Archives: Events

One of 8 sessions. No need to have attended previous sessions. 9.30am—2.30pm Cost: £35 or £30 when 4 sessions are booked. Bring food to share.

Preserving was once a necessity for the town and country kitchen. Whilst this is no longer the case it is still a wonderful way to complete the cycle of growing your own, or to wind up a day spent foraging in the hedgerows, and home made preserves taste far better than anything commercially bought. This 2 day course is a practical hands on look at the many different methods of preserving including: jams and jellies, syrups and cordials, vinegars, drying and candying. You will learn about selecting produce, pectin contents, setting point, sterilising jars and storing the finished product. We will also decorate the jars so that they can be given as gifts. Recipes for preserves made on the course will be provided. Preserves will include some or all of the following:

• Jellies: red chilli jelly
• Christmas chutney
• Bottled fruit
• Relish
• Jam making
• Candied fruits and nuts (e.g. oranges/ hazelnuts)

9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: Two day courses are £130 (£95 concs)

Preserving was once a necessity for the town and country kitchen. Whilst this is no longer the case it is still a wonderful way to complete the cycle of growing your own, or to wind up a day spent foraging in the hedgerows, and home made preserves taste far better than anything commercially bought. This course is a practical hands on look at the many different methods of preserving including: jams, syrups and cordials, vinegars, drying and candying. You will learn about selecting produce, pectin contents, setting point, sterilising jars and storing the finished product. We will also decorate the jars so that they can be given as gifts. Recipes for preserves made on the course will be provided.

9.30am – 4.30pm
One day course £70 ( £50 concs)

The evening starts with an introductory talk about badgers and owls with a warming bowl of soup before Chris leads us outdoors to explore – hopefully we will see badgers and at least hear owls. Chris has been giving public talks on wildlife since the age of eleven. He is a Conservation Officer for the Hawk and Owl Trust, and a regular presenter on local and national TV and radio. His main activities involve monitoring wildlife, surveying, habitat creation and acting as an advisor to landowners. 5-8pm Cost: £15 (£8 concs). Includes homemade soup before the walk.

9.00am – 5.30pm Cost: £120 adults (£95 concs) Lunch included

9.00am – 5.30pm Cost: £120 adults (£95 concs) Lunch included

Though Nicholas will adapt the course to suit the needs of each group, he would expect to cover the following over the weekend: Fire building: methods of ignition, types of lay, with a chance to practice fire by friction. Knife craft: safe and efficient use of this essential tool, learn a variety of techniques Wood craft: learn how to produce beautiful and functional pieces. Tracking and stalking: skills to give you the skills to get closer to animals. Camp fire cooking: learn how to control the fire and cook supper in a pit oven. Shelters: build natural shelters and a look at practical man-made sleeping systems, with a chance to sleep in them. Suitable for children 10+. Cost: £110 adults, £50 children (£70 concs)

Join our expert for a walk into the amazing world of mushrooms and toadstools, as we explore the woods around the villa.  Wear sturdy footwear, wet-weather cloghing, basket for collection (no carrier bags), knife (adults only!), identification book (if you have one).  Meet in the villa car park 10.15am – 12.30 pm

Booking essential 01242 890256

£3 per person; normal admission prices apply

Sophie’s Baked Delights will be giving children the the chance to whip up some Halloween-themed cupcakes, to be decorated with pumpkins, black sprinkles and spiders’ webs.

Telephone: (01451) 829992

Address: Sophie’s Baked Delights, Bella Pais, Roman way, Bourton-on-the-Water, GL54 2EW

Will you dare to visit the haunted Lodge at Halloween time?  Complete the spooky train and clair your prize!  £1.50/trail.

If you visit on Sunday 30th October, you will meet birds of prey too!  Talk to the falconers and meet the birds, or watch a flying display at 12 noon.