SHORT RESIDENTIAL LEISURE COURSES

Answers to the 101 keyquestions you may have

For all those who lovelifelong learning

CONTENTS

Introduction............................................................................3

TypesofShortCourses....................................................4

TheVenues...............................................................................9

WhatabouttheFood?......................................................17

TheOtherStudents...........................................................19

Partners,Children,Pets...................................................20

Booking......................................................................................20

Cancellations...........................................................................21

BackgroundtoAdultResidential ShortCourses.........................................................22

Contact......................................................................................23

Copyright©2014LizaJones

Allrightsreserved.Nopartofthispublicationmaybereproduced,storedinaretrievalsystem,ortransmittedinanyformorbyanymeans,electronic,

mechanical,photocopying,recordingorotherwisewithoutthepriorwritingpermissionoftheauthor.

INTRODUCTIONShortcourses,suchasweekendleisureactivities,giveyouaccesstoatreasuretroveofopportunitiesacrossawiderangeofsubjects.Whenyoujoinaresidentialweekendcourse,youtakepartinaveryspecialexperience.Youwillbecomepartofagroupoflike-mindedpeoplewhohaveaninterestinyourselectedsubject.

And by being residential for a couple of days, you will benefit not just in thetutoredsessions,butalsofromanexchangeofideasandknowledgeduringthebreaksandoverameal,orarelaxingdrinkinthefreemoments,whenyoucandiscoverhowothershavedifferentperspectives,ideasandapproachestoyourchosentopic.

Myowncareerstartedasascienceteacher,butverysoonIswitchedtocommerceandthroughmycompany,Abucon,haverunnumerousbusinessworkshopsandseminarsoverthelast30years.Ihavealsojoinedmanyweekendresidentialcoursesasastudentonsubjectsasdiverseaspatchwork,journalism,encausticart,silkpainting,machineembroideryandpublicspeaking.

Withthewithdrawalbymanylocalauthoritiesoftheirsubsidiestoadulteducation,andthesubsequentclosuresofseveralvenues,wedecidedto expand our workshops to fill this gap and provide suitable residential courseswhichweholdataselectionofcarefullyselectedvenues.

AsdirectorofAngliaLeisureLearningLtd,IhavethereforepreparedthisGuidetoanswerthemanyquestionswereceivefrompotentialstudents.Ifyouarethinkingoftakingacourse,buthavesomequestions,thenIdohopethatIhaveprovidedanswersforyouhere.

Liza Jones3

TYPES OF SHORT COURSES

1. What are adult short courses?Manyshortcoursesareresidentialoveraweekend,givingyouampleopportunitytogettoknownotjustyourtutor,butalsoyourfellowstudents.Eventheone-daycoursesprovideachancetoexchangeideasnotjustinthetutoredsessions,butalsooverthelunchbreak.

2. What are weekend residential courses?Thesetwo-daycoursesofferyoutheopportunitytolearnanewskill,orexpandyourknowledgeandexperienceofamuch-lovedhobbyorinterest.Asurprisingamountofcontentcanbepackedintoaweekendresidentialcourse.

Forthosewhoareretired,orlivingalone,weekendscansometimesbesomewhatlonely,butnooneonaweekendcoursewillfeelontheirown.Friendshipsaremadequicklythroughmutualinterests,andarelaxedatmosphereencourageseveryonetojoininandparticipateinarangeofactivities.

Ifyouarestillworkingduringtheweek,aweekendbreakallowsyoutopursueyourhobbiesandpastimeswithouteatingintoyourannualleaveallowance.

3. What are the usual timings for weekend courses?ForAngliaLeisureLearningweekendcourses,youwillnormallyarrivebetween5-6:30pmonaFridayafternoon,butifyouwouldliketocomeearlier,manyvenueswillletyouhaveaccesstoyourbedroomfromaround2or3pm.Youcanthen relax on site before starting your course that evening. Most courses finish on theSundayafternoon,oftenwithteaandhome-madecakesbeforeyouleaveataround4pm.

4. Can I arrive late on the Friday if I can’t get there on time? Yes,butdoletusknowinadvance,sowecanadviseyourtutorandthevenue.

5. Can I have a late supper on the Friday night?WemaybeabletoarrangeforacoldsuppertobekeptforyouontheFridayevening,butagainpleaseletusknowwellinadvance.

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6. Can I leave early on the Sunday?Ifyouareplanningtoleaveearly,dotellusinadvance,andwecanletthetutorknow.Theymaythenbeabletoadjustyourtuitiontoaccommodateanearlydeparture.

7. What are one-day courses?Theseare‘standalone’sessions,usuallygivingaround5hours’tuitionplusarelaxedbreakwhenlunchisserved.

8. What are the usual timings for one-day courses?Exacttimingsforone-daycoursesvarydependingonthetutor’stimetable,butmanystart at 10 am and finish at 4 pm or 4:30 pm.

9. What is the range of subjects offered?Weoffermanydifferentcoursesintheartsandcrafts fields, along with a diverse selection of hobbyandgeneralinterestsubjects.

Examplesofcraftsubjectscoveredincludepatchworkandquilting,creativetextiles,collageandstitch,machineembroidery,machinedtextilelandscapes,beadingandbobbinlacemaking,andjewellerymaking.Artcoursesrangefrompaintingandcharcoaldrawing,pastels,watercoloursandbotanicalillustrationsthroughtocalligraphy.

Generalinterestcoursesonofferincludeplayingtheukulele,birdwatchingandgardendesign,amongothers.Andthereisaselectionofcoursesrelatingtoareassuchasshortstoryandcreativewriting,history,publicspeakingandjournalism.

10. The subject I am interested in is not on the list. Can you help?Ifyouarepartofagrouporknowanumberofotherswhoareinterestedinyourchosensubject,thenwemaywellbeabletohelp,includingidentifyingandcommissioningasuitabletutorifrequired.Inthiscasewehandlealltheadministration,bookings,insurance,licences,etc,foryou.Allyouneedtodoisturnupandenjoyyourselves!Pleasecontactusandwewillthenseewhatispossible.

11. Are there any entry qualifications?No;apartfromaninterestinthecoursesubject,enthusiasmtobecomeinvolvedandasenseofhumour.

12. Are there any examinations?No;thesearecoursesthatpeoplecomeontoenjoythemselves,andwhiletheymaywellbelearningnewskills,theydonothavetheburdenofhavingtositanexaminationattheend.

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13. So will I get a certificate on completion of a course?Notusually;thesecoursesareforfunandpleasureratherthanacademicqualifications.

14. Who are the other students?Theotherstudentsmaybelikeyouormaybequitedifferent,buttheywillhaveacommoninterestinthesubjectofthecourse.15. Is the structure of the courses formal or informal?Althoughthereisabasicoutlinetocourses,manyarerunbytutorsonamoreinformalbasis.Thisenablesstudentswhohavevaryinglevelsofskill,differentpersonalitiesandavarietyofrequirementsalltogainsubstantiallyfromtheirparticipation.

16. What is the ambience like on a course?Tutorslikehappyandcontentedstudents.Assuch,theambienceoncoursesisrelaxed,friendlyandenjoyable.

17. Will I have a choice of what I do on a course?Somecoursesofferarangeofactivities,whileothersfollowasomewhatmorefocusedapproach.Ifthereisavarietyofoptions,wewillletyouknowbeforeyouarrive.

18. Will I receive individual attention?Yes,tutorsarewellaccustomedtogivingindividualsupportandguidancetoeachstudent,takingintoaccountthevariedknowledgeandskilllevelsofdifferentpeople.

19. Does the tutor provide any tools or equipment to use?Insomecasesthetutorwillprovideaselectionoftoolsforstudentuseonthecourse.Inothercases,tutorsofferstudentsthechancetopurchasekitsforuseinthecourse.Fulldetailsaregivenintheindividualcoursebrochures.

20. Will I need to bring my own tools or equipment?Itdependsonthesubjectofthecourse,butifyouaredoingsomethinglikephotography,jewellerymakingorlacemaking,youmaywellalreadyhavesometoolsorequipmentofyourown.Forsomesewingandtextilecoursesyouwillneedtobringasewingmachineandsewingkit.Afulllistofstudents’requirementswillbegiveninyourcoursebrochure.

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21. Will the tutor demonstrate techniques?Yes,tutorsusearangeofdemonstrationtechniques,sometimesworkingwiththegroupasawholeandsometimeshelpingindividualstudents.

22. What are the health and well-being benefits of short courses?There are considerable benefits to be gained from timespentinteractingwithothersandhavinganopportunitytoexchangeideasandthoughts.Andbykeepingyourbrainactiveandstimulated,youmaywell find that you no longer have time to notice any achesandpains.

23. What are the benefits of personal development?Through personal development you will find that you can grow and often achieve farmorethanyoueverthoughtpossible.Youmaywelluncoveraloveforanewhobbyordevelopaninnateskillwhichwillgiveyougreatsatisfaction.

24. What is ‘lifelong learning’?Lifelonglearningisoftenseenasaphilosophyoflearningforitsownsake.Ifyouareoftencurioustodiscovernewthings,andhaveanopenmindtounearthsomethingdifferent,nomatterhowlongitissinceyouleftfull-timeeducation,youareanadvocateoflifelonglearning.

25. What is the concept of ‘living and learning’?Many students find that they grow as individuals as a direct result of the residentialexperiencefoundontheseshortadultcourses.Thosewhoarequietand shy often blossom, while extroverts benefit from being with groups of diverse personalities,someofwhomtheymaynotmeetintheireverydaylives.

26. What is meant by a ‘safe learning environment’?Asafelearningenvironmentisonewhereallindividualsfeelcomfortabletoexpresstheirthoughtsandideas,givingeveryonegoodaccesstolearning.Students

areencouragedtoaskquestionsandprovideinput,andthetutorsusesuchactivitiestogaugestudents’levelsofunderstandingandenhancetheirskills.Studentsarenotjudged,normadetoappearincompetent,butratherencouragedandcoaxedbythetutorswhoprovidepositivefeedbacktohelpstudentsaccomplishtheirdesiredoutcome.Oftenstudentsachievefarmorethantheyhadthoughtpossible,takinghomenewskillsandaselectionofworkthattheyhavecreated.

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“The workshop was inspiring, absorbing

and fun”

27. What is included in weekend courses?Yourcourseincludesalltuitionandaccesstothesyndicate(course)andotherrooms,meals,morningandafternoonrefreshments,yourbedroom(whichwillusuallybeen-suitebutmaybestandard,dependingonthevenueandyourpreference),anduseofthegeneralon-sitefacilitiesatthevenue.

28. What is included in one-day courses?Yourcourseincludesalltuitionandaccesstothesyndicateandotherrooms,lunch,morningandafternoonrefreshmentsanduseofthegeneralon-sitefacilitiesatthevenue.

29. Who are the tutors?Thetutorshavebeencarefullychosenfortheirbreadthofskillsintheirselecteddiscipline,coupledwiththeirabilitytotransfertheirknowledgetostudentsandanexpertiseinconveyingtheirknow-howinwaysthatallcanunderstand.

30. What sort of experience do tutors have?Tutorsarewellknownandmanyhavenumerousyears’experienceinrunningadultcourses,oftenbuildingupastrongfollowing.Theyarenotonlyspecialistsintheirparticularsubjects,buttheyalsohaveanempathywithstudentsandtheirneeds,andarewellusedtoencouragingbeginnerswhilehelpingexperiencedstudentstoexpandtheirskillsandknowledge.

31. What can I find out about my tutor before I arrive?Many tutors are well-known and renowned in their specific fields, with prestigious reputations.Assuch,theyareoftenaskedtogivetalks,runseminarsorbeguestdemonstratorsatexhibitions.Quiteafewofourtutorshavewrittenbooksontheirselectedsubjects.Manyhaveawebsiteandsomerunblogs–justkeytheirnameand subject into Google and see what you find.

32. Do tutors teach students with all levels of knowledge?Yes,tutorsareusedtohelpinggroupsofstudentswhobringwiththemvariedlevelsofknowledge.Theytailortheirapproachaccordingly,supportingbeginnersthroughoutcourses,beingafountainofknowledgewithmanytipsandhints,whileactingasaresourceformoreadvancedstudents.

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“I loved the expert tutor and companionship of

the other students”

33. How do tutors deal with groups of mixed experience – beginners/improvers?Whileitwilldependtosomeextentonthesubjectmatter,tutorsarewellawarethatvirtuallyallgroupswillhavesomedegreeofmixedability,andplanaccordingly.

34. What are the benefits of short residential courses?Shortcoursesareanidealwaytotasteasubjectthatyoumaynothavetriedbefore,discoveranewinterestorexpandonanexistinghobby.Andyouwillhavefunasyougainskillsandboostyourknowledge.

Theintensiveengagementbothwiththetutorandyourfellowstudentswillinspireyoutolearndifferenttechniquesandaccomplishsurprisingpiecesofwork.Ourtutors offer expert one-to-one tuition and guidance tailored to your specific level ofexperience.Discoverhowalittlelearningcanchangelives.

35. Where do I find residential courses?Aswithmostthingstoday,theWebisthebestsourceofinformation.Putthesubjectofyourchoiceplusthewords‘residentialcourse’or‘weekendcourse’(eg‘patchworkweekendcourse’,or‘beadingresidentialcourse’)andpossiblyalocation (eg ‘Suffolk’ or ‘Birmingham’) into Google and you should find a selection ofwhatisonoffer.

36. How do I know the course provider is reputable?ReputablecourseproviderswillbeassociatedwithLeisureCoursesanditsforerunner,thetradeassociation,ARCA.

37. Who are Leisure Courses?LeisureCoursesrunaWebportal,providinginformationaboutandlinkstoprofessionalprovidersofshortresidentialcoursesforadultsinterestedinlifelonglearning.(www.leisurecourses.net)

THE VENUES

38. What are the venues like?Venuesforresidentialcoursesvaryfromluxurystatelyhomestotraditionalstudentaccommodation,witharangeoffeestomatch.

AngliaLeisureLearninguses,inthemain,severalmiddle-rangecomfortablevenues,suchasthethree-starBelsteadBrookHotel,(Ipswich)three-starHillscourt(justsouthofBirmingham)andBelseyBridgeConferenceCentre(byBungay,Suffolk). We produce separate leaflets about each individual location, but general informationonsomevenuesusedisgivenbelow.

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“A good weekend in lovely surroundings”

39. What is Belstead Brook Hotel like?BelsteadBrookwasoriginallyaJacobeanhuntinglodge,buttodaycombineshistoriccharmandcharacterwiththebestofamodernthree-starhotel.SituatedontheedgeofIpswich,Suffolk,closetothejunctionoftheA12/A14andacoupleofmilesfromIpswichstation,itiseasilyaccessible.

The88en-suitebedroomsarewellappointed,with4ftbedsinthoseforsingleoccupancy.EachroomhasaTV,seatingarea, free wifi and tea and coffee-making facilities. Bathrooms have baths and/or showers,withcomplimentaryshampooandbubblebathand,ofcourse,bedroomsareserviceddaily.

Therearetwotwinroomswithspeciallowerbedsandbathswithassistancehandlesfordisabledvisitors.Awheelchairliftisinthemainreceptionandaseatedstairliftonthestairsleadstotherestaurant.Thereisalsoaconventionalverticalpassenger lift between the ground, first and second floors.

Thereisacomplimentaryporterservicetohelpyouwithyourcases.Roomserviceisavailableonrequest,chargeabletotheguest’sownaccountwhichmustbesettledbeforedeparture.

Mealsarefreshlypreparedbythein-houseteamandspecialdietscanbecateredforbypriorarrangement.Breakfastandluncharebuffetstyle,withtabled’hôteservicefortheeveningmeal.Thehotelhasawell-stockedbarwhereyoucanpurchasedrinkstohavewithyourmealsorintheevening.Thehotelissetin9acresofelegantgroundswhichleadtoanumberofpublicfootpathsforlocalwalks,ifyouwantabreathoffreshair.

AspecialfeatureofBelsteadBrookisitsin-houseLeisureClub.Asaresidentononeofourcourses,youcancheckinfrom2pmonyourdayofarrivalandyouwillhavefreeuseoftheindoorswimmingpool,whirlpool,sauna,steamroomandsolariumthroughoutyourstay.Thereisalsoawell-equippedgym.LeisureCentre

towelsareprovided,butdobringabathrobeifyouwish.

Awiderangeoftreatmentsisofferedbythehotel’sBlissfulSpa,ifyoureallywanttospoilyourself(pleasepre-booktreatmentspriortoarrival).So,pamperyourselfwhenyouarriveandyouwillberelaxedandready for dinner and the first session of yourcourseontheFridayevening.

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40. What is Belsey Bridge like?BelseyBridgeisaconferencecentreontheSuffolk/Norfolkborders,justoutside Bungay, catering specifically forpeoplewantingtorelaxandenjoythemselveswhilegainingextraskillsandmakingfriendsinasafeenvironment.

BelseyBridgeisrunbytheChristianConferenceTrustand,whiletherearemanyreligiousorganisationsthatuseitsfacilities,theyalsohaveawiderangeofsecularandcommercialorganisationsasclients.

Originallybuiltinthemiddleofthe19thcenturyasaschoolforclergyorphans,BelseyBridgethenbecameanindustrialschoolandwasagirls’boardingschoolformanyyearsuntil1990.Thebuildingsunderwentmajorrefurbishmentin1999,withtheadditionofanewlinkwinganden-suitefacilitiesformanybedrooms.

Todayitoffers82comfortablebutbasicbedrooms,threeconferenceroomsandfive syndicate rooms for tuition. Most bedrooms are en-suite with showers, but therearesomestandardroomsthathaveaccesstosharedfacilities.Therearetwobedroomsdesignedfordisabledpeople,completewithen-suitewetrooms.Inlinewithitspositionastopqualitystudentaccommodation,bedroomsarepleasantbutmodestlyfurnished.Studentsareexpectedtomaketheirownbeds,andremovelinenattheendoftheirstay.Earlymorningandnight-timedrinkscanbemadeinthekitchensoneachcorridor.

BelseyBridgeiswellknownforitsexcellenthomecooking,useoflocalproduceand,wherepossible,freshfood.Itsin-houseteamexcelincateringforspecialdiets,providedthatpriornoticeisgiven.Thecentrehasanalcohollicence,butguestscanbringtheirownwineonpaymentofamodestcorkagecharge.Mealsinthediningroomareallself-servicewithstudentsclearingtheirplatesontoatrolley.

Sportsandrecreationalfacilitiesincludeanoutdoorswimmingpoolforsummeruse,andtwohard-standingtenniscourts.Acoupleofracketsandsomeballsareavailabletoborrow,asisasetofboules.Thereisalsoatabletennistablewithbatsandballs.Thereareseveralloungeareasfor relaxation, and free wifi throughout thecomplex.Thecentreissetinextensivegroundsof20acresintheheartoftheEastAngliancountryside.

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41. What is Hillscourt like?HillscourtislocatedjustoutsideRednalonthesouthsideofBirmingham.ItisclosetotheM5andM42motorwaysandneartoLongbridgetrainstation,withitsdirectaccesstoCentralBirmingham.Setinattractivegardenswithgroundsrunningto25acres,thiscentrenestlesinthebeautifulwoodedLickeyHills,andoffersatranquilbackdroptoyourcourse.

Thevenuehasrecentlybeenrefurbishedtoanexcellentstandardandisnowequivalenttoagoodthreestarhotel rating, with many facilities including free wifi.

Hillscourthas36singlebedroomswith3ft6insbedsandduvets.

Therearealsoadozendoublebedroomsand,tomeettheneedsofdisabledguests,threeroomshavebeenspeciallyadapted,oneofwhichisatwintocaterforadisabledpersonandtheircarer.Allpublicareasareaccessibletopeopleinwheelchairs,asarebedrooms1to8.

Allbedroomsareen-suiteandwellappointedwithfacilitiessuchasaseatingarea,TV,phone,hairdryerandasafeforyourvaluables.Theen-suiteshaveshowers(nobaths)andareprovidedwithliquidsoapanddecent-sizedtowels.Thereareteaandcoffee-makingfacilitiesinthebedrooms.Roomsareserviceddaily.

Hillscourt offers first-class catering,basedonfreshproduceandhomecooking.Breakfastandlunchareservedbuffetstyle,andthethree-courseeveningmealis

tabled’hôteservice,allowinggueststorelaxafterabusyday.Specialdietscanbecateredforwithpriornotice.Amoderatelypricedwinelistisavailable.

Thereisalargebar,whereyoucanrelaxwithadrinkorbuywinetohavewithyourmealsintherestaurant.Alternatively,youcanpurchasebistrofoodinthebarifyouprefer,ratherthaneatingthesetmenuthatisincludedinyourcoursefeesintherestaurant.

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‘Great weekend retreat”

42. What will I need to bring?Theusualthingsyouwouldtakewhenstayingawayforacoupleofnights.Ifyouneedtobringanyspecialthingsforyourcourse,thesewillbesetoutunderStudentRequirementsinthecoursebrochure.Walkingshoesmightbeusefulatanytimeoftheyear,asallourselectedvenueshaveextensivegrounds,andaresetinthecountryside.

43. What happens if I forget some vital items, like toothpaste?YourAngliaLeisureLearningrepresentativewilldotheirbesttohelpwheretheycan,aswillthevenues.

ThereceptionatHillscourtcarriessomeovernightpackswithtoothbrush,toothpaste,shampoo,comb,etc,availableforanominalchargeof£2.

AtBelseyBridgethereisasmallin-househonestyshop,whichcanoftensupplythosekeythingsthatyoumayhaveleftbehind.

AndatBelsteadBrookHotelthereissmallstockoftoiletriesavailablefromreceptionforthatvitalitemthatmayhavebeenforgotten.

44. What is the bedroom accommodation like?Thebedroomsvarydependingonthevenueyouchoose.

BelsteadBrookHotelofferswell-appointedbedroomswithtraditionalhoteldécor.The4ftbedshaveduvetsandarecomplementedbyacomfortableseatingareawithanarmchair,whereyoucanrelaxandwatchTV.Otherfeaturesincludeteaandcoffee-makingfacilities,phone,ahairdryer,andanironandironingboard.Bathroomshavebathsand/orshowersandareprovidedwithluxurytowelsandbasictoiletries.Roomsareserviceddaily.

MostbedroomsatBelseyBridgearesingleandhavealightandairydécor,abedwithaduvet,bedsidelightandcabinet,asimplechairandsmallstudyarea.Atowelandsoapareprovided,andstandardroomshaveahandbasin.

En-suiteshaveabasin,showerandWC.Youmakeyourownbedandareaskedtoclearthebedlinenonyourlastday,placingitinthelinenbasketsprovided.

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“Welcome pack was much appreciated”

Hillscourtbedroomsarespaciousandcomfortablyfurnished,asyouwouldexpectinathree-starhotel.

Bedshaveduvets,andtherearenicetoucheslikeaboxoftissuesandasachetofhotchocolatebythekettle,alongwithahairdryerineachroom.

Andnaturally,roomsareservicedeachday.

45. Can I have en-suite facilities?Yes,mostbedroomsareen-suitewithashower,basinandtoilet.SomeofthebedroomsatBelsteadBrookHotelalsohavebaths.

AllbedroomsinbothBelsteadBrookHotelandHillscourtConferenceCentreareen-suite.

46. I don’t need en-suite.BelseyBridgeoffersalimitednumberofstandardbedrooms,whichhavereadyaccesstosharedshowersandbathingfacilities.

47. Can we have a twin room?Thereisasmallnumberoftwinroomsinmostvenues.

48. Can we have a double room?Again,mostvenueshavesomedoublerooms,andofferafewfamilyrooms(althoughwedonottakepeopleunder18onourcourses).

49. Can I bring electrical items (eg laptop, hair dryer)?Yes,butforeveryone’ssafety,theseshouldeitherholdaPAT(portableappliancetesting)certificate or be under one year old.

50. Are there facilities for disabled guests?Yes,allthevenuesusedhavesomefacilitiesfordisabledpeople.Justletusknowwhatyouneedwhenyoubookandwewillcheckavailabilitywiththevenue.

Hillscourthasmadeapointofprovidingaccommodationfordisabledvisitors,includingonebedroomforadisabledguestandtheircarer.

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BelseyBridgehastwobedrooms(onesingleandonewithadoublebed)thathavewetroomen-suitefacilities.Thespecialsingleroomisspaciousandcaneasilybeaccessedbyaguestinawheelchair.Theseroomsandmanyotherbedroomsareontheground floor. There are also two other wet rooms for generaluse.

ThehotelatBelsteadBrookissomewhatlimitedinaccessfordisabledpeopleinsomeareas,duetoitslistedstatus,althoughithasaconventionallift between floors, a wheelchair lift in the main reception,andastairliftleadingtotherestaurant.Twotwinbedroomshavebeenadaptedfordisabledvisitorswithspeciallowerbedsandbathswithassistancehandles.

Many syndicate rooms at venues are ground floor, with easy accesstodiningroomsandreceptionareas.Somecourseroomsat Belstead Brook Hotel are on the first floor, only reached bystairs,butthereisaporterservicetohelpwithsewingmachinesetc.SomeHillscourtsyndicateroomsareair-conditionedandallhavegoodwheelchairaccess.Ifyouhavespecialneeds,pleasecheckwithusbeforebooking.

51. Are there any wet rooms where I can use a wheelchair?Yes,bothBelseyBridgeandHillscourthaveseveralbedrooms,designatedfordisabledguests,withwetrooms.AtBelseyBridgetherearealsotwodisabled-accesswetrooms,whichguestswhoarestayinginroomswithouten-suitefacilitiesmayuse.

Hillscourtalsohasoneespeciallylargetwinbedroomwitha

disabled-accesswetroom–idealforastudentandcarer,ortwopeoplewhereoneisdisabled–aswellastwootherroomsdesignedfordisabledguests.

BelsteadBrookHoteldoesnothaveanywetroomsforwheelchairuse.

52. Is there a television in my room?BothBelsteadBrookandHillscourthavetelevisionsinallthebedrooms.

Belsey Bridge bedrooms do not have televisions, but most students find that they becomesoabsorbedintheircourseandmakingnewfriendsthattheyforgetaboutsuchthings,orevenwhatishappeningintheoutsideworld.

“The course room was ideal - space, light and

teaching”

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53. Are there telephones in the bedrooms?Yes,therearephonesinthebedroomsatbothBelsteadBrookandHillscourt.Externalphonecallsarechargedtotheresident’sownaccount,whichmustbesettledbeforeleaving.

TherearenoroomphonesatBelseyBridge,butmostpeopleusemobilephonesthesedays.

54. Is there wifi in bedrooms?Free wifi is included at all the venues we use, and is normally accessible throughoutthecomplexesincludingbedroomsandgrounds,butoccasionallyinsomeareasitmaynotbeperfect.

55. What about parking?Therearelargecarparkswithamplefreeparkingclosetothemaincentrebuildingsatallthevenues.

56. What about access to the site?BelsteadBrookisontheedgeofIpswich,Suffolk,about5minutes’drivefromtheA12/A14junction,orsome5minutesbytaxifromIpswichtrainstation.

BelseyBridgeisabouttwomilesfromBungay,alonga narrow country lane, surrounded by fields. It is about15minutesfromthelocaltrainstationatBeccles.

Hillscourtissome5minutesfromLongbridgestationwithdirectaccesstoCentralBirmingham,andabout8minutes’drivefromtheM5andM42motorways.

Wewillgiveyoudetaileddirectionstoyourvenueshortlybeforeyourcourseisduetorun.

57. I am a smoker. Is there a smoking area on site?Eachvenuehasadesignatedoutsidesmokingarea.Smokingisnotallowedelsewhereonsites.

58. I can’t drive; can I still come?Yes.Therearetrainservicesclosetoallvenues.Ipswichstationisabout5minutesbytaxifromBelsteadBrook.Becclesstationisabout15minutesfromBelseyBridge.(BothstationsareservedbyLiverpoolStreet,IpswichandNorwichlines).Longbridgestation,withitsdirectaccesstoCentralBirmingham,is5minutes’taxiridefromHillscourt.

59. Can I get a taxi from the station?Yes,wecanprovideyouwithdetailsoflocaltaxiservicesthatwillpickyouupatthestationandbringyoutothevenue,returningyoutothestationattheendofyourcourse.Youmaybewelladvisedtobookataxi.

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WHAT ABOUT THE FOOD?

60. What is the food like?MostrecipesaretraditionalBritishfoodwithasprinklingofEuropeanandAsiandishes,suchasmildcurryandsweetandsour.Feedbackfrompaststudentsshowsthattheyratethefoodas‘excellent’.

Breakfastsandlunchesarebuffetservice.Lunchistwocourses,withdisheslikequicheorpizzaandasaladbar.Dinnerisnormallysomewhatmoresubstantial.

BothBelsteadBrookandHillscourthavetabled’hôteservicefordinner.Thereisalwaysafreshfruitbowl,andteaorcoffeewithbothmeals.

61. Are the meals cooked on site?Yes.Allmealsarefreshlycookedonsite.

62. Is local produce used in meals?Yes,venuesusefreshlocalproducefromregionalsuppliersasfaraspossible,exceptfortheoddfrozenpea!

63. Are vegetarian options available?Yes,butpleaseletusknowattimeofbooking.

64. Are vegan options available?Yes,butpleaseletusknowattimeofbooking.

65. Are special diets catered for? (eg lactose/glucose/gluten intolerant)Yes,providedthereisagenuineneedforsuchdietsandthatyouletusknowwellinadvance.

66. Is there a choice of menu?Yes,thereisavarietyofdifferentdishesatallvenuesforbothlunchanddinner,andbreakfastisbuffetstyle.

AtBelsteadBrookHotelguestschoosetheireveningmealduringtheafternoonsothatthekitchencanpreparetheirselection.

ThereisalwaysachoiceofmaincoursesatBelseyBridge,butifyouarelastin the queue, your first preferencemaynolongerbeavailable.

“The vegan food was truly exceptional. I was

surprised how varied it was and I really enjoyed it.”

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67. Who cooks the meals?There is an in-house team of qualified chefs andcookswhopreparethemealsateachvenue.

68. Is there counter or table service?ThereisbuffetserviceforbreakfastandlunchatBelsteadBrookandHillscourt,withtabled’hôteservicefordinner.

AllmealsatBelseyBridgearecounterservice.

69. Do venues have an alcohol licence?Yes,andyoucanbuydrinksinthebartohavewithyourmeals.

70. Can I bring my own wine or beer?Somevenueshavealcohollicencesthatpreventguestsbringingintheirownalcohol.Pleasecheckwithusfordetails.

71. Is there a corkage charge?Whereavenuewillallowyoutobringyourownalcohol,thereislikelytobeasmallcorkagechargeofaround£3,butpleasecheckwithus.

72. What about morning and afternoon refreshments?Mid-morningthereisteaorcoffeewithbiscuitsandintheafternoonthereisteaorcoffeewithcakes,whichareoftenhomemade.

73. What about drinking water?Drinkingwaterisavailablefromwaterfountainsandatmealtimes.

74. And what about soft drinks?SquashcanbepurchasedinthebaratbothBelsteadBrookandHillscourt.

AtBelseyBridgecomplimentarysquashisavailableinthediningroomatmealtimesandinthekitchensbythebedrooms.

75. What about early morning drinks? BothBelsteadBrookandHillscourthaveteaandcoffee-makingfacilitiesinthebedrooms.

AtBelseyBridgeyouarewelcometomakeearlymorningdrinkswhenyouwakeup.Avarietyofteas,coffee,milk,squash,etc,areprovidedinthecommunalkitchensbythebedrooms.

76. What about night-time drinks?Hillscourtprovidesachetsofdrinkingchocolateinthebedrooms.

Youarewelcometomakenight-timedrinksatBelseyBridge.Tea,coffee,milk,squash,etc,areprovidedinthecommunalkitchensbythebedrooms.Horlickscanbepurchasedfromthein-househonestyshop.

AndatBelsteadBrookHotelyoucanalwaysmakeanight-timedrinkinyourroom.PopasachetofyourfavouriteOvaltineorHorlicksdrinkinyourcasewhenpackingforyourstayatthehotel.

77. Is there any room service?Thereisroomservice(chargedextratoyouraccount)availableatBelsteadBrook.HillscourtandBelseyBridgedonotofferroomservice.

THE OTHER STUDENTS

78. What if I go on my own and do not know anyone?Donotworry.Youwillreceiveawarmwelcome,andifyouknownoonewhenyouarrive,youwillverysoonstarttomakefriendswiththeotherstudentsonyourcourse.Infact,thesecoursesareidealforpeoplecomingontheirownandwantingtomeetlike-mindedotherswhohaveacommoninterest.

79. How many students register on a course?Coursesusuallyhavebetween8to15students,butthiscanvary.Occasionallyweruncourseswithfewerstudents.

80. What about free time?Youcanchoosewhatyouwanttodointhefreetime,andmanypeople find that this offers an opportunitytogettoknowothers,exchangeideasanddiscusswhattheyhavebeendoingduringthetuitionsessions.

Whentheweatherisgood,studentscanrelaxinthevenues’extensivegrounds.

“Relaxed atmosphere - opportunity to do lots of

work uninterrupted”

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PARTNERS, CHILDREN, PETS

81. Are partners welcome?Yes,theycancomeandstay,andduringthetuitionsessionstheycandotheirownthing.

82. Are children allowed?No,theseareadultcoursessoeveryoneis18+.

83. Are pets allowed?No,petsarenotallowedwiththeexceptionofassistancedogs.Ifyouhaveanassistance dog, please let us know when booking so we can advise and confirm with thevenue.

BOOKING

84. What are fee levels?Fees depend on the venue, the specific course and the facilities you choose, but mostcoursesarearound£300foranen-suitebedroomforaweekendcoursefullyinclusive.Whereavailable,thechargeforstandardroomsisalittleless.

85. How do I choose a course?TakealookattheAngliaLeisureLearningwebsiteatwww.anglialeisurelearning.co.ukwhere you will find an up-to-datelistofavailablecourses,alongwithdownloadableflyers giving individual course information,anddetailsofhowtogetabookingform.

Thewebsiteisregularlyupdatedandnewcoursesareaddedthroughouttheyear,soifthecourseyouwantisnotthere,keeplookinganditmaywellgouponthewebsiteinthecomingweeks.Oraskus,andwemaybeabletoaddacourseonyourspecialsubject.

86. How do I book a course and secure my place?Onceyouhavechosenyourcourse,pleaseaskusforabooking form for that specific course. You can do this by phone on 020 7834 1066oremailatinfo@anglialeisurelearning.co.uk.Thenprintoutandcompletethebookingformandsendittousalongwithyourdeposittosecureyourplaceonyourselectedcourse.

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87. Will you confirm my booking?Yes,whenwereceiveyourcompletedbookingformanddeposit,wewillcomebackto you to confirm that we have allocated you a place on your chosen course.

88. What are the booking terms and conditions?Therearestandardtermsandconditionsforbookingthecoursesandacopyofthetermswillbesuppliedtoyouwiththebookingform.

89. When do I pay the rest of the fees? Sixweeksbeforeyourcoursestarts.

90. Are courses commercial or subsidised by taxes?Thesearecommercialcoursesanddonotreceiveanystateorothersubsidy.

CANCELLATIONS

91. What happens if I cancel? Ifyoucancelyourbooking,thismustbeinwriting.Thereisaslidingscaleofrefundsdependingonwhenyoucancel,butdepositsarenotrefundable.Fulldetailsaresetoutinthebookingtermsandconditions.

92. If I’m ill, have an accident or bereavement, will I get my money back?Ifyouareunabletocomeonacourse,youmaytransferthebookingtoanothercourseoranotherstudent,providedthatweareadvisedatleast28daysbeforethecourseisduetorunandthatthereplacementstudentcompletesanapplicationformandacceptsthetermsandconditionsofbooking.(Butseethequestionbelowaboutinsurance.)

93. What about insurance?Werecommendthatyoutakeoutappropriatetravelandcoursecancellationinsurancetocoveryouincaseyouhavetocancelthroughillness,bereavementorotherunforeseencircumstances.Havealook at Google where you will find companiesofferingshortcoursecancellationinsurance.

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Wealsorecommendthatyoucheckyourhouseholdinsurancetoseeifitprovidescoverforyourpersonalitems(suchasasewingmachine)andpossessionsthatyoumightbringwithyouand,ifnecessary,providescoverforanyaccidentalormaliciousdamagethatyoumaycauseatthevenue.

Youshouldtakeoutappropriateinsurancecover.

94. What happens if my course is cancelled?IfAngliaLeisureLearningcancelsacourse,youcanrequestafullrefundofcoursefees,oryoucantransferyourfeestoanothercourseifyouprefer.

BACKGROUND TO ADULT RESIDENTIAL SHORT COURSES

95. What is the background to short residential courses?Theconceptofadultslivingandlearningtogetheronshortcourseswasdevelopedinthe19thcenturybyPastorNFSGrundvigandothersafterseeinghowstudentsandtutorsinteractedtogetheratOxfordandCambridgeuniversities.

96. What is the history of adult residential courses?ResidentialadulteducationthroughshortcourseswasoriginallyimportedfromDenmarkinthe1930s,butreallytookrootaftertheSecondWorldWar.

Initially,manycollegeswererunbylocalauthoritiesbutsoonothercollegesfromtheprivatesectorjoinedthemovement.

Morerecently,withthecutbacksinpublicspending,mostlocalauthoritieshavewithdrawntheirsubsidiesandanumberoflocal-authorityruncollegesthatpreviouslyofferedadultresidentialshortcourseshavenowclosed.97. What about adult residential education in the 21st century?Today’sresidentiallearninghasbeendescribed as offering lifelong benefits. Itcomplementsotherformsofadulteducation,aswellasbeingalearningopportunityinitsownright.

Itprovidesaliberalapproachtolearningwhileplacinganemphasisonenjoymentandpersonaldevelopment.Participantscomefromallageranges,from18to88andbeyond,withstrongsupportfrommaturestudentsandfemalelearners.

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Thefriendly,welcomingenvironmentisparticularlyappreciatedbypeoplelivingalonewhocomeonaweekendcoursetobepamperedandlookedafter,whileatthesametimehavinganopportunitytodevelop their skills and make friends. The benefits tohealthandenhancedwell-beingareconsiderableandshouldnotbeunderestimated.

Tutorsarefrequentlythemostskilledandexperienced specialists in their fields and offer teachingofaveryhighstandard.

98. What is the background to Anglia Leisure Learning Limited?AngliaLeisureLearningLimitedisarelativelynewcompany.Afteraninitialseriesofpilotcourses,thecompanywasincorporatedinSeptember2013.Butrunningadultcoursesisnotnewtotheteam.Thedirector,LizaJones,andhercolleagueshavebeensuccessfullyprovidingbusinessseminarsandworkshopsforover30years.

Consciousthatstudentswhowerepreviouslyusedtosubsidisedcourseratesdo not want top end luxury, but wishing to provide first class tutors and accommodationthatiswelcomingandcomfortable,AngliaLeisureLearningsetitspositioninthemiddleofthemarket,offeringfullyinclusiveweekendcourseswithen-suitebedroomsstartingataround£300.

CONTACT

99. How can I contact you?Theeasiestwaystocontactusarebyemail(info@anglialeisurelearning.co.uk)or by phone 020 7834 1066. If you prefer, you can write to us at 3-4 Bradfield Hall, Bradfield Combust, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP30 0LU, but it will take us somewhatlongertorespondthisway.

100. What are the opportunities for tutors?IfyouareatutorandwouldliketobeconsideredforworkwithAngliaLeisureLearning,pleasegetintoucheitherbyemailorletter,indicatingyoursubjectsandpreviousexperienceofworkingwithadultstudents.

101. I can’t find an answer to my question hereThenpleasesendanemailtoinfo@anglialeisurelearning.co.ukandwewillbehappytoansweryourquestion.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSAnumberofsourceshavegoneintothepreparationofthisGuide.In

particularIwanttothankBelsteadBrookHotel,HillscourtandBelseyBridgeConferenceCentreforallowingustousesomematerialthatistheircopyright.

For further information and booking details go to:

www.anglialeisurelearning.co.ukEmail: info@anglialeisurelearning.co.uk

Tel: 020 7834 1066

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