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Message from the Principal
It has been a successful academic year at the Guild with lots of new faces, new activities and many achievements. Most recently we have hosted the Wilmslow Festival of Writing, a celebration of our students’ work and the work of children at local primary schools. This year we have also enjoyed events highlighting Lindow Moss on the 40th anniversary of the discovery of Lindow Man. I am looking forward to more events in the Autumn, especially the one-off lecture series ‘Lindow Man: His People And His Landscape’ which will see a number of eminent speakers gracing our Main Hall.
I am proud that we are continuing to work in partnership with other charities, such as Bare Necessities and Mentell which provide support and services to our local community; it is wonderful to be able to give them space to facilitate their work.
We have a wonderful variety of courses and other activities planned for September onwards, a few of these are spotlighted below. All of these activities are available to book now, and if you book online before 31st July, you can use the discount code on home page of our website to get a 5% early booking discount.
Look out for the activities that are continuing during the summer, but please note that our community café will be closed to give the team a well-deserved break.
None of what we have achieved would be possible without the hard work and good spirits of my staff and volunteers. It is a pleasure to work with them all and I am extremely grateful for their dedication.
On behalf of myself, trustees, staff and volunteers we wish you a very relaxing and enjoyable summer and look forward to seeing you in September.
With very best wishes,
Paula
The Guild: A Visual Narrative
The Guild is looking for volunteers to participate in a PhD research project about student perspectives of adult education at The Guild.
Whilst we know that you come to The Guild for a number of positive reasons, we would like to get a clearer idea as to why, in more general terms, adult community education is so important to a community. We are interested in putting into words and pictures the reasons why the education that The Guild provides plays a valuable role in your lives.
This project has been designed around your participation at your usual activity during the Autumn Term 2024. Initially, whilst attending your usual classes and activities at the Guild, we would like you to take photographs with your smartphone. (You do not need any prior knowledge about photography, free practical help will be provided.) If you’re interested in helping us and would like to know more, please talk to or email Paula or Ali for further information: charitysupport@guildlifelonglearning.org
Inspired by Lindow 2024 Applications are invited for work to be submitted for this year’s “Inspired by Lindow” Open Art Exhibition.
Lindow Moss is one of the largest lowland peatlands in Cheshire. In 1984 Lindow Moss came to international prominence with the discovery of an almost intact Iron Age bog body – Lindow Man. Events are taking place throughout 2024 as part of the 40th anniversary of the discovery of Lindow Man. This will include a number of exhibitions, held at the Gallery at The Guild for Lifelong Learning, Wilmslow. For more information, please visit www.discoverlindow.org
Artwork can be in any media but must have been, in some way, inspired by Lindow.
Email: gallery@guildlifelonglearning.org for more information
'You are all invited to the Private View on Friday 13th September 6-8pm - Good luck to those of you who've entered a piece of your work'
Summer schools
We have Jewellery day schools, German language classes, Pilates and Yoga all happening throughout the end of July and into August
June welcomed some exciting jewellery events.
We hosted Junes Enamellers Guild Region 3&4 meeting and we look forward to the next collaborative event soon.
Hannah was invited to take a few students to Birmingham School of Jewellery to see the graduate exhibition as well as having a day in the life of a jewellery students.
Would you like to learn the language of the ancient Romans?
Fortunately, Latin is not a “dead language” at all; it’s alive and thriving! In this course for absolute beginners, we will discover the joy of one of the world’s most beautiful and important languages.
You’ll be learning not only to read Latin, but to speak it too. No previous knowledge of Latin is required, as we will start from the very beginning (“ab initio”) and build up gradually, with an emphasis on using Latin to communicate, just like with any other language. Before you know it, you’ll be chatting in Latin with classmates over a cup of coffee!
⭐ Guild Panto Auditions ⭐
Auditions for our Panto, Aladdin take place in September 2024, watch this space.
This version of Aladdin and his Magic Lamp is told in time honoured pantomime fashion with all the well loved characters and Aladdin himself and, of course, the well hated character of Abanazar, the evil magician, who provides plenty of opportunity for boos and hisses from the audience!
If you would like to know more please contact us by Email with your details
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We have a fantastic range of Groups and Clubs that support our mission of bringing communities together.
Bare Necessities Toiletry Bank
Do you come to the Guild regularly and are looking for a volunteering opportunity?
The Bare Necessities team need your help
Could you spare an hour a month to collect the kind donations from the toiletry bank and deliver them to BN headquarters? (Wilmslow)
Please get in touch with Ali, BN would be most grateful: charitysupport@guildlifelonglearning.org
01625 523903
Thanks to volunteer Edie for creating this notice.
British Party Politics In Crisis
Taking full account of the 2024 general election, this six-week course shall examine how this crisis emerged and how it steadily worsened, with reference to Labour under Corbyn and Starmer, the SNP under Sturgeon and Yousaf and, of course, the Tories under Johnson, Truss and Sunak. As such, we shall recall the chronic misjudgements and dubious integrity of party leaders across the political spectrum, while inspecting wider changes to our society, economy and culture. All of which shall be done - we hope - all in a spirit of wry detachment rather than pious anger.
Engage in an exciting discovery of “unconventional Italy” without moving from Cheshire!
This course offers the unique opportunity to look in depth at some towns, monuments and artistic sites that are mostly overlooked in favour of mass-tourism destinations. From north to south, we will travel across jewels such as Ferrara, Ravenna, Assisi, Viterbo, Salerno - without forgetting the hidden gems of cities such as Milan, Rome, Naples and Palermo. The meetings will blend art with history, anecdotes and local customs in an engaging yet informative and enjoyable way.
After this course, Italy will never look the same to you!
End of Life Partnership
EOLP are a small local charity who aim to ease the experience and improve the quality of care for people as they approach the end of life and also to support the people caring for them. Last year we helped almost 10,000 people in Cheshire. This year, perhaps we can help you.
We support carers, volunteers and whole communities with resources and courses to help with end of life planning and coping with bereavement.
Whether you need help to plan for the future, cope with bereavement or connect with people who understand what you are going through, you will find what you need below.
New Club: Navigating The Midlife Maze
Is change a challenge or a blessing? By the time you reach mid-life, you’ve probably experienced quite a few life challenges already. Growing up, starting work, new relationships, career change? And while mid-life offers exciting choices, it can often bring you face to face with difficult decisions.
In a supportive and confidential environment, we will look at mid-life changes from the women’s perspective. And whatever issues are on your mind, you can get together with others who’ll listen and share their own experiences.
With a tradition going back to the Middle Ages, klezmer is the music of Yiddish-speaking Ashkenazi Jewish communities of Eastern Europe. The term ‘klezmer’ translates as ‘vessel of song’, a reference to the travelling guild musician who played instrumental musical for the weddings.
The music has travelled across the world due to migration (both voluntary and involuntary), and has evolved over time through the generations of musicians who passed it down to their children, and through the treasure trove of archive recordings made in the early 20th century. We use these recordings as a way into the tunes, putting them in historical and cultural context, before having a practical encounter with the tune.
Come and join us to be your own vessel of song, and dive into the worlds of klezmer by exploring one tune a session with practical musical participation, music appreciation, and historical context, allowing us to build up a shared repertoire. Any ability encouraged to apply.
Musical instrument users are encouraged strongly encouraged to bring instruments (no matter how dusty), but no formal musical training is required to take this course. Although, we advise that willingness to participate in the music making (group humming, hitting percussion etc) will reap the greatest rewards for this course.
Dates and times can be found on our webpage, click the link below.
Guild Coffee and Chat Social Group
We hope you can join us at the Guild Cafe for coffee and a good chat with new friends. The next meet-up takes place on Wednesday 11th September, 13.30-15.00.
Suitable for:
A safe and supportive afternoon activity for people living with memory loss and a chance for their carers and family to meet new friends in similar situations for company and a chat. We do not offer any assistance with personal care but will be on hand to ensure that everyone who does attend has a very enjoyable experience.
There is no cost to attend, everyone is welcome
Don't fancy the gym?
The Guild offers a wide range of group-based fitness classes that are inclusive and can be adapted to suit individual needs. We teach
Yoga, Pilates, Exercise to music, Line Dancing, Chair Yoga, Stretch and Tone, Ballet & Tai-Chi
‘Lindow Man: His People And His Landscape’
This 12-week course will revisit the discovery of Lindow Man, an almost intact Iron Age bog body, in August 1984, now displayed in the British Museum, London. Leading experts in the field will explore recent progress in situating our knowledge of Lindow Man in the wider context of bog body discoveries in the UK and North West Europe and the society of which he was part. In the 40 years since his discovery on Lindow Moss the landscape itself has changed greatly and the cutover peat bog in which he was found is now on the threshold of restoration. The course will examine the evolution of the Lindow Moss landscape through time and the influence of climate change on that. Contributions by visiting lecturers will be supported by field visits and workshop sessions. The course will be curated by Professor Emeritus John Handley OBE, with expert advice from Professor Melanie Giles FSA, both from the University of Manchester. Melanie is the author of the widely acclaimed recent book ‘Bog Bodies – Face to face with the past’.
Family Iron Age Woodcraft Sessions
It’s easy for children and adults and can be addictive so beware. Display and demonstration, come and have a go!
Join Rupert on Saturday 28 September 2024
“I’ve made replica wooden items from the Iron Age; these are on display so you can hold, see and feel what they were like. They’re from the same time period that Lindow Man was walking around Wilmslow, well, before he got bogged down. It’s mainly everyday kitchen ware and what’s nice is that these objects are still useful today. An example of how this is done is shown and folk can have a go. “
This workshop takes place between 10am and 3pm. Sessions are 45 minutes in duration and the cafe will be open for drinks and snacks during this time. Booking is available through our event section online. Use the button below to reserve your family slot.
Wilmslow Festival of Writing
'A great day...a lot of effort went into the festival!'
These are the words of praise from a very happy attender at our second Festival of Writing. And what a fantastic day it was! Popular workshops to inspire and inform, books to browse and buy, music from talented folk performers Geoff Higginbottom and Bob Carroll, delicious food, and then in the evening, poetry readings, a visit from the author of a best selling book, and amazing performances from Guild writers and performers. It was a day when people who love words and writing could come together and celebrate, learn, and relax. Our younger members of the local community even had their own display of writing, and fantastic work it was too! Thank you to Lindow and Ashdene schools for participating.
SAVE THE DATE: 5th JULY 2025. We'll be back, bigger, better, and more exciting - see you then!
Child and Young Persons Mental Health and Wellbeing Course
Approved by the First Aid Industry Body (FAIB) this is a twelve hour Child and Young Persons Mental Health and Wellbeing Course. This course is suitable for anyone who wants to increase their awareness of a young person’s mental health and how to support and manage it. No prior knowledge or experience is required.
Child and Young Persons Mental Health and Wellbeing Course Curriculum.
Weeks 1, 2 & 3 - Developing Foundations, Promoting & Implementing Mental Health & Wellbeing for Children & Young People
Weeks 4, 5 & 6 - Mental Health Action Planning & Awareness in Children & Young People
The course begins on 10th October 2024
On completion of weeks 1 to 3 you will be issued with a Child and Young Persons Wellbeing Ambassador certificate. On completion of the whole course you will be issued with a Child and Young Persons Mental Health Ambassador certificate.
Please visit our website for more information, click the link below.
Ethics in the news
Fridays at 10am
No prior knowledge of philosophy or ethics is necessary as the leader, Judy Bavin, will introduce each week’s topic and present some main themes and discussion points. After that, it’s up to the group to take the conversation forward. Anyone can suggest topics for the group to discuss but the idea is that these should have an ethical component and be based around some of the stories currently making headline news.
