By Sheila Goldsworthy

OFTEN referred as ‘The Jewel in the Crown’, Denman College is the flagship of the WI’s educational establishment.

The envy of many other educational organisations, this magnificent Georgian country house of learning set in acres of impressive parkland can only be conducive to gaining knowledge and appreciation.

The Cornwall Federation is again taking over the college for three nights from Monday, May 15, to Thursday, May 18, 2017.

These Cornwall excursions to Denman are always heralded as ‘red letter days’ where the members never fail to have an unforgettable time acquiring new friends and new skills, staying in a fabulous venue and having the chance to see our delightful and renowned Cornwall room.

The 2017 students have seven courses to choose from at a cost of £460 or £515 (according to the course), which includes travel by executive coaches, accommodation, all meals and tuition.

Preference will be given for first timers and those in receipt of a WI bursary. Every interest is catered for. Closing date is the end of October.

The music course entitled ‘Elgar, the man and his music’, will examine his rise from the provincial back woods of Victorian England to becoming this country’s greatest composer. Students will study some of his lesser-known works as well as trying to discover the meaning of ‘Elgarian’.

The ‘Bumper Craft Take Away’ is the ideal course for those who love to try a medley of craft projects with a contemporary twist. Using different materials, a range of items will be made for the home or to give away as presents or even better, ideas for your own WI craft sessions.

Still staying with the crafts, ‘The Arts and Crafts Movement’ is a course designed to attract students who are interested in design. The Cotswold Arts and Crafts School has left a legacy of superb design. Visits will be made to Kelmscott Manor and Rodmarton Manor to explore the work of many talented artists inspired by William Morris.

‘Victoria Wood the Jane Austen of Comedy’ is certain to be a very popular course for those who admired this very talented comedian. With observations on sketches, songs, musicals and two of her best plays, laughter is certain to be the main ingredient of this matchless course.

‘Stained Glass for beginners’ is a superb course for those who wish to try a different subject. This is a highly satisfactory occupation, making your own stain glass panel or mirror using stained glass techniques. Long periods of standing are involved and it requires strong hands.

‘Baking Master Class’ will cover a range of baking skills, pastry, cake, cookies and bread plus many more recipes and tips. The tutor is Katie Johnson who has worked with Raymond Le Blanc as a pastry chef.

‘Rambling on’ is the ideal course for those who revel in the byways of the quiet countryside with a seven to eight mile walk each day. The walking is relatively easy with occasional inclines and stiles, so a moderate level of fitness is required.

This visit, arranged every two years, is such a golden opportunity for our Cornish members to experience the Denman magic. Our Denman Ambassador Kathy Reed can be contacted on 01288 361160 and will be happy to supply further details or any information on other Denman courses.

Two members have been recently lucky in winning bursaries, Sarah Symons of Wilcove for the Denman Dip for a two night course of her choice and Lesley Lewes of Helston won the Ashford Ayres Bursary for a first timer.

Cornwall’s time at Denman could be unique, as the college itself is under threat because much needed money is required for upkeep and maintenance, and all WI’s have been asked to contribute to preserve this part of our WI heritage and many have already organised fundraising events.

An update is featured each month in ‘WI Life’ with very helpful examples of fun with fund raising. The appeal asks federations, WI’s and members to donate a suggested amount of £10 per person over the next two years.

However any donation would be welcome to keep our much-loved learning institution secure for all future WI members.