March 2009

Shopping Bag Workshop!

Sunday 1 March • 11am – 4pm • £25

Come to the farm and learn how to sew a shopping bag that will last for years. We will look at a variety of styles and decorative techniques. You should go home with at least one bag, and with ideas for making more! Could it be your next gift for a friend? The ability to use a sewing machine would be useful, but not essential. (and if you have one, please bring it along). Bring a pack lunch or book for lunch (£7.50). Suitable for adults and accompanied children over 11yrs.

Wool-craft Workshop

Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 March £48 per day, lunch included.
• with Emma Turner

Come for either or both days – B&B and evening meal available at £30 per night.

Working with fleece is fun, as is exploring knitting techniques to create our own one-of-a-kind masterpieces

Sat 7th: Spinning a yarn. Creating unique hand spun yarns with both drop spindle and spinning wheel. Raw materials will come courtesy of Emma’s flock of Cotswold sheep, and the Lower Shaw Farm sheep may also make an appearance, both in the fleece and in ‘person’. Beginner or lapsed spinners will find this course particularly suitable.

Sun 8th: Knitting it up! A chance to design your own patterns and perfect new techniques. If you have a project you are currently working on, please bring it along. Even problem projects are welcome! All knitting skill levels welcome including absolute novices.

For further information, contact Emma on 07887 804667 or email .

Note: On both days tools and needles will be provided but there will be a charge for materials, unless you bring your own.

Beaded Jewellery Making

13 – 15 March £145 • With Mary Maguire

A weekend to make brooches, earrings, bracelets, and necklaces!

Using wire, a fine variety of beads, and both simple and more advanced techniques, you will discover how to create beautiful adornments, either for yourself or as gifts for others.

There will be plenty of materials to choose from but if you have any of your own, please bring them along. This weekend is suitable for everyone, whatever their experience in beaded jewellery making. NB. There may be an extra charge for some of the more costly materials.

Mary, who has a number of books to her name, is an experienced craftswoman, and maker of beautiful things. She is a gifted and inspiring teacher.

Working Weekend - in the spirit of WWOOF

13 - 15 March • No Charge

For more information, see Working Weekends section.

Organic Grow Your Own Weekend
– from plot to plate!

20 – 22 March • £120 • With Louisa Evans

Would you like to grow your own vegetables, flowers, and herbs but are not sure where to start?

This ‘hands on’ course will cover the principles and practice of growing organically from plot to plate.

We will look at establishing and maintaining healthy soil; choosing what to grow; simple design; managing pest and disease; keeping weeds at bay; low maintenance techniques; how to get the most from your plot all year round; and simple tips to get started. This weekend will help you discover how to garden organically, with wildlife, all year round! Everyone welcome, from complete novices to those with already greenish fingers.

Greener Living Roadshow

Wednesday 25th March • 10am - 2pm • All Welcome! • Free!

In conjunction with the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust

• A demonstration of the Wiltshire Green Map, an online resource for promoting and accessing local environmental initiatives.

• Stalls from local green groups from the Worldchangers Network.

• Advice on local walks, nature reserves and conservation projects that promote health through enjoyment of the natural environment.

• Demonstrations of local food from local suppliers.

• Samples of environmentally friendly cleaning products and cosmetics, and solar energy gadgets.

• Advisors from the Energy Saving Trust and WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme).

• Inspirational videos.

• Energy conservation suggestions for the home.

• Advice about reducing waste, including composting. The Trust's local compost ambassadors will be invited to attend and hold workshops.

• Stalls from other environmental organisations.

Yoga and Massage 1

27 - 29 March • £120 •
With Barbara Hicks and Mary Maguire

Yoga works not only on the body but also calms and sharpens the mind and leads to all-round alertness.

Iyengar Yoga will be taught in a way that is suited to beginners and more experienced practitioners. The classes will focus on postures to improve flexibility, strength, and balance, and exercises to improve breath awareness.

The weekend will also include sessions on giving and receiving a relaxing and toning massage, covering different areas of the body.

There will also be an opportunity for a walk in the Wiltshire countryside.

Note: This course, with similar ingredients, will be repeated in July and October