Classes For Adults
From Life Drawing to Zumba, Acoustic Guitar to Book Club, why not try something new or develop your existing skills in a whole range of disciplines.
We run regular and one off classes and workshops in arts, crafts and health and wellbeing. All our classes are led by friendly, experienced arts professionals and are a great opportunity to meet new people and explore new ideas.
The programme changes from season to season, so if there’s nothing that catches your eye right now, do check back next season.
Browse upcoming classes and workshops below
Creative Arts Social Club (online)
Led by professional artists Amelia Pimlott and Caroline Crawford.
Our sociable group for over 65s who want to make art, but just aren’t doing it right now - goes online!
Professional artist Amelia Pimlott leads this creative community with visual artist Caroline Crawford. Explore your arty side, grow in creative confidence, and meet new people!
5-week blocks run via Zoom with additional ideas for activities to do during the week.
Mon 16 Aug - Mon 13 Sept, Mon 27 Sept - Mon 25 Oct, Mon 8 Nov - Mon 6 Dec
10.30am – 12.30pm
£75 per 5 week term + materials (list below)
Mon 16 Aug - Mon 13 Sept: Loose painting style
Led by Caroline Crawford
We look at loose painting style, with a selection of subjects starting with a fun fashion figure painting project in inks. We will cover varied subjects including the still life, landscapes and a botanical study and explore techniques including colour blending and application and mixed media.
Mon 27 Sept - Mon 25 Oct: Indian Sculpture
Led by Amelia Pimlott
Using air drying clay, we will model figures, faces, animals and decorative elements inspired by Indian Sculpture both in relief and 3 dimensional form.
Mon 8 Nov - Mon 6 Dec: Texture
Led by Caroline Crawford
With a focus on texture we will explore different aspects of drawing and painting including proportion, one point perspective, watercolour and mixed media. Subjects will include animal portraits, a Robin study and a sunrise.
- 27 Sep
- 4 Oct
- 8 more dates...
Zen Drawing (online)
Led by Amanda Schenk
Amanda Schenk is the visual artist behind Norden Farm's much-loved (and Instagrammed) glass corridor artwork in the school holidays. Join Amanda for this new drawing course, aimed at helping to create a sense of calm and relaxation through drawing patterns.
Suitable for all abilities, the workshops will focus on building confidence in your drawing abilities - concentrating on the soothing journey of the drawing experience, rather than the finished drawing.
In each session you'll explore how to produce different types of patterns in abstract drawings - looking at different designs each week.
You will need: paper (plain, no smaller than A5), lead pencil, eraser, sharpener, black fine liner or a pen. Optional is a black marker.
Tues 7 Sept – 5 Oct, Tues 12 Oct – 16 Nov (exc 26 Oct), Tues 23 Nov – 14 Dec
11am - 12.15pm (online only)
£8 per class | £28 per 4 week course | £35 per 5 week course
Suitable for ages 18+ years
Booking cut off time: 9am on the day of each session
Watercolour Landscapes
Led by Jo Hall
This course will take you back to basics while learning from the masters. Each week exercising a basic technique will be followed by discovering how one of the great watercolourists used it to stunning effect. The artists for reference will include, Lorrain, Cotman, Girtin,and Turner.
Please bring your own watercolours and equipment as indicated on the information sheet.
Tues 7 Sept - Tues 19 Oct (exc Tues 5 Oct)
12.30pm - 3.30pm
£120 per 6 week course
Booking cut off time: 9am on Tues 7 Sept
- 28 Sep
- 12 Oct
- 1 more dates...
Norden Farm Choir
Led by Rob Castell
A non-audition community choir open to all. Working on everything from Madonna to Les Mis, from gospel to pop - this is an opportunity to meet people, learn some harmonies and sing your hearts out. No experience required. Enthusiasm absolutely necessary!
Autumn 2021
Tues 7 Sept - 30 Nov (exc 26 Oct)
7.30pm – 9pm
£10 per session | £108 per 12 week term
Twilight Zen Drawing (online)
Led by Amanda Schenk
Amanda Schenk is the visual artist behind Norden Farm's much-loved (and Instagrammed) glass corridor artwork in the school holidays. Join Amanda for this new drawing course, aimed at helping to create a sense of calm and relaxation through drawing patterns.
Suitable for all abilities, the workshops will focus on building confidence in your drawing abilities - concentrating on the soothing journey of the drawing experience, rather than the finished drawing.
In each session you'll explore how to produce different types of patterns in abstract drawings - looking at different designs each week.
You will need: paper (plain, no smaller than A5), lead pencil, eraser, sharpener, black fine liner or a pen. Optional is a black marker.
Tues 7 Sept – 5 Oct, Tues 12 Oct – 16 Nov (exc 26 Oct), Tues 23 Nov – 14 Dec
7.30pm - 8.45pm
£8 per class | £28 per 4 week course | £35 per 5 week course
Suitable for ages 18+ years
Booking cut off time: 7pm on the day of each session
Beginners Yoga
Led by Julie Potter
These classes are intended for all ages and abilities and levels of experience, although beginners are advised to attend the later class. We will practise traditional breathing techniques (pranayamas), general yoga postures (asanas) with some relaxation.
This is a blended class, taking place both in person at Norden Farm and online.
Please bring a blanket, a yoga/pilates mat, and wear loose comfortable clothing.
Wed 8 Sept - 6 Oct, Wed 13 Oct - 17 Nov (exc 27 Oct), Wed 24 Nov - 15 Dec
11am – 12.15pm
£10 per class, £35 per 5 week, £28 per 4 week course
Booking cut off time: 10am on the first day of each course
Pilates - Intermediate
Led by Zoe Brennan.
Suitable for people with some Pilates experience or those who are looking for a slightly more challenging class. Still covering alignment, breathing and centering but with more focus on strengthening and toning your body. At the end of the class we will take a few moments to relax and unwind.
You will need your own mat.
Wed 8 Sept - 6 Oct, Wed 13 Oct - 17 Nov, Wed 24 Nov- 22 Dec
12.30pm – 1.30pm
£12 per class | £60 per 6 week course | £50 per 5 week course
Booking cut off time: 12pm on the day of each session
If you are taking part online, you will find the link to access the session in your booking confirmation email
Suitable for ages 18+ years.
Pilates - Beginners
Led by Zoe Brennan.
Suitable for anyone new to Pilates or wishing to improve their flexibility, co-ordination, posture, balance, breathing and focus on stabilising the core. At the end of the class we will take a few moments to relax and unwind.
All abilities are welcome.
You will need your own mat.
Wed 8 Sept - 6 Oct, Wed 13 Oct - 17 Nov, Wed 24 Nov- 22 Dec
2pm – 3pm
£12 per class | £60 per 6 week course | £50 per 5 week course
Booking cut off time: 12pm on the day of each session
Suitable for 18+ years.
If you are taking part online, you will find the link to access the session in your booking confirmation email
Norden Farm Youth Theatre (Senior)
Led by Little Tanks
During the first term we will be focusing on enhancing and embedding performance skills. We will use various methods to achieve this including improvisation, characterisation, and voice work. You will have the opportunity to work with like-minded individuals outside of your usual peer group as well as enjoying their sessions in a fully equipped theatrical space. There will also be a series of drama activities each week that will develop your confidence and aim to boost well-being.
Suitable for ages 12 - 16 years.
Wed 22 Sept - 1 Dec
6pm - 7.30pm
£120 per 10 week term
Booking cut off time: 5pm on Wed 22 Sept
- 29 Sep
- 6 Oct
- 7 more dates...
Acoustic Guitar - Absolute Beginners
Led by Richard Lee.
Always wanted to learn guitar but never got around to it? Want to trade your air guitar skills for real guitar skills? It is never too late to learn. Learn guitar right from the beginning. These are fun and informative lessons from a guitarist with over 20 years’ experience.
Wed 1 Sept - 29 Sept, Wed 6 Oct - 10 Nov (exc 27 Oct), Wed 17 Nov - 15 Dec
7pm – 8pm
£40 per 5 week course
Booking cut off time: 6pm on the first day of each course
This class will take place both in person and online via Zoom.
You will find the link to access the session in your booking confirmation email
Suitable for 18+ years.
- 29 Sep
- 6 Oct from £40
- 9 more dates...
Acoustic Guitar - Beginners (Wed)
Led by Richard Lee.
Always wanted to learn guitar but never got around to it? Want to trade your air guitar skills for real guitar skills? It is never too late to learn. Learn guitar right from the beginning. These are fun and informative lessons from a guitarist with over 20 years’ experience.
Wed 1 Sept - 29 Sept, Wed 6 Oct - 10 Nov (exc 27 Oct), Wed 17 Nov - 15 Dec
8.30pm – 9.30pm
£40 per 5 week course
Booking cut off time: 6pm on the first day of each course
This class will take place both in person and online via Zoom.
You will find the link to access the session in your booking confirmation email
Suitable for 18+ years.
- 29 Sep
- 6 Oct from £40
- 9 more dates...
Zumba (Thursdays)
Led by Annet Bowler
Zumba with Annet is a fun, easy to follow, dance based class. Get fit and exercise in disguise to uplifting Latin rhythms!
This 60 minute class feels more than a party that exercise class. It suits all levels of ability and beginners are very welcome.
Zumba is a total workout, combining all elements of fitness – cardio, muscle conditioning, balance and flexibility.
It can help make you feel happy, healthy, strong, amazing, unstoppable and confident!
Autumn 2021
Thur 2 Sept - 23 Dec
11.30am – 12.30pm
£6 per class
Blended live at Norden Farm and online via Zoom
Suitable for ages 18+ years.
If the tutor is unavailable for a session, a replacement will be provided wherever possible.
Acoustic Guitar - Beginners (Thursdays)
Led by Richard Lee.
Always wanted to learn guitar but never got around to it? Want to trade your air guitar skills for real guitar skills? These are fun and informative lessons from a guitarist with over 20 years’ experience.
Thur 2 Sept - 30 Sept, Thur 7 Oct - 11 Nov (exc 28 Oct), Thur 18 Nov - 16 Dec
7pm – 8pm
£40 per 5 week course
Booking cut off time: 6pm on the first day of each course
This class will take place both in person and online via Zoom.
Suitable for ages 18+ years.
- 30 Sep
- 7 Oct from £40
- 9 more dates...
Acoustic Guitar - Intermediate
Led by Richard Lee.
Always wanted to learn guitar but never got around to it? Want to trade your air guitar skills for real guitar skills? It is never too late to learn. Learn guitar right from the beginning. These are fun and informative lessons from a guitarist with over 20 years’ experience.
Thur 2 Sept - 30 Sept, Thur 7 Oct - 11 Nov (exc 28 Oct), Thur 18 Nov - 16 Dec
8.30pm - 9.30pm
£40 per 5 week course
Booking cut off time: 6pm on the first day of each course.
This class will take place both in person and online via Zoom.
Suitable for 18+ years.
- 30 Sep
- 7 Oct from £40
- 9 more dates...
Little Wrigglers (Fridays)
Led by Rachel Walsh
A thrilling, energetic and creative dance class. Explore imaginative themes and adventures through dance, song and mime.
Fri 3 Sept - 17 Dec (exc Fri 17 Sept, 29 Oct, 19 Nov)
11am – 11.45am
£6 | £4.50 siblings (over 2 years) | £20 for 4 sessions a term
Suitable for ages 2+ years.
If you would like to book the offer price for 4 sessions, please enter a ticket for each date you would like to attend into your basket and the offer will apply automatically
Make Silver Jewellery 1
Led by Janet Richardson.
Beginners learn techniques including sawing, filing, polishing, ring making, stone setting, texturing, doming and soldering, to make some beautiful jewellery. More experienced participants are taken forward with their skills.
Suitable for all levels of experience. Materials cost to tutor for 5 weeks £28 (approx).
Fri 3 Sept – 1 Oct, Fri 7 Oct – 12 Nov (exc Fri 28 Oct), Fri 18 Nov – 15 Dec
11.30am – 1.30pm
£84 per course
Materials cost approx. £28 to tutor
Booking cut off time: 9am on Fri 3 Sept, Fri 7 Oct, Fri 18 Nov
Suitable for 18+ years.
Students will need to show evidence of negative lateral flow test on the day of attending.
Log your lateral flow test result through the NHS app and receive a text saying the NHS app confirms receipt of your result. Please show this to Jan at the start of class.
Face coverings must be worn during this class.
Gentle Yoga
Led by Julie Potter
These classes are intended for all ages and abilities and levels of experience, although beginners are advised to attend the later class. We will practise traditional breathing techniques (pranayamas), general yoga postures (asanas) with some relaxation.
This is a blended class, taking place both in person at Norden Farm and online.
Participants to bring a blanket, a yoga/pilates mat, and wear loose comfortable clothing.
Fri 10 Sept - 8 Oct, Fri 15 Oct - 19 Nov (exc 29 Oct), Fri 26 Nov - 17 Dec
11.30am – 12.45pm
£10 per class, £35 per 5 week course, £28 per 4 week course
Booking cut off time: 10:30am on the first day of each course
Make Silver Jewellery 2
Led by Janet Richardson
Beginners learn techniques including sawing, filing, polishing, ring making, stone setting, texturing, doming and soldering, to make some beautiful jewellery. More experienced participants are taken forward with their skills.
Suitable for all levels of experience. Materials cost to tutor for 5 weeks £28 (approx).
Fri 3 Sept – 1 Oct, Fri 7 Oct – 12 Nov (exc 28 Oct), Fri 18 Nov – 15 Dec
2pm – 4pm
£84 per course
Materials cost approx. £28 to tutor
Booking cut off time: 9am on Fri 3 Sept, Fri 7 Oct, Fri 18 Nov
Suitable for 18+ years.
Students will need to show evidence of negative lateral flow test on the day of attending.
Log your lateral flow test result through the NHS app and receive a text saying the NHS app confirms receipt of your result. Please show this to Jan at the start of class.
Face coverings must be worn during this class.
Zumba (Saturdays)
Led by Annet Bowler
Zumba with Annet is a fun, easy to follow, dance based class. Get fit and exercise in disguise to uplifting Latin rhythms!
This 60 minute class feels more than a party that exercise class. It suits all levels of ability and beginners are very welcome.
Zumba is a total workout, combining all elements of fitness – cardio, muscle conditioning, balance and flexibility.
It can help make you feel happy, healthy, strong, amazing, unstoppable and confident!
Autumn 2021
Sat 4 - 18 Dec (exc 6 and 20 Nov)
11.30am – 12.30pm
£6 per class
Blended class taking place at Norden Farm and online via Zoom
Suitable for ages 18+ years.
Zen Drawing with Colour (online)
Led by Amanda Schenk
Amanda Schenk is the visual artist behind Norden Farm's much-loved (and Instagrammed) glass corridor artwork in the school holidays. Join Amanda for this new drawing course, aimed at helping to create a sense of calm and relaxation through drawing patterns and exploring colour.
Suitable for all abilities, the workshops will focus on building confidence in your art making abilities - concentrating on the soothing journey of the drawing and playing with colour.
In each session explore drawing abstract patterns and the different ways you can enhance your designs using colour pencils and bright watercolours.
You will need: Paper, lead pencil, eraser, sharpener, black fine liner, colour pencils or Aquarell colour pencils, optional coloured fine liners.
Mon 6 Sept, 20 Sept, 4 Oct, 18 Oct, 8 Nov, 22 Nov and 6 Dec
7.30pm – 8.45pm
£10 per session | £22.50 per 3 week course | £30 per 4 week course
Booking cut off time: 6pm on the day of the session
Crochet and Rosé
Led by Sophie Keaveney
Do you like to crochet or knit? Join us for a relaxed and creative get together over a drink of your choice.
Suitable for those with experience of crochet / knitting.
Please bring your own project along. Some spare needles and wool will be available.
This session will take place both in person and online via Zoom
Wed 6 Oct, 3 Nov, 8 Dec
7pm – 8.30pm
£6 including a drink from the bar | £3 online
Life Drawing
Led by Harriet Brittaine
Explore the complexities of the human form by working from a professional life model. With a variety of short and long poses. Learn both traditional charcoal drawing methods and new experimental techniques.
Half day sessions comprise of a variety of short and long poses.
Any mediums can be used in these sessions.
Sat 9 Oct, Sat 27 Nov
11am - 4pm
£27 per session
Booking cut off time: 9am on the day of the session
Suitable for 18+ years
The Zorn Palette
Led by Jo Hall.
Paint a still life or portrait in watercolour or acrylic. The Zorn palette is black, vermillion, yellow ochre and white. Painting without blue is both a challenge and a revelation of the subtle colours that can be achieved. You are invited to bring a couple of objects for still life or a portrait photo. Some objects for still life studies will be available.
Bring your own materials and equipment as outlined in the information sheet.
Sat 9 Oct 11am - 4pm
£40
Introduction to Jewellery Making
Led by Grant Forsyth
Learn the fundamentals of jewellery making and design, including mark making and stone setting. Advanced students are welcome to join and expand their skills and create their own design led work. Materials cost to tutor £28 (approx).
Autumn
Thur 7 Oct - 11 Nov (exc 28 Oct), Thur 18 Nov - 16 Dec
11.15am - 12.45pm
or
1pm - 2.30pm
£63 per 5 week course
- 14 Oct
- 14 Oct
- 16 more dates...
Make Silver Jewellery - Workshops
Led by Janet Richardson.
Beginners can create up to three pieces. There are projects to follow if you wish, to help you learn techniques and make beautiful pieces of jewellery.
Suitable for all levels of experience. Materials cost to tutor dependent on weight of what you make.
Sat 18 Sept, Sat 16 Oct, Sat 20 Nov, Sat 18 Dec
11.15am – 4.15pm
£50 per workshop plus materials fee
Booking cut off time: 9am on the day of each session
Suitable for 18+ years.
- 16 Oct from £50
- 20 Nov SOLD OUT
- 1 more dates...
Book Club
Share your thoughts on contemporary fiction with other readers in a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere.
This season the Book Club will be reading
16 Sept - Conundrum by Jan Morris
21 Oct - Men at Arms by Evelyn Waugh
18 Nov - TBC
16 Dec - TBC
Suitable for 18+ years.
Spaces are limited, early booking is advised to avoid disappointment.
Thur 16 Sept, 21 Oct, 18 Nov, 16 Dec
7.30pm – 9.30pm
£5 per session (includes a glass of wine or soft drink from the bar)
A Year in Pastel
Led by Jo Hall
Starting with January and February we'll explore colour palettes for each two months of the year ending on a festive note for November and December. You will be encouraged to bring your own reference materials and objects.
Please bring your own pastels and equipment as indicated on the information sheet.
Tues 26 Oct - Tues 30 Nov
12.30pm - 3.30pm
£120 per 6 week course.
Booking cut off time: 9am on Tues 26 Oct
Notan: Thinking in black and white
Led by Jo Hall.
Notan is the balance of dark and light in a composition, deriving from the Chinese, Nóng Dàn, which refers to Nóng meaning thick or concentrated (dark ink) and Dàn meaning weak (watery ink). We will make notan studies using two, and three tonal values and discuss how these relate to painting in colour and printmaking.
References will be supplied or you are welcome to bring a couple of still life objects and/or any photos with strong contrasts to form the basis of your studies. You will need to paint in opaque grey and black on a white support. White and black gouache or acrylic would be suitable as detailed on the information sheet.
Sat 6 Nov 11am - 4pm
£40
Inspired by Ancient Art: 1 - The Romans
Led by Jo Hall.
Be inspired to make your own compositions from details of Roman art at Pompeii and Herculaneum in watercolour and/or pastel on a textured support. We will focus mainly on wall paintings but architectural details may also form part of your composition.
A paper with a more random surface is ideal for portraying weathered and fading frescoes.
References supplied or bring your own. Hand made Indian paper or paper roughly brushed with acrylic gesso would be suitable and some Khadi paper will be available at cost. Please bring your own materials as described in the information sheet.
Sat 11 Dec 11am - 4pm
£40
Please note we are a busy arts centre and the spaces for our classes do move around the site from time to time