Learning Programmes

Whether you wish to learn a new skill or take up a new hobby, our exciting range of leisure and learning courses has something to suit everyone. Our latest programme is shown below and if you are interested in a course, whether it is on the following list or not, please complete an on-line enquiry form (see Contact Us), ring Angie Broom on 01761 438559 Option 2 or email her at abroom@wsbe.org.uk and we will book you a place or add you to our waiting list and contact you as soon as the programme is finalised.

All of our courses are taught in small friendly groups and are designed to provide progressive learning in easy steps. Each course is led by a tutor who demonstrates each step and is able to give individual advice along the way.

ARTS

Drawing Techniques - Beginners

This friendly and encouraging 10 week course will show you how to get start with drawing and help you develop more confidence and ability, using a range of coloured grounds and drawing materials.

10 weeks Ł80

This course runs on Tuesdays from 7pm - 9pm beginning on 30/4/13 and running until 9/7/13 excluding 28/5/13.

Drawing Techniques - Improvers

Working at your own level, this course builds on existing drawing skills to help you develop more confidence and ability and increase your awareness of composition and different styles of drawing.

10 weeks Ł80

This course runs on Mondays from 7pm - 9pm beginning on 229/4/13 and running until 15/7/13 excluding 6/5/13 and 27/5/13.

CRAFTS

Sugarcraft - Beginners and Improvers

For those who are complete Beginners, or have completed a Beginners course or have existing skills this course will show you new techniques and provide inspiration for turning your cakes into works of art!

10 weeks Ł80 plus a seperate charge of Ł12 for materials (payable on the first week to the tutor).

This course runs on Tuesdays from 7.30om – 9.30pm beginning on 30/4/13 and running until 16/7/13 excluding 28/5/13 and 18/6/13.

Sugarcraft - Advanced

For those who have completed Improvers courses - the Advanced course is designed to take your existing skills, knowledge and experience to a new and exciting level.

10 weeks Ł80 plus a seperate charge of Ł12 for materials (payable on the first week to the tutor)

This course runs on Thursdays from 7.30pm – 9.30pm beginning 2/5/13 and running until 18/7/13 excluding 30/5/13 and 20/6/2013.

Dress Making for Beginners

Learn to measure correctly and calculate fabric quantities; to choose, read, mark and pin patterns; to cut material and make up a finished garment. You will need to bring your own electric sewing machine.

10 weeks Ł80 plus the cost of your pattern and material which you will need to have purchased for Week 3 of the course.

This course runs Thursdays from 7pm - 9pm beginning 2/5/13 and running until 11/7/13 excluding 30/5/13.

Dress Making for Improvers

If you have existing sewing skills and would like to learn further techniques then this course will show you how. Working at your own pace and level, on your own chosen project with an experienced and approachable tutor. You will need to bring your own electric sewing machine.

10 weeks Ł80 plus the cost of your pattern and material which you will need to have purchased by Week 3 of the course.

This course runs on Mondays from 7pm - 9pm beginning on 22nd April and running until 8/7/13 with breaks on 6/5/13 and 27/5/13.

Introduction to Bag Making

This 4 week course will show you how to make a shopping/tote bag and a smaller cosmetic bag/purse. You will be shown how to insert zips and buttonholes, use lining, interfacing and piped edgings, pockets and fastenings, applique and embroidery. You will need to bring your own electric sewing machine, 1 metre of medium-weight cottom fabric and matching sewing thread to the first class together with scissors, pins, tape measure etc. A list of optional items is available and the tutor will discuss with you what is needed for each week.

4 weeks Ł40

This course runs on Wednesdays from 6.30pm - 9pm beginning 1/5/13 and running until 22/5/13.

Introduction to Cushion Making

In 4 weeks you can learn how to make a cushion with an envelope back and other fastenings and also learn techniques to insert zips, buttonholes, use piped edges, applique and embroidery. You will need to bring to the first class your own electric sewing machine, a cushion pad (square preferably, approx 40cm size) a minimum of 50cm of light to medium-weight cottom fabric (more if larger cushion)and matching sewing thread together with scissors, pins, tape measure etc. A list of optional items is available and the tutor will discuss with you what is needed for each week.

4 weeks Ł40

This course runs on Wednesdays from 6.30pm - 9pm beginning 5/6/13 and running until 26/6/13.

A Sewing Project in an Evening

Do you have a sewing project which you have started and would love to finish? Maybe you have a pattern and fabric that you need encouragement with to get going, or perhaps some advice and help with paper pattern instructions and techniques? Bring it along to complete, with guidance from you tutor and make a few friends along the way!

Suitable for all skill levels as long as students know how to thread up and use their own sewing machine which they must bring with them together with tacking thread, fabric scissors, pins and tape measure.

3 hours Ł12

This event runs on one evening on Wednesday 3/7/13 from 6pm - 9pm.

Introduction to Bunting Making Workshop

This workshop will show you how to make 3 metres of bunting and you will also learn techniques to add applique and embroidery.

You will need to bring your own electric sewing machine, a minimum of 2m fabric (light-weight cotton preferred- can be all the same or an assortment of colours/patterns eg 8 x 'fat-quarters') and matching sewing thread. In addition you should bring spare fabric, thread, fabric and small pointed scissors, sewing and machine needles, pins, ruler, tape measure, tailors chalk or fabric marking pen. A full list of items required is available.

3 hours Ł12

This event runs on one evening on Wednesday 10/7/13 from 6pm - 9pm.

Stained Glass Making - Improvers

Some previous experience will be required for this course which is designed to build on and expand your exisiting skills. A professionally experienced Tutor will provide ideas, inspiration and technical knowledge to enable you to create unique pieces of artwork.

9 weeks Ł72 plus a charge for materials used.

This course runs on Mondays from 7pm - 9pm beginning 22/4/2013 and running until 1/7/2013 excluding 6/5/13 and 27/5/13.

Mosaics - All Levels

Learn to create beautiful pictures and patterns, cover tables, pots etc. using fragments of tiles, beads, glass etc. Suitable for indoor or outdoor projects. No previous experience required.

10 weeks Ł80 plus a small charge for materials used.

This course runs on Wednesdays from 7pm - 9pm beginning 8/5/2013 and running until 17/7/2013 excluding 29/5/13.

Willow Craft and Lanterns

Explore the art of Willow work with this new 6 week course - try your hand at making Willow hearts, wreaths and decorations and lanterns for gifts or just for you!

6 weeks Ł48 plus a small charge for materials used.

Details of this course are still to be finalised - please register your interest by either using "Contact Us", by ringing Angie Broom on 01761 438559 Option 2 or email her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Creative Writing Level 2

For those who have already completed the Beginners course or who have some existing experience of writing. Working with a published Author, this course will help you initiate and expand ideas for your own projects, put together longer pieces of writing, explore the world of competitions and publishing and generally assist you to develope the writing craft.

6 weeks Ł48

This course runs on Mondays from 7.30pm – 9.30pm beginning on 29/4/2013 and running until 17/6/2013 excluding 6/5/13 and 27/5/13.

LANGUAGES

French Beginners

For complete beginners, this course gives you a basic grasp of the language, enabling you to introduce yourself, ask directions, order food and shop with confidence. Working in a small and friendly group with a native speaking tutor.

10 weeks Ł80

This course will run again in September - please register your interest by either using "Contact Us", by ringing Angie Broom on 01761 438559 Option 2 or email her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

French Conversation

For those already able to converse with some confidence in French but wishing to improve, this course gives you 90 minutes each week to speak nothing but French! Working with a French born, very approachable and friendly tutor you will converse about subjects which interest you, polishing your accent and improving your fluency in this beautiful language.

Spanish Beginners

For complete beginners, this course with a Spanish born tutor will start you off with a basic grasp of the language, teaching you how to greet people, introduce yourself, ask directions and buy basic items in shops.

10 weeks Ł80 plus Ł3 for a folder of Tutor handouts

Details of this course are still being confirmed - please register your interest by either using "Contact Us", by ringing Angie Broom on 01761 438559 Option 2 or email her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Spanish Beginners Plus

A follow-on course for those who have completed the Beginners course or who have a little existing knowledge - this will help you to develope your vocabulary and your confidence with spoken Spanish.

10 weeks Ł80 plus Ł3 for a folder of Tutor handouts

Details of this course are still being confirmed - To register your interest please use "Contact Us", ring Angie Broom on 01761 438559 Option 2 or email her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Other Interests

Astronomy

This course is designed for complete beginners and will give a wide-ranging overview of Astronomy including the opportunity to look at the skies in detail using a telescope. Subjects covered include choosing equipment and observing, the planets and Solar System, the nature of stars and galaxies and The Big Bang Theory.

10 weeks Ł80 plus Ł4 for a comprehensive folder of Tutor notes (Optional)

This course will run again at the end of 2013. To register your interest please use "Contact Us", ring Angie Broom on 01761 438559 Option 2 or email her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it