Watercolours
This class is for anyone wishing to explore watercolours, from beginner to the more experienced painter. We will be looking at different theories, and practical applications, exploring this versatile medium. We will find our preferred technique and develop our personal style. From portraits to florals, landscapes to botanicals, we will delve into subjects working from […]
Italian Intermediate
A friendly class for students who already have a few years of learning and a good grasp of the language. Plenty of opportunity to practice and enhance spoken Italian, listening to authentic recordings as well as working on elements of grammar. A good textbook and various other material will be used to facilitate and build […]
Spanish Beginners
This class is for complete beginners who have no or very little knowledge of Spanish. We will be covering common expressions used in everyday situations as well as the basics of Spanish grammar. We will use a textbook supplemented with handouts, recordings, videos, games and other activities. Speaking and listening skills will be emphasised in […]
Upholstery
Come along and learn upholstery skills in a friendly and informal setting. Whether you are a beginner or have more experience these classes provide the ideal environment to work at your own pace on your own project with the support and guidance of an experienced upholsterer. Advice will be given about suitability of projects based […]
Spanish Post Beginners
This is a friendly class for students who already have a knowledge of basic Spanish vocabulary and the present tense. We will covering further vocabulary topics as well as grammatical points, including the future and past tenses. Using the textbook and additional materials, students will also have the opportunity to explore Spanish and Latin American […]
German Beginners
This course is for those who are learning German from scratch, or who want to go back to basics. Using a course book and other materials, you will acquire the skills to be able to communicate in German in everyday life, working on reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills, as well as learning about the […]
French Improvers
This class is for students who wish to build up their confidence and extend their language skills in conversation. We will also work on grammar and vocabulary using texts, articles, videos, and quizzes providing an opportunity to learn about French culture and traditions.
German Beginners Plus
This course is for those who are learning German from scratch, or who want to go back to basics. Using a course book and other materials, you will acquire the skills to be able to communicate in German in everyday life, working on reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills, as well as learning about the […]
Italian Beginners Plus 1
A welcoming class for students with a basic knowledge of Italian who are looking at progressing to a higher level and becoming more confident speakers. The aim is to improve vocabulary, and skills such as listening, reading and grammar, to gain greater speaking abilities alongside cultural understanding.
Upholstery
Come along and learn upholstery skills in a friendly and informal setting. Whether you are a beginner or have more experience these classes provide the ideal environment to work at your own pace on your own project with the support and guidance of an experienced upholsterer. Advice will be given about suitability of projects based […]
French Beginners
This class is for complete beginners with no or little knowledge of French or for those who would like to go back to the basics. It features audio visual interactive activities which make learning the language a fun and enjoyable experience.
Upholstery
Come along and learn upholstery skills in a friendly and informal setting. Whether you are a beginner or have more experience these classes provide the ideal environment to work at your own pace on your own project with the support and guidance of an experienced upholsterer. Advice will be given about suitability of projects based […]
Italian Improvers
A friendly and engaging class for students who already have a good general knowledge of the language and wish to improve and progress to a higher level. We will develop greater language skills, build confidence in spoken Italian, and nurture listening comprehension, conversation, vocabulary and grammar. We will be working through a text book supplemented […]
Spanish Upper Intermediate
This is a class for those who have studied Spanish for several years. We will revise and consolidate all the indicative tenses and will begin learning the imperative and the subjunctive. Using a textbook and various additional materials, including audio and video, we will practise all four skills and also explore the culture and traditions […]
Spanish Intermediate
This is a friendly class for those who have already studied the present, past and future tenses and can use them in conversation. We will use a textbook and a variety of additional materials, including audio and video, to practise all four skills and further develop students’ knowledge of vocabulary and grammar, including a thorough […]
Spanish Pre-Intermediate
This class is for students who already have a knowledge of Spanish, are familiar with the present and future tenses and have started to learn the different past tenses. Using a textbook and supplementary materials, we will study additional grammatical points as well as further vocabulary topics. Students will also have the opportunity to explore […]
French Intermediate
A very friendly class for those who wish to focus on improving their conversation skills, we work on vocab and grammar as well as using texts articles videos and quizzes which give us an opportunity to cover a wide range of topics in current affairs, French culture, and traditions
French Advanced Conversation
Come and join us in this informal, friendly, and lively group of students to converse with ease about a wide range of topics, whilst sampling and sharing French language and culture.
Spanish Advanced
This friendly class is for students who have a significant knowledge of Spanish vocabulary and feel confident using the present, past and future tenses in a variety of contexts, having studied the language for many years. All four skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing) will be incorporated into our lessons. Students will learn more advanced […]
French Advanced Conversation
Come and join us in this informal, friendly, and lively group of students to converse with ease about a wide range of topics, whilst sampling and sharing French language and culture.
Chinese Intermediate
This course is for those who have a good basic knowledge of spoken Mandarin and Chinese characters. We will be following a textbook and lots of videos for conversation and vocabulary building. We will also be having fun practising more Chinese characters (excellent for mindfulness), reading simple Chinese books and news headlines, and following the […]
Chinese Beginners Plus
This course is for those who have a basic understanding of Mandarin Chinese, including Pinyin. We’ll be extending your vocabulary, learning from everyday conversations, having fun practising Chinese characters (good for mindfulness), reading simple Chinese books, and finding out about Chinese culture and customs. By the end of the course, you should be able to […]
Introduction to Pattern Weaving on a Rigid Heddle Table Loom
During this course you will learn to design and weave your own fabrics in a wide selection of colours and patterns on a Rigid Heddle Table Loom. You can sample a range of both traditional and contemporary patterns, explore techniques for textured picks, and learn about creating cloth for different end-uses. We will start with […]
Abstract Drawing
Join Callum Abbott in his first Settlement course in abstract drawing. Learn how to free your mind, and not simply draw what you see, but draw what you feel. We will be exploring shape, line, pattern as well as colour, and developing your skills to create different marks and experimenting with materials. No experience necessary, […]
The Psychology of Gender
Are men from Mars and Women from Venus? How much truth is there behind the stereotypes? This course will explore the impact of our biology on sex and gender, and look at a number of other explanations for our gender development. For instance, what is the impact of the media and the culture we live […]
Get Writing for All
These classes are ideal for anyone who enjoys writing or would like to start. No experience is necessary. The emphasis is on having fun and through a combination of reference to published texts, writing and listening, confidence is built in writing fiction and non-fiction. Short, optional homework exercises are set weekly with supportive feedback from […]
Abstract Painting
Each lesson begins with an approachable practical experiment that is later developed using various materials such as acrylic paints, watercolours, pen and ink and collage. All will be demonstrated to understand how the materials can be used in each session and constant guidance will be given throughout the course. Contemporary artists are introduced and discussed […]
Writing your Memoirs
Have you thought about writing your life story but are concerned that you will not know how? If so, this course is for you. In a supportive atmosphere, you will be offered suggestions designed to give you confidence in writing even if you have never done anything like this before. You may find that this […]
Patchwork and Quilting
A relaxed, informal class to learn the skills of machine patchwork and quilting and add a little design pizazz along the way! A range of techniques will be covered including rotary cutting, getting the best from your sewing machine, colour choices, machine piecing and quilting, and basic construction methods. There will be a fresh project […]
Get Writing for All
These classes are ideal for anyone who enjoys writing or would like to start. No experience is necessary. The emphasis is on having fun and through a combination of reference to published texts, writing and listening, confidence is built in writing fiction and non-fiction. Short, optional homework exercises are set weekly with supportive feedback from […]
Drawing for Beginners Email Correspondence
This beginners course will take you through the basics of learning how to draw. The aim is to give you the basic tools with which to practice and progress your drawing. Your Tutor will send you information and a video tutorial on the Tuesday and completed artwork should be photographed and returned prior to the […]
Drawing for Improvers Email Correspondence
This improvers course will give you the opportunity to further practise those skills learnt through the beginners’ course. Your Tutor will send you information and a video tutorial on the Tuesday and completed artwork should be photographed and returned prior to the next week’s lesson for feedback given in video format.
Botanical Art
A five-week course looking at the Botanical World. Using plants, fruits, feathers, finds, and all things Botanical, Jill will give demonstrations and guidance on the techniques used to achieve success with a variety of mediums from pencils, coloured pencils, watercolours, and pen and ink.
Provincial Manners: Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert
An opportunity to study closely in English translation the debut novel of this French writer whose eponymous, imperfect heroine is one of the great characters in world literature. When the novel was first serialised in 1856 public prosecutors in Paris attacked it for obscenity, but notoriety only made the novel more popular. Critics now consider […]
Applied Arts
This Art Club focuses on experimentation with a wide range of materials and mixed media. Taught by Chantelle Stephenson, a local artist and established tutor at the Settlement. She will provide inspiring ideas and direction on technique. Each class begins with demonstrations, and you are then encouraged to develop ideas and allow your work to […]
Woven Tapestry
Learn woven tapestry skills at your own pace. A course perfect for learning the basics in tapestry weaving and for further developing skills and woven tapestry knowledge. Choose from a selection of projects aimed at various skill levels from beginner to improver. Lucy will work with you to help you develop your weaving and design […]
Life Drawing with Collette
This is an excellent opportunity to work in a friendly and diverse group. Working directly with a different model each week, you will be able to develop and explore your own unique style. From beginners to professional artists and illustrators, these sessions are structured to enable you to practice and experiment, allowing you to broaden […]
Get Writing for All
These classes are ideal for anyone who enjoys writing or would like to start. No experience is necessary. The emphasis is on having fun and through a combination of reference to published texts, writing and listening, confidence is built in writing fiction and non-fiction. Short, optional homework exercises are set weekly with supportive feedback from […]
Contemporary Basketry Improvers
This course, suitable for improvers, builds on techniques learnt last year. We will use a variety of natural materials to further explore form and surface whilst learning some Japanese basketry techniques and considering the sculptural use of multiples.
Get Writing for All
These classes are ideal for anyone who enjoys writing or would like to start. No experience is necessary. The emphasis is on having fun and through a combination of reference to published texts, writing and listening, confidence is built in writing fiction and non-fiction. Short, optional homework exercises are set weekly with supportive feedback from […]
Three Modern Female Poets: Cope, Duffy, and Clarke
This course will explore the poetry of three of the finest poets of the past fifty or so years: Wendy Cope, Carol Ann Duffy, and Gillian Clarke. The three poets are hugely varied in subject matter and approach, but each is also both interesting and accessible. We will spend two sessions discussing each poet.
Yoga
This yoga class will serve as an introduction, each week building on what is learned. Sessions will consider the underlying philosophy for up to 15 minutes, continue with an exploration of poses and flow, and end with a relaxation.
Life Drawing
Drawing the human body is a wonderful way for anyone, from beginner to the more experienced, to improve their drawing skills. Using short and long poses, and a variety of media and materials we will explore the visual potential of the human form to create exciting images.
The Sketchbook
The Sketchbook course is an ideal course for anyone wishing to explore an idea or theme in greater detail. The course will allow you to develop drawings, prints and painting studies in an array of different mediums and techniques all guided by the tutor throughout. You will be given a hardback concertina sketchbook to develop […]
Life Drawing with Collette
This is an excellent opportunity to work in a friendly and diverse group. Working directly with a different model each week, you will be able to develop and explore your own unique style. From beginners to professional artists and illustrators, these sessions are structured to enable you to practice and experiment, allowing you to broaden […]
Patchwork and Quilting
A relaxed, informal class to learn the skills of machine patchwork and quilting and add a little design pizazz along the way! A range of techniques will be covered including rotary cutting, getting the best from your sewing machine, colour choices, machine piecing and quilting, and basic construction methods. There will be a fresh project […]
Creative Writing for Improvers
This course is for those with some basic knowledge and experience in creative writing who wish to continue to develop their skills in a supportive environment. It will focus on writing prose and the techniques used to write articles, short stories, novellas, and novels. • Develop your skills in the fundamentals of writing effective stories […]
A Journey through the Arabian Nights
The “Thousand and One Nights” known in Arabic as “Alf Layla wa Layla” are a collection of some of the greatest fables, fairy tales, stories, and historical anecdotes ever told. During these 5 weeks, Wafà will take you on a journey through the origins of the Nights, how they were collected in 938 AD in […]
Portraiture
Portrait painting is becoming increasingly fashionable in the art world. There are many painting styles that can render a stunning portrait. New Settlement tutor Komathy is introducing this portraiture course to teach how to sketch and paint portraits. Komathy will provide guidance as you start your own painting. She will teach quick painting methods, how […]
Contemporary Basketry Beginners
This course, suitable for beginners, will introduce working with willow and other natural materials. We will make some simple forms on which to explore a range of basic basketry techniques and material processes.
Oil Painting
The afternoon Thursday oil painting group is a lively, approachable and unique class. Students are encouraged to build and respond to their own natural strengths and focus on building their own unique style within the painting process. Each student shall shape a diverse narrative from their own sources of inspiration, from their own sketches, photography […]
Landscape in Acrylics
Acrylic paint is one of the most exciting and versatile mediums for creating art. In this course, suitable for improvers, students will explore a variety of techniques and methods of application through tutor demonstration and practice. Throughout the course, students will be encouraged to experiment and develop their own personal style of painting culminating in […]
France 1815-1914
This course will analyse how political, religious, and social divisions in post-1815 France led to further regime changes in 1830, 1848, and 1870. The failures the Bourbon and July monarchies will be explored as will the role of the Bonapartist myth in the success and failures of Napoleon III and how republicanism became the form […]
Woven Tapestry
Learn woven tapestry skills at your own pace. A course perfect for learning the basics in tapestry weaving and for further developing skills and woven tapestry knowledge. Choose from a selection of projects aimed at various skill levels from beginner to improver. Lucy will work with you to help you develop your weaving and design […]
125 Years of British Cinema
The British film industry represents over a century of creativity and innovation and is responsible for some of the most memorable movies ever produced – as well as some uniquely British moments. Come and explore the studios, directors, and stars that shaped an artistic and commercial powerhouse to rival that of our friends in Hollywood. […]
Italian Advanced
A lively class for students who want to practice the language and improve their fluency. This is achieved by making use of a variety of resources including magazines, newspapers, and a textbook. Student chosen themes are also encouraged to facilitate general conversational skills. Topics covered in class will be about Italian current affairs, traditions, history […]
Simply Sewing
Construct an item of clothing with a commercial pattern and gain confidence to enjoy sewing in a group and at home on your own. Lots of support will be provided by the tutor, for you to develop your sewing skills to achieve a professional finish with zips, facings, hems, gathers, darts, pressing and more. Come […]
The Art of Architecture – Ancient to the 16th Century
The Art of Architecture - Ancient to the 16th Century Come and explore the history of architecture from its beginnings in the ancient world to the present time. This three lecture overview with James Willis will take you to ancient Egypt and Rome, the French Cathedrals, English Country gardens, modern New York and so much […]
Friday Flowers
Create wonderful, seasonal floral designs and learn tips to get the best from your cut stems. With a range of floral designs from vintage to contemporary, you will try something different each week to enjoy fresh for the weekend. The course is at beginner to intermediate level but is not entirely suitable for absolute beginners, […]
Persian Empires Since the Achaemenids
The philosopher Georg Hegel trumpeted the Achaemenids as launching the historical process by creating the earliest empire in the modern sense of rule over a number of peoples. Cyrus established this great empire, from the Indus to the Aegean Sea, before the unification of China or the expansion of Rome. The Arabs might have conquered […]
Chinese Brush Painting: Flower and Bird
Suitable for beginners and improvers. We will be looking at the Chinese approach to painting flowers and birds which aims to capture the spirit of the subject rather than an exact likeness.
The Roman Empire
The Roman Empire of Augustus and Marcus Aurelius might have collapsed more than fifteen hundred years ago but it has persisted in the imaginations of Europeans around the world as the very archetype of empire. Recently we’re told (who knows on what basis) that the average European or American male thinks about the Roman Empire […]
Whose Wine is it Anyway?
Do you fancy yourself a wine connoisseur? If so then join us for a fun evening of wine tasting coupled with a quiz. Our three experts will tell you all about the wine you are tasting, but which one of them is telling the truth? With 7 to 8 different wines to taste, your guesses […]
The Art of Architecture – 17th Century
Come and explore the history of architecture from its beginnings in the ancient world to the present time. This three lecture overview with James Willis will take you to ancient Egypt and Rome, the French Cathedrals, English Country gardens, modern New York and so much more! The renaissance began an exploration of ideas which influenced […]
Macramé Wall Hanging Workshop
You will make a small wall-hanging, with simple macrame knots, to brighten up spaces around your home. You will learn how to: • Start the macrame on a wooden rod • Tie simple knots first, then various more • Make a design on paper • Choose a colour and create the wall hanging • Use […]
Viv Lucas and Friends
A fundraising evening for the Letchworth Settlement. Local singer songwriter Viv Lucas will play material from his albums Edgelands and the recently released, Nowhere in Between. He will be accompanied by Mike Burke on Keyboards and Tony McDermott on Guitar. Viv and Friends will also play songs by Neil Young, The Eagles and other West […]
Botanical Art
A five-week course looking at the Botanical World. Using plants, fruits, feathers, finds, and all things Botanical, Jill will give demonstrations and guidance on the techniques used to achieve success with a variety of mediums from pencils, coloured pencils, watercolours, and pen and ink.
The Bookshop by Penelope Fitzgerald
An elegant short novel about Florence Green, a "small, wispy and wiry" widow who in 1959 is determined to open a bookshop in a small seaside town, against polite but ruthless local opposition. Penelope Fitzgerald is herself a true original, a superb and perceptive chronicler of eccentricity as well as conformity, with a firm moral […]
A Friday Night Literary Q&A evening
The Settlement is pleased to bring together three writers to discuss the writing craft and answer questions about their work. Jane Wilson-Howarth has practised medicine in the most remote places. Her writing has travel at its heart, whether a book offering advice on staying healthy abroad or her children’s fiction set in the Himalayas and […]
Tye & Dye Workshop
Interested in upcycling your wardrobe? Or ever wondered how you can turn a plain white T-shirt into a piece of art? Come and check out the Tie and Dye workshop!
The Wright Brothers and the Science of Flight
In 1903, the Wright brothers kick-started the modern era of high-speed travel by air. With practically no data to work with, they built up their own with painstaking experimental kites and gliders. Their final mastery of powered flight is one of humanity’s greatest engineering achievements. The photographic evidence available online brings the story to life.
The Art of Architecture – 20th Century
Come and explore the history of architecture from its beginnings in the ancient world to the present time. This three lecture overview with James Willis will take you to ancient Egypt and Rome, the French Cathedrals, English Country gardens, modern New York and so much more! As the modern world expands through international trade and […]
Sustainable Christmas Tree
Make this contemporary looking willow Christmas Tree complete with its’ own star and add twinkling lights of your choice when you get home. The tree will be approximately 1m tall x 35cm in diameter. Similar to a small plant support, it is made much more decorative by the use of many spiral coils and added […]
Christmas Arts and Crafts Fair
Free Entry to Fair. Events include Raffle, Tombola, Tea, Cakes, Music and Mulled Wine.
