Spring refurbishments and lots of new courses for the summer term…
It’s been a busy Easter break for us here at Stoke Lodge. We’ve had lots of contractors in to help us give some areas a much-needed refresh.
Stoke Lodge Refurbishments
In the main building we have had our new stair lift installed and had new carpet fitted on the stairs and upstairs landing to fill the gaps left behind by the old stair lift. We had a couple of broken light fittings in the foyer replaced and the team in the office have generally been having a tidy and sort out.
Big thanks to them for dealing with some dusty corners with plenty of spiders!
In the annexe the painters have been giving the stairs, toilets and art studio a refresh. Its all looking great and to complement the fresh paint we have new vinyl flooring in the art studio (room 11) as our old flooring was lifting in places. We have also had some electrical work done in the annexe to make sure our systems were up to scratch, not so visible but important to keep everything working effectively.
We have some keen ‘green fingered’ staff in the team, so you may also spot a selection of new (and currently alive) indoor plants to brighten the place up. We recently had a few plants donated and some are from our council colleagues at Blaise nursery.
There is a plant care plan in place, which I have no part in, as I don’t have the best track record with house plants but I have been given a cactus for my office window sill, which may get repossessed if it looks to be struggling!
Bristol Adult Learning Summer Exhibition 2026
We have also been super busy hanging the latest exhibition of learners work and the Stoke Lodge Summer 2026 learner exhibition is now up and looking extremely impressive.
Every year I am completely blown away by the quality of the work, the talent and skills of our incredible art learners is genuinely phenomenal.
I know that you will love seeing the latest pieces on display and they will be a great advert for our art classes during the BS9 Arts Trail weekend in June.
Creative course starting soon…
Painting, Drawing and Print:
Printmaking @ St Paul’s (P51E)
Dynamic printmaking course featuring a variety of exciting techniques.
With Barbara Disney, Fri 10 -12:30 5 weeks from 24 April
Watercolours – Advanced (P58E)
For those looking to expand their watercolour techniques and push their creative boundaries, with ample painting time and expert guidance in a fun, relaxed atmosphere.
With Elham Talay Minaei, Thu 9:30-12:30 for 3 weeks from 23 April
A practical introduction to drawing skills, using a range of materials and featuring essential techniques.
With Mary Kelly, Tue 9:30-12:30 for 4 weeks from 28 April
A practical introduction to acrylics painting, featuring a variety of approaches and techniques.
With Mary Kelly, Tue 1 -4pm for 4 weeks from 28 April
Linocut printing is a flexible and accessible technique, ideal for creating unique, handcrafted prints.
With Rebecca Plas, Wed 9:30-12:30 for 7 weeks from 3 Jun 2026
Space For Creativity – Mentoring For Artists (P70F)
A two-day workshop offering creative space and individual tutor support, ideal for those wanting to focus on their work, overcome creative hurdles, or develop a looser style.
With Laurel Smart, Sat & Sun 10 – 4pm on the 25/26 April
New Tasters Workshops and Course in Gelli Printing
We are delighted to have on board at Stoke Lodge new Creative Arts tutor, Samantha Bailey-Price who will be exploring the art of Gelli Printing.
As well as the course itself we have 2 taster sessions coming up offering quick, playful experimentation with textured, colourful prints:
Gelli Printing Taster Session-Botanicals (P71A)
One session on Monday 18 May 1 – 4pm
Gelli Printing Taster Session-Stencils, Texture & Pattern (P71B)
One session on Monday 1 June 1 – 4pm
Exploring Gelli Printing (P71C)
Introduction to making unique prints using Gelli plates, textures, stencils, and layered colour techniques. With Samantha Bailey-Price, Monday 1 – 4pm for 5 weeks from 8 June
Family History, Computers and Gardening:
Discovering your Family History made easy (SFH3)
Gain a deeper understanding of the most used family history resources, and the use of correct research techniques.
With Rosemary Caldicott, Wed 6:30-8:30pm for 10 weeks from 22 April
Improve your Computer Skills (SDT9)
Take your skills to the next step and learn useful skills in Word, Excel and file management.
With Carmel Zapata, Mon 10-12 for 5 weeks from 11 May
An introduction to garden design, construction and plant use, including restoration and a range of simple maintenance solutions.
With Jason Loh, Tue 10-12 noon for 8 weeks from 21 April
Jewellery, Textiles, Floristry and Tai Chi:
Beginners Silver Jewellery-Rings (K43B)
Learn silversmithing skills, create unique pieces of jewellery in silver and use tools with confidence.
With Alice Barratt, Fri 10:00-1:00 for 5 weeks from 24 April
Learn How To Crochet-Beginners (T23C)
Learn the basics of crochet: how to hold the hook, double crochet stitch, half treble, treble, slip stitch, etc. A different project every week.
With Cristina Valladares, Thu 1:00-3:30pm for 5 weeks from 23 April
Fabric Weaving – Beginners (T96D)
A creative introduction to hand-weaving on a rigid heddle loom, guiding learners through the process of making cotton fabric and transforming it into unique, personalised pieces.
With Libby Ballon, at St Paul’s Learning Centre BS2 Wed 5:45-8:30pm for 5 weeks from 22 April
Flower Arranging – Beginners (F16C)
This course introduces the skills and techniques to create floral arrangements using seasonal blooms and foliage.
With Kathryn Delve, Fri 10:00-12:30 for 4 weeks from 1 May
Tai Chi – Intermediates @ Cotswold CC (H16C)
A course building on beginners’ techniques and offering a deeper and more internal understanding and practice of tai chi.
With Nen Crosby, at Cotswold Community Centre (BS11) Tue 9:30-11:00am for 12 weeks from 21 April
Summer Language courses:
Brush up your holiday French (LFD307)
Aimed at learners at post-beginner level who would like to refresh their ability to manage in everyday situations during their next holiday.
With Albane Herpin, Tue 10 -12 noon for 6 weeks from 28 April
Learn some basic ‘survival’ Italian to be able to cope during your next visit to Italy.
With Barbara Bolzoni, Thu 6 – 8pm for 5 weeks from 23 April
Get by on Holiday in Portuguese (LMR28)
Learn some basic ‘survival’ Portuguese for your next visit to a Portuguese-speaking country.
With Margarida Rodrigues Da Silva, Tue 2-4pm for 6 sessions from 28 April
Spanish for Travelling (LSG14)
Suitable for learners who have done a ‘Get by in Spanish on Holiday’ course, who would like to get to know more of the basics of Spanish.
With Gorka Diaz, Fri 12:45-2:45pm for 5 sessions from 24 April
Saturday and One Day Courses:
Garden Styles: Not just nettles – improving habitats for wildlife in the small garden (SCP10)
An introduction to encouraging biodiversity in your garden. We will look at small changes to make a big difference.
With Christine Pritchard for 1 session on Fri 15 May 10-3pm
Meraviglie d’Italia – Parte 1 (LM26)
Vuoi fare un viaggio in Italia, ma non sai ancora dove andare? Vieni a scoprire luoghi sorprendenti, nuovi borghi e piccole città in regioni d’Italia meno frequentate dai turisti
With Marika Parisi for 1 session on Sat 16 May 11-4pm
Philosophy for everyday life – Why are so few famous Philosophers women? (SJM8)
We will explore the ideas of some key women philosophers. Their ideas will relate to ethics, authority, politics and relationships.
With Jim Mepham for 1 session on Sat 16 May 10-3pm
Inspired by the Mediterranean (CSA24)
Let’s travel together to Greece, Italy and Spain as we create a variety of hot, cold, veggie and meat dishes inspired by the bountiful ingredients of the Mediterranean.
With Sarah Alder for 1 session on Tue 12 May 10:30-2:30
Plus more one day cookery courses on a variety of topics over the summer term.
We look forward to welcoming you all back for the summer term. Hopefully we’ll see some sunny days where we can enjoy the grounds and gardens and soak up some sunshine in our lovely surrounding. I feel extremely lucky to work here at Stoke Lodge. It’s not always your normal 9-5 but it is always a beautiful and joyous place to work.
See you all soon
Kindest regards
Jenny
