Denman College
Lorraine takes a weekend course in May 14
23 May 14
Denman - Open to all
Denman College is a wonderful asset for the WI but needs to be used and enjoyed for its future to be secured. The college is not exclusive and can be visited by non-members and gents, who can take a course with you or just do their own thing. If there is availability you can even use the college as a B & B if you go to Oxford for an independent visit.
Beautiful grounds in village setting
This was my second visit, the first being so enjoyable that I couldn't wait to return. On my arrival, the house and grounds looked wonderful as new spring flowers and shrubs were showing off in the sunshine. There are 70 acres to discover and you are encouraged to explore. We strolled around the gardens before settling beside the lake to enjoy the ducks bobbing and diving, then as the church struck the hour we returned to the house for our tea and cake. The food here is very tasty and you certainly don't go hungry with three square meals and tea, biscuits and cake served just in case you need tiding over till the next meal.
Hotel style accommodation
All rooms are en-suite and very comfortably furnished. Our room was in the main house and was very large with beautiful needlework from the Worcestershire Federation. Rooms are individually furnished and ours was completed with Worcester pottery, matching patchwork cushions and books to read on the history and attractions of Worcester. Over the bed, a wall hanging was made up of needlework rectangles, some simple, some intricate, from each of the Federations individual groups. It was lovely. With superb views over the grounds it was like staying at a stately home and I filled the huge bath with bubbles for a soak. Aaaah! Totally pampered.
First class tuition
On this visit, I was taking a Tai-Chi beginners course which included gentle Qui-Gung exercises. All Denman tutors are very experienced and Alan Baker took our class of 15 ladies through the exercises and explained the Chinese teachings behind the movements. The class had its fair share of new knees , new hips and arthritis but everyone , including Connie, at 90 years old, took part. By the end of the weekend everyone said how much more supple, stretched and relaxed they felt and vowed to continue the exercises at home.
Plenty of choice
There are so many courses including walking, crafting, history, crossword solving, singing, to a well equipped kitchen classroom, far too many to tell you about here. I have heard that some people think that Denman is expensive, but In my view, you would struggle to find accommodation of at least 4* standard, freshly cooked local food and quality tuition at these prices with the warmth and welcome which Denman offers.
Enjoyed by all
Did I mention I was accompanied on this jaunt by my husband Paul? You can spot him on a couple of the photos, in one he is comfort testing the beds and the other shows him relaxing - did you spot the difference? He didn't bat an eyelid to join 80 ladies who were on the Hereford Federation weekend, in fact I think he revelled in it. Most had opted for the Soul Diva course and sang their hearts out. They were a cheerful bunch, clearly having a great time with Jo, their lively and encouraging music tutor. If your partner is worried about doing a course and being a male in a woman's world, I have it on record that men have a good time too. There is usually more than just one man around including visitors, tutors and staff.
Paul said the place was of a high standard far nicer than he was expected - well really! What did he expect? This is the Women's Institute and we don't do things by halves. Please do consider a visit soon, I am already wondering what to choose next time.
Lorraine Bousfield
Did I mention I was accompanied on this jaunt by my husband Paul? You can spot him on a couple of the photos, in one he is comfort testing the beds and the other shows him relaxing - did you spot the difference? He didn't bat an eyelid to join 80 ladies who were on the Hereford Federation weekend, in fact I think he revelled in it. Most had opted for the Soul Diva course and sang their hearts out. They were a cheerful bunch, clearly having a great time with Jo, their lively and encouraging music tutor. If your partner is worried about doing a course and being a male in a woman's world, I have it on record that men have a good time too. There is usually more than just one man around including visitors, tutors and staff.
Paul said the place was of a high standard far nicer than he was expected - well really! What did he expect? This is the Women's Institute and we don't do things by halves. Please do consider a visit soon, I am already wondering what to choose next time.
Lorraine Bousfield
