Letchworth Settlement: Courses

Settlement Courses

Please also see Occasional Workshops and Cambridge University Courses…

Arts and Crafts Classes

Beadwork Tutor: Annie Burcombe

Learn basic beading stitches or develop your skills to create your own unique pieces of jewellery - necklaces, bracelets, earrings etc. Intermediate & Advanced class.

Day: Tuesdays from 16th September 2008 Time: 1.00 pm - 3.00 pm Garden Room

Fees £42 per 6 week course plus Settlement membership

Cake Decorating and Sugar Crafts Tutor: Celia Hasan

This course covers all areas of the subject, from decorating a cake, using various techniques in both royal icing and sugarpaste, to making beautiful handmade sugar flowers. Suitable for all abilities, so come and develop your skills.

Three terms of 10 weeks.

Call tutor for more information 01462 456429

Day: Thursdays from 10th January 2008 Time: 7.15 pm - 9.15 pm

Fees: £70 per 10 week term plus Settlement membership.

Calligraphy Tutor: Jo Cooper

For beginners, starting with basic skills of script lettering, as well as those with more experience wishing to improve and learn new techniques. Everyone is encouraged to explore all kinds of creative projects in this absorbing, rewarding and useful craft.

Day: Wednesdays from 9th January 2008 Time: 2.00 pm - 4.00 pm Room 1

Fees: £60 per term, paid direct to tutor.

Creative Stitchery Tutor: Christina Renwick

Combining design with traditional and modern techniques of embroidery, this course is suitable for both experienced embroiderers and beginners. Also included are demonstrations of the many additional disciplines that can be used to enhance your work.

New members always welcome.

Day: Thursdays from 10th January 2008 Time: 1.30 pm - 3.30 pm

Fees: £70 for 10 week term, plus Settlement membership.

Flower Arranging (alternate Thursday evenings) Tutor: Jenny Stutley

Traditional and contemporary arrangements. Improve and update your flower-arranging skills. Enjoy the opportunity to explore new techniques and styles from around the world. Suitable for all abilities, including complete beginners.

This class runs on alternate Thursday evenings, for those who cannot manage a weekly commitment.

Day: Thursdays from 11th September 2008 Time: 7.15 pm - 9.15 pm Spinks

There will be six classes on the 2nd & 4th Thursdays of the month. Fees £42 per term plus Settlement membership. Students provide their own materials.

Flower Arranging (Monday evening) Tutor: Ione Woodger-Smith

A varied programme to explore both contemporary and traditional flower arranging. Suitable for complete beginners and those who are more experienced.

Day: Mondays from 7th January 2008 Time: 7.15 pm - 9.15 pm Cruse Room

Three terms of 8 weeks (depending on demand). Fees £52 per term. Students supply own materials.

Life Drawing Class Tutor: Collette Hoefkens

An opportunity to work in a friendly group, using charcoal, pencil, oils or water colours. Beginners are welcome.

Day: Wednesdays from 9th January 2008 Time: 7.00 pm - 9.00 pm Brunt Room

Fees paid direct to tutor. For further information on dates and fees, please contact the tutor on 01462 481679.

Machine Embroidery Tutor: Clare Wood

Using a sewing machine for embroidery can create distinctive and very decorative work. Lots of intriguing techniques, finishes and ideas for finished pieces. An ideal course for those new to the subject, also a good opportunity to develop new skills for those with some experience. All levels welcome and students may work on thier own projects.

Day: Tuesdays from 8th January 2008 Time: 1.45 pm - 3.45 pm Cruse Room

Fees: £70 per 10 week term.(two terms) plus Settlement membership
Course nearly full - maximum 14

Master Class in Stitched Textiles Tutor: Val Aitken & Catherine Hursthouse

In this class we will study the following in depth: design, colour and techniques including contemporary metal thread, mixed media, machine and hand stitching This will allow the student's individual style and preferences to come to the fore within a structured, taught environment (without the constraints of examination regulation). Each area of work will have a different design source and technical focus. Students will learn through tutor-led exercises, experimentation, analysis and discussion.

Previous embroidery experience will be required.

Day: Thursdays from 10th January 2008 Time: 9.30 am - 3.30 pm Cruse Room

Fees: £140 per 10 week term, (30 weeks over the year), plus Settlement membership.

Mixed Media Art Class Tutor: Christine Harrison

A course designed to cover basic observation and drawing skills but including such areas as line drawing, tone, collage, pointillism, composition and scale, mixed media and how to find inspiration and ideas. For beginners who want to build confidence and for more experienced artists who want to experiment and increase versatility.

Day: Wednesdays from 9th January 2008 Time: 1.00 pm - 3.00 pm Cruse Room

Fees £70 per 10 week term plus Settlement membership.
Course Full. Waiting List

Painting with Water Colours Tutor: Maureen Bonfield

Study of drawing and painting in water colour of seasonal objects - gardens and wild flowers, trees and landscapes, buildings, boats and bridges. Various techniques are used, including ever-popular pen and wash, gouache and work on different papers. Beginners welcome.

Students may stay on this popular course for up to three years, to allow newcomers in.

Day: Mondays from 15th September 2008 Time: 9.30 am - 12 noon

Three terms. Fees: £78 per 10-week term plus Settlement membership.
Course Full - Waiting List

Painting with Water Colours Tutor: Maureen Bonfield

Day: Tuesdays from 16th September 2008 Time: 1.15 pm - 3.45 pm

Three terms. Fees: £78 per 10-week term plus Settlement membership.
Course Full - Waiting List.

Patchwork and Quilting - Recreational Tutor: Stephanie Pettengell

A course aimed at beginners and improvers. Learn skills in coloured fabric, hand and machine piecing and patchwork, quilting and applique, in a relaxed atmosphere. The course leads on to personal projects.
Three terms of 10 sessions. New members welcome as beginners or improvers. There will be a two week break over the Christmas period.

Day: Wednesdays from 5th December 2007 Time: 7.15 pm - 9.15 pm Cruse Room

Fees: £70 for a 10 session term plus Settlement membership.
Course full

Patchwork & Quilting - Recreational Tutor: Stephanie Pettengell

A course aimed at beginners and improvers. Learn skills in coloured fabric, hand and machine piecing and patchwork, quilting and appliqué, in a relaxed atmosphere. The course leads on to personal projects.
New members welcome in December. Please contact office. There will be a two week break over the Christmas period

Day: Mondays from 3rd December 2007 Time: .30 pm - 3.00 pm Cruise Room

Fees: £85 for a 10-session term plus Settlement membership.
Course full

Patchwork and Quilting: Recreational Tutor: Stephanie Pettengell

A course aimed at beginners and improvers. Learn skills in coloured fabric, hand and machine piecing and patchwork, quilting and applique, in a relaxed atmosphere. The course leads on to personal projects.
Three terms of 10 sessions. There will be a two week break over the Christmas period.

Day: Tuesdays from 4th December 2007 Time: 9.30 am - 12 noon Cruse Room

Fees: £81 for 10 session term plus Settlement membership.
A few places.

Silver Jewellery - Wirework Tutor: Lizzie Anstice-Brown

A jewellery course that explores the creative possibilities of working in wire - one of the most ancient jewellery-making methods.

Techniques are introduced in base and precious metal (silver) using tools and materials that allow students to continue their jewellery making at home. The course will appeal to beginners as well as those with some jewellery experience.

Small friendly group.

Day: Wednesdays from 9th January 2008 Time: 10.00 am - 12 noon Cruse Room

Normally a 10 week course. Fees £70 per term plus Settlement membership.
Course full - waiting list

Still Life Class Tutor: Collette Hoefkens

Suitable for beginners and improvers, developing observational skills, drawing and the use of colour.

Day: Tuesdays from 8th January 2008 Time: 7.00 pm - 9.30 pm Brunt Room

For further information on dates and fees, please contact the tutor on 01462 481679.

Upholstery Tutor: Vanessa Pascan

Traditional and modern upholstery for beginners and the more experienced. Smaller items preferred. Advice will be given on materials and tools required.
N.B. For those without transport, limited storage of smaller items may be arranged.
Three terms of 10 weeks.

Day: Mondays from 7th January 2008 Time: 1.30 pm - 4.00 pm

Fees: £85 per 10 week term plus Settlement membership.

Upholstery Tutor: David Goldsmith

Traditional and Modern Upholstery. All levels of experience welcome.
N.B.: For those without transport, limited storage of smaller items may be arranged.
Three terms of 10 weeks.

Day: Mondays from 7th January 2008 Time: 7.15 pm - 9.15 pm

Fees: £70 per 10 week term.

Water Colour Class Tutor: Gloria Harris

A course for beginners and improvers. Lessons will include pencil work, watercolours (pastels optional) covering a particular aspect each week, over ten or eleven weeks per term.

Day: Fridays from 11th January 2008 Time: 10.00 am - .30 pm Cruise Room

Three terms. Fee £70 per 10 week term, paid direct to tutor. To book, contact tutor on 01462 480515.

Water Colour Class Tutor: Gloria Harris

A course for beginners and improvers. Lessons will include pencil work, watercolours (pastels optional) covering a particular aspect each week, over ten or eleven weeks per term.

Day: Mondays from 20th January 2008 Time: 9.15 am - 11.45 am Cruse Room

Three terms. Fee £70 per 10 week course, paid direct to tutor. To book, contact tutor on 01462 480515.

Foreign Languages

French: Advanced Conversation Tutor: Martine Beecroft

An opportunity for those of A level standard (even though rusty!) to discuss topics of their choice and to develop further their grammar and vocabulary. Small group with experienced native French teacher.

Day: Wednesdays from 19th September 2007 Time: 1.3 pm - 3.00 pm Room 3

Three 10 week terms. Fee: £53 per term

French: Basic (1) Tutor: Maureen Steele

A class suitable for those with approximately two years' experience of the language.Small group tuition.
Three 12 week terms.

Day: Mondays from 10th September 2007 Time: 9.15 am - 11.15 am Room 3

Fees: £84 per 12 week term.

French: Basic (2) Tutor: Maureen Steele

A class suitable for those with approximately three years' knowledge of the language. Small group tuition.

Three 12 week terms

Day: Mondays from 10th September 2007 Time: 7.30 pm - 9.30 pm Room 3

Fees: £84 per 12-week term.

French: Beginners/Basic Tutor: Maureen Steele

A class suitable for those with approximately one year's experience or no prior knowledge of the language who would like to learn in a small group.
Three 12 week terms.

Day: Thursdays from 13th September 2007 Time: 7.30 pm - 9.30 pm Room 1

Fees: £84 per term.

French: Intermediate Tutor: Martine Beecroft

A class for those with a sound knowledge of the language (two to three years' previous experience) who wish to progress further in both conversation and grammar. Small, friendly class with native French teacher.

Three terms of 12 weeks

Day: Thursdays from 20th September 2007 Time: 9.30 am - 11.30 am Room 3

Fees:£84 per term.

French: Intermediate Tutor: Maureen Steele

Suitable for students with a good basic knowledge of the language and its grammar (above GCSE level). Small group tuition.
Three 12 week terms.

Day: Tuesdays from 10th January 2007 Time: 1.30 pm - 3.00 pm Room 3

Fees: £63 per 12 week term.

Holiday Spanish Tutor: Laura Ortega-Rubio

Thie course is suitable for beginners and those with limited experience of the language who wish to develop both conversational skills and practical knowledge for getting around. Small group teaching with native Spanish teacher.

Three 12 week terms.

Day: Thursdays from 20th September 2007 Time: 1.15 pm - 3.15 pm Room 3

Fees: £84 per 12 week term

Italian: Intermediate Tutor: Annalisa Conway

A class suitable for those with two or more years' knowledge of the language, but could suit someone who wishes to refresh their knowledge of Italian. Small group with native Italian teacher.

Day: Tuesdays from 18th September 2007 Time: 7.30 pm - 9.00 pm Room 1

Three terms of 12 weeks. Fees: £63 per term.

Other Recreational Courses

Bridge - Intermediate Tutor: Margot Chapman

A class for those who have been playing for two to three years, but would like to develop their techniques further.

Day: Fridays from 26th September 2008 Time: 10.00 am - 12 noon Garden Room

Fees: £70 per 10 week term. plus Settlement Membership.

Bridge for Beginners & Improvers Tutor: Margot Chapman

This is a class aimed at beginners, but also for people who have mastered the basics of Bridge and who would like to progress further or refresh their techniques.
Newcomers welcome.

Day: Wednesdays from 9th January 2008 Time: 10.00 am - 12 noon Room 3

10-week term. Fees: £70 per term, plus Settlement membership
Arrangements can be made to pay weekly at a slightly higher rate, provided that numbers are sufficient to break even..

Garden Design (daytime course) Tutor: Kathy Stewart

A new 10 week course offering the opportunity to consider the full process of designing a garden - surveying. analysing and preparing a brief; the design process: principles & concepts; drawing plans in pencil/ink, symbol/lettering, elevations.
A further course will concentrate on planting plans.

Day: Mondays from 7th January 2008 Time: 1.45 pm - 3.45 pm New Classroom

Fees: £70 for 10 week course, plus Settlement membership

Garden Design (evening class) Tutor: Stephen Granger

A new course aimed at those who want to develop the art of garden design, perhaps creating a design for their own garden. It will cover all aspects of the process:design theory, surveying and drawing up plans, hard landscaping and planting.

Day: Wednesdays from 11th January 2008 Time: 7.30 pm - 9.30 pm New Classroom

Fees: £70 for 10 week course plus Settlement membership
There is a delayed start to this course. Please enquire on 01462 682828.

Get Writing Tutor: Elizabeth Barber

This is a course for beginners and experienced writers alike who enjoy the stimulation of working in a relaxed and friendly group. The main aim is to enjoy writing and, for those who want to work on something for publication, the input from fellow writers can be just the encouragement needed.

Day: Wednesdays from 31st October 2007 Time: 10.00 am - 12 noon Room 3

Fees: £32.50 for five week course, plus annual Settlement membership

Poetry & Literature of the 1890's Tutor: Alistair Walker

The Victorian age was breaking up; the New Woman was shaking the establishment; the poets were investigating the the music halls and Forbidden Love; Jack the Ripper was frightening Whitechapel. We will read poetry of the period, including some of the shorter works of fiction (The Time Machine- Wells; Heart of Darkness - Cpnrad; The Awakening - Chopin) and we cannot omit one of the best English comedies - The Importance of Being Earnest.

Day: Tuesdays from 8th January 2008 Time: 10.00 am - 12 noon Room 1

Small, friendly group. Fees £70 per 10 weeks, plus Settlement membership.

Yoga, Keep Fit, Dancing and Personal Development

50+ Exercise to Music Tutor: Claire Smith

The class is designed to work the whole body to maintain or improve strength and stamina.There is varied chair and floor work. Alternative options are available if lying on the floor is not for you! All this in a fun, friendly environment.

Day: Tuesdays from 8th January 2008 Time: 9.45 am - 10.45 am Hall

Fees: £24 per term paid direct to teacher.

Functional Fitness Tutor: Margaret Brabrook

Exercises for the "fit 'n' fifty" with music accompaniment - toning and strengthening muscles, maintaining fitness, health and well-being.

Day: Tuesdays Time: 2.00 pm - 3.00 pm Hall

Contact the teacher on 01462 730277 for further details on fees, start date etc..

Hatha Yoga - Advanced Tutor: Pat Castell

The practice with awareness of precise alignment and refinement in all postures from basic to the more difficult.

Day: Thursdays from 13th September 2007 Time: 8.10 pm - 9.40 pm Hall

Three terms of 10 weeks. Fees: £4 per class paid in advance direct to teacher. Contact the tutor for further information. Telephone 01462 631676.

Hatha Yoga - Beginners & Improvers Tutor: Pat Castell

The practice of postures to strengthen the body and increase flexibility concentrating on correct positioning of the body and self-awareness within the postures.

Day: Thursdays from 13th September 2007 Time: 6.30 pm - 8.00 pm Hall

Three terms of 12 weeks (10 in Easter term). Fees: £4 per class paid in advance direct to teacher. Contact the teacher for further information.Telephone 01462 631676.

Hatha Yoga - Intermediate Tutor: Pat Castell

Refinement and deeper awareness of yoga postures and introducing more advanced asanas. At least three years' experience necessary.

Day: Wednesdays from 12th September 2007 Time: 6.30 pm - 8.00 pm Spinks Room

Three terms of 12 weeks (10 in Easter term). Fees: £4 per class paid in advance direct to teacher. Contact the teacher for further information. Telephone 01462 631676.

Iyengar Yoga Tutor: Nicki Smyth

A class for all ages and ability. Uses props (blocks, bricks, belts) in order to achieve a good alignment within the postures. Builds and maintains strength and flexibility.

Day: Wednesdays from 19th September 2007 Time: 9.30 am - 11.00 am Hall

Fees: £44 per 11 week term paid in advance direct to teacher. Contact the tutor for further information. Telephone 01462 455746.

Keep Fit Club Tutor: Jan Grimsey

A gentle to medium-paced class (often to piano accompaniment). Some floor work may be included, but you can sit on a chair if you prefer. All ages and abilities are welcome to join.

Day: Tuesdays Time: 11.15 am - .15 pm Hall

Weekly throughout the year (with some holiday breaks). Contact teacher for start date.Telephone 01462 642248. Fees: £20 per 10 meetings paid direct to teacher.

Line Dancing Tutor: Kath Botta

Come and enjoy the exercise and fun at this popular session. Age and experience do not matter!

Day: Thursdays from 13th September 2007 Time: 2.30 pm - 3.30 pm Hall

Three terms of ten weeks. Fees: £3.50 per session or £30 for 10 week term.