Guild Newsletter
No images? Click here
Principal's Welcome
As we approach the end of a busy and productive term, I want to thank all students, staff, and volunteers for making the Guild a safe, welcoming and inclusive learning environment
This term has also seen the start of an exhibition of photographs taken as part of a PhD research project; The Guild: A Visual Narrative. The purpose of the project is to understand, from the students’ perspective, why they choose to participate in adult education at the Guild. Please look out for the information board which has a QR code, when scanned it takes you to a questionnaire where you can give feedback. This important work will help us better understand our student population and tailor our provision. We look forward to sharing some of the findings with you in the future.
A quick reminder about considerate parking around the Guild. We've received reports of vehicles obstructing driveways and creating visibility problems for pedestrians near the Guild. Please park considerately, being mindful of local residents and ensure you park responsibly. Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated.
Finally, looking ahead to the remainder of Spring term, many of our groups, clubs and societies will commence their outdoor programme. Keep an eye out for details of the various opportunities and field trips. I wish you all a restful and enjoyable break, and look forward to welcoming you back in the week commencing 24th February.
With best wishes,
Paula
Principal
The Guild is committed to supporting our staff at every stage of their career. That’s why we have signed up to the Menopause Workplace Pledge and are committed to being a menopause-positive workplace.
Find out more about the campaign and learn about the menopause here.
The Menopause Workplace Pledge campaign is changing the way that employers support women going through the menopause. It recognises the challenges many women face at work while going through the menopause, and helps employers to support them.
A celebration fit for a King (or Queen)
Did you know…"Roscón de Reyes" is a traditional Spanish cake, shaped like a ring, eaten on the feast of the Epiphany (January 6th) to celebrate the arrival of the Three Wise Men? Inside the cake, a bean and a small figurine representing baby Jesus are hidden.
Whoever finds the figurine it is considered King for the day and the person who finds the bean is responsible for buying next year's cake and arranging the celebration. Ali joined the Wednesday Spanish group in marking this year’s event and as you can see from her wearing the crown, was lucky enough to find the figurine become “Queen for the day”.
Felicitaciones HRH Ali!
Mandarin for Absolute Beginners
Chinese Made Easy
We're thrilled by the overwhelming interest in our Mandarin for Beginners workshop on March 8th!
Due to this high demand, we're excited to announce that we'll be launching a full Mandarin course for absolute beginners this autumn. If you'd like to learn Mandarin in a fun, interactive environment, please join our waiting list . We'll keep you updated on the course launch and also notify you if any spots open up for the March 8th workshop.
Coach Trip
Experience the magic of Cinderella with the Birmingham Royal Ballet! This enchanting fairy tale is a glorious celebration of ballet, praised by audiences and critics alike. Former Company Director David Bintley’s production is a delightful mix of wonderful dance, spectacular scenery, and a cast of charming characters, including mice, lizards, and even a dancing frog.
The coach departs from the Guild promptly at 6:00 PM on Thursday, March 6th. The ticket price includes round-trip coach transportation and admission to the ballet. Click the button below for more details.
The Conservative Party: From Rout To Renewal?
A Public Symposium 1st May 2025
The Conservative Party is Britain’s oldest political party and its most electorally successful organisation. Since its emergence in the 1830s, it has spent most of its time in government and has adapted to a range of social, economic and cultural shifts.
We have assembled a panel that is both expert and experienced. Our constituency MP and former minister, Esther McVey, will be joined by Lord Graham Brady, former chair of the Tories’ 1922 Committee (and ex-MP for Altrincham & Sale West), along with Jonathan Gullis, former Tory MP for Stoke-on-Trent North, and Liverpool University’s Dr David Jeffery, author of numerous publications concerning the Conservative Party.
Chaired by our resident Politics tutor, Richard Kelly (co-author of MUP’s British Political Parties Today), the event will combine panel analysis with questions and comments from the audience. As such, the event promises not just the views of Conservative politicians, but a chance to participate in one of the key debates surrounding modern British politics.
NB: A similar event, on the future of Britain’s centre-left, is planned later this year.
The Guild features in Cheshire Life
The Guild was recently featured in the January issue of Cheshire Life magazine! The article highlighted a November 2024 fundraiser held for the Bare Necessities Toiletry Bank. Supporters and volunteers rallied to raise awareness of hygiene poverty and support the many women affected. The event combined impactful fundraising with festive Christmas shopping, a delicious lunch and a fashion show.
You can support Bare Necessities, a charity the Guild is proud to support, by donating at our reception collection point.
E-mail info@wgp.org.uk
Est natalis celebrationem! We love a birthday celebration at the Guild.
This month our Latin class celebrated Sarah's and Ella's big birthday week - 50yrs & 18yrs - with cake, and a happy birthday sing song in Latin.
Many happy returns ladies.
Free online reading group
Each week, The Reader brings people together at Shared Reading groups across the UK. These groups are free, and for everyone. At Shared Reading groups, a trained Reader Leader selects wonderful stories and poems to read aloud together.
On Thursday 27th February at 5pm we have an online taster session to introduce you to the Reader with the view to establish a face to face group in the near future. Book through the Guild website, click the button below.
This meeting can be accessed via Microsoft Teams, Michael from the Reader will email you with the link before the meeting.
If you'd like to help start a new group please contact Michael at partnerships@thereader.org.uk
Resin Jewellery Making Workshop
Create your own unique jewellery pieces using epoxy resin! This workshop, running from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Saturdays, March 1st and 8th, will teach you the basics of resin jewellery making. You'll learn how to mix, pour and cast resin using a variety of molds and materials, creating beautiful rings, earrings, pendants and more.
This two-part workshop allows time for your resin creations to cure properly before you add the finishing touches.
Please note: There will be an additional materials fee of approximately £10 (depending on your chosen projects) to cover the cost of resin, findings and other materials.
What to Bring: While all necessary materials will be provided, you're welcome to bring your own keepsakes, mementos or other small items you'd like to incorporate into your jewellery.
Scan for more details or click the button below
Writing for Impact
Unlock your writing potential with this unconventional and highly effective course! Suitable for all skill levels, this course has helped people from diverse backgrounds discover their writing fluency. Even if you've struggled with writing in the past, or if you've tried other writing courses without success, this one is different. You'll be amazed at what you can achieve.
With a maximum of ten participants, you'll receive personalized attention and guidance. Give it a try – you won't be disappointed!
Artisanat En Français
Crafting in French - a unique and fun class
Atelier “Dites le avec des fleurs” Parlez-vous français?! Un peu, beaucoup, passionnément, à la folie… ?!
Si vous souhaitez partager un moment très convivial en français, cet atelier est fait pour vous!
Je vous propose de venir apprendre comment créer des succulentes en papier recyclé tout en pratiquent votre français. Ces fleurs pourront venir agrémenter vos cartes, vos paquets cadeaux et même votre décoration intérieure.
Apportez du papier non glacé (par exemple : un vieux livre, des partitions de musique, une carte routière, un sac shopping…), et une paire de ciseaux, je m’occupe du reste .
Français: tout niveau accepté.
