Free Taster Courses

Money Management

Wed 21 May 2025, 13:00 - 15:00

This session will look at managing personal finances and build confidence and competence in managing money and making financial decisions. The session also provides practical guidance on budgeting, helping participants develop sustainable habits to manage their finances better.
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Creative Writing at the Irish Cultural Centre

Mon 02 Jun 2025, 13:00 - 15:00

This one is 4th in the series of Creative Writing courses delivered at the ICC, intended for the Centre users and the wider H&F community. It will take place at the Centre.
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Middle Eastern Cooking - Vegetarian

Sat 12 Jul 2025, 11:00 - 12:00

Unleash your inner chef at this Middle Eastern cooking taster. Learn authentic vegetarian recipes and techniques for a flavourful feast.
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Spanish Intermediate Conversation

Sat 12 Jul 2025, 13:00 - 14:00

A taster for those wishing to communicate in a variety of situations with Spanish speakers. You should already have studied Spanish for at least 1 year.
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Introduction to Creative Writing

Sat 12 Jul 2025, 14:00 - 15:00

The art of writing in a way that expresses thoughts, feelings, and experiences imaginatively. This taster is a great opportunity to discover your passion and talent for it!
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Spanish Advanced Conversation

Sat 12 Jul 2025, 14:00 - 15:00

This is the perfect taster for anyone with an upper intermediate level of Spanish, who would like to improve their language skills and knowledge of Spain and the language. through speaking.
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Introduction to Photography

Sat 12 Jul 2025, 11:00 - 12:00

The taster will give you an overview of technical skills to confidently explore the potential of a digital camera, including the core elements of aperture, shutter speed and ISO.
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Introduction to Photography

Sat 12 Jul 2025, 12:00 - 13:00

On this course you will gain the valuable technical skills to confidently explore the potential of a digital camera, including the core elements of aperture, shutter speed and ISO.
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Introduction to History of Art

Sat 12 Jul 2025, 11:00 - 12:00

This taster will give you the opportunity to understand art's role in society, how art evolves and the change in materials and methods over time.
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Singing Workshop

Sat 12 Jul 2025, 12:00 - 13:30

Experience the joy of singing with others through exploring a structured warm up and song learning that will include: Exercises to explore breath support and vocal agility Creating simple harmonies using rounds Learning, by ear, one or two songs in two or three-parts
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Introduction to Community Interpreting

Sat 12 Jul 2025, 13:00 - 14:00

Community Interpreting facilitates communication between individuals who speak different languages, particularly in public services like healthcare, law, education, and social services. This is a great opportunity to learn more.
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Chair Aerobics for Beginners

Sat 12 Jul 2025, 10:00 - 11:00

This taster will show you how gentle, chair-based exercises are great for improving your posture and balance and are also suitable for people with reduced mobility.
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Introduction to French

Sat 12 Jul 2025, 10:00 - 11:00

This taster session offers a "flavour" of French, introducing you to basic greetings and phrases, making it a fun and easy way to get a feel for the language. You'll learn the basics needed to start communicating effectively, building confidence and preparing for a more in-depth course if desired. The session is designed to be enjoyable and interactive, encouraging you to actively participate in the learning process. .
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Italian Intermediate Conversation

Sat 12 Jul 2025, 10:00 - 11:00

On this intermediate Italian Conversation course you will learn to communicate on a range of topics relating to society and travelling around the country, communicating with locals.
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Introduction to Spanish

Sat 12 Jul 2025, 11:00 - 12:00

This taster session offers a "flavour" of Spanish, introducing you to basic greetings and phrases, making it a fun and easy way to get a feel for the language. You'll learn the basics needed to start communicating effectively, building confidence and preparing for a more in-depth course if desired. The session is designed to be enjoyable and interactive, encouraging you to actively participate in the learning process.
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Travel around Italy - Language taster

Sat 12 Jul 2025, 11:00 - 12:00

On this taster you will learn basic Italian to be able to communicate in a range of settings & on familiar topics whilst on holiday such as making friends, asking for directions, booking restaurants, ordering something to eat.
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Introduction to Arabic

Sat 12 Jul 2025, 12:00 - 13:00

This taster session offers a "flavour" of Arabic, introducing you to basic greetings and phrases, making it a fun and easy way to get a feel for the language. You'll learn the basics needed to start communicating effectively, building confidence and preparing for a more in-depth course if desired. The session is designed to be enjoyable and interactive, encouraging you to actively participate in the learning process.
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Introduction to Counselling

Sat 12 Jul 2025, 12:00 - 13:00

You will be introduced to the nature of counselling and learn and practice active listening skills such as reflecting, paraphrasing, summarising, and giving feedback.
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Introduction to Diploma in Public Service Interpreting (DPSI)

Sat 12 Jul 2025, 12:00 - 13:00

A great opportunity to find out more about interpreting for public services, techniques, standards and cultural awareness. All valuable skills when aiming for an interpreting career.
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Introduction to German

Sat 12 Jul 2025, 12:00 - 13:00

This taster session offers a "flavour" of German, introducing you to basic greetings and phrases, making it a fun and easy way to get a feel for the language. You'll learn the basics needed to start communicating effectively, building confidence and preparing for a more in-depth course if desired. The session is designed to be enjoyable and interactive, encouraging you to actively participate in the learning process.
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Gentle Keep Fit

Sat 12 Jul 2025, 13:30 - 14:30

This taster is designed for learners who want to stay flexible and improve their strength and balance to reduce their risk of falls. You will be able to try your hand at a variety of exercises to help you progress.
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Introduction to Italian

Sat 12 Jul 2025, 10:00 - 11:00

This taster session offers a "flavour" of Italian, introducing you to basic greetings and phrases, making it a fun and easy way to get a feel for the language. You'll learn the basics needed to start communicating effectively, building confidence and preparing for a more in-depth course if desired. The session is designed to be enjoyable and interactive, encouraging you to actively participate in the learning process. .
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Introduction to Chinese Mandarin

Sat 12 Jul 2025, 11:00 - 12:00

This taster session offers a "flavour" of Chinese, introducing you to basic greetings and phrases, making it a fun and easy way to get a feel for the language. You'll learn the basics needed to start communicating effectively, building confidence and preparing for a more in-depth course if desired. The session is designed to be enjoyable and interactive, encouraging you to actively participate in the learning process. .
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Jewellery

Sat 12 Jul 2025, 11:00 - 12:00

Discover the art of crafting earrings, learn how to make a pair of earrings or a wire wrapped ring. with plenty of guidance from a local and passionate teacher.
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Working with a Sewing machine

Sat 12 Jul 2025, 10:00 - 11:00

This taster will walk you through the basics of using your new machine and get you sewing in no time!
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Creating a zip - Sewing

Sat 12 Jul 2025, 11:30 - 12:30

Creating a zip (or zipper) in a garment involves installing it into the fabric to allow it to open and close. The process can vary slightly depending on the type of zipper (e.g., regular, invisible, or exposed), and this taster will show you how.
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Family Learning Jewellery

Sat 12 Jul 2025, 12:00 - 13:00

A great opportunity for parents and children to learn together, fostering creativity and bonding through hands-on crafting.
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Jewellery Beading

Sat 12 Jul 2025, 12:00 - 13:00

Jewellery making is an ancient practice that has evolved over the centuries, and beading has been a popular technique used in jewellery making for centuries. This is a great taster to get you started on the technique.
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Stained Glass

Sat 12 Jul 2025, 13:00 - 15:00

An introduction to a range of skills will be taught including: designing cartooning, glass cutting, leading, and soldering. It will also be to possible to explore kiln-fired glass painting techniques, sand blasting and glass fusing.
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British Sign Language for Beginners

Sat 12 Jul 2025, 13:00 - 14:00

This taster is designed for those who want to learn basic language skills to communicate simple conversations with deaf people for personal development, employment opportunities or simply out of interest for the language.
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Memory Café taster

Sat 12 Jul 2025, 12:00 - 13:00

This taster will be a mixture of music, songs & games. We will then run courses, throughout the year, at our memory café, to meet new friends and try something new! Learn to play an instrument, have a sing song or a go at bingo!
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Picture Framing

Sat 12 Jul 2025, 12:00 - 13:00

Meet the tutor teaching our new picture framing and upcycling course. Emily will do a fun demonstration to show you the basics and tell you how to save or even make money by mastering this enjoyable craft.
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Ceramics: Throwing - intermediate and advanced

Sat 12 Jul 2025, 10:00 - 11:00

This demonstration session in the ceramic workshop is for those with throwing experience who wish to further develop their skills. The session will cover techniques such as large and sectional throwing. There will also be an opportunity for discussion and Q&A with the tutor.
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Health & Social Care: Make Your Dreams Come True!

Sat 12 Jul 2025, 10:00 - 13:00

On this taster we will explore ways to support children / your child using board games to develop: - Cognitive Skills - Literacy Skills - Numeracy Skills - Problem Solving Individuals and / or parents with children welcome. We will discuss wider career pathways in Health and Social Care, in Child Care, Adult Care and as a Teaching Assistant, so that you have an informed picture of options available to you. We will interview you individually if you are ready to choose a course from September 2025 onwards. Please bring with you certificates, passport, benefit details and documents which help finalise your enrolment. 10 places only - booking essential.
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Watercolour

Sat 12 Jul 2025, 10:11 - 11:00

This taster will focus on introducing fundamental techniques, colour mixing, and brush control. Find your inner artist!
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Upholstery

Sat 12 Jul 2025, 11:00 - 12:00

Upholstery is the craft of covering furniture with fabric, leather, or other materials, often including padding and springs, to create a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing piece. This is a chance to try your hand at it!
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Watercolour

Sat 12 Jul 2025, 11:00 - 12:00

This taster will focus on introducing fundamental techniques, colour mixing, and brush control. Find your inner artist!
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Ceramics Throwing for Beginners

Sat 12 Jul 2025, 11:30 - 12:30

This demonstration session in the ceramic workshop for those new to throwing, will introduce a range of techniques for throwing clay on the potter’s wheel. There will also be an opportunity for discussion and Q&A with the tutor.
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Upholstery

Sat 12 Jul 2025, 12:00 - 13:00

Upholstery is the craft of covering furniture with fabric, leather, or other materials, often including padding and springs, to create a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing piece. This is a chance to try your hand at it!
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Ceramics: Hand Building

Sat 12 Jul 2025, 13:30 - 15:00

In this is a practical taster where you will explore a range of hand building techniques for create forms in clay, including coiling and Kurinuki techniques. Bring your own apron or wear old clothes as working in the studio can be messy.
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Family Spanish-my first 30 words

Sat 12 Jul 2025, 14:00 - 15:00

A fun family session for parents/carers and their children to introduce them to the Spanish language. Learn the vocabulary you need for colours, shapes, numbers and some basic food like milk, carrots, tomato, beans, ice cream. Ideally minimum age 5 years, but not a problem if you bring younger siblings. Please note: you will need to remain with your child(ren) at all times during this session. When booking please let us know the name of any children attending and your own email address. Thank you.
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Family Learning British Sign Language

Sat 12 Jul 2025, 12:00 - 13:00

A fun family session for parents/carers and their children to introduce them to British Sign Language. Ideally minimum age 5 years, but not a problem if you bring younger siblings. Please note: you will need to remain with your child(ren) at all times during this session. When booking please let us know the name of any children attending and your own email address. Thank you.
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Bike Maintenance - Gears workshop

Sat 12 Jul 2025, 10:00 - 12:00

The session will focus on identifying problems with derailleur gears and adjusting for smooth operation.  Please bring your own bike and any tools that you wish to learn to use.  If there is time, and you bring along a chain that is suitable for your bike, it may be possible to also carry out chain replacement. Wear clothes and shoes suited to a workshop environment that offer protection and you don't mind getting dirty.
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Middle Eastern Vegan Cooking

Sat 12 Jul 2025, 10:00 - 11:00

Unleash your inner chef at this Middle Eastern cooking taster. Learn authentic vegan recipes and techniques for a flavourful feast.
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Strong & Lean - Fitness taster

Sat 12 Jul 2025, 12:30 - 13:30

This taster aims to enhance strength and reduce waste. You will learn how to use various exercises and training methods to build muscle and improve body composition.
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Family Cookery: Baking Banana Bread

Sat 12 Jul 2025, 12:00 - 15:00

A fun family session baking banana bread together. Parents and carers will be responsible at all times during the session and clothing should be appropriate. Please be aware that we work in a shared space so please declare in advance any relevant food related allergies, and, if possible, please bring a container to take your food home. When booking please let us know the name of any children attending and your own email address. Thank you.
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Car Maintenance - beginners taster

Sat 12 Jul 2025, 13:00 - 15:00

This short taster is designed to give students a quick overview of car maintenance basics, e.g. MOT checklist (brakes, tyres, battery, oil, screen and other checks). It provides hands-on guidance and practice, and will lead onto the paid-for 3 hour session 18th July 2025 for those who want to learn a little more. Please wear clothes and shoes suited to a workshop environment that offer protection and that you don't mind getting dirty. Bring pen, paper and phone for note-taking.
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