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Essex-&-Suffolk-Water With thanks to Essex & Suffolk Water for funding support of this website through the Abberton Reservoir Community Fund.

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The 84th Five Parishes Show

84th-Five-Parishes-ShowThe 84th Five Parishes Show

The 84th Five Parishes Show is set for Sunday 7th August from 11am to 5pm.  Taking place at the Fingringhoe Ranges (CO5 7LX), as usual, admission charges are:

  • Adults – £5,
  • Concessions – £4,
  • Children (5 – 16) – £2.

The Show now has it’s own website where you can get full details, but, as a teaser:

This year, we will be bringing back Continue reading

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Abberton Rural Training Spring 2015

Both Short & Long Courses Available

abberton-rural-trainingAbberton Rural Training – The Rural Skills Centre for Essex has just launched new Short Courses!  Ranging from one day to a few weeks, there are lots of options to choose from.  For more information, or to book, contact us on 01206 738609 or through our website at: www.abbertonruraltraining.org or by email to: [email protected].

We look forward to seeing you! Take a look and just some of the courses on offer:

Short Courses

19th March (1 day course) – Make a natural bee skep

Use willow and cob to make your own strong and natural bee skep. Learn what to do next and how to start making honey.

26th March or 23rd April (1 day course) – Basic Plastering

Introduction to basic plastering techniques, tools used, background surface situation and preparation prior to plastering, along with care and maintenance of tools. Mixes of various plasters and finishes will also be covered.

16th April (1 day course) – Felt applique

Learn the art of applique using felted wool to make a small reverse applique sachet! Learning traditional needlework. All materials provided.

23rd April (1 day course) – Make a natural trellis

Use local native wood to make a robust and attractive plant support/trellis. Learn how to choose and shave your wood, then use green joins to combine it

18th June (1 day course) – Make a traditional gate

Using native wood such as chestnut, ash, and oak to make a garden gate. Learn to choose, shave and prepare the wood, using green woodworking skills.

Longer courses

17th April – 22nd May (6 weeks) and 5th June – 10th July (6 weeks) – Introduction to Basic Carpentry

This 6 week course will cover use and proper care of tools, introduction to basic joints, fixings and finishes. Uses of different timbers (hard, soft and man-made). Design and construct your own small project.

16th April – 14th May (4 weeks, no class on 07/05) and 11th June – 9th July (4 weeks, no class on 16/07) – Spinning

Learn to spin in 4 weeks – learn about the quality of fleeces and carding. Learn how to wash, card and spin natural wools. Each person works on their Individual spinning wheel, giving plenty of hands on practice.

17th April – 22nd May (6 weeks) and 5th June – 10th July (6 weeks) – Creative Textile Techniques

Learning basic sewing skills on the sewing machine and more advanced techniques, such as machine embroidery and quilting, to create contemporary textile designs.

17th April – 22nd May (6 weeks) and 5th June – 10th July (6 weeks) – Fruit & Veg for Beginners

An introduction for new allotment holders and home growers, covering what you need and how to do it. Focusing on setting up systems within your allotment or garden, seasonal planning, management and composting.

23rd April – 21st May (5 week course) – Interior Design Accessories

Using colour, historical design and textures this course is about how to adapt and redesign small interior accessories. Collage and moodboards creates a design sketchbook without the need for drawing skills. 

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Craft courses at Abberton

Learn a new skill

3-ladies-spinningAbberton Rural Training, a new project offering a programme of short and part time courses starting this Autumn. There are still places available! Based at Layer Water Treatment Works and around the Abberton Reservoir it is a beautiful place to study. Autumn courses include:

  • Spinning – Learn how to wash, card & spin natural wools.  Each person works on theeir individual spinning wheel giving plenty of hands on practice.  This 4 week course has already commenced (see picture) on 16th October.
  • Willow weaving – Learn how to make a willow basket, you will leanr a couple of differnt weaves and get ideas for progrsssing with this fun and flexible craft.  Runs on Friday November 7th between 10:00 – 4:00 and costs £60 per day.
  • Greenwood crafts – Experience working on a green pole lathe to make a dibber and also carving utensils. All equipment provided, suiotable for novices; this is, however, quitr a physical activity.  Runs on 7th November between 9:30 – 12:30 or 1:30 – 4:30 for £65, or full day, 9:30 – 4:30 for £120.
  • Felt applique – Learn the art of felt applique using felted wool to make a small reverse applique sachet.  Learning traditional needlework, all material provided,  Runs on Thursday 13th November between 10:00 – 4:00 for just £30.
  • Quilting – Learn how to make a 1m square patchjwork quilt – great for keeping warm in the winter, just when you need it.  Suitable for beginners.  Four week course starting on Friday 14th November between 10:00 – 4:00 for just £25 per week.
  • Origami textiles – Using recycled fabrics make origami anipmals to create a piece of art – a decorative item to treasure or even wear in your hair.  Two dates for this course, Thursday 20th or 27th NOvember betwen 10:00 – 1:00 for £20.
  • Art classes – Adult Club – A 6 week course teaching a selection of watercolour techniques and skills.  Excellent renowned local artist John Harrison shows his expertise with excellent teaching.  Runs Thursdays 10:30 – 12:00 (ongoing) at £150 for all 6 weeks.
  • Art classes – Children’s Club – A 6 week course teaching a selection of watercolour techniques and skills suitable fro children.  Run by renowned local artist John Harrison.  Runs Thursdays 15:45 – 16:45 (ongoing) at £48 for all 6 weeks.

 

NEW – CHRISTMAS WREATHS 11th DECEMBER & CHRISTMAS CRAFTS 18th DECEMBER!
To book contact Sally on 07753 494459 or email: [email protected] or via our website: www.abbertonruraltraining.org.
abberton-rural-training-crafts

 

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