Hobbies & Wellbeing Evening Classes 2024/25
Autumn Term starts starting w/c Monday 16th September 2024. Please see individual classes for exceptions.
Fees and how to enrol are here.
African Drumming Beginners
Beginners. 7-9pm - Tuesday - Alison Lyon.
If you’ve got a heart-beat, you’ve got rhythm! Learn to tap your natural human potential with Drums Agogo - hand drum tuition on genuine African instruments. Bring your own drum or hire one of ours, enjoy foot-stomping funky fun from day one! Course may move to Monday later in the year, if numbers drop.
Drum hire of £2.30 per week included, fee reduced by £23 if not needed.
Tutor info: www.drumsagogo.co.uk.co.uk
African Drumming - Advancing
Improvers. 7-9pm - Monday - Alison Lyon.
This class is mainly for returning drummers, and for you, if you already have a decent bass, tone and slap, can confidently play a range of common parts of traditional rhythms in 4 4 and 6 8, and know one of the popular notation systems used in the UK to read and write African rhythms. We’ll be having fun with some more complex and unusual rhythms and breaks, as well as some djembe solo techniques. Drum hire of £2.30 per week included, fee reduced by £23 if not needed.
Tutor info: www.drumsagogo.co.uk.co.uk
Creative Crochet - sold out, waiting list available
Early Improvers. 7-9pm - Tuesday - Abigail James.Refresh your knowledge of the basic stitches and how to create an effective starting chain. Then be guided by an experienced tutor to learn how to work in the round to make a beautiful ‘Spike Stitch’ basket. Finally, extend your knowledge as we create a range of fabulous Christmas Decorations. Materials cost of £1 per session. Crochet Hooks in size 4.5, 5 and 6 needed. Ten week course.
Tutor info: www.facebook.com/daisycroftcrafts/
Driving Skills - use your head (Jan 2025)
All Levels. 7-9pm - Wednesday - Adrian Ward.
Do you want to improve your driving skills? When you learn to drive, you learn the practical skills, what to do with your hands and feet - but what about the thinking skills, how to anticipate problems and avoid them? For anyone who wants to become a better, safer driver - whatever your age or driving experience. Adrian Ward is a police trained driver with over 50 years driving experience. Enjoy greater confidence, safety and enjoyment behind the wheel. Ten week course.
Dru Yoga
Beginners & Improvers. 7.30-9.00pm - Monday - Claire Marsh.
Fun, friendly classes to help you stretch, strengthen, calm the mind, relax and feel good. Never focusing on the ‘perfect posture’, Dru is accessible for all ages, shapes and sizes. Bring mat, blanket, cushion and drink.
Fly Tying
Beginners & Improvers. 7-9pm - Wednesday - Phil Holding.
Learn how to tie your own ‘flies’ with expert tuition to help you to get started in this delicate skill. The Spring Term develops your skills for more complicated flies. Materials and equipment will be available for you to purchase in class.
Gelli-plate Printing - limited places available
All Levels. 7-9pm - Monday - Patti Smith.
Gelli-plate printing is a fun and experimental technique you can use to create a wide range of art without a printing press. Each piece is unique - create beautiful prints, collages and more, using flowers, foliage or stencils. No experience or drawing skills necessary, but creating stencils can be rewarding for more experienced artists. Course cost includes paint and materials for the term. Gelli-plate equipment provided but available to buy from the tutor, if wanted.
Mindful Art Class
All levels. 7-9pm - Wednesday - Emma Cartledge.
A relaxing and mindful art class - learn how to make beautiful patterns. Promoting concentration, nurturing creativity, while increasing personal wellbeing. Teaching drawing techniques that combine fine line with soft tone to make beautiful designs. Quality paper, specialist pens, pencils and brushes provided. Colour and collage when confidence develops. Beginners and experienced artists welcome, the guidance given is personalised for each individual. Materials cost of £2 per term, payable to the tutor. Tutor info: www.emmacartledge2022.com
Paper crafting for Beginners
Beginners. 7-9pm - Wednesday - Christine Waite.
Always wanted to make your own greeting cards? Learn to use paper crafting skills including stamping and die cutting to create greeting cards and other items. This introduction to paper crafting skills will focus mainly on card making but will also include making gift boxes and creating your own advent calendar. Each week we will work on different projects using different skills, giving you the opportunity to develop and put your own personal touch to your final designs. Students will need to bring their own craft scissors and paper glue (can be purchased through the tutor). Materials cost of £4 per session, payable to the tutor.
Patchwork, Quilting and Applique - Beginners
Beginners. 7-9pm - Tuesday - Margaret Wightman.
Beginners will learn basic skills associated with making a simple block quilt and then will be introduced to a number of more advanced techniques to make either a quilt or a throw for the bed. Most work can be hand sewn.
Sewing machine needed to put blocks together.
Patchwork, Quilting and Applique - Mixed Ability
Mixed Ability. 7-9pm - Wednesday - Margaret Wightman.
These sessions will be run on a workshop basis. Sessions before Christmas will concentrate on using a variety of techniques to make items for Christmas. ie folded patchwork cards, felt tree decorations, Advent calendars. Students will be encouraged to create their own designs and patterns. Sessions after Christmas will look at a variety of techniques to make bags, cushions, wall hangings and quilts etc. Sewing machine needed.
Photography for Beginners - sold out
Beginners. 7-9pm - Wednesday - Richard Sells.
For students new to photography. Discover the power of manual mode on your camera and unlock your creativity. By controlling things like shutter speed and aperture, while developing your understanding of composition, you will begin to capture the images you’ve always wanted. A balance between theory and practical. Opportunities to test and develop your new learning and capture some great images and learn about editing software. DSLR or Mirrorless camera with a manual setting, at least one lens, and a memory card needed. Tripod recommended, but not essential.
Pilates with Meditation
All Levels. 7-8.30pm - Tuesday - Carla Vickers.
Learn to move safely through a sequence of Pilates exercises with ease, flow and grace or develop your current practice. Understand and apply the Pilates Principles of alignment, breath control, core engagement, relaxation and concentration. Improve your posture, strength, stability, balance, coordination, flexibility and mobility and prevent injuries. Strengthen deep core muscles and release unwanted tensions inside the body. Through the 30-minute Meditation, learn how to relieve stress and mental tensions. Remain at the centre of your being and awareness. Heal on an emotional, mental, and physical level. Learn to go about your daily life in a balanced, graceful, and positive way, bringing peace and happiness into your life. Pilates mat needed.
Relieve your back or neck pain with the Alexander Technique
Beginners. 7-9pm - Tuesday - Bridget Barr.
From effort and strain to lightness and ease. A practical opportunity to explore a wealth of techniques and ideas, including simple strategies to bypass habits of tension and gentle ways of improving the tone and strength you need every day. Learn why focusing only on the bits that hurt is pointless. Explore how the way we think about movement affects how we move. More info: email Bridget Barr on attbridgetbarr@gmail.com and see www.learnalexandertechnique.info
Sewing for Fun
Beginners. 7-9pm - Monday - Chloe Merridew.
Learn the basics of garment construction and design and how to use dressmaking patterns. Make a garment to take home, then refine your skills and build on your expertise in Term Two. Term Three takes you through decorative techniques for clothing, costumes and hats. Sewing Machine needed, initial purchase of pattern, material, basic sewing supplies. Approx £6 for pattern.