What's On

Tai Chi provides core balance, harmony, and wellbeing. Although considered a martial art, Tai Chi is also meditative and an energising exercise.  On this course, seasoned tutor Devdan will guide students through Part 2 of the traditional long form of the Yang style.   Students are advised to wear comfortable clothing to allow stretching and smooth-soled exercise […]

This course explores the writings, artworks and connections of three Pre-Raphaelite women: Christina Rossetti, Elizabeth Siddal and Evelyn De Morgan. Read their poems and paintings alongside each other to discover more about these long-overshadowed women and their places in Victorian-Edwardian England. 

Tai Chi provides core balance, harmony, and wellbeing. Although considered a martial art, Tai Chi is also meditative and an energising exercise. Continuing through Part 3, experienced Devdan will guide students through the progression of the 108 movements of the traditional long form of the Yang style.   Students are advised to wear comfortable clothing to allow […]

Tai Chi provides core balance, harmony, and wellbeing. Although considered a martial art, Tai Chi is also meditative and an energising exercise.  For those who have completed and assimilated the 108 Yang Long Form, this course works on refining the flow of the movements and explores related forms such as 24, 48 and sword.   Students are […]

The existence of evil in the world is considered by many to be highly problematic for the claim that God exists. This course considers (rationally and rigorously) the problem of evil, and an influential response made to one variety of the problem by the American philosopher, Alvin Plantinga. It also considers two highly influential explanations […]

Literally meaning ‘Life Energy Cultivation’, Qigong has its roots in Chinese medicine, philosophy, Tai Chi and martial arts. A holistic system of coordinated body posture, movement, and breathing, Qigong is beneficial for health and balance. The cultivation of Chi (Qi) – the flow of energy – enables meditation through mindful movement of the body.   Students […]

Tai Chi provides core balance, harmony, and wellbeing. Although considered a martial art, Tai Chi is also meditative and an energising exercise.  On this course, tutor Devdan will introduce Yang Style Tai Chi concentrating on short forms; a series of continuous, flowing movements which are performed slowly and gracefully. The forms are learnt gradually, posture by […]

The first week’s focus will be the film Va dove ti porta il cuore (1996, dir. Critstina Comencini), based on the book by Susanna Tamaro. Our analysis will be based on the film, with occasional references to the book.   The second week will focus on the novel Senza Sangue by Alessandro Barricco. We will accompany […]

Titian was one of the greatest painters who ever lived. His reputation never declined, and he is revered today as the developer of a new way of painting, making richly layered, powerful images. An astute businessman, Titian was sought after by the most powerful men of his time,  but would keep them waiting for years […]

These two sessions are dedicated to exploring some less know facts about smaller regions not usually the first choice for holiday makers. We will explore Val D’Aosta, Trentino. Molise and San Marino.  The focus will be on history, geography and, of course, food!    This course will be delivered in both Italian and English. 

Join us in V Café on alternate Wednesday mornings at our ‘chatter and natter’ table. Run by our friendly table volunteers, we aim to provide a welcoming space for individuals to come together to chat and socialise.

The rise of 'fake news' has been a shock for us all. Once we happily assumed what we heard on TV or read in newspapers was fundamentally true, give or take the usual nuances, we recognised propaganda for what it was and felt confident that we all shared the same world. Suddenly, it has all […]

In ‘Mansfield Park’, the debate about acting in ‘Lover’s Vows’ uncovers aspects of plot and characterisation. In a less literal sense, Jane Austen shines a spotlight on the dangers of façade through characters like Mr Wickham and Catherine Morland. Exploring ‘Mansfield Park’, ‘Pride and Prejudice’ and ‘Northanger Abbey’, this course will debate how Austen represents […]

Chekhov was a prolific writer of short stories and an influential playwright, as well as being a medical doctor. This basic introduction will consider Chekhov’s life and his literary development in the historical, political and cultural context of the Russia of his time.    No previous knowledge or familiarity with Chekhov is required.    This […]

Join artist Chris for a journey through modern and contemporary art, as she explores a different topic each week. Week 1: Movement and Dynamic Line Explore works by Hepworth, Derain, Matisse and more. Week 2. Inspiration Across the Arts Debussy to Rothko and more: tracing threads of influence and inspiration between the arts. Week 3. […]