SOMETHING DIFFERENT
Feel like adding another string to your bow? We guide you through some options for gaining new skills
You may be blithely flicking through these pages, certain that you will never make a good chef, dressmaker, surfer or yogi. But that doesn’t exclude you from the pool of continuing education courses across the Central Belt. Besides the feast of mainstream courses on offer, there has been an explosion in unusual classes, perfect for coaxing you off the sofa and out your comfort zone.
Whet your appetite for wine and learn the differences between a merlot and a shiraz with Edinburgh City Council’s wine appreciation courses. There are beginner and intermediate classes, depending how experienced your nose is.
If you’re the bloke everyone laughs at down the pub, leave wine tasting alone and try a beginners’ course in stand-up comedy instead. Both wannabe performers and writers are welcome and, although the overarching aim is simply to make people chortle, you will pick up a range of techniques including voice technique and audience communication.
The Ramshorn Theatre at the University of Strathclyde has an exciting programme of part-time courses taught by theatre and film industry professionals. As well as straight acting and directing, there are specialist courses including writing for film and Shakespeare in practice for more focused learning.
The hidden vixen in any red- blooded female is sure to be lured out at Club Noir’s burlesque workshops. Poses, tassels and seduction are all part of the drill, and classes are shaped to your requirements, whether that’s one-to-one tuition, a hen night or team- building exercise.
(Natalie Woolman)
14 THE LIST 4—18 Sop 2008
Glasgow
The Modem Languages Unit runs courses for pleasure. or courses leading to a qualification. These include lunchtime courses. costing £190 for 18 weeks. Francophiles can head to the Alliance Francaise for specialist tuition in art and current affairs or a chance to brush up their business French. University of Glasgow, 0141 330 652/. wwuzglaxu‘.uk; Alliance Frwu'aise, Park C ireus. 014/ 33] 4080, mm:a/glasgouzoig.uk
Practical Skills
Edinburgh
Carpentry
Telford will take you from beginner to professional in joinery. carpentry and stonemasonry if you fancy a new career. Telford College, see Edinburgh. art. Floristry
Give in to your inner flower arranger with a floristry course at Telford College. You can study the an at all levels. from a beginner’s course entitled ‘A Taste of Floristry' to BTECs. masterclasses and the City and Guilds National Certificate. Telford College, see Edinburgh. art.
Bicycle maintenance
Going green seems a great idea — getting a puncture does not. The Edinburgh Bicycle C o-op offers bike maintenance and wheel- building classes so a burst tyre won‘t stop you getting eco- friendly. Half-day courses are £16 and day-long intensive cycle maintenance courses are £45 with lunch. Edinburgh Bieyele Co-op. Ali'anley 'lerraee, 0845 25 7 0808, www.edinlnughbu'_v(‘le.eom Cookery
A smorgasbord of specialin food classes is available through the CEC. including baking. entertaining and vegetarian cuisine -- ideal incentive to get you singing in the kitchen. CEC. see Edinburgh. art.
Glasgow
Industry courses
The list of industry courses at Cardonald College is gargantuan. including training in construction. electronics. plumbing and a lot more besides. Each course is accredited by the relevant authority. Cardonald College, see Glasgow, fashion
Cookery
One-day or live-day cookery courses are available at The Cookery School to tart up your culinary skills. [Evening classes let students cook dishes. then sit down and dine mid-class. Day classes follow ‘themes‘. including a
chocolate masterclass for the sweet toothed. The Cookery School. Glass/owl Street. 014/ 552 523‘), mm:Ilzeeookerjvsr'lzool.mg.
Edinburgh
Deep Blue Scuba
Take the plunge. with Deep Blue Scuba‘s courses for both beginners and professionals. Classes are small to ensure one-to-one attention is available and they offer overseas diving trips. exploring the underwater flora of balmier climes. Deep Blue Scuba. Coales Place. 0845 838 7785, mm:deep/)luesr'uba.eo.uk Surfing
Surfari Scotland organises weekend trips to Mull. Sutherland and the liast Coast where you will be guided through everything from standing up on the board to wave selection. Prices start at £125 for a ‘classic‘ weekend. .S'mj/ari Scotland. venues vary, 07980 ()5/ 739, mm:surf/aria'otlanrl.eom
Glasgow
Climbing
For first-timers or experienced climbers. Glasgow Climbing Centre offers a relaxed atmosphere and a variety of surfaces to try. ()ne-off lifetime membership is £10. adult entry is £7.25 or a yearly pass is £300. Glasgow Climbing Centre. Paisley Road West, 0141 427 9550. mm:glasgou'(‘limbingr'enlre.mm
Trapeze
()ne of the most exciting sporting experiences on offer. try aerial acrobatics at Lansdowne Parish Church. Suitable for beginners. Prices vary. Spinal Chord. 416 Great Western Road. 07863 I 32 48/. WWW..s‘pinalt'llonl.('(nn
Something Different
Edinburgh
Wine Appreciation See panel. left. CliC. see lidinburgh. art.
Comedy Stand up CliC. see lidinburgh. an.
Glasgow
Burlesque
Club Noir. venues vary. www.clubnoir.co.uk
Novel Writing
Centre for Lifelong Learning. Strathclyde University. George Street. (ll-ll 548 4287. www.strath.ac.uk/cll
Theatre Studies
Ramshorn Theatre and Film Studio. University of Strathclyde. Ingram Street. (ll-ll 552 348‘). www.strath.ac.uk/culture/ramshorn
_ Edinburgh
See page 12. Dancebase. l—l—lo Grassmarket. 013] 225 5525. www.dancebase.co.uk
Telford College. 013] 559-1000. www.cd-coll.ac.uk
lidinburgh Tango. venues vary. info(a‘edinburghtangoorg.uk. www.cdinburghtango.org.uk
Glasgow
Dance l-louse. St Andrews Street. (ll-ll 552 2-1-12. infom’dancehouse.org
Ashanti Dance Studio. Great Western Road. 07949 I55 922. www.ashanti.org.uk
Anniesland College. 01-11 357 (3093. www.mmiesland.ac.uk