Frome Community Education has some intriguing new items on the agenda for this autumn’s classes which started on 22nd September.
This home-grown social enterprise is always looking for new ways to get people out of the house to learn skills and make new friends and also to offer local tutors the opportunity to share their knowledge.
This year film buffs can try ‘History of Film’, a journey from cinema’s tentative beginnings up to the digital age; readers can learn more about Jane Austen from David Lassman, former director of the International Jane Austen Festival or learn how the West Country inspired the Romantic Poets with academic Woody River.
As Frome isn’t short of budding writers there are courses for those who think they have a book in them, want to write poetry, who would like to write a script for TV or film or who need help in marketing and publishing their own work. For the more business minded there is also writing for marketing and publicity to get the business idea out there.
For the Frome ‘alternatives’ there is ‘Thinking & Being Green’, a look at new ways of being sustainable which is led by local eco-poet Helen Moore. ‘Upcycling’, which involves regenerating your own objects or items of furniture, promises to be both fun and practical.
There is always a variety of art classes and this year a series on the basics with local artist Kate Cochrane is on offer whilst David Chandler will run his popular classes at the cricket club including ‘Portraiture’ and ‘Life Drawing.’ This year Basketry is being taught by local craftsperson Mary Cross and Linocuts are also back with Steven Jenkins.
Margaret Binney who helps to organise the classes was keen to stress that students of all abilities are welcome. She said, “All of our tutors love to meet new students whether they’re starting from scratch or want to improve their skills and the students always enjoy the opportunity to learn from each other.”
Focusing more on health, a five week course on ‘Food and Wellbeing’ will explore how to take care of ourselves and learn a more pleasurable approach to food issues. ‘Going Solo in the Kitchen’ offers easy meals for one and, starting in November, ‘Cooking for Christmas’ brings new ideas for the family feast.
This autumn Frome Comm Ed’s exercise classes are going global. Joining Yoga and Dance Fusion Fitness, there will be Belly Dancing, Hawaiian Hula and Tripudio Movement, a gentle exercise for the less mobile. Elaine Ewans will return with her popular meditation and gentle yoga classes held both at the Cheese and Grain and the Key Centre.
Organiser Sue Klepper said, “We’re really looking forward to welcoming some new students this year with the unusual classes we have on offer. Some of the classes are already full, so we want people to get down to the Cheese and Grain and book up as soon as possible.”
All classes can be booked at the Cheese & Grain. For more information pick up a brochure or take a look at the website: www.fromecommed.org.uk