How to make stained glass windows and decorative panels, by leading together segments of coloured glass.

Mind Chi is a concept which helps you to build, manage and direct your mental energy to maximum effect. During this weekend we combine three different brain skills. Firstly, Mind Chi mapping which allows you to organize your thoughts, absorb new information and apply the information rapidly for decision making and problem solving. Secondly, Mind Chi speedy-reading which will enable you to read at least 600 words per minute and make short work of books, magazines and reports. Thirdly, Mind Chi memory skills - a series of exercises designed to aid recall and increase information retention. The interactive learning sessions are suitable for all individuals and can be used in the context of leisure, learning or work.

The Italian arts are reckoned to typify the glory of the Renaissance, yet it was principally the great Flemish musicians of the late 15th and early 16th centuries who kick-started the music of that period. Josquin des Près, Johannes Ockeghem and their contemporaries are sometimes regarded as “difficult” composers and it is true that some of their music can present rhythmic challenges. But thereare also musical textures of beguiling simplicity revealing soundscapes of sublime beauty. During this weekend, experienced recorder players will discover that the pure sonorities of their instruments will offer an ideal means to explore some of this less familiar musical territory

We will be using watercolour and soft pastelfrominitialsketches. Loose washes are introduced to be enhanced with softpastel in the final stages of the painting,giving the opportunityto strengthen areas that mayrequirefurther attention.

This course assumes knowledge of the principles covered in the first three courses. In this course students will learn how to bid very strong hands and hands with unusual distributions (pre-emptive bids). We will also look at transfer bidding and the Stayman and Blackwood bidding conventions. There will be plenty of opportunity to practice declarer and defensive play techniques.

The Shaw method applies the principles of the Alexander Technique to the process of swimming, and is proving ever popular with people of all ages and capabilities. This weekend is suitable for swimmers and non-swimmers alike; it will introduce you to the fundamentals of breathing, buoyancy and aligning your body in the water to swim with ease and without strain. We will also look at the techniques required for Breast Stroke. About 50% of the time will be spent in the warm environment of the Earnley pool and the remaining time will be used to develop physical skills and movements that underlie the Shaw method of swimming.

Engraving your own kiln-formed vessel. You will have the opportunity to fuse, slump and engrave your own creations. Students that wish to concentrate entirely on engraving may do so. Clear and coloured glass, stones, burs etc. will be available for students to purchase. This course is open to both beginners and more experienced engravers.

An opportunity to develop a wide range of subjects and techniques, both simple and challenging, with subjects such as flowers, fruit, birds, animals, fish, and landscape. More advanced students will be able to explore their own compositions. In the evenings we will relax with a selection of appropriate videos and slides.

Choosing the right subject, scale, colour, tone and texture - to create landscapes with atmosphere and drama. Students may use their preferred medium but emphasis will be placed on watercolour and acrylics.

A workshop for competent painters who want to develop their portraiture skills and their use of oil paints. A model will be provided in a studio setting and students will be assisted and encouraged to make effective use of the time available.

For those who wish to repair their own ceramics, this course involves the various techniques used for mending china, including cleaning and reassembly, surface repairs, filling small chips, hand painting and finishing. Students should bring a selection of ceramic objects to work on but please note that the object is to learn the techniques but not necessarily to complete each item.

For most of human history, our knowledge of the universe around us has been based on what we could see with the naked eye. Then, 400 years ago, the invention of the telescope revolutionised the way in which we viewed the cosmos and our place within it. This course will examine the ways in which we explore the universe today, from the satellites in orbit around the earth, to the spacecraft which orbit and land on other planets. Presentations will focus not only on the key discoveries themselves, featuring many stunning images, but also on the techniques used to make those discoveries. Observations have ranged far beyond the light to which our eyes are sensitive, with modern telescopes probing the universe at wavelengths from radio waves to gamma-rays. The course will feature a fascinating visit to the South Downs Planetarium in Chichester on Saturday afternoon. Click here to download a copy of the detailed timetable.

A development course, ideal for people who have attended part 1. Using the same multi-media methods, the tutor will show you how to extend your skills – including rapid sketch-making, simplification, and figurative elements. As before, the course will also focus on historical uses of the sketchbook.

Photo Manipulation with Photoshop Elements

This is a computer-based course for students with their own digital camera and a working knowledge of the Windows operating system who want to get the most from digital photography by adjusting and manipulating there own images using Adobe Photoshop Elements. During the course you will cover the basic operations of the program, become proficient in adjusting your images, learn some more advanced techniques of image manipulation and learn how to take photographs with image manipulation in mind. The course is ideal for those who want to maximise the potential of digital image making but don’t know where to start or those who have a good grounding in the subject but want to expand their working knowledge using their digital camera and Photoshop Elements.

The course will include beading basic shapes, making three-dimensional shapes, making finished jewellery, experimenting with the techniques, playing with colour and making beaded beads. In order to get the most out of this course, students need to be able to bead using both peyote and brick stitch and they will be required to bring a supply of beads, crystals and other materials (details will be provided). Some materials will be available to purchase. Previous students are welcome as a different range of projects will be offered.

Create exciting visual effects using waterbased drawing materials. Subjects will include natural landscapes with figurative elements.

An exploration of watercolour techniques, encompassing various styles and techniques. Students can choose from a range of different subjects, including their own photographs or from local views in and around the grounds.

Realise the full potential of your sewing machine - and the feet and attachments that come with it - and discover new and exciting aspects of machine embroidery. We shall be developing ways of using different stitches and techniques to alter and decorate new fabrics, and learn how to handle tricky threads. Students should bring their own sewing machine if possible, but there are a limited number of loan machines available (must be reserved in advance).

An introduction to watercolours and much, much more, with carefully structured studio sessions designed to teach the essential techniques. The course content is suitable for intermediate level students as well as complete beginners. Live demonstrations and examples of a wide range of painting subjects.

An exploration of the traditional culture of Sussex, featuring the landscape and the customs which are rooted in the seasonal and life cycles. Sussex witchcraft, herbal remedies and early Christian lore associated with the cult of saints and pilgrimages will be considered as well as the rich heritage of folksongs and oral tales in Sussex. Also, the ethos of skilled traditional occupations such as fishing and shepherding, and moonlighting activities such as smuggling and poaching. We are planning a Saturday afternoon visit to the Sussex Folklore Museum at West Hoathley and the legendary Devil’s Dyke near Brighton.

You will learn a quick and easy, method of making felt in small quantities for hats, bags, slippers, mitts, waistcoats etc. Alternatively, the felt can be used in creative embroidery and collage, with patterns and surface decorations as enhancements.

Using still life as a source of inspiration, you will build a collage by first making and then applying textured paper shapes. The result will be a colourful and imaginative composition reflecting your own interpretation of the subject.