Guild Newsletter
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Principal's Welcome
As we reach the end of another wonderful academic year at the Guild, I want to take a moment to reflect on everything we have achieved together. Our learning community continues to thrive and grow, and most recently, during the second half of the summer term, we were treated to our fantastic open exhibition. Everyone who visited has been truly impressed by the exceptional standard of art and artifacts on display. It was a beautiful showcase of the immense talent and creativity within our community.
Fond Farewells
This time of year, also brings some heartfelt farewells as we say goodbye to two key members of our team who are retiring this summer:
Mrs. Sigrid Twibell (Teacher of Yoga): Sigrid is retiring after more than 30 years of wonderful teaching. She has guided her students with dedication, grace, and wisdom, leaving an indelible mark on the Guild.
Mrs. Julie Miles (Café Supervisor): Julie is also retiring this term. She was absolutely instrumental in building our community café from scratch after the pandemic. We are immensely grateful to Julie for creating the warm, amazing facility that has become the social heart of our centre.
We wish both Sigrid and Julie the absolute best in their well-deserved retirements; they will be deeply missed by staff and students alike.
Looking Ahead: Our Centenary Year
Looking forward, September marks an extraordinary milestone for us: the launch of our Centenary Year! We are incredibly excited to celebrate 100 years of lifelong learning at the Guild. We have a wonderful variety of courses and activities planned, so please keep a keen look out for special celebratory events commencing this autumn.
Our new programme is available to book now. As a reminder, if you enrol online before 31st July, you can use the discount code GUILD2026 at checkout to receive a 5% early booking discount.
Finally, none of what we achieve year after year would be possible without the hard work, dedication, and good spirits of our staff and volunteers. It is a true pleasure to work alongside them. On behalf of myself, our trustees, staff, and volunteers, we wish you a relaxing, enjoyable summer and look forward to seeing you in September for a landmark year.
With very best wishes,
Paula
Principal
The Guild: A Visual Narrative
The Guild is looking for more volunteers to participate in a PhD research project this Autumn Term 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 2026. 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
Step into 100 years of learning, friendship and creativity! From 7 September to 23 October 2026, The Guild presents our Centenary Retrospective Exhibition.
The exhibition brings together an extraordinary collection of artwork, historical archive photographs and costumes spanning 100 years of the Guild's history, celebrating the people, friendships and achievements that have made the charity an important part of community life for generations.
You're Invited to the official opening of the exhibition
Get a first look on Friday, 11 September, from 6 pm. Whether you are a past or present student, a teacher, or a friend of the Guild, everyone is warmly welcome to raise a glass to this incredible milestone.
Looking to try something creative this summer?
There are a few spaces left on the upcoming Urban Sketching workshops meeting at the Snowgoose! We’ll be grabbing a coffee/drink, then heading out into town to sketch Macc's historic buildings and hidden corners.
Perfect for beginners or anyone looking to meet local creatives.
21st July, 13th Aug & 21st Aug
Make Your Own Nature Sketchbook from scratch this summer.
Date: Saturday 8th & Sunday 9th August
Time: 10 am- 3 pm
We will learn how to make recycled paper, bind books, and make inks, all in preparation to go landscape sketching at Lindow Common.
🍂 Brand New Courses for Autumn
Spark a passion for dance
✨ Free Youth Ballet Taster Session
Give your young dancer the perfect start. In this completely free session, we blend imagination, confidence, and coordination to build a genuine love for dance in a fun, inclusive environment.
The Experience
Expert Coaching: Led by a Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Registered Teacher with 25+ years of experience.
Solid Foundations: We focus on proper technique and artistry from day one.
Future Pathways: Opportunities to progress toward official RAD awards and exams.
Event Details
📅 Date: September 5th
💰 Cost: FREE 👉 https://guildlifelonglearning.org/categories/childrens-ballet-school-rad
P.S. Love ballet too? We also run fantastic Adult Ballet classes! 🩰
Mindfulness, Meditation & Self Discovery
Escape the noise of modern life. This course offers a dedicated space to find stillness, reduce stress, and reconnect with what you truly want, need, and value.
Science And Reality In The 20th Century
The last century saw massive scientific revolutions that completely changed how we understand existence. Explore the profound philosophical questions triggered by these seismic shifts in science.
The Devil’s Decades? British Politics Since 2001
Economic tension, populist politicians, cultural division, and a sense of impending doom, the 1930's were famously called "The Devil's Decade." Has the past quarter century of British politics earned the same title?
A supportive, fun environment tailored for mature bodies. We focus on strength, bone density, mobility, pelvic floor health, and menopause education to keep you moving confidently.
Boost your energy and relieve stress through slow, relaxed movements and Qigong breathing. A friendly, gentle class suitable for all ages looking to cultivate inner tranquillity.
An Introduction To The History Of Design
Discover how modernity shaped the world around us. We’ll explore the fascinating history behind everything from fashion and interiors to industrial design and architecture.
Is art just beautiful, or is it a weapon of mass persuasion? Step behind the canvas to uncover how history's greatest masterpieces were used as royal propaganda and revolutionary protest.
🎉 Guild Events
🗓 Friday 27 November Celebrate continental culture in a vibrant, relaxed setting. Whether you speak a language fluently, haven't practiced since school, or are a complete beginner, join us to celebrate the rich traditions of Spain, Italy, France, and Germany.
The Guild Players Pantomime, Cinderella
🗓 10–12 December Polish your glass slippers! Get ready for a fun-packed, fast-paced family adventure as we bring the world’s favourite fairy tale to life.
Tickets: On sale this October.
Get Involved: The Players are casting on Friday 18th September and want you! Looking for both cast and production crew. Email info@wgp.org.uk for information.
Coach Trip to York Christmas Festival
🗓 17 December Take a stress-free break from the pre-Christmas hustle. Forget the driving and parking hassles—our comfortable coach will whisk you straight to York’s award-winning St Nicholas Fair so you can save your energy for shopping and festive fun!
A Tale Of Two Bindings, And The Craft Of Binding Books By Hand
Barry returns to the Guild to explore the beautiful revival of hand bookbinding, from the stunning Arts & Crafts period to modern masterpieces 150 years later.
This well-illustrated talk is also a personal journey. Barry will share his research into two historic bookbinders from Chorlton in the early 1900s, alongside his own experience commissioning a modern custom binding for his book on Manchester's Arts & Crafts movement.
What you'll see: A showcase of beautiful, hand-bound books made locally or held in local public collections.
One-Off Music Events at The Guild
If you're looking for something a bit different to add to your calendar, we have a few special, standalone music events coming up soon.
Choral Celebrations – Purcell, Handel And Saint Cecilia (Part One)
Date: October 9, 2026Choral Celebrations – Purcell, Handel And Saint Cecilia (Part Two)
Date: October 16, 2026Giuseppe Verdi’s Rigoletto
Date: October 24, 2026Mozart’s Don Giovanni
Date: February 13, 2027
All these events are held at The Guild for Lifelong Learning in Wilmslow.
OPERAFEST – A show packed with operatic highlights performed with orchestra, bringing together five of the finest emerging opera singers of their generation. YOUTUBE
Use code WGUILD20 to claim your 20% friends of the Guild discount for the Sunday Matinee.
This full program features 19 operas, starting with The Marriage of Figaro and Carmen overtures, followed by hits from La Bohème, La Traviata, and more. A compère and projected captions will guide both newcomers and devotees.
Enjoy a sneak peek of our 2027 Carmen production with two principal singers performing arias to support our Carmen Appeal. Experience the full festive evening with indoor/outdoor dining, featuring strawberries and cream, an outdoor bar, and Middle Eastern street food. Bring your friends and family!
Why We All "Love The Lane"
What started back in 2015 as the "Chapel Lane Business Group" an initiative dedicated to championing our fantastic local, independent shops has blossomed into something much bigger. Over the last decade, it has evolved into a vital community platform that brings the neighborhood together, proving that business and community spirit go hand-in-hand.
When we talk about community spirit, Love The Lane embodies it perfectly through:
Pride in Our Surroundings: Driving the "Wilmslow In Bloom" initiative, their award-winning work keeps our streets beautiful and brings joy to passersby.
Brightening Darker Months: Partnering with the Town Council, they coordinate our wonderful Christmas lights to keep Chapel Lane shining through the festive season.
Keeping it Local: They remain passionate cheerleaders for our independent shops, championing the magic of supporting and buying local.
Ultimately, Love The Lane has transformed our neighborhood from just a place where people live and shop, into a place where people truly belong.
Show Your Support & Get Involved
Whether you are a long-standing resident or new to this lovely part of Wilmslow, you can be a part of keeping this spirit alive.
Lend a Helping Hand: Volunteers are always welcome to help out with watering and gardening to keep our streets looking beautiful. If you'd like to get involved, please contact Julie on 07973257686 for a friendly chat!
Connect: Head over to Facebook and join the conversation to stay up to date with the latest neighborhood news.
