The
Accommodation
Domaine St. Raymond is a beautiful, spacious house with
gardens, a large swimming
pool and a tennis court. We have a supply of bicycles - and the
road is flat right down to the canal towpath! There's table-tennis, a pool
table and even a set of boules.
With an optimum of ten guests per weekend, there's a houseparty atmosphere
which promises the formation of new friendships or cementing of old ones.
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Smart, roomy bedrooms are double or triple-sized . All bedrooms have
en-suite shower-rooms and, in the case of the Olive room, an additional
bath. All towels and linen are provided and each room has a hairdryer.
Beach towels for use around the pool are not supplied.
Breakfast and lunch is provided daily and for two nights of the four we
offer a sumptious dinner with free-flowing wines from a local vineyard
- where a degustation has also been arranged for one afternoon.
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Help and advice can be given if guests require visits to La Cite at Carcassonne
or to the castle sites of Cathar resistance. On some courses, a day-trip
to Albi, birthplace of Toulouse-Lautrec, will form part of the course.
Take some French Leave and slip away to the lovely landscape of the Languedoc
for some leisurely learning and a large helping of culture.
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The Creative Courses
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Creative Writing
June 27 - July 1 2007 |
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Book
Exploration
In a workshop setting with plenty of coffee on hand,
we will be engaging with literature of all periods in a spirit of enjoyable
enquiry.
Informal group discussions will allow all participants to pursue and
explore their own ideas and those of their fellow-guests in relation
to the recommended themed texts on a previously-distributed list.
Guests should expect a reading-list of five or six main texts which should
be read prior to arrival. There are no expectations of written work,
although, of course, should a participant wish to do this, they will
certainly not be discouraged.
It should be stressed that while those who have made a scholarly study
of literature will be greatly welcomed for their input and ideas, this
course is primarily aimed at those whose love of books would encourage
them to, say, join a local Book Group where they may find like-minded
people who gain inspiration and pleasure from getting together and talking
over the themes, the characterisation, the writing techniques, the literary
influences upon the author and the personal and social impacts of the
(principally) fictional works.
Course Tutor
Moira Martingale is an established journalist, having worked as a feature-writer
and columnist for national and regional newspapers and magazines. She is the
author of internationally-published books and her present novel is nearing completion.
She has a teaching qualification, an honours degree in English Literature and
Psychology, a Masters degree in English Literature and her PhD thesis is currently
in progress.
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April
25 - 29 2007
Sept
26 - 30 2007
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Ceramics
The course will offer an introduction to the traditional techniques of
hand-built ceramics which have been used by artists for centuries.
Participants will be encouraged to explore several hand-building techniques
using coils and slabs of clay.
Teaching will be carried out in a very informal atmosphere and there will
be an opportunity to create a wall plaque and a pot using inspiration from
the surrounding area.
Course Tutor
Anne Haworth designs and produces high quality ceramic art works using traditional
materials and techniques. A full time independent professional artist and
an experienced instructor of students of all abilities and age-groups, Anne
has exhibited widely throughout the UK and her work is sold in many private
galleries countrywide. Her ceramics can be seen in private collections, businesses
and hotels across the world, from Paris to Dubai. |
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Drama Workshops
AN ACTOR PREPARES
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During these courses we will be exploring a text and understanding how a
playwright or actor might approach it in rehearsal.
Discover the techniques of how to approach a role. We will be engaging in
simple yet thought-provoking exercises to take an unprepared actor from opening
a script to performing a rehearsed scene.
An experienced theatre director guides this inspiring workshop, promising
tears and laughter.
Open to all would-be performers or to those who just want to know more.
There are no awards .......... just memories.
Course Tutor
Christopher Masters was educated at King's College School and
trained as an actor at The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. He spent
ten years as an actor and then worked as a freelance director, later starting
his own theatre company, Millstream, directing contemporary classics which
toured nationally and internationally until 1998. |
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Fitness and Beauty
June 6 - 10 2007
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Fitness
and Beauty
Release
those endorphins!
Like all our active courses, the Fitness and Beauty break can be as exhausting
and exhilarating as you want to make it.
The truly energetic can get up with the sun and join a yoga or aqua-aerobics
class, take a short walk or cycle down to the Canal du Midi before breakfast
- and then tackle a morning's full exercise programme after it.
Fitness softies might take a more leisurely approach to their exercise.
Perhaps a morning aerobics class or joining an organised walk in the
Pyrenees, a little swimming, tennis or boules - and then they might wish
to submit to a body massage or facial after lunch. At-home beauty treatments
are also on offer.
Our experienced fitness instructor Deane Hart operates a flexible and
fun programme with plenty of options for all abilities, ages and fitness-levels.
We can arrange squash and tennis coaching - and even a fun outing to
a go-karting track.
And our chefs' culinary creations are as fabulous as always - they keep
it wholesome, low-cal and healthy - but we do make sure our local French
wines are available for a well-earned treat at the end of the day!
Course Tutor - Deane Hart
Deane's company, Hartbeat Fitness Training was set up in 2000 and he
now tutors both adults and schoolchildren of all ability levels in his
home county of Worcestershire.
As well as working in schools and providing individual clients with Personal
Fitness instruction, he teaches sports, fitness, circuit training, body
combat and aerobics classes of all types, incorporating pilates and yoga
techniques into his varied programmes.
Deane served in the Royal Engineers for 14 years where he taught a great
many different sports and outward-bound activities.
He was with Kelly Holmes in combined services athletic teams and later
qualified as an instructor of physical training and as a swimming coach.
"
My job has given me the potential to stay fit and healthy while earning
a living doing something that I enjoy," says Deane. Memorably, in
1995 he reached the semi-finals of TV's The Gladiators, "up against
some of the biggest guys I have ever met".
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May
16 - 20 2007
Sept 5 - 9 2007
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Painting
and Creative Art
The course at Domaine St Raymond will cover subjects
such as landscapes, villagescapes, still life and portrait sessions.
They will be carried
out in the student's preferred medium in their own time and at their
own pace with personal attention from the tutor and ongoing support and
tuition (if required).
We also cater for the advanced artist who may not require tuition.
The aim of the course is to encourage, stimulate and inspire in a relaxed
atmosphere.
A basic supply of equipment such as paper, pencils and water-colour boxes
will be supplied free of charge. If artists prefer to work in a specific
medium such as oils, acrylics or gouache they are advised to bring these
with them.
Course Tutor
After a formal art education, Susan Keverne pursued her personal interests
in Chinese art, fashion and textiles which led to jewellery-making, mosaic
work, book illustration and numerous commissions for paintings, murals and
greeting cards.
She has taught art in both the state and independent school sectors to students
between the ages of 7 to 18 years fulfilling National |
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June
20 - 24 2007
Sept 12 - 16 2007
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Digital
Photography
It is intended that this course will be for beginners
in the field of digital photography. Using the villages, countryside,
and towns of this
beautiful part of southern France as our canvas, we hope to develop
skills and create an interest for further study. Participants will
gain confidence
and knowledge in the functions of the camera, the composition of the
image, use of computer, including downloading, adjustment, enhancement,
storing to disc and finally printing the pictures. All participants should leave the course
with a portfolio of their own work and an individual disc of stored
images for future use. Printing
paper and C.D. discs will be provided.
Course Tutor
Maurice Holliday A.T.D. ,N.D.D.
Educated at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School in Blackburn, Maurice studied
Fine Art and Painting at the Harris Art School in Preston and at the Regional
College of Art in Liverpool, gaining a degree and qualifications to teach
in schools. Maurice was Head of Art at several Lancashire High Schools, teaching
pupils aged from 11 to 16, introducing and writing a syllabus in photography
for his GCSE students. Maurice also has considerable experience in teaching
adults, having run courses for local colleges in pottery, painting, drawing
and various other art-related subjects. For many years Maurice worked for
the Assessment and Qualifications Alliance as a G.C.S.E. Moderator. He is
now retired. |
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April
11 - 15 2007
May
2 - 6 2007
Oct 24 - 28 2007 |
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Books /
Drama Combined
We have had such success with our Books/Theatre collaboration - twinning our
explorations of novels and plays with drama workshops - that we're under pressure
to plan all our literature-themed courses at St. Raymond this way.
From Page to Performance
St. Raymond's combined course means analysing two sets of themed texts - with
perhaps a film thrown in - and at least one play, usually by a modern playwright.
Christopher and Moira will involve guests in stimulating discussions on 'authorial
intent' and the relationship beween the written word and the spoken (or even
unspoken) performance of a writer's work.
We will look at the differences in approach between the two genres and then turn
to the more methodical matter of how actors prepare for their roles. Then we'll
put some of what we have learned into practice.
Get ready to encounter 'Stan the Man' and to indulge in laughter-overload while
doing some little bits of serious acting with us. It might just possibly change
your life.
Course Tutors
Moira Martingale is an established journalist, having worked as a feature-writer
and columnist for national and regional newspapers and magazines. She is the
author of internationally-published books and her present novel is nearing completion.
She has a teaching qualification, an honours degree in English Literature and
Psychology, a Masters degree in English Literature and her PhD thesis is currently
in progress.
Christopher
Masters was educated at King's College School and trained as an actor
at The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. He spent ten years as
an actor and then worked as a freelance director, later starting his
own theatre company, Millstream, directing contemporary classics which
toured nationally and internationally until 1998.
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All
courses start at 4 pm on the first day and finish on 1.30 pm on the
last day
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Course and Accommodation costs
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| Tutored
Art Courses |
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Accommodation:
Per person sharing a double room*
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£550 |
Notes
* There is a single occupancy supplement of £100 and a triple occupancy
reduction of £100
per person.
* The cost of the triple-occupancy room (if 3 people are sharing) is £530.
* There is a supplement of £40 for the Olive room (with private bath
as well as shower).
* Non-participating partners are welcome at a nominal fee of £125 plus
accommodation.
* 10% reduction in quoted price will be made for six or more people booking
as a group
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What is included:
* Transfers to / from Toulouse or Carcassonne airports.
* Transport costs to vineyard Domaine La Fort for Saturday wine-tasting.
* In-house
tasting of selected local wines (e.g. Corbieres, Minervois, Malepere) on
Thursday evening with our Wine Guru.
* Transport to and from Rennes le Chateau (on 'The Da Vinci' Drama / Literature
course).
* All breakfasts, lunches, afternoon teas.
* Wednesday Welcome Dinner, Saturday
Finale Dinner. Wine is served with all lunches and dinners.
* Coffee, tea and soft drinks freely available.
* Use of swimming pool (weather permitting), tennis court and bicycles.
* Course materials (excluding books).
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What is not included:
* Flights
* Car hire / taxi costs.
* Postage to the UK for ceramic items which, if required, will be forwarded after
firing.
* Dinner on Thursday and Friday evenings. (Reservation/cab arrangements can be
made for guests).
* Additional vineyard visits accompanied by the Wine Guru. |
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We would suggest that, if you are attending the Painting or Ceramics courses,
you bring an old shirt or other protective clothing.
All costs are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
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Extra!!
Wine Guru
Languedoc-Roussillon is the largest vineyard in the world, its production
exceeding that of Australia or Bordeaux.
Until the last quarter of the 20th Century most of the wine made was regarded
as 'plonk' but today there are hundreds of serious growers of quality wine
some rivalling the best in France and the New World.
The range of wine styles produced is amazing ….reds, whites, roses,
sparkling and vin doux naturel wines all reflecting the individual Languedocian
terroirs.
It is here that Mediterranean meets Atlantic. Regional grape varieties sit
side-by-side with classic Bordeaux varieties as in the Cabardes AOC where
Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon can be blended with Grenache and Syrah. It
certainly produces a heady mixture!
To give you an insight into this fascinating wine region, an informal wine
tasting will be hosted in-house, prior to dinner on Thursday evening, by
our resident award-winning Wine Guru who will bring his longstanding expertise
in the wine industry to educate your palate in the wines of the Corbieres,
Minervois, Cabardes, Malepere regions, and more. . . You will get the chance
to taste the famous Limoux sparkling wine 'Blanquette' and a cross-section
of the still and fortified styles which are available.
For those of you who wish to experience winemaking 'at first hand' there
is an optional half-day wine-tasting available which will take you to two
local producers for a tour round the property and - of course - a good tasting
at each.
To avoid disappointment the tour should be reserved when making your original
booking for the Houseparty.
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