A Q&A with a current student.

Why did you first look into The Percival Guildhouse?

When I retired, I decided to pursue my love of painting by attending one of the courses offered by The Percival Guildhouse. Having painted on and off throughout my life and having read a number of books on the subject, I was looking forward to developing my skills further.

Unfortunately, the Acrylic Painting for Beginners course I wanted to join was fully booked.

The Percival Guildhouse offers a broad range of courses, covering a breadth of topics, and so, as I was keen on the idea of learning something new, I explored some of the other courses available.

What courses have you attended?

From the selection on offer, my first choice was Creative Writing with tutor Cathy Whittaker, and this proved to be an excellent decision.

Cathy is an inspired and engaging tutor. If you’ve ever thought of setting pen to paper, but never quite got round to it, then this course will certainly give you the push you need. You are even required to make up a story on the spot and write it out in class. Imagine!

After a year on the Creative Writing course, I once again tried to join the Acrylic Painting for Beginners course, but this is one of the most popular courses on the programme and again it became quickly booked up. Therefore, I decided to try something else different.

Ahead of a planned Christmas trip to Berlin in 2024, I enrolled on a German for Beginners course with tutor David Harding.

The tutor was the excellent, and though I won’t be writing any short stories in the German Language anytime soon, the course definitely enhanced my Berlin trip. Vielen, vielen Dank David.

Finally, after returning from Berlin, I received the phone call I’d been waiting for, stating that a place had become available on the Acrylic Painting course. I enrolled immediately and have been attending ever since.

The painting course is run by Joanna Bryan who is a skilled and enthusiastic artist and teacher, even if she does sometimes make the class paint flowers and teacups.

Do you feel you’ve learnt a lot from attending courses?

Looking back, my experience demonstrates one of the great strengths of The Percival Guildhouse. What began as an attempt to join a painting class led me to discover creative writing, learn German and eventually take up painting as well.

I can thoroughly recommend The Percival Guildhouse for adult learning. Have a look through the extensive list of courses they have on offer, and I’m sure you’ll find something to accommodate you. It may even be something that you had never previously considered.

Sometimes, just the joy of learning anything can be rewarding in itself. You can make up for all the time you spent in school just waiting for the playtime bell to go!

And unlike me, don’t wait until you retire to give it a go.