Guild Newsletter
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Principal’s Welcome
Reflecting on the past few months, I am incredibly proud of the vibrant atmosphere we have built together here at the Guild. Thank you to every student, volunteer, and staff member who has contributed to a wonderful Autumn Term. It has been inspiring to watch our community grow, proving that the Guild is not just a place for education, but a vital space for friendship and personal growth.
We are now looking forward to the start of the Spring Term on Monday, 5th January 2026. There is a broad and varied range of courses designed to spark your curiosity and creativity in the New Year— details can be found further down in this newsletter.
From all of us, we wish you a joyous festive season and a very Happy New Year. We look forward to seeing you in 2026.
Winter Weather Update Your safety is our priority. Should we experience severe winter conditions, please check the Guild's website before leaving home, as we may be forced to close temporarily.
A seat at our table: Christmas Lunch No one should have to spend Christmas alone. We are hosting a free Christmas Lunch on the 25th of December for those in our community seeking company and festive cheer. To reserve a place, please call us on 01625 523 903 before 12 December or email charitysupport@guildlifelonglearning.org until 24 December (Volunteers are welcome too.)
Could you spare 60 seconds to support our charity?
We're asking for your nomination in the Movement for Good Awards! Every nomination enters us into a draw to win £1,000. Your one nomination makes a huge difference to our chances.
Click this link to nominate us before 15th December.
Thank you #movementforgood
Oh, and please share this with your friends too—the more nominations we get, the better!
It's the perfect time to design and create stunning Christmas gifts for your loved ones 🎄
Make Your Own Christmas Presents on Saturday 13 December
New Courses for January
Art and Art History Courses
Portraits With Sabine, Thursdays at 10am
Sketch Club With Sabine, Mondays at 4.45pm
The Four Seasons: Artists Painting The Climate
An examination of the work of artists from the earliest to the present, in their quest to present the world as they see it through the seasons
Beginning 21 January for four weeks
Modern Art – From Impressionism To Surrealism 1860 – 1940
We will look closely at the birth of Modern Art – from the early days of the Impressionists and their new styles of painting, to further movements, often becoming more radical as we entered the 20th century. Fridays at 1.30pm
This course focusses on key areas such as strength, bone loading, mobility, pelvic floor health, body awareness, breathing, and menopause education.
This course combines various stretching techniques designed not only to tone the body but also to enhance flexibility, improve posture, and support overall fitness
History Courses
The Arab Israel conflict explained
This course offers an accessible examination of the Arab-Israeli conflict, tracing its historical roots from the late 19th century through the early 21st century.
Part one, Thursday 8 January
Beginning in the Ottoman period, we will explore the emergence of modern Zionism, patterns of Jewish immigration, and land acquisition strategies in Palestine, as well as the responses and organizational structures developed by the Arab population. The course will examine the interplay between local dynamics and broader state interests, particularly the role of the Ottoman Empire, British colonial policies, and the geopolitical transformations following World War I.
For full details, click the link below
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The History Of Place: England's Remarkable History As Told In Its Buildings, Towns And Cities
This course will help us unpick the layers of history in places that are familiar to us as well as introducing new places areas to us.
Places include Jodrell Bank, Whitby Abbey, Worsley Delph, Abbey Road Studios, Chetham's Library and the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.
Thursday evenings from 8 January 2026
The Industrial Archaeology Of Cheshire: From Roman Mining To Woodford Aerodrome
This course reviews the archaeological evidence for industry in Cheshire chronologically, beginning with Roman mining at Alderley Edge and Roman salt making in Middlewich & Nantwich. Then we will look at medieval salt making in Nantwich and leather making in Chester; late medieval corn milling; post-medieval metal working at Lymm and Little Moreton; textile production in Macclesfield and Congleton; canals; railways; Chester industry in the 19th century; finishing with salt, chemicals, and aerodromes in the 20th century.
I’ll be using excavated and building site case studies along the way.
Wednesdays 7.30pm from 7 January 2026
Latin for beginners is back: It's a fresh new course
The dates for class are 24 February, 3,10,17 and 24 March 2026
Please email me if you'd like to ask any questions about the course: liz_syed@yahoo.com.
Previous participants in our Latin Day School said:-
“Absolutely fabulous! Learning was made fun and felt easy due to the way the information was delivered and visual/ props etc. I had lots of fun, laughed loads and learnt a lot! Thank you! O rem mirabilem!”
“Had lots of fun, thanks! The words on the wall helped a lot.”
“Great fun! Very disappointed though that September’s class is in the afternoon as I work full time. O rem miseram!”
“Really enjoyed your enthusiasm – so different from school! Impressed with how much we accomplished today.”
We want to share some amazing news: Cath's fundraising efforts yesterday successfully raised a fantastic total of £1004.50 for Cancer Research UK!
Thank you to Cath for her hard work and a massive thank you to everyone who supported her cause with such wonderful generosity. Every penny counts!
We are so proud of this community's support. 👏👏👏👏👏
The exhibition brief and submission guidelines can be found on Google Drive, click HERE or we can email a copy on request.
Enquiries to gallery@guildlifelonglearning.org
Talk: Publishers' Arts And Crafts Book Covers
With Barry Clark
Thursday 22nd January at 7.30pm
Get ready for a fascinating look at the Victorian book revolution! Discover how the introduction of book cloth and machinery transformed publishing, making beautifully designed books accessible to everyone. Barry's well-researched, illustrated talk will explore the stunning Arts and Crafts designs that adorned these everyday volumes, featuring work by masters like William Morris and Walter Crane. See how these "everyday books" brought good design out of the wealthy collector's library and into the hands of the many.
Community Course
First aid at Work Saturday 24th January 2026
Approved by the First Aid Industry Body (FAIB) this is a 1 day Emergency First Aid at Work training course. It consists of 6 classroom hours with a mixture of theory, individual and group work, and practical sessions. No prior knowledge or experience of first aid is required.
Huge Thank You! Your Donations Pave the Way for an Accessible Pottery Studio.
We are absolutely thrilled to announce that, thanks to your incredible generosity, we are so close to raising the funds needed to purchase a brand-new Slab Roller for our pottery studio!
The slab roller is an essential ergonomic tool that removes the physical strain of clay preparation, making advanced projects accessible to all students.
Please review your experience at the Guild
Your feedback makes a difference! If you've enjoyed your time learning with us at the Guild, please take a moment to leave a Google review.
Click HERE to scan the QR code
Carefound are hosting a charity cinema event at the REX in Wilmslow in December. This year their nominated charity is Bare Necessities Toiletry Bank whom the Guild are avid supporters of.
Bare Necessities Toiletry Bank
