Hobbies & Wellbeing Evening Classes 2026/27
Fees and how to enrol are here. See here for one-off workshops.
African Drumming
Beginners & Improvers. 7-9pm - Monday. Alison Lyon.
If you’ve got a heartbeat, you’ve got rhythm! As a beginner, you’ll learn to tap that natural human potential with Drums Agogo - hand drum tuition on genuine African instruments. If you’ve played before and already have a decent bass, tone and slap, and you can play a range of common parts of traditional rhythms, we’ll be having fun with some more complex and unusual rhythms and breaks, as well as some djembe solo techniques. Drum hire of £2.50 per week included, fee reduced by £25 if not needed.
Batik and Brusho
All Levels. 7-9pm - Tuesday. Sue Dixon.
Discover the vibrant creative world of traditional wax batik alongside modern brusho dye techniques to create your own paper and fabric masterpieces. Learn to sketch designs, apply hot liquid wax resists, and layer brilliant colours using specialised dyes and pigments. Come and experiment and create custom wearable art, a unique wall hanging, or experimental textile patches. All materials provided.
Dru Yoga
All Levels. 7.30-9pm - Monday. Claire Marsh. Starts 21 Sept.
Fun, friendly classes to help you stretch, strengthen, calm the mind, relax and feel good. Never focusing on the ‘perfect posture’, Dru is accessible for all ages, shapes and sizes. Bring mat, blanket, cushion and drink.
Fleece to Fibre
All Levels. 7-9pm - Wednesday. Sue Dixon.
A course introducing creative ways to use sheep fleece. Learn a variety of techniques and processes with wool from raw to finished product. Techniques include carding, spinning, weaving, peg loom, wet felting and needle felting. All materials provided.
Fly Tying
Beginners & Improvers. 7-9pm - Wednesday. Phil Holding.
Learn how to tie your own ‘flies’ with expert tuition to help you to get started in this delicate skill. The Spring Term develops your skills for more complicated flies. Materials and equipment will be available for you to purchase in class.
Introduction to Geology
Beginners. 7-9pm - Wednesday. Jed Atkinson.
The study of the Earth and its processes. Interpret the clues in the rocks and landscapes and turn back the clock and uncover ancient worlds. An introduction to the Earth’s structure and key geological processes, identify and interpret major rock types and fossils. Plenty of hands-on activities to get to grips with geology - no prior knowledge needed!
Meet the Tudors
All Levels. 7-9pm - Tuesday. Suzanne Caine.
Learn about the main developments in English history during the 118 year Tudor period which witnessed the change and embedding of a new ruling dynasty, the concept of ‘personal monarchy’, the rise of parliament, the emergence of the nation state, the Reformation, changing relations with Europe, economic growth and the development of political propaganda, played out by some of the most fascinating characters in our history.
Mixed Media: Print, Collage, Sew, Create
All Levels. 7-9pm - Tuesday. Patti Smith.
Discover the joys of working with mixed media in your own sketchbook. Use a combination of printmaking techniques: tetra-pak and collagraph, combined with collage, painting and simple hand stitching to build a layered sketchbook full of colour, texture and personal expression. A range of themes but you are welcome to develop your own ideas and directions while experimenting with a wide range of media. Sketchbook and all other materials are provided.
Print Magic - explore Gelli-Plate Printing
All Levels. 7-9pm - Monday. Patti Smith.
Discover the magic of Gelli-Plate in this hands-on class. Gelli-plate is a fun and experimental printmaking technique used to create a range of beautiful one-off pieces. Initially working with plants and foliage, you’ll learn how to build layers of colour, texture and pattern and later incorporate textured objects and surfaces as stencils. With the range of prints you will create, you’ll go on to make journals, cards and mixed media pieces. The course is suitable for beginners and more experienced printmakers. All materials provided.
Patchwork, Quilting and Appliqué
Beginners & Improvers. 7-9pm - Wednesday. Margaret Wightman.
Learn a number of techniques during the term, including Paper Piecing, Foundation Piecing, and Appliqué. Students will have the chance to choose items to make, based on previous knowledge and experiences. An emphasis on making items to decorate your home, or gift for Christmas, although students may continue with their own projects. Students will need their own sewing machine and a sewing kit for hand sewing projects.
Phone Photography for Beginners
Beginners. 7-9pm - Wednesday. Louise Rayner.
A creative and practical introduction to phone photography for complete beginners and improvers. No specialist equipment needed — just a smartphone. Over 10 weeks students will develop their eye, build technical confidence and explore their own creativity, finishing with a small exhibition of printed work. Both Android and Apple devices can be used.
Camera Photography for Beginners
Beginners. 7-9pm - Tuesday. Richard Sells.
For students new to camera photography. Discover the manual mode on your camera and unlock your creativity. Controlling shutter speed and aperture, while developing your understanding of composition, begin to capture the images you’ve always wanted. Theory and practical. Test and develop your new learning and capture some great images and learn about editing software. DSLR or Mirrorless camera with a manual setting, at least one lens, and a memory card needed. Tripod recommended, but not essential.
Pilates
All Levels. 6-7pm - Tuesday. Carla Vickers.
Learn to move safely through a sequence of Pilates exercises with ease, flow and grace or develop your current practice. Understand and apply the Pilates Principles of alignment, breath control, core engagement, relaxation and concentration. Improve posture, strength, stability, balance, coordination, flexibility and mobility and prevent injuries. Learn to go about your daily life in a balanced, graceful, and positive way, bringing peace and happiness into your life. Pilates mat needed.
Write a Memoir
All Levels. 7-9pm - Wednesday. Karen Oxley.
Whether you’re 16 or 61, you’ll have stories to tell. You might be thinking of writing down your memories to amuse your relatives - or maybe as a personal reflection ‘for your eyes only’. These sessions will offer the opportunity to explore the attic of your mind and begin writing down what you remember - the people, places and events that make up your unique life - you are the expert here! Writing a few sentences or paragraphs each week, you’ll begin to build a memoir. Whether it stays as jotted notes, or develops into a polished narrative, it will be your unique story.
Hobbies and Interests courses run initially for 10 weeks.
Autumn Term starts starting w/c Monday 14th September 2026. Please see individual classes for exceptions.
All our courses run for the Autumn Term initially. In most cases, students will be invited to continue for a further term after Christmas, and then another term after Easter. Therefore, many courses actually run for 3 terms in total. We use this system of termly enrolment because our students prefer it.