SUDELEY CASTLE: In the heart of the Cotswolds and steeped in 1000 years of history,
Sudeley is the final resting place of Queen Katherine Parr, was visited by Henry VIII, Anne
Boleyn and Elizabeth I and saw action during the English Civil War. In the 19th C it became
home to the Dent family of renowned glove makers. Emma Dent devoted her life to ensuring Sudeley was restored and preserved for the future. She was an expert needlewoman and avid collector of lace, textiles and other artefacts which are now on display in the
exhibition rooms at the castle.
TUTOR:Alex Stillwell taught our first Sudeley Lacemaking course in 2009, and we are pleased to welcome her back for 2011. During this course, Alex will be teaching a wide range of skills at any level to suit individual students from absolute beginners. As previously she will offer guidance in Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Honiton lace techniques; how to make and interpret patterns; designing and pattern drafting your own pieces. For those who would like to try something different, she will also offer Teneriffe techniques.
COURSE: Arrival time is flexible between Friday and Sunday tea time, which will give you 2 days to explore the area or just relax before the course begins with a welcome dinner on Sunday evening. It will end on the following Friday with afternoon tea. Lacemaking begins on Monday morning with Wednesday afternoon free. Two evening talks have been arranged, one by Alex and the other by Jean Bray (the archivist at Sudeley) and there will be an opportunity to view lace and textiles from the Emma Dent collection at the castle. For the duration of the course provisions for a continental style breakfast will be available for lacemakers in their cottages. Morning coffee, afternoon tea, a two course buffet lunch and three course dinner will be served in the Chandos Hall. Special dietary needs catered for.
ACCOMMODATION/ADDITIONAL GUESTS: Accommodation is from Friday to Friday in two storey, superior quality, self-catering cottages set around a central courtyard of the Chandos Hall. They are the perfect place to relax in private and have varied and flexible layouts, giving lacemakers the option of bringing non-lacemaking family members or guests. The cottages are in a tranquil location just a 2 minute walk from the ancient Saxon town of Winchcombe and an easy drive from many well-known picturesque Cotswold towns and villages. The major centres of Cheltenham, Gloucester, Cirencester, Oxford, Stratford upon Avon and Tewkesbury are also within easy reach. There will be plenty for your companions to do whilst you make lace.
COST: This residential lace course costs £500 for society members (£550 non members) with the option of bringing up to 3 guests and occupying a complete two bedroom cottage for the wholeweek (7 days Friday to Friday) for just an additional £165. Non-lacemaking guests are most welcome to join us for dinner if they wish and provisions for a continental style breakfast can also be made available, prices on request. Guests’ evening meals and breakfasts must be booked and paid for prior to arrival.
BOOKINGS: A non-refundable deposit of £160 per lacemaker plus an extra £50 per guest is required with all bookings, to be received by 1st February 2011. Places are limited so early booking is recommended. Click here to download a booking form.
ENQUIRIES/FURTHER INFORMATION:
To check availability contact Gwen Comfort 01789 488497 or
The Lace Society at PO Box 14463, Henley in Arden, B95 8AQ
