Hungarian patriot. This course will aim to cut through the myth to find the man and his music. It will explore his choral, vocal and orchestral music as well as his enormous piano output. The course will analyse several symphonic poems, his oratorio Christus and Via Crucis, as well as the widest range of his piano music. It will also explore his critical writings and his letters. The course will set Liszt in the context of his times and use him to explain some of them.
Wagner's Ring Cycle Part 3: Siegfried, with Robert Meikle 18th – 20th March
After Wotan's plans to retrieve the Ring from Alberich and return it to the Rhine had so woefully backfired in Die Walküre, it now looks as if things may turn out for the best after all. So, although this second opera may appear to be the least approachable of the cycle, it actually represents a vital turning-point: Wotan has had no part in Siegfried's birth and upbringing, and Siegfried is now the fearless hero, who overcomes Wotan's resistance, can penetrate the fire surrounding Brünnhilde and awaken her. Part of our study will also spend a little time looking at some of Wagner's voluminous writings about music: did his compositions match his ideas about opera?
This offer is only valid for bookings made by telephone. Please Quote Music11 when booking to receive the reduced rate. Terms and Conditions apply. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. We can supply a list of B & B’s in the local area.
Monday, 21 February 2011
The following courses are now £99!
Everyone Can Sing - A Voice Workshop, with Dan Evans
This course will help you to find your voice and project it with ease and confidence. You may feel you can't sing or you may be an established singer of any level or style. No former musical knowledge is required. You will be shown how to listen, to sing in tune. You will learn how to breathe to sustain notes and you will be taught the calling technique to project your voice. You will experiment with arrangements to make songs come to life and you will be shown how to sing from the heart, moving others with your song. Everyone can sing and it's great fun.
London: An Architectural History over Two Thousand Years, with Hubert Pragnell
This course, illustrated with slides of paintings, engravings and contemporary photographs will trace the story of London's architecture from the fragments of Roman wall to the Swiss Re building known as the 'Gherkin'. We will see the pre-fire appearance of London through the engravings of Hollar. We will look in depth at the work of Wren and Hawksmoor in the post-fire reconstruction, as well as 18th century London as depicted by Canaletto. With the 19th century we are aided by photographs as a record of famous buildings, now lost. The course will conclude with London in the age of the High-Rise and a discussion of how London may develop in the future.
Drawing & Sketching: A Course for Beginners, with Doug Eyre
Do you dream of being able to draw? Or have you not drawn since school days, and would welcome help in starting to develop your talent. “Drawing on a lifetime’s varied experience” Doug demonstrates techniques and skills for students to take further. The course reveals some of the intricacies of form, construction, perspective, human anatomy, shadow and composition. You’ll be amazed at what you can do in a weekend with masses of fun.
Bookings need to be made over the phone by calling 0333 456 8580. Please quote NR2011 when booking. Offer expires 18th March 2011. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
Monday, 14 February 2011
Following the theme of Love...
Rag Rug making is hundreds of years old, and people would have made clippy and proggy rag rugs for their homes, out of necessity in the early 1900's. They used their worn out clothing and sacks, with simple hand tools. Today these techniques are still relevant and you can create something truly inspired from the wealth of recycled textiles that are available today.
At this course you will learn to use a rug hook and a bodger, to create a hooked or clipped surface, and hopefully you will be inspired to get creative with colour and texture. There will be some hand stitching.
Thursday, 10 February 2011
Dormy House Hotel in the Cotswolds 'One of the most Romatic Hotels in Britain'
Congratulations to our Sister company the Dormy House Hotel!
TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel site, yesterday revealed the ten most romantic hotels in Britain, as decided by TripAdvisor travellers. The uniquely converted 17th Century Dormy House Hotel in Broadway, Worcestershire was voted the second most romantic hotel in Britain.
Situated high above the village of Broadway, the hotel grounds are in a rural setting overlooking the beautiful Cotswold countryside. As one TripAdvisor traveller explains, “Back from one night with my boyfriend at the Dormy House in Broadway. One word to describe our weekend – FANTASTIC”
Amongst the top ten list are famous hotels such as ‘Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Oxfordshire’ (5th place), ‘Merchant Hotel, Belfast’ (8th place) and ‘Holbeck Ghyll Country House, Cumbria’ (10th place).
Emma O’Boyle, from TripAdvisor, said, “The list recognises Britain’s most romantic hotels as decided by TripAdvisor’s travellers. They’re perfect for a loved-up weekend not just on Valentine’s Day, but whenever couples crave a cosy few days away”.
Sales and Marketing Manager, Orazio Pollaci, was over the moon when hearing this news. “All the staff at the hotel go out of their way to make every guest’s stay just that little bit more special. Anything from organising flowers and chocolates in the rooms for guests, to impromptu glasses of champagne for marriage proposals in the Dining Room! We do our best to fulfil the wishes of every single guest, as long as it is legal”.
David Field, General Manager of Dormy House Hotel, was overjoyed and very proud on hearing this news and further endorsed that it is all due to the hard work and dedicated commitment of all the staff and management at the hotel. “We will endeavour to come first next time”, he vowed.
To book your romantic getaway or for more information about the Dormy House Hotel visit http://www.dormyhouse.co.uk/
Monday, 7 February 2011
Would you like to Dance?
For more information please contact Rachael Buttery on 0845 230 8580
Tuesday, 25 January 2011
Happy customers at Farncombe
- 'The staff at the centre were very hospitable, friendly and efficient.'
- 'Thank you for the wonderful experience'
- 'The staff couldn't be more helpful.'
- 'Brilliantly brilliant, very uplifting course!'
- 5* event as always. I'll be back!'
Thank you to all of the weekend staff at Farncombe Estate for maintaining such a high standard of service.
Tuesday, 11 January 2011
Special Non-Residential offer - The weekend for only £110
Wednesday, 5 January 2011
Learn something new in 2011
Last few places available on these 2011 courses...
Art and Imagery in Stitch Textiles with Sandra Meech
04-06 February 2011 (Weekend Course)
This workshop will make the connection between the images we take for inspiration, the drawing and painting we do for fun and their important connection to fabric and stitch. This is a workshop for all who want to express themselves in creative new stitched textile directions.
Painting Buildings using Watercolour and Ink with Rosemary Hale
04-06 February 2011 (Weekend Course)
Join tutor Rosemary Hale and get to grips with a subject many find unnecessarily daunting....perspective. Over the course of the weekend, tuition will be given, often on a one-to-one basis and with frequent demonstrations. There will be opportunity to complete a step-by-step painting (suitable for beginners) or, for more experienced painters, to work from your own source material.
Boudoir Rag Rug Heart Cushion with Debbie Siniska
08-10 April 2011 (Weekend Course)
As seen on Channel 4's 'Kirstie's Homemade Home'
Learn to use traditional hand tools for hooky and proggy techniques, and make a beautiful little heart cushion. You will be using recycled textiles and experimenting with colour and the textured surface. Materials list provided.
Last few places available. Call us on 033 3456 8580 and book today to avoid disappointment.
Farncombe Estate Centre's Fan Box
Where to find us and what we do
There is a direct rail service from London Paddington to Moreton in Marsh which is our nearest rail station. To help rail travellers we offer a return taxi collection service from the station.
For a location map and further directions please visit our website.