Guild Newsletter
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Principal's Welcome
As we reach the end of the first half of term, I want to extend my sincere thanks to everyone at the Guild. It is wonderful to see that our activities continue to be as popular as ever; I am constantly energized by the enthusiasm of our participants. The positivity and sense of community in our classrooms and café is truly palpable.
On a more personal note, I have continued with my PhD research this year, exploring the motivations and experiences that bring you all to the Guild. I hope that you enjoyed viewing the second exhibition of photographs as much as the participants and I enjoyed the creative journey leading up to it. I am incredibly grateful to everyone who has volunteered their time to assist with this project; your insights into why you choose to study with us are invaluable. They not only inform my research but also help us ensure the Guild remains a place that truly meets your needs.
To keep pace with our growing community, we are currently looking to expand our teaching team. We are eager to hear from talented individuals who can help us broaden our curriculum. If you or someone you know would like to teach at the Guild, please do get in touch with the office.
Finally, we are taking the opportunity of the upcoming break to carry out some minor maintenance work around the building, with more significant improvements planned for the Easter break. We are committed to ensuring our facilities remain a comfortable and inspiring place to learn.
I wish you all a restful and enjoyable half-term break. We look forward to seeing you all again when the term re-commences on Monday, 23rd February.
Free for any local men who want a space to talk, listen, or just be heard.
Walk-ins are always welcome; no problem is too big or too small.
Come along, grab a chair, and see what Mentell is all about. We’ll see you there!
Spread the Word: It’s Never Too Late to Start Something New!
Do you know someone who is looking for a fresh start or a new hobby? It is never too late to dive into something different! As a charity, our mission is to bring people together through the power of learning.
Word of mouth is our greatest strength. If you’ve enjoyed your time with us, please share this with a friend and help our community grow!
✨ Why not try one of our shorter workshops
February
Sat 21 Feb | 10:00 – 11:30 | Alexander Technique
Sat 28 Feb | 10:00 – 16:00 | Make a Bangle 🔨
Sat 28 Feb | 10:00 – 14:30 | Make a Tote Bag 🧵
Sat 28 Feb | 10:00 – 12:30 | Life Drawing (Half Day) ✍️
Sat 28 Feb | 10:00 – 16:00 | Highlights of Cheshire Heritage
Sat 28 Feb | 10:00 – 11:30 | Alexander Technique
March
Wed 4 Mar | 13:30 – 15:30 | The Middle East: Everything You Wanted to Know
Sat 7 Mar | 10:00 – 16:00 | Jewellery Casting Day
Sat 7 Mar | 10:00 – 11:30 | Alexander Technique
Sat 14 Mar | 10:00 – 13:00 | Italian at the Cinema
Sat 14 Mar | 10:00 – 16:00 | Write it with Flowers: Calligraphy ✒️
Sat 14 Mar | 10:00 – 16:00 | Willow Bumble Bees 🐝
Sat 14 Mar | 10:00 – 16:00 | Emergency First Aid
Sat 14 Mar | 10:00 – 11:30 | Alexander Technique
Sat 14 & Sun 15 Mar | 10:00 – 16:00 | Enamelling on Copper
Wed 18 Mar | 13.30 - 15.30 | The Philosophy of Socrates
Sat 21 Mar | 10:00 – 16:00 | Botanical Drawing with Coloured Pencils 🌸
Sat 21 Mar | 10:00 – 16:00 | Understanding Your Old Building
Sat 21 Mar |10.00 - 16.00 | Life Drawing (Full Day)
Sat 21 Mar | 10:00 – 11:30 | Alexander Technique
Fri 27 – Sun 29 Mar | Art Retreat (Residential) 🏡
Sat 28 Mar | 10:00 – 11:30 | Alexander Technique
Looking Ahead...
Sat 18 Apr: Ring Making Day
Sat 25 Apr: Life Drawing (Half Day)
Sat 25 Apr: Nature-Inspired Handmade Photography
Sat 25 Apr: Gardening Club Plant Sale
Sun 26 Apr: Stonesetting Day
Sat 17 May: Jewellery Day
Sat 20 Jun: Emergency First Aid
Sun 21 Jun: Enamelling Day
Sat 27 Jun: Life Drawing (Half Day)
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
Join Shirley for the final five weeks of spring term call the office to enquire
01625 523903
Latin for beginners is back: It's a fresh new course
This short course runs from Tuesday 24th February
Please email Liz 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!”
The philosophy of Socrates Lecture
Wednesday 18 March at 1.30pm
Socrates laid the foundations for western philosophy, upon which later great minds, such as Plato and Aristotle, would build. Despite this, Socrates is most famous for saying “The only thing I know is that I know nothing”.
This lecture is suitable for those looking for an introduction to philosophy, and for those with some existing familiarity looking to learn more about one of history’s greatest thinkers.
Guild open exhibition theme 2026 - "Garden"
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
We are thrilled to share the success of our most recent First Aid at Work courses held at The Guild, we strive to provide high-quality, accessible training, and our latest feedback shows we are hitting the mark.
Our learners, including those from the local community, described the session as "Excellent" and "Most Enjoyable". Participants highlighted that the instructor, delivered the course in a way that was easy to understand and highly satisfactory.
Highlights from the feedback:
Confidence: Attendees felt a significant improvement in their subject knowledge.
Setting: The venue and resources were rated as highly suitable for learning.
Support: Every learner felt their individual needs were considered and supported.
Join us for the next one! Whether you are an individual or a business looking for bespoke training, we can help.
📅 Saturday, 14 March & 📅 Saturday, 20 June
Our latest exhibition at the Gallery @ The Guild features the exquisite work of retired interior designer and long-time Guild student, Sue Whitmore.
Sue’s transition from professional designer to fine artist is captured beautifully in her delicate line drawings and sensitive use of color. Whether you’re an art lover or a fellow student, we’d love for you to see her progress.
🥂 You’re Invited: Join us for the Preview Night! 📅 Friday, 20th February @ 6:00 PM 📍 Gallery @ The Guild
All work is available for purchase, with 20% of proceeds supporting the Guild. See you there!
The Alexander Technique is now available to book as separate sessions, choose which dates suit you by clicking the button below.
Botanical Drawing With Coloured Pencils
Join artist Susannah Pal for a mindful, one-day immersion into botanical drawing. Whether you're a total beginner or a seasoned pro, you’ll learn to capture the delicate wonders of spring with stunning realism.
What you’ll master:
The Foundations: Start with graphite to master light, shadow, and form.
Vibrant Color: Dive into professional colored pencil techniques—layering, underpainting, and burnishing.
The Fine Details: Explore one flower in-depth, using precision mark-making to reveal its "minuscule" secrets.
"I learnt from her in abundance! Susannah teaches her techniques without stifling your own style." – Barbara
Ever wondered how to capture the world on paper? In sketch club students master two powerful ways to draw:
Precision: Use bold "construction lines" to deconstruct shapes and master proportions.
Play: Use "continuous line drawing" for a soulful, expressive, and beautifully imperfect meshwork of lines.
Sabine works with a wide range of subjects, including still-life, natural objects, outdoor scenarios, and portraiture
🎨 Wanted: Your Face for Our Portrait Class
Our Thursday morning Portraiture class is looking for "sitters" to help our students hone their artistry!
Being a model is simple, low-pressure, and a huge help to our learners. You don't need any experience—just the ability to sit still and be yourself.
When: Late Thursday mornings (during term time).
Commitment: Just 15 to 30 minutes of your time.
The Pose: Head and shoulders only—nice and relaxed!.
It’s a lovely way to see our artists in action and support the creative community at the Guild. Whether you’re a regular at the Guild or just passing through, we’d love to see you in the "hot seat."
Interested in helping out? Please pop into the office or send us a quick message at charitysupport@guildlifelonglearning.org to let us know which Thursday works for you!
🏆 National Success for Guild Tutor Sylvia Bower
We are thrilled to share some incredible news! Our talented flower arranging teacher, Sylvia Bower, has secured a prestigious 2nd Place award in the 'Multi-Storey' class at the Harrogate Spring Flower Show 2025.
Sylvia’s award-winning work was recently featured in The Flower Arranger magazine, the UK's biggest-selling floral design publication. In a feature titled "Simple Lines," NAFAS National Judge Val Best praised Sylvia’s contemporary exhibit for its "strength and structure" and "immaculate and cleverly placed leaf material".
The judge highlighted how Sylvia’s "inspired use of gradient colour" and "textural lines" created a sense of calm harmony while maintaining visual drama. It is truly an honour to have such a highly-regarded artist guiding our students here at the Guild
Learn the Art of Floral Design
Have you ever wanted to create arrangements that possess that same "balance, strength, and sense of calm"? Whether you are a complete beginner or looking to master contemporary techniques like Cubist-inspired structure and architectural lines, Sylvia’s course is the perfect place to start.
Our classes are vibrant, supportive, and—most importantly—taught by national award-winners!
