Tuesday 22 December 2009

Simon de Montfort Society Day Course at Farncombe Estate 2010

The Simon de Montfort Society Day Course - History, Family History & Architecture

Win a half day hands-on cookery course with Eckington Manor

Celebrating the launch of our new Cookery Course Breaks with Eckington Manor Cookery School for 2010, we 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 Lower End House (5 Star gold guest accommodation) -visit the website to enter !

BBC Radio 4 Today programme to feature amateur choirs

The musician Robert Wyatt, formerly of the rock band Soft Machine, will be guest editing an edition of the BBC Radio 4’s Today programme on New Year's Day, in which he will be promoting the singing of amateur choirs. Robert says that he prefers them to professional choirs because there's a greater sense of commitment and meaning in their singing. ‘Amateur means somebody who does something for love and I can't think of a better reason to doing anything,’ he says. ‘You can hear in people's voice that they're not doing it because they have to but they are doing it because they want… There's a sense of commitment and meaning in that I really like.’ Robert would like any Today listeners who are involved in amateur choirs to send in recordings of their work which he will play on the programme on New Year's Day. If you think the choir you sing in deserves a public hearing, you will need a two-minute recording of your choir in a digital format which you can then either upload to the BBC website at http://bbcnewsupload.streamuk.com/ or email to yourpics@bbc.co.uk with ‘Today Church Choir’ as the title. The files need to be under 50MB in size and make sure you provide details of choir and the music being sung, along with email contact details. Alternatively you can post the recording on CD to the following address: Today Programme Church ChoirRoom G630, Stage 6, Television Centre, London, W12 7RJ.

Submit your script - an event for all writers

Come along to Open Page at One Alfred Place to hear early draft scripts in any media: Theatre, Film, TV, Radio- performed by actors cast on the spot. Guest chair and script authority Val Taylor will be guiding the feedback. Val is a director/ dramaturg/ writer/ development consultant for theatre, film, television and radio. This is the event for everyone. Writers can hear their script off the page and get informed feedback, producers and directors can meet promising writing and acting talent, and actors can perform at the cold reads and get involved with new projects at their inception.

If you’d like to submit your script:
Here’s the chance to test out your work before an informal crowd. We're looking for a good voice and great story, but the draft should still be in development and you should have an idea of what you want to work on. Send us a single Word file containing: your name and contact details, details of what you want to achieve from the workshop, a 20 minute excerpt, and a list of characters. Please title the file yournamedate.doc; eg arthurmiller091127.doc and send to http://www.stellarnetwork.com/webmail/src/compose.php?send_to=openpage%40stellarnetwork.com The deadline for entries is extended to New Year's day. We’ll let you know if you've been chosen by 10th January.

If you’d like to attend: Book at www.stellarnetwork.com/events/. Space is limited as we like to keep the sessions small and the debate lively! If you’re an actor email your spotlight/casting call pro number to us direct at http://www.stellarnetwork.com/webmail/src/compose.php?send_to=openpage%40stellarnetwork.com before registering as above.

When: 28th January 2010
Where: One Alfred Place, W1S 1HP
Cost: £10
Book: www.stellarnetwork.com/events/

Textile & fabric art residential courses

Browse the Talking Threads Courses webpage here for the many courses and workshops near you. Their favourite place to start is ARCA - for a full list of their textiles & fabric art residential courses including those at Farncombe Estate please click here.

Sunday 20 December 2009

Choir of the Year competition 2010

Choir of the Year 2010, in association with BBC Radio 3, is open for entries from singing groups of all ages and music styles. Whether your choir sings Bach, Bernstein or Barbershop with a bit of Beatbox, we want to hear from you.Choirs can enter one of four categories - Children, Youth, Adult and Open. Preliminary round performances will take place at venues across the UK from March to June 2010. The winners in each category will sing at Birmingham Symphony Hall in November 2010 leaving just six finalists to battle it out at the Royal Festival Hall for the title Choir of the Year 2010. For more information visit http://www.choiroftheyear.com/

Graffiti Short Story Competition - win £25

1. Closing date 7th February 2010.
2. Entries must be in English and be the writer’s own unpublished work.
They should not be on offer for publication, nor entered in any other
current competition.
3. The maximum length of your story should be 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 prize-winner 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 an email address.
Send entries to:
Graffiti Magazine Writing competition
C/o 33 Sandford Leaze
Avening
Glos
GL8 8PB
Prize: £25 The winning entry will also be published in Graffiti.
Copies of the Issue 3 of Graffiti may be purchased for £2.50 each (which includes postage) from the above address. Previous issues available at £1.50 (which includes postage)
Cheques should be made out to Catchword Writing Group..

Saturday 19 December 2009

New Wagner Day course with Ian Beresford Gleaves


New course scheduled for Saturday 17 July 2010 - contact us for full details on 01386 854100 or visit www.FarncombeEstate.co.uk/Wagner

Win a supply of Naked Soap for 2010!


Win a supply of soap to get you through 2010 courtesy of our friends down the road at The Naked Soap Company, Bretforton. Prize draw closes 24 January 2010 - submit your entry via our website www.FarncombeEstate.co.uk/NakedSoap

New Year's Eve Gala Dinner Dance at our sister venue just next door!

New Year's Gala Dinner Dance at The Dormy House Hotel - see the Events page at www.DormyHouse.co.uk for more details !

3 special offers for the Farncombe Folk Weekend 2010

Select ONE of the 3 offers for this fabulous weekend of folk music with Anna, Cormac & friends : - Free return taxi from Moreton in Marsh station to Farncombe - quote "TAXI" at time of booking. - Arriving late? We will be serving a late supper if you can't arrive for 7pm - quote "EatintheBar" to take advantage of this option. - Save GBP 15.00 on the cost of the weekend - please quote "YUKKA9" at time of booking. All offers end 31/12/2009 and can only be claimed by calling 01386 854100 !

Britain's High Street Wants You!

Maverick TV is producing a major new series for the BBC, looking for new products that should be sold in high street shops, but have yet to find their market. The company has unique access to the buying departments of some of the biggest names on the high street, who have committed to stocking the best of what they see. All will be overseen by Theo Paphitis of Dragon’s Den.

Maverick TV would love to hear from anyone with a product, whether it be clothing, food, jewellery or the new Dyson, who would like the chance to pitch to a current major retailer. Open days will be held, and subsequent filming beginning early next year.

If people are selected open days will be happening in February at locations yet to be assigned - but for the time being if anyone interested could contact highstreet@mavericktv.co.uk with information on their product.

Save up to 70% off theatre tickets

Save up to 70% off theatre tickets
The show must go on! Check out all the latest theatre shows available through out England. With many top shows being as much as 70% off full price.

New Bridge Weekends in the Cotswolds for 2010

We are delighted to offer a series of new bridge courses at Farncombe in 2010 with tutors recommended by Sandra Landy: John and Jill Pain and Mike and Carrie Eden.
Our courses are suitable for players of varying ability, and the first weekend, 19-21 March, is ideal for those with some knowledge of Bridge but wishing to improve their bidding skills.
Farncombe Bridge weekends are very popular, and early booking is strongly advised to secure accommodation on the Estate. Prices start from £158 which includes tuition for a weekend course, 2 lunches & 2 evening meals.If you would like any further details please call 01386 854100 or visit our website www.FarncombeEstate.co.uk/Bridge.

Friday 18 December 2009

Christmas Sale at the Early Music Shop

Special offers are available on selected Music Stands, Recorders, Harps and Bohdrans in the Early Music Shop Christmas Sale!

Wednesday 16 December 2009

Textile & fabric art residential courses

Browse the Talking Threads courses webpage

Vacancies for Community Agents for older people (Urban Pilot)

Community Agents for older people

10 hours per week

Gloucestershire County Council in partnership with GRCC is interested in testing whether the successful Village and Community Agents scheme can be transferred to urban communities. Looking to recruit 6 new Community Agents to work in Cheltenham, Gloucester, Stroud, Tewkesbury, Cinderford and Cam and Dursely, applicants should have a keen interest in issues involving older people, be proactive, self motivated with excellent communication and networking skills.

Contact Naomi McMahon at Gloucestershire Rural Community Council on 01452 528491 or naomim@grcc.org.uk for more information and an application form. For more information, click the title heading 'Vacancies for Community Agents...' above.

Closing date: Monday 11th January 2010

Interview date: Wednesday 27th January 2010

Farncombe Estate are now a Gold member of Cotswolds.com


For more details visit www.cotswolds.com

Monday 14 December 2009

First Chipping Campden Literature Festival

For details on the first ever programme please visit: https://campdenlitfest.co.uk !

Special Christmas offer from the fab four of baroque, Red Priest

The wonderful baroque ensemble Red Priest are running a fantastic offer in the run up to Christmas.

With the purchase of any two of Red Priest's four CD's you will be given a FREE pre-release copy of their much anticipated new all-Bach release, Johann, I'm Only Dancing. P&P is FREE for all UK customers.

The offer is only running until 21st December 2009 so hurry if you would like to take advantage of this red hot offer before Christmas!

Please visit www.redpriest.com for this exclusive offer.

STOP PRESS
Fancy a Night Less Ordinary?
Red Priest's forthcoming concert at The Hawth has a limited number of FREE TICKETS available to those under 26 years old.

To find out more and to apply for free tickets,
Jan 10, THE HAWTH, CRAWLEY, Box Office: 01293 553 636
https://tickets.hawth.co.uk/public/

BBC music magazine free downloads

Great News! BBC Music now offer readers the opportunity to download a free track every week via the website: http://www.bbcmusicmagazine.com/. Simply register your details online and you will be sent an email every week notifying you of the week's new download.

OPEN WEST MIDLANDS 2010 - win up to £1000

Open is collaboration between Birmingham Museum and Art gallery and Wolverhampton Art Gallery celebrating the wide talent of West Midlands Art Scene allowing artists the opportunity to show their work at the events.

Artists living in Birmingham and the West Midlands (Staffordshire, Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Warwickshire) are welcome to submit their work.

Prizes are to be won: 1st Prize - £1000, 2nd Prize - £500, 3rd Prize - £250.

The selection process will take place in January 2010 by independent judges and successful applicants will be notified by 1st February 2010.

There is a £10 non-refundable entry fee for submitting one piece of work £15 for two pieces, or £20 for three pieces.

The deadline for applications is 3rd January 2010.

For further information or to receive and application form, please contact Tom Grosvenor, Exhibitions Officer on 0121 303 9414 or email tom.grosvenor@birmingham.gov.uk.

Last Orders at the Bar: The Demise of the Great British Pub

Chris Etchells Exhibition, Surface Gallery, East Midlands

Just because something is broken doesn't mean it is not beautiful.

The pub is a symbol of Britain. It provides us with a sense of pride, of community and best of all a welcoming place in which to enjoy a pint. The series “Last Orders at the Bar” documents the loss of the traditional British pub. Each image presents us with a once thriving hub of the community, now empty and alone. Whether nestled within a busy street, or hidden away within a forgotten rural setting; amongst the demolition and dereliction lays architectural gems sodden with memories of times passed. Each image pertains to a lost charm ravaged by twenty first century life.

These photographs act not as an obituary for the British public house, but a petition against their decline and a testament to a different era.

Sunday 13 December 2009

Farncombe Student Donations for "Walk Free" - thank you !

On Saturday 5 December we had 4 walkers who were doing John O’Groats to Lands End (only 1200 miles) staying at Farncombe. Think for a moment about the weather over recent weeks ……………….! Charlie, Nick, Claudia and Martin are raising money for two charities that work with women and children who are trafficked as slaves and with former child soldiers. Their website is www.walk-free.org.uk

My first job, in 1967, was teaching in Kenya and from 1973 to 1975 I worked for Unicef in the southern Sudan, so those two causes have an immediate pull for me. In addition I am planning to ride 2,500 miles round England via 30 cathedrals for the Family Holiday Association and for Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre when I retire in 2013. I will buy the poor unsuspecting horse in the summer of 2012. So I have some empathy with those doing such things.

We asked the Farncombe students to support Charlie, Nick, Claudia and Martin and to encourage them, I agreed to give an additional 50p for every £1 raised.

I am delighted to say that on 7 December we paid £99 to the charities via the www.walk-free.org.uk website.

Well done Farncombe!

William

Tuesday 8 December 2009

The NADFAS Review is now online!

Through a vibrant network of local societies, NADFAS opens up the world of arts to everyone. With monthly lectures on a broad range of topics as well as study days, educational visits and holidays at home and abroad, a NADFAS society is not just a great way to learn - it's a fun way of making new and lasting friendships. Contact Nadfas on 020 7430 0730 or enquires@nadfas.org.uk and ask for the Membership Department who will be happy to put you in touch with a society near you.

http://view.digipage.net/?userpath=00000001/00000004/00047916/

Artmix Exhibition - Chipping Campden Town Hall


Heather Bailey
ARTMIX EXHIBITION. Chipping Campden.
Heather Bailey, Painter, is exhibiting her work, together with the Contemporary Arts and Crafts Group, ARTMIX, for the second time this year in Chipping Campden Town Hall.

Preview evening Friday 4th Dec. 7pm-9pm with Music by Miss Melodica
Saturday 5th Dec. 10am-5.30pm, Sunday 6th Dec. 11am-5.30pm.
Free admission
Please join us for a glass of mulled wine over the weekend, especially on Friday eve.

2010 Chipping Campden Music Festival

The programme for the 2010 Chipping Campden Music Festival is now online - http://www.campdenmusicfestival.co.uk .

We've just signed up for Adult Learners Week 2010





Closing date for nominations is 29 January 2010 ....!


Nominations for the 2010 Adult Learners’ Week Awards are now open!
Nominate Now >

If you know an inspiring individual, group, family or project whose remarkable learning achievements have transformed people’s lives, nominate them for an Adult Learners’ Week Award.

There are four main award categories:

Individuals whose remarkable learning achievements have made a difference to their lives and can inspire others;
Groups of three or more people who have come together for a common purpose and transformed their and/or other people’s lives through learning;
Families whose members have seen the benefits of learning together; and
Opening Doors to Adult Learners which recognises creative and innovative projects or organisations that had a positive impact on the lives of their learners.
Additional Adult Learners’ Week Awards will also be presented in 2010:
the Digital Participation Award (sponsored by BBC) will recognise learning where the use of new technology has been central;
the Intergenerational Award (sponsored by MLA) will award intergenerational learning in the Museums, Libraries and Archives sector;
the Foundation Degree Award (sponsored by fdf) will recognise and celebrate an outstanding adult learner on a foundation degree programme;
the Power of Reading Award (sponsored by Booktrust) will recognise how the pleasure of reading or writing has inspired or resulted in an outstanding learning journey;
the Transformation Fund Award will award learners who have received funding from the Government initiative; and
the Outstanding Achievement Award (sponsored by the National Open College Network) will recognise outstanding learning on a NOCN programme.

Find out more about previous winners here

Everyone nominated will receive a Certificate of Achievement. The winners will receive a learning voucher and will be presented with their awards in a ceremony taking place during Adult Learners’ Week.

Nomination forms are also available in alternative formats. Please contact the Campaigns and Promotions team on 0116 2044200/4201 or email alw@niace.org.uk

Friday 4 December 2009

Referral Voucher Winners in November

Congratulations to all the latest winners in our referral scheme - Mr & Mrs Grantham, P Pugh and A Wall each received a voucher for recommending a friend to Farncombe. To take part in the scheme please visit http://farncombeestate.co.uk/referafriend.asp

Wednesday 2 December 2009

Writing Industries Conference 2010 Early Bird Offer

Saturday 6th March 2010, Loughborough University
A Literature Network, Writing East Midlands & Loughborough University Project.
http://writingindustries.com

The second Writing Industries Conference will be held on Saturday 6th March at Loughborough University. The conference will bring together writers from across the East Midlands with professionals from the writing industries to share knowledge, develop skills and forge new contacts. 200 writers from the region will have the opportunity to hear from and meet with professionals from the writing industries in a variety of settings:

  • Agents and editors in one-to-one sessions with selected writers, giving advice and support in their are of expertise.
  • Panel discussions exploring specific areas of writing, from breaking into commercial publishing to working in the community.
  • Writing industries fair featuring stalls from local publishers, funders and other organisation involved with the writing industries.
  • And of course there will be plenty of opportunity to meet and talk with other writers over a coffee.

The full programme including details of how to apply for agent one-to-ones will be announced soon.

EARLY BIRD TICKET OFFER

The first Writing Industries Conference sold out soon after tickets went on sale. This year we have increased the number of tickets available and are offering a limited number at the Early Bird Price of £34 (Full Price is £42)

Book your early bird ticket here.

If you have any questions regarding WIC 2010 or would like further information please contact: Catherine Rogers - catherine@writingeastmidlands.co.uk

3 offers for the Yukka Folk Weekend at Farncombe 2010 - book before 31/12/2009 !

The Yukka Folk Weekend in association with Living Tradition - Making Music

Tuesday 1 December 2009

New OPEN BRITAIN guide released today


‘OPENBRITAIN’, the new high quality printed guide published by national charities Tourism for All UK and RADAR is published today. The full colour 456-page guide has over 1,000 entries, and includes a wide range of accessible accommodation, as well as attractions, equipment hire and other services. It has 50 pages of featured editorial, and an extensive section on Getting There and Back.

The new guide is supported by the national tourist agencies VisitEngland, VisitScotland and VisitWales, and it includes all accommodation providers assessed under the National Accessible Scheme, as well those inspected under schemes operated by VisitScotland, and VisitLondon. Information has also been drawn from a range of organisations including the Automobile Association, the British Hospitality Association, and the Regional Development Agencies. It includes some properties who are self-assessed, who will be subject to a mystery shopping check on the accuracy of the data.

The National Federation of Shopmobility has joined with RADAR and Tourism for All to promote the guide and website. Window stickers with the Open Britain logo provided to those who have supplied access statements and joined Open Britain will help to promote it as a system of information.

For a long time, surveys have shown that disabled people want an easier way to get the information they need, not just about accommodation, but about travel, things to see and do, places to eat and drink, without having to trawl through hundreds of different websites searching for information that all too often is not there. The new www.openbritain.net website that backs up the guide aims to do just that. Visitors and guests are invited to give feedback via the website.

OpenBritain enjoys the support of Government ministers who launched the initiative in July. Rt Hon Tessa Jowell MP, Minister for the Olympics and Paralympics, Barbara Follett MP, the then Minister for Tourism, and Jonathan Shaw MP, Minister for Disabled People all expressed their support. In her foreword to the guide, Rt Hon Tessa Jowell MP states:

“This guide is a necessary and timely contribution … Not only is it an invaluable and long-awaited resource for travellers with access requirements, it also serves as a powerful incentive for those businesses that are not listed here to raise their game.
It will encourage them to look again at their facilities, to re-appraise their abilitiy to meet accessibility needs, and to act to ensure that staff and managers are well equipped to provide high-quality services to disabled people’.

London Bulgarian Choir Concert, Wed 9 December

The London Bulgarian Choir present this year's Christmas Concert, with special guest story-telling company A Spell In Time.WEDNESDAY 9 DECEMBER, 7:45pmSALVATION ARMY REGENT HALL (OXFORD CIRCUS) After a year of festivals around the UK and rocking at the Roundhouse, the London Bulgarian Choir prepare for a seasonal blast of Bulgarian harmonies and festive discordance. Our special guests, Bulgarian story-telling company A Spell In Time, will perform a winter dragon tale full of magic and surprise. Tickets: £10 full-price (£7 concessions, free entry for accompanied children under 12)Box office opens at 7 pm; Doors open at 7.30; Concert starts at 7.45. Buy tickets online, reserve your ticket in advance and pay at the door, or buy tickets on the night. http://lbcchristmas2009-dessilist.eventbrite.com/ The Salvation Army Regent Hall is very close to Oxford Circus, on the south side of Oxford Street: 275 Oxford Street, London W1C 2DJ. You can also buy cakes, sandwiches and drinks before the concert and during the interval from the lovely Salvation Army Cafe.

Wednesday 25 November 2009

Gloucestershire LINk public event - 8th December


Have your say on health and social care services in Cotswold district


Residents and community organisations in the Cotswold district are encourage to attend a free event at the Westwood Centre, bassett Road, Northleach on Tuesday 8th December 2009 from 12 noon to 2pm. he event, organisaed by Gloucestershire Local Involvement Network (LINKk), is designed to give local people the chance to findout what specific task groups, and provide an opportunity for the public to have their say on health and social care matters that are important to Cotswold district.


The Chair and local LINK members will be in attendance to answer questions from the staff. Staff will also be on hand to explain the benefits of being involved and how they can help influence, improve or change the way local health and social care services are planned and delivered in Cotswold district. Refreshments and a buffet will be available on the day and we really welcome the opportunity to listen and take forward your views.


If you are unable to make the Berkeley event, LINk is holding further public events as listed below:


Hesters Way, Cheltenham, Tuesday 12th January 2010, 6pm - 8pm

Conference Room, Hesters Way, Neighbourhood Project, Community Resourse Centre, Cassin Drive, Cheltenham, GL51 7SU


Matson, Gloucester, Wednesday 17th February 2010, 6pm - 8pm

The Baptist Church Centre, Matson Evenue, Matson, GL4 1LA


Brockworth, Tuesday 2nd March 2010, 12 noon - 2pm

Main Hall, Brockworth Community Cente, Court Rod, Brockworth, GL4 4ET


For further information about this event or others, please contact Pamela Dewick at Gloucester LINK on 01452 528491 or email pamelad@grcc.org.uk

Tuesday 24 November 2009

Craft Matters from the Crafts Council

The Crafts Council believes that craft matters and it wants to show that it matters to thousands of people across the UK. In the next few months, it will be posting the names of all its signatories on its website so that it can demonstrate the real support for craft. It wants to launch the new webpage with over 1,000 signatures, so please ask your friends and colleagues to show that craft matters to them too.Sign up at www.craftscouncil.org.uk/craftmatters.

Late night Christmas Shopping in Broadway, Cotswolds

Dates for 2009 are 27 November and 4th December - visit http://www.beautifulbroadway.com/Whats_on.php for more details

Family Printmaking Workshop

Saturday 5 December 10 am – 4 pm.

The Devon Guild is hosting a family friendly workshop where kids and adults can learn a variety of printmaking techniques. Professional printmaker and Guild Member Jill Beagely will help you create your own amazing hand-designed gift-wrap and funky seasonal cards and tags. Please bring apron or old t-shirt. all materials provided.

At the Phoenix Hall, Bovey Tracey TQ13 9FF. £25/£10

T: 01626 832223 E: devonguild@crafts.org.uk Web: http://www.crafts.org.uk/

Saturday 21 November 2009

Farncombe Estate strikes a new note and joins AOTOS


Cotswold lifelong learning centre Farncombe Estate has recently joined the Association of Teachers of Singing (AOTOS) as a Corporate Member.
AOTOS provides a vital forum for singing teachers and is specifically concerned with the needs and demands involved in the training of the singing voice.
Farncombe Estate, located just outside Broadway, has been running a programme of weekend courses since 2003. Courses now include Choral Evensong, Folk and World Music, Gospel Choir, and fun weekends celebrating the music of the Beach Boys, ABBA and Marvin Gaye.
William Reddaway, Head of Lifelong Learning explains “We are delighted to have joined AOTOS and look forward to meeting and sharing new ideas with fellow course providers, tutors and students. The choral element of our programme has been growing in recent years and we know that it is certainly one of the most popular! We are passionate about maintaining the highest possible standards in the learning experience at Farncombe and membership of AOTOS is another step towards upholding that commitment”.
For 2010, the Farncombe Estate course programme includes tuition by Musical Director Jeremy Jackman, ABCD member Amy Bebbington and recording artists/songwriters Sandra Kerr, Frankie Armstrong and Miranda Barber.

For further details or a free copy of the programme visit www.FarncombeEstate.co.uk or call 01386 854100.

Notes for Editors

Farncombe Estate ALC Ltd is a member of the Adult Residential Colleges Association, and a Corporate member of the Incorporated Society of Musicians, the Association of British Choral Directors and the Association of Teachers of Singing.

Farncombe Estate Centre (FEC) is a sister company of the Cotswold Conference Centre and the Dormy House Hotel and owned by Sorven Holdings Ltd. FEC utilises the facilities of the Cotswold Conference Centre at weekends and is being run as a non-profit making organisation. Any profits will be re-invested back into the adult learning weekends to enhance and improve the learning experience offered.

If one of your writers would like to arrange a visit to Farncombe to experience some of the courses on offer, or for further information or images - please contact: Farncombe Estate Centre
01386 854100 /
Annette@FarncombeEstate.co.uk

Visit our Craft Fair this Sunday !



Visit us this Sunday 22 November. Our exhibitors will be offering a selection of handmade gifts ranging from cakes and cards to soaps and scarves. We will be open 10.30am - 3.30pm. Admission & car parking are free. All Craft Fair visitors also receive a discount on course bookings made on the day or until Friday 27 November.

Wednesday 18 November 2009

Who Do You Think You Are? LIVE - family history event 2010

Who Do You Think You Are? LIVE is excited to announce two of it’s celebrity guests, respected actor, author and historian Tony Robinson plus the much loved BBC wildlife presenter, Kate Humble! Both will be appearing at the 2010 event, where they will be discussing their own experiences in researching their family history.


The 2010 event, taking place on the 26th-28th February 2010 at the National Hall, Olympia, will attract around 15,000 family history enthusiasts and is set to be the biggest family history event in the UK.


www.whodoyouthinkyouarelive.co.uk

Farncombe Estate has recently joined the Associated Teachers of Singing as a Corporate Member


The Association of Teachers of Singing (AOTOS) was founded in 1975 to promote a wider understanding of all aspects of the teaching of singing. They create opportunities which bring together teachers from all over the world. All AOTOS activities and services are open to members specialising in teaching any expression of song: from classical, through music theatre and folk, to jazz, rock and gospel, either privately or in school, college or conservatoire.
http://aotos.org.uk/directory/


Monday 16 November 2009

Help set a brand new Guinness World Record - Plant a Tree

Plant a Tree and help break a World Record
Be part of the biggest tree planting attempt in the UK ever
Saturday 5th December
11am - 12noon

Are you ready to grow something seriously groundbreaking? Help celebrate National Tree Week by teaming up with the BBC for an amazing one-off event. Tree O'Clock is a nationwide challenge to plant more than 600,000 trees within a single hour (11am - 12 noon on 5th December).
That's a heck of a lot of trees in just one little hour. Which is why Tree O'Clock needs as many people, schools, workplaces and community groups as possible to muck in. You can either plant a tree in your garden or join in one of the organised events at various locations locally.
Every tree must be planted between 11am - 12 noon. So grab your wellies, roll up your sleeves and help set a brand new Guinness World Record.

Log onto the website for full details, planting tips and how to make your tree count, http://www.bbc.co.uk/breathingplaces/partners/

Friday 13 November 2009

The search for the greatest real life stories never told

The BBC is inviting you to enter a new competition and share your untold real life stories. The best will be published and also featured in a BBC One programme called 'My Story'.
Anyone with an interesting experience from work, home, hobbies or holidays can submit it to the 'My Story' website. Entries only have to be between 300 and 1,500 words. Up to fifteen of the most compelling storytellers will get the chance to appear in a major TV series in 2010. There will also be the chance for five people to have their book published which could see the story of their lives available to buy in shops alongside their favourite authors.
BBC Arts Commissioner, Mark Bell, commented: "My Story aims to get people reading, writing and telling some remarkable stories. The BBC believes that the arts should be accessible to all and we're proud as a publicly funded broadcaster to be at the heart of storytelling."
The website is www.bbc.co.uk/mystory and it contains videos and interactive tools to help people plan and structure their story as well as tips on writing styles and skills. In addition, short videos presented by 'EastEnders' actress Nina Wadia and comedian Lenny Henry show you how easy it is to get started and explore simple ideas to get the creative juices flowing. There are also cameo appearances from Peter Duncan, Tara Palmer Tomkinson, Stephen K Amos and Roland Rivron.

Wednesday 11 November 2009

Win a £100 holiday voucher...

At The Co-operative we place diversity high on our agenda and our aim is to ensure that The Co-operative Travel is “Good for everyone” catering for all types of customers including those with disabilities. This survey aims to help us as a travel agent understand current travel trends and perceptions of arranging travel with a disability. Your views are important to us please share them and have the chance to win £100 of holiday vouchers in our prize draw.
http://www.co-operativetravel.co.uk/specialist-travel/specialist-travel-survey/

Chipping Campden New Online Shop

Chipping Campden Online has now launched its new eCommerce website. Take a look for yourself at www.campdenonline.org/tic

Be Part of The Learning Revolution

Whatever you enjoy learning - show us, tell us or teach us in a short film and be in with a chance to WIN £500 in the TLP film competition.
If you know of other learners or networks that may be interested in taking part you can email them a poster or send them our viral.
Closing date for entries is 30 November 2009. Films must be no longer than 2 minutes (including opening and closing credits). All eligible films will be featured on the TLP Film Competition YouTube Channel. For terms and conditions visit www.welovelearning.co.uk
To view our efforts and how to enter your own film visit the 'TLP Film Competition' page on www.welovelearning.co.uk

Wednesday 4 November 2009

Congratulations to our winners in October

Many congratulations to winners of Referral vouchers in October !
J Smith, Peterborough, J Barton, Sheffield & Pauline Chapman, Worcestershire all received Farncombe gift vouchers valid for one year

To enter the prize draw in November - visit our website
http://www.farncombeestate.co.uk/referafriend.asp

Also, well done Ruth Bourne who won £200 in our Facebook fan competition in October - to become a fan for future offers and discounts visit Farncombe Estate Centre on Facebook

Friday 23 October 2009

Farncombe Estate in the Cotswolds: Brighton Early Music Festival 2009 (BREMF)

Farncombe Estate in the Cotswolds: Brighton Early Music Festival 2009 (BREMF)

Brighton Early Music Festival 2009 (BREMF)

23rd Oct to 8th Nov
Click here for the ebrochure

Purcell, Handel & Haydn and
East Meets West at BREMF 09
Music from Eastern Europe, the Middle East, India and China, celebrating some rich encounters across the globe and through the ages.
21 events; 3 BBC Radio 3 broadcasts

Wildlife Photography of the Year Exhibition

Winners have been announced ! The exhibition will be on tour in Gloucester 23 January 2010 to 28 February 2010 at

Nature in Art, Wallsworth Hall Twigworth Gloucester GL2 9PA
01452 731 422

The 2010 competition opens in January.

http://www.nhm.ac.uk/visit-us/whats-on/temporary-exhibitions/wpy/index.jsp

Revolution on paper at the British Museum

Mexican prints 1910–1960

22 October 2009 – 5 April 2010 / Room 90 / Admission free

The exhibition is the first in Europe to focus on the great age of Mexican printmaking in the first half of the 20th century. It features 130 works by over 40 artists including prints by Diego Rivera, José Clemente Orozco and David Alfaro Siqueiros.

http://www.britishmuseum.org/whats_on/future_exhibitions/mexican_prints_1910%E2%80%931960.aspx

Wednesday 21 October 2009

Calling Artists and Art Groups for exhibitions in 2011, West Midlands

Are you creative? Is your work new, of good quality, does it have something to say? If you would like to exhibit your work, please call the Nuneaton Museum and Art Gallery today for an application form and selection details or download them from the museum’s web page. The deadline date for all applications is now set for Friday 21st May 2010.

The Museum has three galleries devoted to temporary exhibitions, all varying in sizes. Whether you are a solo artist, group, painter, sculptor, animator, craft-maker, illustrator, photographer or 3-D artist – we want to show your work in our Museum.

Please note that terms and conditions apply to accepting an exhibition slot at the Museum. Incomplete applications will not be considered. The application process is competitive and not all applications will be successful.

Visit www.nuneatonandbedworth.gov.uk/museum to download the forms online.

Please contact the museum's Exhibition Officer if you have any further enquiries. Contact: Jhinuk Sarkar matthew.johnson@nuneatonandbedworth.gov.uk

Tuesday 20 October 2009

JAZZ EXPERIENCE COMPETITION

This is a national (i.e. UK-wide) competition for jazz ensembles with members aged 11-18. The competition's 3 age bands mean that younger musicians can enter and stand a good chance of success within their age group.
Judges include Julian Joseph, Peter Ind, Richard Michael, Helen Mayhew, Andrea Vicari and Liane Carroll.

All that's required is to prepare just 2 pieces: a blues and a piece of your/their own choosing that features impro.
Ensembles are based around piano (or kbd), bass (upright, bass guitar, etc), drums, plus optionally up to 5 additional performers.

How To Take Part
Now: read through the details on the attached Rules document
Asap: Email angela.whittington@gmx.yamaha as soon as possible to confirm your intention to take part.
This term: Coach your ensemble this term, as explained in the Rules document (attached)
By mid-Jamuary 2010: Send us a video of your ensemble performing their 2 pieces, with the completed application form (also attached), by mid-January 2010.
It's that simple!

We are not insisting that every member of the ensemble improvises. So if you've got some musicians who are solid rhythm players and others who have a flair for impro, they can work to their strengths. A good, tightly together ensemble will go a long way in this competition. So please have a go and take part.

NB: You can enter more than one ensemble, though no performer may appear in more than one ensemble.
http://www.yamahaeducation.co.uk/jazz_experience

Monday 19 October 2009

Win an annual membership to the British music experience

Dayvisits in association with the British Music Experience, Britain’s interactive museum of popular music at The O2, are offering you the chance to win one of five fantastic annual memberships.


Worth £50 each, every member will enjoy-

Unlimited entry without having to queue
Use of their exclusive Green Room, complete with complimentary refreshments
6 free tickets to give to friends and family
Discounts on British Music Experience merchandise and invitations to exclusive British Music Events
To enter the FREE prize draw competition sign-up via the e-news form
http://www.dayvisits.co.uk/news/84/

Save 30% on tickets for the Country Living Christmas Fair

The Christmas Fairs are only a few weeks away so make sure you've booked your tickets. Either call the ticket hotline on 0844 848 0169. Or to book on-line visit http://www.ticketsoup.com/TSEvent.aspx?EventID=10848&ID=20

Be part of a new artwork at Bristol’s City Museum & Art Gallery

Artist Alinah Azadeh is looking for 999 objects to become part of her next art installation at Bristol City Museum and is asking YOU to contribute..

The Gifts is a new textile installation consisting of small objects donated by the public, which have personal meaning for the Giver and somehow represent an experience, memory or association he/she is prepared to lay to rest. These objects are being wrapped and bound by the artist using fabric and yarn, together with a silent blessing and will become part of a major new exhibition, the shape of things, at Bristol’s City Museum & Art Gallery, Feb 6 – April 18 next year. She will be exhibiting alongside ceramic artist Rosa Nguyen.


Objects donated so far range from love letters, jewellery, keys and wedding shoes to a CND badge, a pipe, a zip drive, sunglasses and a door handle.


To donate an object that is ‘past its emotional sell-by date’ please download and fill in the pdf on Alinah Azadeh’s website or the Bristol Museum site describing the object and what it means to you. Objects can then be sent with the postcard to The Gifts, PO BOX 199, LEWES BN7 9GQ. If you are local to Bristol, they can be taken directly to the Museum.

The closing date is 30 November 2009.

Snail Mail Creative Writing Workshops

What happens when we stop texting, emailing and instant messaging and pick up a pen and paper? Led by poet Miriam Nash, the Snail Mail workshop explores letter writing as a form of creative writing, opening new and unexpected doors to creativity. Come to one workshop for a taste, or the full series for a chance to delve deep into this almost forgotten form of communication.

Upcoming dates:

Saturday 31 October 11am-1pm
Saturday 28 November 11am-1pm

Foyles, 113-119 Charing Cross Road, London, WC2H 0EB
Price: £10/£6

To book visit www.foyles.co.uk/events.asp and scroll down

For more info visit www.miriamnash.com

In partnership with Foyles and Slow Down London

Sing! Right Up Your Street

Sing! Right Up Your Street (18th - 24th October 2009) is a week long celebration of adult choirs and singing groups in the West Midlands. Across the region choirs and groups will be holding free open rehearsals, reaching out to new members and anyone with a passion for song. Many will be streaming rehearsals live on to the Internet at www.singwm.com

There will also be free adult workshops, organised by some of the West Midlands’ top choir leaders and singing tutors, specially designed to help even the most inexperienced singer find a confident voice. If you’ve ever wanted to sing, this is a fun, friendly and free place to start.
Sing! Right Up Your Street ends on Saturday 24th October with public performances in city centres around the region, celebrating those that took part in the project and promoting opportunities for adults to sing in the West Midlands.

For more information go to www.singwm.com

Wednesday 30 September 2009

Call for Designer Makers

Designer Crafts Exhibition Submission
Information Sheet
Number 8, Number 8 Community Arts Centre
8 High Street, Pershore, Worcestershire WR10 1BG

The exhibition space consists of 4 display cabinets in the balcony and foyer area:
- 2 x 99cm (w) x 184cm (h) x 55cm (d)
- 2 x 100cm (w) x 100cm (h) x 23cm (d)

Submission
5 (minimum) – 10 (maximum) items that will feature in your proposed exhibition or are reflective of your work as a whole in either of the following formats:-
Photos, Postcards or Digital Pictures on a CD Rom

An artist history or CV detailing your contact details, interests, hobbies, training, past exhibitions etc as appropriate.

A Cover Letter/Email including:- Details of your proposed exhibition theme
Whether the items submitted will be part of the exhibition
The price range of your work (approximately)
Work submitted must not contain copyrighted material, infringe intellectual property rights or plagiarise another artist’s work.

Timescales & Finance
The artist will be charged a fee of £60 for using the exhibition cabinets for a six week exhibition. Any sales will be subject to a 20% commission plus VAT.

Marketing & Sales
Number 8 will market the exhibition through its seasonal brochure and website. The designer crafts person will need to provide Number 8 with a JPEG image and brochure copy within a specific deadline. The artist will also be asked to supply an A3 poster for displays in the front of house area. Any further marketing or printing will be at the designer crafts person’s time and cost.

Number 8 will handle all sales and the artist will receive any payments due within 7 days of the end of the exhibition (minus the commission charges). Items will not be released to the purchaser until the end of the exhibition. The designer crafts person will be asked to securely pack all sold items ready for collection.

Deadline for applications: Ongoing

Saturday 26 September 2009

Friendship Walk returns to beat breast cancer

It’s back! The Broadway Ring Friendship Walk will return to the Cotswolds next month and Breast Cancer Campaign wants you to step forward for the event and help fund breast cancer research.

Last year over 50 locals took part in the five-mile walk and raised £2,200 to help Campaign continue funding research into breast cancer. This year, the charity is hoping more walkers will lace up their walking boots for the countryside stroll starting at Farncombe Estate in Broadway on Sunday 4 October.

Local Walk Champ, Mary Franklin, from Witney, Oxfordshire has organised walks for Breast Cancer Campaign since 2006 and has so far raised over £7,500 She said: “Each year we’ve had a really great turnout with lots of people raising much needed funds for research into this disease. The walk takes place during October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month so it’s an ideal time for men, women and children to come together, wear pink and support the charity, while taking in the beautiful sights of the Cotswolds.”

Sarah England, Events Executive for Breast Cancer Campaign, added: “Sadly this October, 3,800 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed. Although 80 per cent of women diagnosed today will be alive in five years time, Campaign is committed to improving these statistics by funding innovative world-class research, so please help us get a step closer to beating breast cancer by taking part in this walk.”

Registration for the walk, which starts at 10.00am, is £5 and all walkers will receive a medal at the end. Everyone is encouraged to dress in pink and to raise sponsorship for taking part.

To sign up or for more information, please contact the Events team on 020 7749 3700 or visit www.friendshipwalks.co.uk

Monday 21 September 2009

Vale Arts Trail October 2009


Only a few weeks left until the launch of Vale Arts Trail! Vena (Vale of Evesham Network of Artists) with the support of Wychavon District Council are organising Vale Arts Trail, which is a month long visual arts festival in and around Pershore, Evesham and Broadway from 3rd-31st October 09. It is the first of its kind in the area, to purely focus on the visual arts and crafts. The Vale Arts Trail will be showing exhibitions in galleries, open studios, libraries, gardens, parks, shops, cafes, churches and community centres around the vale. They are from a range of local artists and arts groups, both amateur and professional in painting, photography, crafts and sculpture. The work will also be for sale.

There will also be a fantastic community programme along side it for children, young people, adults and older people. Workshops include sessions on John Sargeant, Halloween themed crafts, how to get the best out of your digitial camera, make your own portraits and using collage to create stories. Also, there will be a talk from Ian Gibson in connection with his exhibition at Number 8. There will also be two free ‘Walk and Talks’, a guided tour of Evesham and Pershore’s exhibitions. Two free ‘Big Draw’ events will also be a feature, which is the national initiative to get people drawing. One of these will be at the launch event on Sat 3rd October to start the month off at Pershore High School and the other to close the trail on 31st October at Evesham Town Hall. And for a sneak preview of the exhibitions, Pershore Library are holding a sample of most of the exhibitions for the whole month. There is a free public preview on Friday 2nd October at Pershore Library from 6-7.30pm so do drop in for a drink and some nibbles and meet the artists! (A full workshop programme is attached)


This has been made possible with funding from Wychavon District Council, Worcestershire County Council, Pershore Market Town Partnerships and Evesham Market Town Partnerships.

A full programme is available in various locations around, including Tourist Information Centres, Libraries and Wychavon’s contact centres. If you would like to be sent one please contact Jenny Davis or check out the website http://www.wychavon.gov.uk/ (see the arts section).

Contact Jenny Davis 01386 565396 or e-mail jenny.davis@wychavon.gov.uk for more information.

Carducci Quartet - fund raising concert

The Carducci Quartet are pleased to invite you to a Carducci Music Trust, fund raising concert in London!1st October
7.00pm for 7.30pm
Tickets: £40 to include wine, canapés and dinner.
49 Queens Gate Terrace, Kensington, London
Haydn: String Quartet Op 33 No 2 ‘The Joke’Dvorak: String Quartet Op 96 No 1 ‘The American’
For tickets please email:
carduccitrust@gmail.com
Please support the educational work of the Carducci Quartet!

Wigmore Hall - October 9th
On the 9th October we will be performing an exciting programme at the Wigmore Hall alongside the Brodowski Quartet, Simon Rowland-Jones and Huw Watkins. The programme will include Mendelssohn’s magical octet and the London premiere of Simon Rowland-Jones’ brand new octet. For tickets and more info go to:Wigmore Hall website

Bromsgrove - Artrix Arts Centre
8pm, 2 Oct
Beethoven op.59 no.3, Finzi - Bagatelles, Brahms - Clarinet Quintet
with Sarah Williams (clarinet)

Parish Music 2009/2010 - Classical Music in Country Churches

www.ashtonunderhill.org.uk/organisations/music

Parish Music, now in its 15th year, provides concerts
of classical music in the five country churches of
Ashton under Hill, Beckford, Overbury, Alstone and
Teddington. Concerts start at 8pm and conclude with
an opportunity to meet the performers and enjoy a
drink of wine or fruit juice in the church.
Admission £10; students free

Cello Recital

Wednesday 7th October
Chipping Norton Theatre, Oxfordshire
7.30pm

Programme includes my cello piece Kachina for cello and piano as well as works by Debussy, Beethoven, Rachmaninov

James Barralet ( cello) Alexander Beatson (piano)

www.chippingnortontheatre.co.uk

Tuesday 15 September 2009

Congratulations to our Open Day winners

Open Day prize draw
The signed Christine Barnett print went to H Low
The £100 Farncombe voucher went to O Amphlett
The £50 Farncombe voucher went to D B Cox
The Wilson Vale hamper went to B Rewhorn
The Dormy House meal for 2 went to J & K Smith
The bottle of wine from Bennetts Fine Wines went to S Butler
£25 Farncombe voucher went to Liz Cooper
The £45 voucher for Moto's Mobile Massagewent to J Read
The Real Ale from Cotswold Conference Centrewent to M Merzyn
The craft books from Hothouse Textiles went to H Jeffries
The Campden New History Book donated by CADHAS went to M Saunders
The signed copy of Drawing with coloured pencils book by tutor Jonathan Newey went to J Goom
A membership of CADHAS went to J Cope
Dan Evans CD Margaret Williams
Ecover goodie bags were won by A Johnson, R J Wilson & V F Cope

Thursday 6 August 2009

Brighton Early Music Festival

East meets West: extraordinary collaborations across the centuries
anniversaries of Purcell, Handel and Haydn
11th October to 8th November
21 events
3 BBC broadcasts
http://www.bremf.org.uk/

Events include:
Emma Kirkby, soprano with the London Handel Players;
His Majestys Sagbutts and Cornetts;
Alison Bury (violin) leads the BREMF Players with Mhairi Lawson, soprano;
Handel’s Solomon with The Brook Street Band, an international line-up of soloists and the BREMF Singers;
17th and 18th century music from France and China with Le Baroque Nomade in the Royal Pavilion;
The Orlando Consort and Indian classical musicians explore the musical traditions of Goa and its 16th century Portuguese missionary colonisers;
the songs of the Sephardic Jews in two concerts by Joglaresa and Eclipse;
the musical and courtesan cultures of Italy and India, with Musica Secreta and leading Indian musicians and dancers;

Wednesday 5 August 2009

A performance by the participants of the Summer School 2009

Private View - A performance by the participants of the Summer School 2009.
Created and Directed by Mem Morrison

Private View is a performance created in and for the 1930\'s theatre of Toynbee Studios. The nine participants from Artsadmin Summer School 2009 have explored what you might see or expect to see in this striking Art Deco theatre. In a search for new and unexpected ways to use the space, Private View emerges from the personal histories inhabiting this historical space.

This year\'s summer school is the third and final one led by Artist and Director Mem Morrison, and will culminate in a chance to share and celebrate the work of the past three years with participants from each year.

Thursday 13th and Friday 14th August, 7pm

Toynbee Studios, 28 Commercial Street, London E1 6AB
Free, limited capacity
To reserve a seat email marine@artsadmin.co.uk or call Marine on 0207 247 5102

For further information see: http://www.artsadmin.co.uk/education/event.php?id=688

Sunday 2 August 2009

Open Studies Courses at Coventry Arts Space

(Centre for LifeLong Learning, University of Warwick)

Art techniques from different countries and cultures – Tutor: Diana Ali

Full Fee: £68.00 Concession: £34.00

Credits 10 Number of meetings: 10

This module will provide an insight into the histories and significance of art techniques from various cultures around the world (Aboriginal art, Islamic art, sari motifs, Japanese art and African art), enabling students to design and create individual artworks. Students will be expected to provide their own art materials.

Reference 1855/AU09 Starts Monday 5 October 13:00 to 15:00

Marketing for Artists – Tutor:Diana Ali

Full Fee: £68.00 Concession: £34.00

Credits 10 Number of meetings: 10

This module is for practising artists who wish to display and market their work. Students will learn how to prepare work for exhibitions. Sessions will cover preparation of an arts CV, portfolio development and personal development as an artist.

Reference 1856/AU09 Starts Monday 5 October 10:00 to 12:00

Venue Coventry Artspace, 16 Lower Holyhead Road, Coventry, CV1 3 AU

For further details and how to book please go to:

http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/study/cll/courses/openstudies/

Or call 024 7657 3739

Saturday 1 August 2009

Sing out for Marie Curie – Marie Curie Cancer Care’s cracking new Christmas choir event

We believe there is nothing better than singing songs with your friends, family and close neighbours - it really brings the festive season to life.

Sing for us this winter and you’ll be raising vital funds to help thousands of terminally ill patients spend a more comfortable and memorable Christmas surrounded by their loved ones.

I am one of the Marie Curie Nurses that work throughout the Christmas holidays giving terminally ill patients the choice to spend this special time with family and friends in the comfort of their own home. With support from you and your fellow singers we can make this Christmas even more memorable for hundreds of patients.

Sing out for Marie Curie is open to all choirs, whatever your level, age, size or style of singing. It could be held in your local church, town hall, shopping centre or out and about in your local community. You can hold it anytime over the Christmas period, the choice is yours.

Simply register today to receive your FREE fundraising pack, filled with great ideas for organising your own Sing out for Marie Curie event. It also includes Sing out stickers; Marie Curie balloons; fundraising tips and promotional ideas as well as some great seasonal song suggestions.
Simply visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/singout
Call: 08700 340 040

Thank you for thinking of us.

Lesley Limb, Marie Curie Nurse

Thursday 30 July 2009

Last chance to help shape the landscape of the London 2012 Olympics

Last chance to help shape the landscape of the London 2012 Olympics

On 31 July 2009, the RHS Olympic Park Great British Garden Competition will close to entries, meaning that if you want to win the chance of designing a garden for the London 2012 Olympics, you only have a few weeks to enter.

London 2012 has joined forces with the RHS to offer two budding gardeners the opportunity to help design a garden that will sit within the new Olympic Park in east London.

This garden will be a chance to celebrate the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, our heritage as a nation of gardeners and the unique qualities found in Britain’s domestic gardens. We are looking for two winners, a young person (age 16 and under) and an adult, to help create a space that makes visitors to the park feel like they are wandering through someone’s garden.
The modern Olympic movement was founded by Pierre de Coubertin in 1894, after he was inspired by a visit to the Much Wenlock Olympic Society in Shropshire. To commemorate the Olympic link to the British Isles, we would like you to explore the possibility of incorporating a Pierre de Coubertin oak tree into your design idea.

This competition is open to everyone except professional garden designers. All we ask is that people either draw, paint, computer design or create a collage design idea for their garden on an A4 sheet of paper, and accompany it with a short explanatory note. The garden will measure a quarter of an acre (about a quarter of a football pitch) in size.

Read a copy of the terms and conditions or download an application form.

Top tips to think about when designing a garden

  • Firstly, think of the Big Idea. What is the overall idea for your garden? Is it to celebrate a sense of national identity and diversity, the Olympic and Paralympic values or something else?
  • Secondly, decide what the purpose of the garden should be. How should the garden be used? A space for relaxation, child play or a place to excite the senses?
  • Thirdly, what is the style of your garden? Do you draw your references from pop culture or traditional garden designers? Is there a colour theme you would like to draw on?
  • Fourthly, what plants and features do you want to include? How will you use the garden to showcase British plants? Do you want to include a water feature or commemorative tree in your design idea? Could you use recycled materials for your features?

The entries will be judged on the following criteria

A design idea that:

  • Demonstrates the unique qualities of Britain’s domestic gardens
  • Is forward looking and celebrates the UK’s favourite pastime of gardening
  • Will leave a legacy for future generations to enjoy
  • Celebrates the Olympic and Paralympic Values and the Much Wenlock Olympian Society, in particular exploring opportunities to include one or more Pierre de Coubertin oak trees in the design idea.

The closing date for the competition is 31 July 2009. Six finalists will be shortlisted by a panel of judges and then put forward for a public vote on the RHS website in September 2009. Winner will be notified in October 2009.

Read a copy of the terms and conditions or download an application form.

How do you feel about getting older?, Rattlestick

getting older... We're all doing it. How do you feel about it? How are you doing it? - in a blaze of glory? - disgracefully? - imperceptibly?

Rattlestick, a Shropshire-based film and theatre company, is exploring how people feel about getting older. We'd like to talk to local people of all ages, with different points of view, and with stories to tell.

Thanks to funding from Awards for All and Shropshire Council, the first stage of the project will create a short film about what people of different ages, and in different situations, think and feel about getting older. We hope that stage two will be to create a piece of theatre.

Might you be interested in getting taking part? Please email us at rattlestickproject-gettingolder@yahoo.co.uk and we'll send you a short questionnaire to get the ball rolling.

Monday 27 July 2009

Discover the Art of Lace-Making

27th July – 2nd August 2009
At Sudeley Castle

The Lace Society and Cotswold Lacemakers, with help from Vale Lacemakers and Pillow Talk Lace Group, will be demonstrating lace-making techniques at Sudeley Castle over the summer.

Demonstrations will take place in the Exhibitions area between 10.30am and 4.00pm daily from 27th July to 2nd August. There will be a 'have-a-go pillow' where visitors can try their hand at lace making and there will be a variety of styles of lace on display.

The recent returning trend in hand-made goods has prompted an upsurge of interest in traditional crafts. Sudeley’s textile exhibition was launched two years ago by Cath Kidston, since when the collection has been re-themed to focus on floral inspirations in textiles.

There are many fascinating pieces in the collection, including a fragment of fabric from a dress belonging to Katherine Parr. Another highlight is a magnificent 17th century Stumpwork casket with no less than 7 secret drawers. A film introduced to the exhibitions last year show the secrets of the box being revealed and discusses its themes and techniques.

Sudeley Castle is Open Daily: 10.30am – 5.00pm
Adults: £7.20
Concessions: £6.20
Children (5 – 15yrs): £4.20
Family Ticket (2 Adults, 2 Children): £20.80

www.sudeleycastle.co.uk

Visitor Centre: 01242 604244
Winchcombe, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL54 5JD

Tuesday 21 July 2009

Summer exhibition at the Royal Academy

Summer Exhibition

Until 16 August 2009

Now in it's 241st year, the Royal Academy's Summer Exhibition 2009 continues the tradition of displaying a wide range of new work by both established and unknown artists in all media including painting, printmaking, photography, sculpture and architecture.

Summer Exhibition
Until 16 August 2009Now in it's 241st year, the Royal Academy's Summer Exhibition 2009 continues the tradition of displaying a wide range of new work by both established and unknown artists in all media including painting, printmaking, photography, sculpture and architecture. Family workshops take place in the Summer Exhibition on Wednesdays and Fridays, 11am-1pm, free with anexhibition ticket. To book call 020 7300 5995 or email education@royalacademy.org.uk

Monday 13 July 2009

VILLAGE SOS

Do you want the chance to be one of six villages in England to be featured on a reality BBC TV programme?

Does your village have a population of under 3,000 people?

Do you have a great idea for a business enterprise which will bring energy and life back to your community?

Could the project be started by August 2010 and finished by August 2011?

Do you want to be eligible for between £100,000 and £400,000 of funding from BIG (Lottery)?

Do you want to work with an enterprising ‘Village Champion’ who will move in to your community and support you to achieve your ambition?

If you answered ‘yes’ to these questions, you may be interested in the new initiative from the Big Lottery Fund and the BBC ‘Village SOS’. Find out more by following this link.

http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/prog_village_sos.htm

GRCC Plumes Project

Plumes’ Project

GRCC’s In Touch project is joining forces with Gloucestershire Care Providers Association to link people in care homes with those out in the community by way of letter writing.

Most care homes today are places where everything is on hand to enjoy life to the full, yet even in these excellent conditions people who live in care can be lonely if they don’t have any relatives or friends nearby. These individuals would really value a letter from someone on a regular basis, just saying what generally has been going on and passing the time of day. Unfortunately the excitement of receiving a letter has all but disappeared, and the piles of paper that come through the letterbox each day are usually advertisements, bills or junk mail.

If you live in Gloucestershire and think you, or someone you know could spend ten minutes or so writing a letter to someone who would really appreciate it, can you please contact either Barbara Piranty or Vicki Hewlett on 01452 528491. We can then match you with someone nearby or further afield if you would like. In return, you will of course receive a reply! This link would mean so much to someone who has everything else except someone to keep in contact with.

Thursday 2 July 2009

Congratulations to yet more winners at Farncombe ...

All winners of Farncombe vouchers in our June Referral prize draw ; S Tucker & Ms Allen from Warwickshire & L Oxford from Oxfordshire.

Sunday 28 June 2009

WORLD PREMIERE OF EDWARD COWIE’S ‘SUMMER’ FROM FOUR SEASONS

CC21's Four Seasons project is supported by the PRS Foundation for New Music, RVW Trust and CC21 Benefactor Friends

This concert showcases the first in a series of four seasonal a cappella motets
accessible to amateur choirs and a great addition to the choral repertoireTHE CHOIR OF THE 21ST CENTURY
Howard Williams conductor s Helen Tunstall harp

Saturday 11 July 2009 at 8.00pm
(pre-concert talk by Edward Cowie at 7.15 pm)

GROSVENOR CHAPEL
South Audley Street, London W1K 2PA

Music for a Summer's Evening
Edward Cowie: Summer from Four Seasons (World Premiere)

Programme also includes
Delius: Midsummer Song and Two Songs to be sung on a Summer Night on the Water s Howells:The Summer is Coming
Holst: Summer s Bainton: Summer s Robert Walker: A Canonic Madrigal (from 5 Summer Madrigals)
Britten: Harp Suite s Salzedo: Song in the Night

Tickets: £12 (£10 concessions) on the door or in advance for £11 (including booking fee) from http://www.wegottickets.com/event/49942

Saturday 27 June 2009

FREE ADVICE FOR 2009 ARTS GRADUATES, Matt Roberts Arts

GRADU-START - Professional Development and Networking
As part of our continuing dedication to supporting early career artists we will be holding FREE professional development sessions for 2009 graduates from Fine Art, Art History, and Photography courses to discuss what there next steps should be.
Talks will take place on Thursday 2nd July, Friday 3rd July, Saturday 4th July, and Sunday 5th July at the following times:
10am - 11.30am12pm - 1.30pm3pm - 4.30pm
All professional development will take place at the MRA Project Space, Unit 1 (Front of) Vyner Street, Bethnal Green, E2 9DG. To book your place please email mail@mattroberts.org.ukIf you are able to stay within the area we will be holding evening networking events on the evenings of Thursday July 2nd and Saturday July 4th from 6pm, where there will be live perfromances, and we will launch our 2009 Degree Show Review publication.

Congratulations William Tyler MBE !

An MBE in the Queen's birthday honours announced on Friday came "completely out of the blue" for Farncombe Estate tutor William Tyler.
William Tyler spent his whole professional life working in adult education, something which took him all over the country. He said he was "almost embarrassed" about the honour which recognises a career spanning almost 30 years in adult education.
"We got a letter from the Cabinet office it was a complete and utter surprise and completely out of the blue," he said. "It is a huge honour and recognises the importance of adult education as a service in society."
William Tyler is one of the 984 people to be honoured by the Queen. His MBE is in recognition of services to adult education and his last full time post was as Principal of The City Lit in London, Britain's biggest adult education college. He had previously served as a Principal of Manchester's Adult Education College and as Warwickshire's County Adviser for Adult Education.
Mr Tyler read law at Oxford University, before studying criminology at Keele University and undertaking a research degree at Nottingham University in educational geratology - education of the elderly. He said he was looking for a job after university when he became a resident tutor at a college in Kent. He met his wife, Jennifer, there as she was a bursar housekeeper and Mr Tyler said he "enjoyed working with adults, I thought it was interesting and fun and went on from there".
Humble Mr Tyler said he will visit Buckingham Palace within the next six months with his wife and two children. He said he cannot believe the company he keeps with regard to his honour. "When you look at what people who have received these awards have done, one feels quite privileged to be in the same group," he said. "To be in the same list as James Bolam of the Likely Lads was pretty humbling and there are a lot of people with real talent."
As well as serving on a host of boards and trusts Mr Tyler is constantly busy in his retirement, as he has built up a freelance career including lecturing, public speaking, writing and consultancy work which includes tutoring on several weekends a year at Farncombe Estate Centre just outside Broadway. William's next course at Farncombe takes place in January 2010.

Friday 26 June 2009

Blues Concert in Chipping Campden - Connie Lush

Connie Lush & Blues Shouter + The Average Wyatt Band

Saturday 26th September 26th 2009

Chipping Campden School
Tickets £20 (To include a two course dinner)
8.00 p.m. – Midnight (Doors open at 7.00 p.m.)

Licensed Bar provided by The Eight Bells
Tickets available from
Bennetts Fine Wines

Or

William Bennett on: 07817297595
All Profits to the Chipping Campden Music Festival

"That woman makes my heart sing"

BB King

THE ORGAN WORKS OF J S BACH

St James’ Church, Chipping Campden
THE ORGAN WORKS OF J S BACH
in 10 sessions
played by
Richard Stephens
Wednesday, 1 July to Saturday, 4 July 2009

Admission is free but donations are invited for the organ restoration fund.
Each complete programme lasts app 2 hours, but these are not formal concerts and listeners are
welcome to come and go at any time.

Wednesday 1 July 7.30 pm
includes Prelude & Fugue in D (BWV 532), Trio Sonata no 1, Toccata, Adagio & Fugue in C, Concerto 1,
Schübler Chorale Preludes, misc Chorale Preludes, Toccata & Fugue in D minor (BWV 565)

Thursday 2 July 1.30 pm
includes Prelude & Fugue in C (BWV 545), Preludes from Das Orgelbüchlein for Advent, Christmas & Epiphany, Fantasia in C, Toccata & Fugue in E (BWV 566), Prelude & Fugue in A minor (BWV 543), Prelude & Fugue in A

Thursday 2 July, 4.30 pm
includes Prelude & Fugue in F minor, Preludes from Das Orgelbüchlein for Lent, Easter & Pentecost, Concerto in G,
Fugue a la Gigue, Prelude & Fugue in D minor, Trio Sonata no 2, Prelude & Fugue in B minor

Thursday 2 July, 7.30 pm
includes Prelude & Fugue in A minor (BWV 551), Trio Sonata no 5, Prelude & Fugue in C minor, Chorale Preludes,
Fantasia in C minor, Concerto in C, Prelude & Fugue in E minor (BWV 533)

Friday 3 July, 1.30 pm
includes Prelude & Fugue in G minor (BWV 535), Chorale Preludes, Trio Sonata no 3, Prelude & Fugue in E minor (BWV 533),
Pièce d’Orgue

Friday 3 July, 4.30 pm
includes Prelude & Fugue in G major (BWV 550), Trio Sonata no 4, Concerto in D minor, Chorale Preludes,
Prelude & Fugue in C (BWV 547)

Friday 3 July, 7.30 pm
includes Toccata and Fugue in D minor (“Dorian”), Trio Sonata no 6, Chorale Preludes, Prelude & Fugue in C (BWV 531),
Concerto in C (BWV 594), “Corelli” and “Legrenzi” fugues, Prelude & Fugue in C minor (BWV 546),

Saturday 4 July, 11.00 am
Clavierübung, Vol III: ‘The German Organ Mass’

Saturday 4 July 4.30 pm
including Fantasia & Fugue in G minor, Trio in D minor, Partita ‘O Gott du frommer Gott’, Pastorale, “Little” Fugue in G minor,
Toccata & Fugue in F

Saturday July 4, 7.30 pm
including Prelude & Fugue in G (BWV 541), Canonic Variations on ‘Vom Himmel hoch’, Prelude & Fugue in E minor (‘The Wedge’),
Fantasia & Fugue in C minor, Partita on ‘Sei gegrüsset’, Passacaglia & Fugue in C minor

Monday 22 June 2009

Botanical Artists demonstration

11am – 1pm Saturday 4th July 2009 - Nuneaton Museum & Art Gallery

To accompany their exhibition in the Yellow Gallery, Mercia Botanical Artists’ Society are holding a demonstration of their painting and drawing methods which is open to all of Nuneaton Museum’s visitors.

Gian D’Brionne-Edwardes will be showing her botanical drawing techniques developed over twenty years. Gian, who also teaches Botanical Art will also be answering questions for those interested in developing their technique.

Bet Gadsby is a student of the Society of Botanical Artists in London and a keen gardener. Bet will present her detailed Botanic Art works whilst demonstrating her skillls in drawing and painting with watercolours.

Mercia Botanical Artists’ Society are also keen to encourage new members and the demonstration will provide an excellent opportunity to find out more.

Come and see this FREE demonstration of both artists’ work at Nuneaton Museum & Art Gallery. For more details email museum@nuneatonandbedworth.gov.uk.

Friday 12 June 2009

The Urban Folk Quartet – Debut Gig!

This Friday, 12th June 2009



With support from BBC Folk Award finalists Jack McNeill and Charlie Heys.



8pm, upstairs at The Cross,
Moseley,
Birmingham,
B13 8JP



£6 on the door, party bags for people who arrive early!



Born from the unique melting pot of the Birmingham Folk Music scene, The Urban Folk Quartet is virtuosic not just in feel and technical ability but in musical concept as well, it is a coming together of four of the most inspired and experienced young people working in World Music today. Members of the band have played with The Chieftains, The Albion Band, Carlos Nunez, The Destroyers, The Conservatoire Folk Ensemble, The Old Dance School, Chris While and Bellowhead amongst others. Don’t miss the launch of this brand new band, playing for one night only in the UK before summer festivals in Italy, Belgium and Spain.



Joe Broughton – Guitar, Fiddle and Mandolin

Tom Chapman – Cajon and Percussion

Frank Moon – Oud, Guitar and percussion

Paloma Trigas – Fiddle





www.theurbanfolkquartet.com

Compton Verney - Georgian Portraits Exhibition

20 May – 13 December 2009

A Display of Georgian Portraits: Seeing is Believing.

On loan from the Holburne Museum in Bath it traces the development of Georgian Portraiture in Britain.

It examines the shift in the purpose of portraits from symbols of success and status, to a new era of realism and glamour. Coinciding with the launch of this display will be a Georgian weekend, with a whole host of historical events and activities for all ages.
Find out more about the display or book tickets

http://www.comptonverney.org.uk/?page=/tickets/tickets.html

Tuesday 9 June 2009

Bear Pit Battle at The 3 Counties Show, Malvern

Three Counties entrepreneurs have the chance to take the bull by the horns, enter the 'battle arena' and sweat it out in pursuit of a cash prize and some invaluable business advice to boot!

The Three Counties Agricultural Society is running its second 'Bear Pit Business Competition' on the first day (Friday 19 June) of the Three Counties Show, and is keen to hear from individuals or firms less than two years old who want to compete for £1000 and expert support and mentoring. The Bear Pit is a 'Dragon's Den' style initiative, run in conjunction with Herefordshire Rural Hub, and will be held in the Show's Rural Business Pavilion, which is supported again by Business Link. Five finalists will present their cases to a discerning judging panel, who will be on the lookout for dynamic businesses which best serve the rural community through innovation and sustainability. Application forms are available from Cathy Meredith at the Herefordshire Rural Hub on 01432 870033, email: meredithc@hct.ac.uk

Farncombe Estate Centre's Fan Box

Where to find us and what we do

Farncombe Estate is situated just outside the Cotswold village of Broadway. We are approximately 50 minutes from Oxford, Birmingham and Bristol and easily located from the M5, M40 and M42.

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.