SIDCOT SCHOOL OPENS TO THE PUBLIC WITH NEW COURSES – FROM CHILDRENS' CRAFTS TO DROP-IN ART CLASSES AND A LADIES CHOIR

ARTS and crafts for children, adult art classes and a ladies choir are some of the innovative new courses on offer to the public at Sidcot School in Winscombe.

Headmaster Iain Kilpatrick is aiming to open up the 17th Century independent day and boarding school in line with its inclusive Quaker ethos.

He recently launched a successful scholarship programme in both Sidcot Junior School and Sidcot Senior School to broaden access for outstandingly gifted day pupils and aims to widen educational opportunities at Sidcot across Somerset.

Mr Kilpatrick said: "Sidcot is very much part of this local community and I look forward to meeting people and developing partnerships here that are about more than using our lovely swimming pool and equestrian centre."

Activities include a weekly Ladies Choir held in Sidcot School Community Arts Centre on Tuesdays, from 7pm to 8pm for women who love singing and hate the thought of having to audition.

It is led by Sidcot School's Director of Music, Beverley King and the eight week course, costing £40, aims to introduce new songs, tunes and harmonies with an opportunity to perform at Sidcot's Christmas Concert on December 2nd.

A Drop-in Art Group is popular on the second Saturday of the month from 10.30am to 12.30pm. It costs £10, includes materials and involves studying painting, drawing, collage and simple print methods.

On the first Saturday of each month a Children's Monthly Art and Craft Morning opens from 10.00am to noon costing £7 with themed creative sessions.

Sidcot's Community Arts Centre supports the work of the Workers Education Association (WEA) to run courses, exhibitions and events.

It also works with Theatre Orchard, which is staging the acclaimed Travelling Light Theatre Company's production of The Mysterious Vanishment of Pobby and Dingar, for anyone aged nine plus, on Saturday, November 24th.

Sidcot is the only Quaker school in the South West and one of just nine in the UK.

Quakers are renowned for their historical involvement in prison reforms, anti-slavery, pacifism and social justice with a strong belief in putting kindness into action through peace, equality and empathy.

Sidcot School's Community Events Manager, Emma Davis, who is also a member of the Ladies Choir, said: "I am very excited about the courses on offer and ones planned for the future."

For more information contact Emma Davis on 01934 845299, email emma.davis@sidcot.org.uk or go to www.sidcot.org.uk