by Wendy Mansfield
New Year/ New Year’s Resolutions! Why not make this year the time to visit Denman College? Our speaker for the January meeting was Janet Brown, member of Rickinghall WI and a trustee of the the West Suffolk Federation. More importantly she is also a Denman Ambassador and a fervent advocate of all that the collage has to offer. Only a handful of our members have attended Denman though a couple have signed up for a taster day in March. At its heart Denman is a centre for learning, a place to inspire, encourage and take on new skills. Janet was keen to stress the attractions of full board with single room occupancy, all en suite, with three superb meals a day and copious amounts of tea, coffee and biscuits! Tuition is included in the cost of any of the courses, which are also open to non WI members. Apart from the the learning of new skills it is also a chance to socialise and share ideas with other people you may not otherwise meet.
In 1943 it was suggested the WI should have their own college and Denman was finally opened in September 1948, named after Lady Denman. The original funds were raised by the members themselves over a period of three years, the sum of £70,000 which was a large amount in those days. The College does not belong to NFWI and members fees do not go towards its upkeep. This explains the constant need for fund raising as the endowment doesn’t cover the cost of maintenance. There is a new appeal “Love Denman” and there is the “Friends of Denman” scheme whereby at a cost of £75 per annum you get all the latest information on courses and also a discount together with a guaranteed place.
Courses vary in content, cost and length but average out at £150 per night with everything included. Bursaries are available once a year and there is also the famous “Denman Dip”. There is a cookery school, three craft studios with courses in painting, needlework, patchwork etc. There are also lifestyle courses in music and walking. It is possible to book all these online at the Denman website.
Janet’s enthusiasm was infectious and we all came away inspired to investigate the possibilities of attending Denman College in the near future.