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The countryside around Farncombe is famous for remarkable historic gardens of all styles. We will explore three important examples dating from the late 19th Century, investigating design influences and features, planting, sculpture and buildings. We’ll explore Hidcote, the National Trust jewel with its garden “rooms” and wonderful planting. We will visit Kiftsgate, famous for its enormous climbing rose, water gardens, rare trees and richly-planted borders. And at Sudeley Castle, we’ll get a fascinating glimpse of garden fashions over the years. This course is suitable for anyone who enjoys gardens, whether a gardener or not. Plant identification will be provided. Fee includes travel but excludes entrance fees.

This programme combines physical activities with moments of relaxation and recreation. During the day you can participate in a selection of exercises designed to improve all-round fitness – including mobility, stamina, muscle tone, balance and co-ordination. There will also be opportunities to explore charming local villages and the beautiful countryside with rambles of 4-5 miles. Evening sessions may include Pétanque, relaxation, line/country dancing, and a quiz – just for fun! Most importantly, each course member is able to participate in as much as they wish and the exercise programme is tailored to suit the needs and physical abilities of all those attending.

Sitting on the side of the Cotswold escarpment, Farncombe provides a perfect base for walks with wonderful views, delightful villages and varied habitats for flora and fauna. This weekend offers some serious exercise – the Cotswolds may only be “hills” but there are plenty of ups and downs – about 4,500 ft in total. Walks are led by members of the Cotswold Voluntary Wardens who provide fascinating and helpful information about the sights you see along the way.

While the artist John Singer Sargent, under the influence of Claude Monet, was developing plein air painting in Broadway, the renowned gardener William Robinson, inspired by John Ruskin and William Morris, sought to overthrow the formal Victorian style of gardening and incorporate wild flowers and trees into the ‘Wild Gardens’ that were to become his most durable contribution to garden making.

This Study Day, led by three distinguished specialists, reflects on John Ruskin’s botanical drawings and writings, the development of ‘Wild Gardens’ by William Robinson, and the inspiration they had in art – especially the work of John Singer Sargent and Alfred Parsons in Broadway, and some of their American and Continental colleagues.

The day is certain to be one of the highlights of the 2012 Broadway Arts Festival and early booking is strongly advised.

Join Stroud Valleys Project in a gentle walk through the beautiful Chalford Valley, home to a rich variety of woodland, streamside and garden birds. All this with the backdrop of the spring wild flowers that grow in profusion in this secluded valley. Refreshments are available after the walk at the nearby Lavender Bakehouse Café.

Booking is essential – please call for details. The cost is £3/adult, £2 child.

This one-day workshop has been designed to help you improve your photography in two ways; by developing your creative eye, and by gaining a better understanding of your camera and its capabilities to enable you to get the best results.

With a maximum group size of eight we will work together with you to ensure you receive a high level of individual tuition. The workshops are designed to help develop your skills as a landscape photographer, at some of the most picturesque locations the Cotswolds has to offer.

The day is fairly relaxed, but you will have the chance to create a number of images with constructive advice, enabling you to get the most from your camera, whatever your level of knowledge.

This one-day workshop has been designed to help you improve your photography in two ways; by developing your creative eye, and by gaining a better understanding of your camera and its capabilities to enable you to get the best results.

With a maximum group size of eight we will work together with you to ensure you receive a high level of individual tuition. The workshops are designed to help develop your skills as a landscape photographer, at some of the most picturesque locations the Cotswolds has to offer.

The day is fairly relaxed, but you will have the chance to create a number of images with constructive advice, enabling you to get the most from your camera, whatever your level of knowledge.

This one-day workshop has been designed to help you improve your photography in two ways; by developing your creative eye, and by gaining a better understanding of your camera and its capabilities to enable you to get the best results.

With a maximum group size of eight we will work together with you to ensure you receive a high level of individual tuition. The workshops are designed to help develop your skills as a landscape photographer, at some of the most picturesque locations the Cotswolds has to offer.

The day is fairly relaxed, but you will have the chance to create a number of images with constructive advice, enabling you to get the most from your camera, whatever your level of knowledge.

If you enjoy a walk through lovely countryside the parishioners of Whatcote, near Shipston-on-Stour, are holding their Annual Bluebell Walk on Sunday May 6th. Started in 1990, the walk has become an annual event enjoyed by visitors from far and wide.
The walk is about 2 miles long through farmland to Hell Brake and Oak Tree Coppice, where bluebells carpet the ground under the trees and has wonderful views across the Vale of the Red Horse from Oak Tree Coppice. Tea & homemade scones will be waiting for you when return to St Peters churchyard. It is a very enjoyable way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
Dogs are welcome if kept on a lead. Strong shoes or boots are essential.
The walk will start from Church Lane, Whatcote (postcode CV36 5EF), and will be well signposted in the village, as will free car parking.
You can begin your walk any time between 2pm and 5pm.
The cost is £6.00 for adults, accompanied children free, and this includes the tea & scones!
There will also be plant & produce stalls with the proceeds going to St Peters Church repairs.
Contact Sue Price for more details, Telephone 01295 680007 or e-mail: susan.price@ukgateway.net

We are currently looking for
garden guides and room guides to help with
the summer opening of the house during June – August.
Drop in between 1pm and 3.30pm and speak to some of our current
volunteers about the available roles.