Educational Breaks for women

Delia Smith's Food & Wine Workshop

What does the activity include? This wonderful day of culinary delight takes place at Delia Smith's Centre of Excellence at the Norwich City Football club. The very talented Alex Mackay formerly director of Raymond Blanc's Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons cookery school and Le Baou D'Infer cookery school in Provence will demonstrate some wonderful dishes throughout the morning. And just before you break for a delicious three-course lunch there is a cocktail demonstration and tutored wine tasting. Delia will meet you during lunch and afterwardsyou will join Deliaand ourpanel of experts for a questions and answersession. Sample itinerary: Welcome with coffee & cookies Alex's cookery demonstration - A tutored wine tasting with Peter Graham Wines Lunch during which you will meet Delia who will be happy to sign your books Q & A Session with Delia Where does the experience take place? Top of the Terrace Restaurantat Norwich City Football Club. What should I wear? Casual dress is fine. How long should I allow for this experience? You should allow a whole day for this experience. We ask that you arrive at 10.00am for coffee andcourses will start at 10.30am prompt. We do however ask that you contact Delia's Canary Catering 1 week prior to your experience to confirm the start time as it is subject to change. When does the activity take place? There are several courses throughout the yearplease contact exhilaration for an up to date schedule. Can I bring spectators? Sorry all guests must hold a valid voucher for the experience. What else do I need to know? This course is very popular so it is advisable to book well in advance where possible. Should you require details of local accommodation please contact eXhilaration on 0870 7700066 and we will be happy to help. Personal Accident & Cancellation Insurance is included.

One Day Residential Cookery Course at Le Manoir

What does the activity include? From the moment you arrive at the beautiful Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons near Oxford you will appreciate the air of understated elegance. The bedrooms are individually appointed many with their own terraces and all with their own unique style. Le Manoir's Ecole de Cuisine is for everyone who has a passion for food and wants to have fun preparing it. The complete novice to the experienced enthusiast will learn not only the secrets of preparing the finest food but the reason behind those secrets. The course provides a hands-on opportunity to develop your culinary skills in a practical and supportive environment as well as being a holiday in the most luxurious and beautiful surroundings and a chance to make new friends. You will leave Le Manoir with a new found confidence and enthusiasm impatient to return to your own kitchen to experiment with your skills. The cookery course length is one day for one person and includes one night’s accommodation in a Superior Room including French continental breakfast and menu classique for two people. Courses vary and include Shellfish Christmas Dinner Party Dinner Party menus Garden to plate and Fusion Cuisine. On the day of the cookery course guests are asked to meet in the lounge for morning tea at 8.45am prompt for a 9.00am start students will lunch together in the cookery school at 12.00 noon and the day will conclude at approximately 4.30pm with afternoon tea and the presentation of certificates. Where does the experience take place? Le Manoir aux Quat Saisons is just a few miles from Oxford at Great Milton. What should I wear? Guests are asked to dress smartly in the restaurant please. No jeans or trainers. For guests taking part in the cookery course we advise you to wear comfortable clothing including trousers short sleeve t-shirt/top and non-slip shoes (not open toed). You will be provided with a chef’s jacket to wear during the cookery course. How long should I allow for this experience? Guests’ rooms will be available from 3pm onwards but you are free to arrive earlier should you wish. Guests are asked to vacate rooms by 11.30am on the day of departure. When does the activity take place? Courses are held throughout the year on selected weekdays subject to availability. Kindly note that the following dates are excluded during 2007: Bank Holidays 4th – 10th October 18th & 19th October 3rd – 5th December 10th – 12th December 24th – 26th December and 30th & 31st December. Due to the popularity of this experience we recommend that you book at least 12 weeks in advance. Are there any restrictions? Minimum age 18 years old. Please advise us prior to booking your experience if you have any specific dietary requirements e.g. if you are pregnant or have any food allergies etc. Can I bring spectators? Unfortunately your guest is unable to join you in the cookery school. What else do I need to know? The voucher is valid for one

Chocolate Making Workshop for Two

What does the activity include? Whilst the Chocolatier Hannah Saxton gives a brief introduction on the history of chocolate you will sample such delights as chilli and orange dark chocolate caramel sea salt truffles. Then it's aprons on as you learn how to make chocolate fudge Dutch truffles pralines and nut brittle. Before you can dip the chocolate fillings the chocolatier will teach everyone how to temper the bowls of melted chocolate. Once the fillings are ready you will then turn your hand at piping dipping and decorating before taking home your delicious creations in a beautiful ribbon tied box. Where does the experience take place? The Heart of the City. What should I wear? Anything you are comfortable in preferably not white though! An apron will be supplied by the Chocolatier. How long should I allow for this experience? You should allow approximately 2.5 hours for the whole experience the actual time spent participating is 1 hour 20 minutes. When does the activity take place? Courses runevery Sunday andselected Wednesday & Fridays all year round subject to availability. Start times vary depending on thedate but typically there are courses runningin the morning afternoon and early evening. Are there any restrictions? Minimum age 14 years. What about the weather? The weather will not affect this experience. Can I bring spectators? Sorry all guests must hold a valid voucher for the experience. What else do I need to know? This voucher is valid for two people. Personal Accident & Cancellation Insurance is included. Unfortunately there is no disabled access. Tea Coffee and Juice are provided for each participant. Cancellation Policy: Once a date has been booked for this activity the chocolatier requires a minimum of 2 weeks notice to cancel or change the booking. If you give less than 2 weeks notice for whatever reason then you will lose the entire course fee.

Saturday Morning Curry Cookery Course

What does the activity include? After a welcoming soft drink celebrity chef Pat Chapman shows the spices and flavourings needed then demonstrates a full Indian curry main course of Chicken Tikka Masala Chicken Jalfrezi Special Vegetables Bombay potato and Pullao Rice. At the end you are given a curry Sauce to take away with you you can choose from Korma Jalfrezi Tikka Masala or Madras. Pat also makes chupattis and Tandoori mint raita which you can eat there and then. Pat will call for volunteers to help cook. The Tikka Masala and Jalfrezi can be made vegetarian if required.So sit up and pay attention because Pat will call for volunteers to help cook! Where does the experience take place? At an operational Indian restaurant near Haslemere Surrey. What should I wear? There is no dress code for this event. Just be comfortable. How long should I allow for this experience? Please allow approximately 3 hours for your experience. When does the activity take place? This course runs on selected Saturdays all year round subject to availability. Are there any restrictions? Cuts and abrasions must be properly covered to meet hygiene regulations. Any colds stomach upsets flu symptoms must be declared to meet hygiene regulations. Please advise any food allergies such as gluten nuts shellfish etc at the time of booking your course Please advise any lifestyle choices at time of booking eg vegetarian vegan no pork no red meat etc. There is no upper age limit. Serious young cooks (from 10 years upwards) will be accepted if accompanied by one parent. This course is suitable for a novice through to a 'veteran' cook! Pat will adjust what is taught accordingly. Can I bring spectators? Sorry all guests must hold a voucher for the experience. What else do I need to know? Refreshments (soft drinks) will be provided. The Tikka Masala and Jalfrezi can be made vegetarian if required.

Make-Up Lesson

What does the activity include? This make-up lesson will show you how best to care for your skin a fast and simple make-up routine make-up colours that suit you naturally application tips for a long-lasting look and make-up looks for your special occasion. You will also receive a personalised 12 page beauty workbook full of tips and a makeup selection tailored especially for you. What should I wear? Whatever you like the emphasis being casual and comfortable! How long should I allow for this experience? This session will last approximately 1 hour. When does the activity take place? Weekend and weekday dates throughout the year depending on availability. Are there any restrictions? There are no restrictions for this experience. Can I bring spectators? This actual consultation is for one person only although you may ask your consultant as most will be happy to welcome one or two friends at your consultation. What else do I need to know? You will have the opportunity to purchase additional make-up during the consultation if you wish to do so. Where does the experience take place? The experience takes place at the studio of one of 200 participating consultants across the UK.

Colour Analysis

What does the activity include? A colour analysis by a professional consultant will show you why certain shades complement your natural colouring more than others provide an assessment of the colours that suit you best and how to identify them as well as how best to wear the colours that you already have. You will learn combinations of colours to make your wardrobe more versatile and receive advice and tips on make-up colours that suit you naturally. You will be given a 36 colour swatch wallet to use as a guide when shopping and a seasonal update booklet. Where does the experience take place? The experience takes place at the studio of one of 200 participating consultants across the UK. What should I wear? Whatever you like the emphasis being on casual and comfortable! How long should I allow for this experience? This session will last approximately 1 hours. When does the activity take place? Weekend and weekday dates throughout the year subject to availability. Are there any restrictions? There are no restrictions for this experience. Can I bring spectators? This actual consultation is for one person only although you may ask your consultant as most will be happy to welcome one or two friends at your consultation. What else do I need to know? You will have the opportunity to purchase make-up during the consultation.

Cocktail Making Experience

What does the activity include? This five hour introductory course begins with a reception drink (alcoholic or tea and coffee) and an informative talk covering the history of cocktails through demonstrations and interactive cocktail making including the Classic Martini Sour Mojito Cosmopolitan and more; plus you will have the pleasure of sampling each cocktail. When you have sufficient confidence you can have fun experimenting with concoctions of your own. Where does the experience take place? In central London or in Birmingham What should I wear? All necessary equipment is provided. Please wear casual clothing. How long should I allow for this experience? The course lasts approximately 5 hours starting at 1.00pm and finishing around 6.00pm. When does the activity take place? Courses are held on selected Saturdays only Are there any restrictions? Minimum age is 18 years old. What about the weather? This activity is not affected by the weather Can I bring spectators? Sorry spectators are not allowed What else do I need to know? Once you have booked a date for the course we will need at least 14 days notice should you wish to change or cancel the booking. You will receive either a complimentary cocktail guide or a professional cocktail shaker as a souvenir of the day. Personal Accident Insurance is included.

Make-Up Lesson for Two without Make-Up

What does the activity include? This make-up lesson will show you and a friend how best to care for your skin a fast and simple make-up routine make-up colours that suit you naturally application tips for a long-lasting look and make-up looks for your special occasion. What should I wear? Whatever you like the emphasis being casual and comfortable! How long should I allow for this experience? This session will last approximately 1 hour. When does the activity take place? Weekend and weekday dates throughout the year depending on availability. Are there any restrictions? There are no restrictions for this experience. Can I bring spectators? No. What else do I need to know? No make-up is included however you will have the opportunity to purchase additional make-up during the consultation if you wish to do so. Where does the experience take place? The experience takes place at the studio of one of 200 participating consultants across the UK.

One Day Cookery School at Le Manoir

What does the activity include? Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons is the fulfilment of Raymond Blanc’s personal vision a dream that one day he would create a hotel and restaurant in harmony where his guests would fine perfection in food comfort service and welcome. Now you have the chance to learn a few of their culinary secrets at the state of the art newly refurbished Raymond Blanc Cookery School. Now in it's tenth year it is the only cookery school in the world to offer visitors the chance to watch learn and practice in the kitchen of a two Michelin Star restaurant. The Raymond Blanc Cookery School is for everyone who has a passion for food and wishes to have fun preparing it. In fact “fun” is the word most often used by our cookery school students to describe their day at the School. Initial concerns about the level of cooking skills required are immediately dispelled by the informality of the environment and the realisation that the only qualifications needed are a love of food and the desire to learn about cooking. At the hands of our experienced chefs the complete novice through to the experienced enthusiast will learn not only the secrets of producing the finest food but the reasons behind those secrets. All courses include a day’s tuition morning and afternoon tea and informal lunch in the cookery school. The courses provide a hands-on opportunity to develop your culinary skills in a practical and supportive learning environment as well as being a holiday in the most luxurious and beautiful surroundings and a chance to make new friends. Courses that are available could include the following: Dinner Party - the ideal opportunity to gather some great tips from the professionals to create the perfect dinner party. You will be shown fabulous techniques making the role of host appear seamless. Fusion Cuisine – this course looks at all the vital ingredients that are used in Japanese Chinese Indian and Thai cuisine. As well as creating stunning recipes you will have the chance to taste an amazing array of Asian sauces spices and aromatic teas Blanc Vite - Using the skills and techniques of Le Manoir you will have the ability to create fast simple and delicious dinner parties - with the minimum of preparation and complication and the maximum reward freedom and fun. . Garden to Plate - As well as being aesthetic the garden at Le Manoir plays an integral part of what is produced in the kitchen. This course will use the bounty of our organic garden to create wondrous dishes. You will leave Le Manoir with new-found confidence and enthusiasm impatient to return to your own kitchen to experiment with your skills. Where does the experience take place? Le Manoir aux Quat Saisons is just a few miles from Oxford at Great Milton. What should I wear? We advise you to wear comfortable clothing including trousers short sleeve t-shirt/top and non-slip shoes (not open toed). You will be provided with a chef’s jacket t

Introduction to Floral Design

What does the activity include? Lots of fun and a great way to learn something new this Floral design experience is the ideal way to indulge in your artistic side. Your experience will begin with some delicious refreshments on arrival before taking your place in the studio room. There will be a short introduction to theories of good design so you will get the most of your arrangements. Your tutor will then demonstrate one of the floral designs before it’s your turn to make your own individual creation. All flowers and materials are provided and the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. Following this you will watch the tutor make a second design and then have a chance to have a go yourself. Tips on good design and making the most of the arrangements will be offered throughout the experience and you’ll be encouraged to ask as many questions as you like. One of the designs will be contemporary in style and the other more classic. Classes are kept small (a maximum of 12 people) so you can clearly see the tutor’s demonstrations and have all the personal attention you require. At the end you will be provided with a large bag to take your creations home the perfect souvenir of the experience. You’re certain to leave with a real sense of achievement and a new found inspiration to carry on designing arrangements. Refreshments including tea coffee juice smoothies and biscuits are available throughout the experience. Where does the experience take place? Covent Garden London. What should I wear? Comfortable casual clothing is recommended. You will be provided with an apron. How long should I allow for this experience? Please allow approximately 2 and a half hours for the whole experience. The actual class will last around 2 hours. When does the activity take place? Selected Saturdays and Thursday evenings throughout the year. Classes alternate in bouquets vase arrangements or flowers for entertaining. Are there any restrictions? You must be 18 years or over. What about the weather? The weather will not affect this experience. Can I bring spectators? Unfortunately No the experience is for the voucher holder only. What else do I need to know? You will be provided with everything you need to take part in the experience including all flowers materials aprons scissors secateurs wires and a large container in which to take your creations home. Delicious refreshments are provided throughout the experience including tea coffee biscuits juice and smoothies Personal Accident and Cancellation Insurance is included. Cancellation Policy: Once a booking has been made you must provide at least three weeks notice if you would like to cancel or reschedule there will however be a £35 charge. If you provide less than three weeks notice you will unfortunatelyforfeit the entire cost of the experience.