Pottery courses abroad
Week one is now full, so by popular demand we are offering another week....
VALE FERRO, ODEMIRA, PORTUGAL
Pottery and Walking in the Alentejo
September 20th - 27 2012 AS AT 06/02/2012 WE HAVE TWO SPACES LEFT (SHARING AN ENSUITE)
Offered by experienced, European potting-course organizers, this is a unique opportunity to sample this undiscovered area of Portugal.
Be the first of six people to share this beautiful, country house in the Alentejo.
POTTING
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Facilities-
The new, south facing studio is large and light. It is built into the hillside, so remains cool. There is ample space both inside and out.Two sets of double doors open onto the lower terrace and the views of the valley beyond.
There is a slab roller for your use.
The gas kiln will fire the pots to bisque temperature to be taken back to the UK to stoneware fire.
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Duration-
The course starts on Friday morning and runs until Thursday lunch. There will be handbuilding demonstrations each morning and tuition until 2.30pm. The studio will be open for as long as you wish.
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The pots-
Specially devised exercises will be demonstrated taking the Alentejo and the rocks of the nearby, unspoilt coast, as starting points for development.
Beginners welcome.
WALKING
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This region of Portugal is excellent walking territory.
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There will be guided walks each day from mid-afternoon.They will vary in length from 40 mins to one and a half hours.
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They will be varied from easy to moderate. It is a hilly region and some stamina is required for some of the walks. Some will start at the house whilst others will start with a short car journey
CHILLING
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The outside space at the house is generous with extensive grounds and pleasant gardens. There is shelter; sun; a breezy upper terrace or shaded areas. Large decks and outdoor carpet surround the pool. Cold drinks and tea and coffee will be on offer through the day.The only sounds are those of the country in this sleepy backwater. Clean air and a slower pace of life are the hallmarks of this unspoilt area.
ACCOMMODATION
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This new house has two twin rooms and two double bedrooms. The double rooms have their own bathrooms.The twin rooms share facilities. All rooms open onto one of the terraces, and face the southerly, valley view.
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Meals will be wholesome and made from local ingredients.
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There is a 12m swimming pool for your use.
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The design of the house and garden is largely that of your hosts, Ian and Gordon. It is modern in feel and execution with solar heating and clean, unfussy detailing.It overlooks the village of Vale Ferro.
INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
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All materials
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Firing of selected items.
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Transport of the pots back to the UK.
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6 nights accommodation
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Full board
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Two evening meals out at local resaurants and one lunch at the coast
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Half bottle of wine pp with evening meal plus welcome drink (more will be available at cost).The wines of the region are particularly good!
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Day trip to the coast including a cliff walk for those who wish.
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Transport to and from the airport.(if flight times coincide)
note – the house is one hour 40 mins from Faro airport and you may prefer to hire a car, in which case the price of the course would be adjusted.
Your time at Vale Ferro has been timed to coincide with convenient flights to and from Manchester. If you would like me to book for you, then I will. The cost at 02/02/2012 is approx. £135 return with Monarch airlines
Not included;
Transport to and from Portugal
Insurance
PRICES
Twin room £620 pp (shared facilities) (booked)
Double room £650 pp Ensuite (available)
Double room £640 pp Own shower room but not ensuite (booked)
Single occupancy of the twin rooms £770 ( this price may be adjusted downward depending on the availability of the twin rooms)
Deposit £100 which is refundable if I can relet your place, but you are advised to take out cancellation insurance.
Non potting partners welcome at £35 less, though they would of course be welcome on the walks.
Non walking potters (!) welcome but tuition is only until 14.30 and if you produce many more pots as a result, then I reserve the right to select those for firing.
No smoking in the house.Designated smoking area by the house.
Please get in touch for more information and to reserve places
Hope you can join us
Gordon Cooke and Ian Chapman
