101qsbookletlores

SHORT RESIDENTIAL LEISURE COURSES Answers to the 101 key questions you may have

For all those who love lifelong learning

CONTENTS Introduction ............................................................................ 3 Types of Short Courses .................................................... 4 The Venues ............................................................................... 9 What about the Food? ......................................................17 The Other Students ...........................................................19 Partners, Children, Pets ...................................................20 Booking ......................................................................................20 Cancellations ...........................................................................21 Background to Adult Residential

Short Courses .........................................................22 Contact ......................................................................................23

CopyrightŠ2014 Liza Jones All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior writing permission of the author.

INTRODUCTION Short courses, such as weekend leisure activities, give you access to a treasure trove of opportunities across a wide range of subjects. When you join a residential weekend course, you take part in a very special experience. You will become part of a group of like-minded people who have an interest in your selected subject.

And by being residential for a couple of days, you will benefit not just in the tutored sessions, but also from an exchange of ideas and knowledge during the breaks and over a meal, or a relaxing drink in the free moments, when you can discover how others have different perspectives, ideas and approaches to your chosen topic.

My own career started as a science teacher, but very soon I switched to commerce and through my company, Abucon, have run numerous business workshops and seminars over the last 30 years.

I have also joined many weekend residential courses as a student on subjects as diverse as patchwork, journalism, encaustic art, silk painting, machine embroidery and public speaking.

With the withdrawal by many local authorities of their subsidies to adult education, and the subsequent closures of several venues, we decided to expand our workshops to fill this gap and provide suitable residential courses which we hold at a selection of carefully selected venues.

As director of Anglia Leisure Learning Ltd, I have therefore prepared this Guide to answer the many questions we receive from potential students.

If you are thinking of taking a course, but have some questions, then I do hope that I have provided answers for you here.

Liza Jones

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TYPES OF SHORT COURSES 1. What are adult short courses?

Many short courses are residential over a weekend, giving you ample opportunity to get to know not just your tutor, but also your fellow students. Even the one-day courses provide a chance to exchange ideas not just in the tutored sessions, but also over the lunch break.

2. What are weekend residential courses?

These two-day courses offer you the opportunity to learn a new skill, or expand your knowledge and experience of a much-loved hobby or interest. A surprising amount of content can be packed into a weekend residential course.

For those who are retired, or living alone, weekends can sometimes be somewhat lonely, but no one on a weekend course will feel on their own. Friendships are made quickly through mutual interests, and a relaxed atmosphere encourages everyone to join in and participate in a range of activities.

If you are still working during the week, a weekend break allows you to pursue your hobbies and pastimes without eating into your annual leave allowance.

3. What are the usual timings for weekend courses?

For Anglia Leisure Learning weekend courses, you will normally arrive between 5-6:30 pm on a Friday afternoon, but if you would like to come earlier, many venues will let you have access to your bedroom from around 2 or 3 pm. You can then relax on site before starting your course that evening. Most courses finish on the Sunday afternoon, often with tea and home-made cakes before you leave at around 4 pm.

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

Yes, but do let us know in advance, so we can advise your tutor and the venue.

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

We may be able to arrange for a cold supper to be kept for you on the Friday evening, but again please let us know well in advance.

6. Can I leave early on the Sunday?

If you are planning to leave early, do tell us in advance, and we can let the tutor know. They may then be able to adjust your tuition to accommodate an early departure.

7. What are one-day courses?

These are ‘stand alone’ sessions, usually giving around 5 hours’ tuition plus a relaxed break when lunch is served.

8. What are the usual timings for one-day courses?

Exact timings for one-day courses vary depending on the tutor’s timetable, but many start at 10 am and finish at 4 pm or 4:30 pm.

9. What is the range of subjects offered?

We offer many different courses in the arts and crafts fields, along with a diverse selection of hobby and general interest subjects.

Examples of craft subjects covered include patchwork and quilting, creative textiles, collage and stitch, machine embroidery, machined textile landscapes, beading and bobbin lace making, and jewellery making. Art courses range from painting and charcoal drawing, pastels, watercolours and botanical illustrations through to calligraphy.

General interest courses on offer include playing the ukulele, bird watching and garden design, among others. And there is a selection of courses relating to areas such as short story and creative writing, history, public speaking and journalism.

10. The subject I am interested in is not on the list. Can you help?

If you are part of a group or know a number of others who are interested in your chosen subject, then we may well be able to help, including identifying and commissioning a suitable tutor if required. In this case we handle all the administration, bookings, insurance, licences, etc, for you. All you need to do is turn up and enjoy yourselves! Please contact us and we will then see what is possible.

11. Are there any entry qualifications?

No; apart from an interest in the course subject, enthusiasm to become involved and a sense of humour.

12. Are there any examinations?

No; these are courses that people come on to enjoy themselves, and while they may well be learning new skills, they do not have the burden of having to sit an examination at the end.

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

Not usually; these courses are for fun and pleasure rather than academic qualifications.

14. Who are the other students?

The other students may be like you or may be quite different, but they will have a common interest in the subject of the course.

15. Is the structure of the courses formal or informal?

Although there is a basic outline to courses, many are run by tutors on a more informal basis. This enables students who have varying levels of skill, different personalities and a variety of requirements all to gain substantially from their participation.

16. What is the ambience like on a course?

Tutors like happy and contented students. As such, the ambience on courses is relaxed, friendly and enjoyable.

17. Will I have a choice of what I do on a course?

Some courses offer a range of activities, while others follow a somewhat more focused approach. If there is a variety of options, we will let you know before you arrive.

18. Will I receive individual attention?

Yes, tutors are well accustomed to giving individual support and guidance to each student, taking into account the varied knowledge and skill levels of different people.

19. Does the tutor provide any tools or equipment to use?

In some cases the tutor will provide a selection of tools for student use on the course. In other cases, tutors offer students the chance to purchase kits for use in the course. Full details are given in the individual course brochures.

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20. Will I need to bring my own tools or equipment?

It depends on the subject of the course, but if you are doing something like photography, jewellery making or lace making, you may well already have some tools or equipment of your own. For some sewing and textile courses you will need to bring a sewing machine and sewing kit. A full list of students’ requirements will be given in your course brochure.

21. Will the tutor demonstrate techniques?

Yes, tutors use a range of demonstration techniques, sometimes working with the group as a whole and sometimes helping individual students.

22. What are the health and well-being benefits of short courses?

There are considerable benefits to be gained from time spent interacting with others and having an opportunity to exchange ideas and thoughts. And by keeping your brain active and stimulated, you may well find that you no longer have time to notice any aches and pains.

23. What are the benefits of personal development?

Through personal development you will find that you can grow and often achieve far more than you ever thought possible. You may well uncover a love for a new hobby or develop an innate skill which will give you great satisfaction.

24. What is ‘lifelong learning’?

Lifelong learning is often seen as a philosophy of learning for its own sake. If you are often curious to discover new things, and have an open mind to unearth something different, no matter how long it is since you left full-time education, you are an advocate of lifelong learning.

“The workshop was inspiring, absorbing and fun”

25. What is the concept of ‘living and learning’?

Many students find that they grow as individuals as a direct result of the residential experience found on these short adult courses. Those who are quiet and shy often blossom, while extroverts benefit from being with groups of diverse personalities, some of whom they may not meet in their everyday lives.

26. What is meant by a ‘safe learning environment’?

A safe learning environment is one where all individuals feel comfortable to express their thoughts and ideas, giving everyone good access to learning. Students are encouraged to ask questions and provide input, and the tutors use such activities to gauge students’ levels of understanding and enhance their skills.

Students are not judged, nor made to appear incompetent, but rather encouraged and coaxed by the tutors who provide positive feedback to help students accomplish their desired outcome. Often students achieve far more than they had thought possible, taking home new skills and a selection of work that they have created.

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27. What is included in weekend courses?

Your course includes all tuition and access to the syndicate (course) and other rooms, meals, morning and afternoon refreshments, your bedroom (which will usually be en-suite but may be standard, depending on the venue and your preference), and use of the general on-site facilities at the venue.

28. What is included in one-day courses?

Your course includes all tuition and access to the syndicate and other rooms, lunch, morning and afternoon refreshments and use of the general on-site facilities at the venue.

29. Who are the tutors?

The tutors have been carefully chosen for their breadth of skills in their selected discipline, coupled with their ability to transfer their knowledge to students and an expertise in conveying their know-how in ways that all can understand.

“I loved the expert tutor and companionship of the other students”

30. What sort of experience do tutors have?

Tutors are well known and many have numerous years’ experience in running adult courses, often building up a strong following. They are not only specialists in their particular subjects, but they also have an empathy with students and their needs, and are well used to encouraging beginners while helping experienced students to expand their skills and knowledge.

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. As such, they are often asked to give talks, run seminars or be guest demonstrators at exhibitions. Quite a few of our tutors have written books on their selected subjects. Many have a website and some run blogs – just key their name and subject into Google and see what you find.

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32. Do tutors teach students with all levels of knowledge?

Yes, tutors are used to helping groups of students who bring with them varied levels of knowledge. They tailor their approach accordingly, supporting beginners throughout courses, being a fountain of knowledge with many tips and hints, while acting as a resource for more advanced students.

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

While it will depend to some extent on the subject matter, tutors are well aware that virtually all groups will have some degree of mixed ability, and plan accordingly.

34. What are the benefits of short residential courses?

Short courses are an ideal way to taste a subject that you may not have tried before, discover a new interest or expand on an existing hobby. And you will have fun as you gain skills and boost your knowledge.

“A good weekend in lovely surroundings”

The intensive engagement both with the tutor and your fellow students will inspire you to learn different techniques and accomplish surprising pieces of work. Our tutors offer expert one-to-one tuition and guidance tailored to your specific level of experience. Discover how a little learning can change lives.

35. Where do I find residential courses?

As with most things today, the Web is the best source of information. Put the subject of your choice plus the words ‘residential course’ or ‘weekend course’ (eg ‘patchwork weekend course’, or ‘beading residential course’) and possibly a location (eg ‘Suffolk’ or ‘Birmingham’) into Google and you should find a selection of what is on offer.

36. How do I know the course provider is reputable?

Reputable course providers will be associated with Leisure Courses and its forerunner, the trade association, ARCA. 37. Who are Leisure Courses?

Leisure Courses run a Web portal, providing information about and links to professional providers of short residential courses for adults interested in lifelong learning. (www.leisurecourses.net)

THE VENUES 38. What are the venues like?

Venues for residential courses vary from luxury stately homes to traditional student accommodation, with a range of fees to match.

Anglia Leisure Learning uses, in the main, several middle-range comfortable venues, such as the three-star Belstead Brook Hotel, (Ipswich) three-star Hillscourt (just south of Birmingham) and Belsey Bridge Conference Centre (by Bungay, Suffolk). We produce separate leaflets about each individual location, but general information on some venues used is given below.

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39. What is Belstead Brook Hotel like?

Belstead Brook was originally a Jacobean hunting lodge, but today combines historic charm and character with the best of a modern three-star hotel. Situated on the edge of Ipswich, Suffolk, close to the junction of the A12 /A14 and a couple of miles from Ipswich station, it is easily accessible.

The 88 en-suite bedrooms are well appointed, with 4ft beds in those for single occupancy. Each room has a TV, seating area, free wifi and tea and coffee-making facilities. Bathrooms have baths and/or showers, with complimentary shampoo and bubble bath and, of course, bedrooms are serviced daily.

There are two twin rooms with special lower beds and baths with assistance handles for disabled visitors. A wheelchair lift is in the main reception and a seated stairlift on the stairs leads to the restaurant. There is also a conventional vertical passenger lift between the ground, first and second floors.

There is a complimentary porter service to help you with your cases. Room service is available on request, chargeable to the guest’s own account which must be settled before departure.

Meals are freshly prepared by the in-house team and special diets can be catered for by prior arrangement. Breakfast and lunch are buffet style, with table d’hôte service for the evening meal. The hotel has a well-stocked bar where you can purchase drinks to have with your meals or in the evening. The hotel is set in 9 acres of elegant grounds which lead to a number of public footpaths for local walks, if you want a breath of fresh air.

A special feature of Belstead Brook is its in-house Leisure Club. As a resident on one of our courses, you can check in from 2 pm on your day of arrival and you will have free use of the indoor swimming pool, whirlpool, sauna, steam room and solarium throughout your stay. There is also a well-equipped gym. Leisure Centre towels are provided, but do bring a bath robe if you wish.

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A wide range of treatments is offered by the hotel’s Blissful Spa, if you really want to spoil yourself (please pre-book treatments prior to arrival). So, pamper yourself when you arrive and you will be relaxed and ready for dinner and the first session of your course on the Friday evening.

40. What is Belsey Bridge like?

Belsey Bridge is a conference centre on the Suffolk/ Norfolk borders, just outside Bungay, catering specifically for people wanting to relax and enjoy themselves while gaining extra skills and making friends in a safe environment.

Belsey Bridge is run by the Christian Conference Trust and, while there are many religious organisations that use its facilities, they also have a wide range of secular and commercial organisations as clients.

Originally built in the middle of the 19th century as a school for clergy orphans, Belsey Bridge then became an industrial school and was a girls’ boarding school for many years until 1990. The buildings underwent major refurbishment in 1999, with the addition of a new link wing and en-suite facilities for many bedrooms.

Today it offers 82 comfortable but basic bedrooms, three conference rooms and five syndicate rooms for tuition. Most bedrooms are en-suite with showers, but there are some standard rooms that have access to shared facilities. There are two bedrooms designed for disabled people, complete with en-suite wet rooms.

In line with its position as top quality student accommodation, bedrooms are pleasant but modestly furnished. Students are expected to make their own beds, and remove linen at the end of their stay. Early morning and night-time drinks can be made in the kitchens on each corridor.

Belsey Bridge is well known for its excellent home cooking, use of local produce and, where possible, fresh food. Its in-house team excel in catering for special diets, provided that prior notice is given. The centre has an alcohol licence, but guests can bring their own wine on payment of a modest corkage charge. Meals in the dining room are all self-service with students clearing their plates onto a trolley.

Sports and recreational facilities include an outdoor swimming pool for summer use, and two hard-standing tennis courts.

A couple of rackets and some balls are available to borrow, as is a set of boules.

There is also a table tennis table with bats and balls. There are several lounge areas for relaxation, and free wifi throughout the complex. The centre is set in extensive grounds of 20 acres in the heart of the East Anglian countryside.

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41. What is Hillscourt like?

Hillscourt is located just outside Rednal on the south side of Birmingham. It is close to the M5 and M42 motorways and near to Longbridge train station, with its direct access to Central Birmingham. Set in attractive gardens with grounds running to 25 acres, this centre nestles in the beautiful wooded Lickey Hills, and offers a tranquil backdrop to your course.

The venue has recently been refurbished to an excellent standard and is now equivalent to a good three star hotel rating, with many facilities including free wifi.

‘Great weekend retreat”

Hillscourt has 36 single bedrooms with 3ft 6ins beds and duvets.

There are also a dozen double bedrooms and, to meet the needs of disabled guests, three rooms have been specially adapted, one of which is a twin to cater for a disabled person and their carer. All public areas are accessible to people in wheelchairs, as are bedrooms 1 to 8.

All bedrooms are en-suite and well appointed with facilities such as a seating area, TV, phone, hair dryer and a safe for your valuables. The en-suites have showers (no baths) and are provided with liquid soap and decent-sized towels. There are tea and coffee-making facilities in the bedrooms. Rooms are serviced daily.

Hillscourt offers first-class catering, based on fresh produce and home cooking. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style, and the three-course evening meal is table d’hôte service, allowing guests to relax after a busy day. Special diets can be catered for with prior notice. A moderately priced wine list is available.

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There is a large bar, where you can relax with a drink or buy wine to have with your meals in the restaurant. Alternatively, you can purchase bistro food in the bar if you prefer, rather than eating the set menu that is included in your course fees in the restaurant.

42. What will I need to bring?

The usual things you would take when staying away for a couple of nights. If you need to bring any special things for your course, these will be set out under Student Requirements in the course brochure. Walking shoes might be useful at any time of the year, as all our selected venues have extensive grounds, and are set in the countryside.

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

Your Anglia Leisure Learning representative will do their best to help where they can, as will the venues.

“Welcome pack was much appreciated”

The reception at Hillscourt carries some overnight packs with toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, comb, etc, available for a nominal charge of £2.

At Belsey Bridge there is a small in-house honesty shop, which can often supply those key things that you may have left behind.

And at Belstead Brook Hotel there is small stock of toiletries available from reception for that vital item that may have been forgotten.

44. What is the bedroom accommodation like?

The bedrooms vary depending on the venue you choose.

Belstead Brook Hotel offers wellappointed bedrooms with traditional hotel décor. The 4ft beds have duvets and are complemented by a comfortable seating area with an armchair, where you can relax and watch TV. Other features include tea and coffee-making facilities, phone, a hair dryer, and an iron and ironing board. Bathrooms have baths and/or showers and are provided with luxury towels and basic toiletries.

Rooms are serviced daily.

Most bedrooms at Belsey Bridge are single and have a light and airy décor, a bed with a duvet, bedside light and cabinet, a simple chair and small study area. A towel and soap are provided, and standard rooms have a hand basin.

En-suites have a basin, shower and WC. You make your own bed and are asked to clear the bed linen on your last day, placing it in the linen baskets provided.

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Hillscourt bedrooms are spacious and comfortably furnished, as you would expect in a three-star hotel.

Beds have duvets, and there are nice touches like a box of tissues and a sachet of hot chocolate by the kettle, along with a hair dryer in each room.

And naturally, rooms are serviced each day.

45. Can I have en-suite facilities?

Yes, most bedrooms are en-suite with a shower, basin and toilet. Some of the bedrooms at Belstead Brook Hotel also have baths.

All bedrooms in both Belstead Brook Hotel and Hillscourt Conference Centre are en-suite.

46. I don’t need en-suite.

Belsey Bridge offers a limited number of standard bedrooms, which have ready access to shared showers and bathing facilities.

47. Can we have a twin room?

There is a small number of twin rooms in most venues.

48. Can we have a double room?

Again, most venues have some double rooms, and offer a few family rooms (although we do not take people under 18 on our courses).

49. Can I bring electrical items (eg laptop, hair dryer)?

Yes, but for everyone’s safety, these should either hold a PAT (portable appliance testing) certificate or be under one year old.

50. Are there facilities for disabled guests?

Yes, all the venues used have some facilities for disabled people. Just let us know what you need when you book and we will check availability with the venue.

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Hillscourt has made a point of providing accommodation for disabled visitors, including one bedroom for a disabled guest and their carer.

Belsey Bridge has two bedrooms (one single and one with a double bed) that have wet room en-suite facilities. The special single room is spacious and can easily be accessed by a guest in a wheelchair.

These rooms and many other bedrooms are on the ground floor. There are also two other wet rooms for general use.

The hotel at Belstead Brook is somewhat limited in access for disabled people in some areas, due to its listed status, although it has a conventional lift between floors, a wheelchair lift in the main reception, and a stairlift leading to the restaurant.

Two twin bedrooms have been adapted for disabled visitors with special lower beds and baths with assistance handles.

“The course room was ideal - space, light and teaching”

Many syndicate rooms at venues are ground floor, with easy access to dining rooms and reception areas. Some course rooms at Belstead Brook Hotel are on the first floor, only reached by stairs, but there is a porter service to help with sewing machines etc. Some Hillscourt syndicate rooms are air-conditioned and all have good wheelchair access.

If you have special needs, please check with us before booking.

51. Are there any wet rooms where I can use a wheelchair?

Yes, both Belsey Bridge and Hillscourt have several bedrooms, designated for disabled guests, with wet rooms. At Belsey Bridge there are also two disabledaccess wet rooms, which guests who are staying in rooms without en-suite facilities may use.

Hillscourt also has one especially large twin bedroom with a disabled-access wet room – ideal for a student and carer, or two people where one is disabled – as well as two other rooms designed for disabled guests.

Belstead Brook Hotel does not have any wet rooms for wheelchair use.

52. Is there a television in my room?

Both Belstead Brook and Hillscourt have televisions in all the bedrooms.

Belsey Bridge bedrooms do not have televisions, but most students find that they become so absorbed in their course and making new friends that they forget about such things, or even what is happening in the outside world.

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53. Are there telephones in the bedrooms?

Yes, there are phones in the bedrooms at both Belstead Brook and Hillscourt.

External phone calls are charged to the resident’s own account, which must be settled before leaving.

There are no room phones at Belsey Bridge, but most people use mobile phones these days.

54. Is there wifi in bedrooms?

Free wifi is included at all the venues we use, and is normally accessible throughout the complexes including bedrooms and grounds, but occasionally in some areas it may not be perfect.

55. What about parking?

There are large car parks with ample free parking close to the main centre buildings at all the venues.

56. What about access to the site?

Belstead Brook is on the edge of Ipswich, Suffolk, about 5 minutes’ drive from the A12 / A14 junction, or some 5 minutes by taxi from Ipswich train station.

Belsey Bridge is about two miles from Bungay, along a narrow country lane, surrounded by fields. It is about 15 minutes from the local train station at Beccles.

Hillscourt is some 5 minutes from Longbridge station with direct access to Central Birmingham, and about 8 minutes’ drive from the M5 and M42 motorways.

We will give you detailed directions to your venue shortly before your course is due to run.

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

Each venue has a designated outside smoking area. Smoking is not allowed elsewhere on sites.

58. I can’t drive; can I still come?

Yes. There are train services close to all venues. Ipswich station is about 5 minutes by taxi from Belstead Brook. Beccles station is about 15 minutes from Belsey Bridge. (Both stations are served by Liverpool Street, Ipswich and Norwich lines).

Longbridge station, with its direct access to Central Birmingham, is 5 minutes’ taxi ride from Hillscourt.

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59. Can I get a taxi from the station?

Yes, we can provide you with details of local taxi services that will pick you up at the station and bring you to the venue, returning you to the station at the end of your course. You may be well advised to book a taxi.

WHAT ABOUT THE FOOD? 60. What is the food like?

Most recipes are traditional British food with a sprinkling of European and Asian dishes, such as mild curry and sweet and sour.

Feedback from past students shows that they rate the food as ‘excellent’.

Breakfasts and lunches are buffet service. Lunch is two courses, with dishes like quiche or pizza and a salad bar. Dinner is normally somewhat more substantial.

Both Belstead Brook and Hillscourt have table d’hôte service for dinner. There is always a fresh fruit bowl, and tea or coffee with both meals.

61. Are the meals cooked on site?

Yes. All meals are freshly cooked on site.

62. Is local produce used in meals?

Yes, venues use fresh local produce from regional suppliers as far as possible, except for the odd frozen pea!

63. Are vegetarian options available?

Yes, but please let us know at time of booking.

64. Are vegan options available?

Yes, but please let us know at time of booking.

“The vegan food was truly exceptional. I was surprised how varied it was and I really enjoyed it.”

65. Are special diets catered for? (eg lactose/glucose/gluten intolerant) Yes, provided there is a genuine need for such diets and that you let us know well in advance.

66. Is there a choice of menu?

Yes, there is a variety of different dishes at all venues for both lunch and dinner, and breakfast is buffet style.

At Belstead Brook Hotel guests choose their evening meal during the afternoon so that the kitchen can prepare their selection.

There is always a choice of main courses at Belsey Bridge, but if you are last in the queue, your first preference may no longer be available.

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67. Who cooks the meals?

There is an in-house team of qualified chefs and cooks who prepare the meals at each venue.

68. Is there counter or table service?

There is buffet service for breakfast and lunch at Belstead Brook and Hillscourt, with table d’hôte service for dinner.

All meals at Belsey Bridge are counter service.

69. Do venues have an alcohol licence?

Yes, and you can buy drinks in the bar to have with your meals.

70. Can I bring my own wine or beer?

Some venues have alcohol licences that prevent guests bringing in their own alcohol. Please check with us for details.

71. Is there a corkage charge?

Where a venue will allow you to bring your own alcohol, there is likely to be a small corkage charge of around £3, but please check with us.

72. What about morning and afternoon refreshments?

Mid-morning there is tea or coffee with biscuits and in the afternoon there is tea or coffee with cakes, which are often home made.

73. What about drinking water?

Drinking water is available from water fountains and at mealtimes.

74. And what about soft drinks?

Squash can be purchased in the bar at both Belstead Brook and Hillscourt.

At Belsey Bridge complimentary squash is available in the dining room at meal times and in the kitchens by the bedrooms.

75. What about early morning drinks?

Both Belstead Brook and Hillscourt have tea and coffee-making facilities in the bedrooms.

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At Belsey Bridge you are welcome to make early morning drinks when you wake up.

A variety of teas, coffee, milk, squash, etc, are provided in the communal kitchens by the bedrooms.

76. What about night-time drinks?

Hillscourt provide sachets of drinking chocolate in the bedrooms.

You are welcome to make night-time drinks at Belsey Bridge. Tea, coffee, milk, squash, etc, are provided in the communal kitchens by the bedrooms. Horlicks can be purchased from the in-house honesty shop.

And at Belstead Brook Hotel you can always make a night-time drink in your room.

Pop a sachet of your favourite Ovaltine or Horlicks drink in your case when packing for your stay at the hotel.

77. Is there any room service?

There is room service (charged extra to your account) available at Belstead Brook. Hillscourt and Belsey Bridge do not offer room service.

“Relaxed atmosphere - opportunity to do lots of work uninterrupted”

THE OTHER STUDENTS 78. What if I go on my own and do not know anyone?

Do not worry. You will receive a warm welcome, and if you know no one when you arrive, you will very soon start to make friends with the other students on your course. In fact, these courses are ideal for people coming on their own and wanting to meet like-minded others who have a common interest.

79. How many students register on a course?

Courses usually have between 8 to 15 students, but this can vary. Occasionally we run courses with fewer students.

80. What about free time?

You can choose what you want to do in the free time, and many people find that this offers an opportunity to get to know others, exchange ideas and discuss what they have been doing during the tuition sessions.

When the weather is good, students can relax in the venues’ extensive grounds.

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PARTNERS, CHILDREN, PETS 81. Are partners welcome?

Yes, they can come and stay, and during the tuition sessions they can do their own thing.

82. Are children allowed?

No, these are adult courses so everyone is 18+.

83. Are pets allowed?

No, pets are not allowed with the exception of assistance dogs. If you have an assistance dog, please let us know when booking so we can advise and confirm with the venue.

BOOKING 84. What are fee levels?

Fees depend on the venue, the specific course and the facilities you choose, but most courses are around ÂŁ300 for an en-suite bedroom for a weekend course fully inclusive. Where available, the charge for standard rooms is a little less.

85. How do I choose a course?

Take a look at the Anglia Leisure Learning website at www.anglialeisurelearning.co.uk where you will find an up-todate list of available courses, along with downloadable flyers giving individual course information, and details of how to get a booking form.

The website is regularly updated and new courses are added throughout the year, so if the course you want is not there, keep looking and it may well go up on the website in the coming weeks. Or ask us, and we may be able to add a course on your special subject.

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86. How do I book a course and secure my place?

Once you have chosen your course, please ask us for a booking form for that specific course. You can do this by phone on 020 7834 1066 or email at info@anglialeisurelearning.co.uk. Then print out and complete the booking form and send it to us along with your deposit to secure your place on your selected course.

87. Will you confirm my booking?

Yes, when we receive your completed booking form and deposit, we will come back to you to confirm that we have allocated you a place on your chosen course.

88. What are the booking terms and conditions?

There are standard terms and conditions for booking the courses and a copy of the terms will be supplied to you with the booking form.

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

Six weeks before your course starts.

90. Are courses commercial or subsidised by taxes?

These are commercial courses and do not receive any state or other subsidy.

CANCELLATIONS 91. What happens if I cancel?

If you cancel your booking, this must be in writing. There is a sliding scale of refunds depending on when you cancel, but deposits are not refundable. Full details are set out in the booking terms and conditions.

92. If I’m ill, have an accident or bereavement, will I get my money back?

If you are unable to come on a course, you may transfer the booking to another course or another student, provided that we are advised at least 28 days before the course is due to run and that the replacement student completes an application form and accepts the terms and conditions of booking. (But see the question below about insurance.)

93. What about insurance?

We recommend that you take out appropriate travel and course cancellation insurance to cover you in case you have to cancel through illness, bereavement or other unforeseen circumstances. Have a look at Google where you will find companies offering short course cancellation insurance.

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We also recommend that you check your household insurance to see if it provides cover for your personal items (such as a sewing machine) and possessions that you might bring with you and, if necessary, provides cover for any accidental or malicious damage that you may cause at the venue.

You should take out appropriate insurance cover.

94. What happens if my course is cancelled?

If Anglia Leisure Learning cancels a course, you can request a full refund of course fees, or you can transfer your fees to another course if you prefer.

BACKGROUND TO ADULT RESIDENTIAL SHORT COURSES 95. What is the background to short residential courses?

The concept of adults living and learning together on short courses was developed in the 19th century by Pastor NFS Grundvig and others after seeing how students and tutors interacted together at Oxford and Cambridge universities.

96. What is the history of adult residential courses?

Residential adult education through short courses was originally imported from Denmark in the 1930s, but really took root after the Second World War. Initially, many colleges were run by local authorities but soon other colleges from the private sector joined the movement.

More recently, with the cutbacks in public spending, most local authorities have withdrawn their subsidies and a number of local-authority run colleges that previously offered adult residential short courses have now closed.

97. What about adult residential education in the 21st century?

Today’s residential learning has been described as offering lifelong benefits.

It complements other forms of adult education, as well as being a learning opportunity in its own right.

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It provides a liberal approach to learning while placing an emphasis on enjoyment and personal development. Participants come from all age ranges, from 18 to 88 and beyond, with strong support from mature students and female learners.

The friendly, welcoming environment is particularly appreciated by people living alone who come on a weekend course to be pampered and looked after, while at the same time having an opportunity to develop their skills and make friends. The benefits to health and enhanced well-being are considerable and should not be underestimated.

Tutors are frequently the most skilled and experienced specialists in their fields and offer teaching of a very high standard.

98. What is the background to Anglia Leisure Learning Limited?

Anglia Leisure Learning Limited is a relatively new company. After an initial series of pilot courses, the company was incorporated in September 2013. But running adult courses is not new to the team. The director, Liza Jones, and her colleagues have been successfully providing business seminars and workshops for over 30 years.

Conscious that students who were previously used to subsidised course rates do not want top end luxury, but wishing to provide first class tutors and accommodation that is welcoming and comfortable, Anglia Leisure Learning set its position in the middle of the market, offering fully inclusive weekend courses with en-suite bedrooms starting at around ÂŁ300.

CONTACT 99. How can I contact you?

The easiest ways to contact us are by email (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 somewhat longer to respond this way.

100. What are the opportunities for tutors?

If you are a tutor and would like to be considered for work with Anglia Leisure Learning, please get in touch either by email or letter, indicating your subjects and previous experience of working with adult students.

101. I can’t find an answer to my question here Then please send an email to info@anglialeisurelearning.co.uk and we will be happy to answer your question.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

A number of sources have gone into the preparation of this Guide. In particular I want to thank Belstead Brook Hotel, Hillscourt and Belsey Bridge Conference Centre for allowing us to use some material that is their copyright.

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For further information and booking details go to: www.anglialeisurelear ning.co.uk Email: info@anglialeisurelear ning.co.uk Tel: 020 7834 1066

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