Going creative

SOMETIMES a holiday can change your life - and it's not unknown for those on a Creative Breaks holiday to find themselves embarking on a completely different course.

What started out as a few-days taster has, in some cases, set some people off on a whole new path, according to Creative Breaks co-ordinator Clare de la Torre.

Dyeing, weaving, calligraphy, pottery - all have the potential to develop from hobbies to salaries and if you are not sure whether your interest is worth developing a Creative Breaks holiday can help you find out.

"Sometimes you are doing these things because you have always had a fancy to do them and it can prove to be a turning point," says Clare.

But if you just want to indulge in your love of stained glass, rag rugs making, or jewellery, then that's fine too.

You could even do your bit for the countryside and learn a few of the rural arts such as hurdle making and hedge laying.

Creative Breaks is a self-supporting association of professional artists providing more than 250 courses in more than 30 artistic subjects throughout Herefordshire and its neighbouring counties. "We're going from strength to strength," says Clare.

"From hi-tech architectural computer aided design to traditional pole lathe turning, hedge-laying to airbrushing, the range is staggering.

"Recently we welcomed a calligrapher and blacksmith to our fold."

Not content with such straightforwardly artistic subjects, Creative Breaks is continuing its growth with plans to add courses in aspects of music, literature, drama and dance.

It's just the latest evidence of success in a story which began in

2000.

In the early days, the group evolved from artists within the county who thought it would be good to get together to promote courses.

However, Clare credits its proper formation to the then crafts officer for Herefordshire Council Katie Eastaugh.

"She saw a need for this scattered group of independent artists to work in unison, both for their own good and to encourage visitors to Herefordshire," explains Clare, herself a jeweller from Stoke Lacey.

"It took a little while to jell, but the group has since created a website, printed brochures and exhibited nationally with support from Creative Industries, Hereford."

Initially backed with EU cash, the group has been self -funding for the last couple of years and remains self-governed.

Clare, who is responsible for updating the website (www.creativebreaks.co.uk), finds herself constantly updating the page with new courses and dates.

"Its great to be able to offer such a choice of subjects for beginners right through to advanced levels and all in lovely Herefordshire countryside," she says.

"The number of inquiries is still going up - the internet brings people in from all over the country.

"Our calligrapher had people from Nottingham, Leicestershire on a course and I think they know Herefordshire is a lovely place to come and visit."

There are even those who are prepared to travel from overseas - especially for the more specialised courses.

Clare cites Green Woodwork courses run by Gudrun Leitz, from Bosbury, which take in pole-lathing, chair-making and wild wood furniture.

"She gets people from all over: Europe, Japan and America," she says.

"The more specialist you are the more likely that will happen."

Some of the courses are suitable for children and adults.

"Often a parent and child will learn side by side - something of a rarity when formal education is held separately from the family," maintains Clare.

"The support and guidance they get from the tutors is outstanding and sometimes this can be the start of a new hobby or even career.

"Students return to their everyday life refreshed and often with new direction, a brilliant antidote to the stresses of modern living."

For those who prefer printed material to looking at a website, Creative Breaks produces a directory of course providers which is distributed through Tourist Information Offices or available directly by calling 07813 871019.

To find out how the group runs or to apply to join the group, ring the number above or e-mail enquiries@creativebreaks.co.uk.

1. Blacksmithing -- Beginners' Blacksmithing with Paul Shepherd. The course runs through the basics on the first day and participants make a poker.

2. New member Jonathan Smith, of Bromyard Downs Pottery, is one of three Creative Breaks potters offering courses for all the family.

3. Dyeing, spinning and weaving in the beautiful surroundings of Jane Meredith's Wye side home. Collect the natural plant dyes from her cottage garden and watch them develop into brilliantly coloured wools.

4. In the beautiful leafy surroundings of Clissett Wood, Gudrun Leitz shows how to use hand tools and the traditional pole lathe to make your own design of solid wood chair.

5. Calligraphy - a calm contemplative art guided by Christine Oxley.

6. Ledbury Artplace offers arts courses and always has several that concentrate of using textiles in very creative ways.

7. Painting and drawing courses in all sorts of media from watercolour, pen and ink, oils, acrylics as well as a huge variety of styles from abstract expressionism to landscape. Lots of courses for beginners.