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L’Age Baston Chronicles 2012
LB Chronicles No.12 Dec 2012
EDITORIAL Chronicles Number 12
This year saw us moving definitively towards the 21st Century. We launched our our new web site and all the twittering, face-booking, blogging and pay-palling that goes with it. What a scintillating, sensational, globalised season it was with guests arriving from Bostwana, Wall Street, Scandinavia, Australia, Singapore and points E, W, N, & South. The Painting Courses were pre-eminent, the writing was wonderful and the cooking captivating. Retreats were reposing, French was fascinating and there were lots of walkers that John didn’t lose. Next year will be the 21st anniversary of courses here at L’Age Baston. This is a cause for celebration. So we shall have a 21st Birthday Party every week, & you are officially invited. Break out the party frocks, polish up those party pieces and get ready for a bit of joyous frivolity. We shall have all your favourite courses with added entertainments, diversions and those life-affirming long lunches in the courtyard. Fine thoughts to carry you through the dark days of winter. There’s a bright L’Age Baston tomorrow waiting for you. Best wishes from everyone at the Château.
Happy New Year (and many of them)
L’AGE OF STAFF
First things first. A big thank you to Jennifer and Matt & Paulina – our hard working and cheerful season’s helpers. We wish them all the best for the future.
PAPER SUPPLIES Deciding what to pack is hard enough without having to worry about things like paper if you are an artist. To help out we are going to have a simple stock of papers here in Alex’s ‘boutique’ to save you all the trouble.
LITERACY Alexandra has been busy restocking the library. She takes it very seriously and insists on reading every new
addition herself before it goes on the shelves. Literacy is a wonderful thing.
NEW PAINTING TUTORS We have new tutors joining our stellar team of Painting Teachers this year. Lulu Hancock is a talented artist and tutor with a professional background in
illustration. She lives in France but still finds time to lecture at De Montfort and to
tutor at L’Age Baston from the 8th June. Having someone like Paul Bassingthwaighte at the Chateau is too good a chance
to miss. Paul is a trained and qualified tutor, artist, illustrator and film maker. His thoughtful and creative
presence will be with us for two weeks from June 29th. Karen Pearson is joining us
for the 10th August. A lively painter & sculptor who really enjoys teaching.
Well known for inspirational and practical tuition from Dorking to Africa. Find more about Paul, Karen and Lulu on their pages at www.lagebaston.com
ANIMALERY All the animals are doing well at L’Age Baston, including the red squirrels stuffing them-selves on our walnuts. Don’t worry there’s plenty left. The donkeys and cats are in fine form and the saga of Horatio continues. Read his blog on our website. Learning to read was a pushover for him but, truth to tell, writing and typing were a bit hard to begin with.
VASTER THAN EMPIRES Our love affair with home-grown vegetables deepens. Celeriac and celery were new ventures for us this summer. Keeping in touch with our green side, we not only have a spanking new compost heap but also supply all our own firewood now. Hooray for wood burners. You have to cut and stack a bit but that smug feeling is priceless.
PAINTERLY VENTURES Another prime year for painting. We don’t know how you do it. It’s tough for artists to leave the comfort and visual splendour of L’Age Baston, but it’s a good thing to do now and then. This year saw field trips to paint sunflowers and sorties to Angouleme, Montbron , La Rochefoucauld and Confolens (picture) - a picturesque old town astride the river Vienne about 35 minutes away. We shall sally forth to explore lovely new locations in 2013.
FRENCH INTENSIVE
The return of Intensive French has been eagerly awaited by those of you for whom French holds few, if any, tears at all. Well it’s back. We are happy to announce three intensive weeks full of chances to let slip a subjunctive or elide a liaison. Courage mes braves!
WRIT L’AGE
Our first intrepid wordsmiths have written themselves into L’Age Baston history. They explored their own literary landscapes, discovering new
sources for the never ending story and had more fun with words than was entirely proper. Write!
THE RETREATS Two retreats next season for the holistically inclined. The lovely Claire Nichols returns on the 3rd of August and new tutor Isabelle Weber will be with us on the 31st. Isabelle is a professional holistic therapist with a repertoire of gentle but
effective approaches to finding a proper life balance a sense of emotional and physical well being. We feel more relaxed already.
CHÂTEAU CHANGES
We can report that this year, amongst other things, we made bedroom 6 en-suite, spruced up the Guardians’ House, replaced the missing panels in the French room and wall papered the seco-ndary staircase. We have plans for Bathroom 1 (which is now getting excited) and even for finishing our new curtains.
RECIPE
Not long to prepare but almost a day to cook. Eartha Kitt had a song about taking your time. She was, of course, singing about cooking. This recipe is our answer to all the 15 minute meals. Think what you could get done while the lamb slowly melts into a delicious, mouth-watering feast.
Seven Hour Lamb 1 large leg of lamb – 3 kilos 4 onions sliced 8 whole garlic cloves, peeled 4 carrots, left whole if small or quarter (depending on size) olive oil 300ml white wine 300ml stock 2 tablespoons cognac thyme sprigs to decorate. Heat oven to 120C. Put a large casserole on the hob. Add a little olive oil in the bottom and brown the seasoned leg of lamb on all sides. Do this very thoroughly until it is a good dark brown as it will not brown during the cooking. If lamb sticks, add a drizzle of oil. Pour away any fat that has collected in the bottom Add the vegetables and then the wine and stock. Season and bring to the boil. Place the lid on and put the casserole in the oven. Bake for 7 hours, turning twice.
To serve Remove meat and vegetables from casserole and keep warm. Strain sauce into a jug and skim the fat off Pour the sauce into a pan then boil hard to reduce by a quarter. Adjust seasoning, add cognac and serve alongside the lamb. Dish with a spoon.
LAge Baston 2012 Newletter A4 2pp V2 111212.indd 1 11/12/2012 12:49
2013: Courses Dates & Prices
LB Chronicles No.12 Dec 2012
Early Bird PricesBook before 28 February 2013
Painting7 nights £899
14 nights £1700French Country Cooking
7 nights £899Walking in the Charente
7 nights £850French for Francophiles
7 nights £105014 nights £2000
French Intensive 7 nights £1299
Creative Writing7 nights £875
Retreat Weeks7 nights £1050
Partners & Friends 7 nights 14 nights
Sharing £699 £1298
French for FrancophilesMay 25 Jun 22, 29 Jul 20
Aug 10, 24, 31 Sep 147 nights £1099 14 nights £2100
Our personable team of mother-tongue French Tutors is ever ready to travel with you on your adventure in French.This is a unique chance to improve your French lan-guage skills and taste French culture at first hand. You also get to taste the food and wine at the same time.Allons-y!
French IntensiveJun 29 Jul 20 Aug 24
7 nights £1350For those on a mission, here is undiluted French tuition from Professional French Tutors. Up to 30 hours a week of small group, intensive study and discussion. Can be tough, but holds the promise of rich reward for those with stamina and strength of purpose.
Partners and Friends 7 nights 14 nightsSharing £750 £1400Partners and friends can enjoy the delights of a L’Age Baston Holiday. No tuition of course but everything else is included. You’ll find lots to doin the area and you can relax by the pool or read in the garden too.
PaintingDates TutorMay 25 John BarberJune 1 John BarberJune 8 Lulu Hancock June 15, 22 Jenny JohnsonJune 29 Paul BassingthwaighteJuly 6 Paul BassingthwaighteJuly 13 Anne BossetJuly 27 Anne BossetAug 10 Karen PearsonAug 17, 24 Jenny HalsteadSept 7, 14 Jenny JohnsonSept 21, 28 John Barber
7 nights £95014 nights £1800
Yes, 21 years of art courses!There have been lots of changes since we first started but some things stay the same: a lovely studio, a beautiful house and lots of things to paint and draw. Oh yes, and entertaining hosts, diligent tutors, amazing food and loads of wine. Plus ca change! We could be measuring up for the studio patio as you read this. We have already taken delivery of new easels – and have new art books on their way. Then we had another look round and ordered more mounts, more music and new mugs. Could we do anymore to enhance your enjoyment of the studio?
Walking in the Charente
Jun 15 Jul 6, 27, Aug 17Sept 28
7 nights £899John says hello to all his walking companions. The walking was good and the conversation excellent. Opportunities for foraging were limited this year (no apples, plums or peaches to rescue) but the grapes were sweet, the air fresh and the wild life abundant. He is looking forward to stepping out again in 2013. Why not join him?
The Retreats
Aug 3 Claire, Aug 31 Isabelle7 nights £1099
You have a choice of yogaand guided walks with Claire, or yoga and Chi Gong with Isabelle. Either way our retreat and yoga weeks are afulfilling, relaxing and life-enhancing mix of gentle exercise, meditation andluxurious therapeutic treatments. All wrapped in the sumptuous hospitality that L’Age Baston is known for.Your chance to detox, cleanse and heal mind, body and spirit in a calm and beautiful place.Relax and recharge in the capable hands of our expert practitioners.
Creative Writing
June 8 July 207 nights £925
Do you have a book inside you? With the help of our attentive and caring tutors, you can access the literary giant that slumbers within.This summer you could be led down the shiny path of creative discipline on the road to publishing heaven. Sharpen your pencils, un-strap your wits and just go write into L’Age Baston.
Included on all courses7 nights full-board 6 days tuitionAir-conditioned transport Free airport collectionFree train collection Wine with lunch & dinnerWi-Fi & Guest PCTrips to places of interest Solar Heated, Saltwater pool20 acres of grounds Pool Towels BikesVegetarian/special diets
French Country CookingJune 1 July 13 Sept 7
7 nights £950A gourmet season of students this year. Standout veggie dishes by our Cooking Studentsincluded a super Chilled radish soup and a Roasted Baby Aubergine Tart. Carnivores were well catered for too. A salacious Chicken Liver Salad and a scrumptious Filet Mignon
with a shallot and Pineau dressing still live in the memory.Alex has been busy buying new equipment and checking out new recipes. Don’t just take our word it for though. Come and cook.
BOOKING CONDITIONSA deposit of £200 per person,per week is required at the time of booking. Payment is due eight weeks before the start of your holiday. Bookings made within eight weeks of the start of your holiday must be accompanied by payment in full. Cancellations must be advised in WRITING. It is the policy of L’Age Baston Ltd to try to re-book your place as soon as advised of a cancellation. If successful, your deposit/full payment will be refunded less cancellation costs borne by L’Age Baston. L’Age Baston Ltd reserves the right to retain all or part of the deposit/full payment.
INSURANCEAs a condition of booking and for your own protection,please take out full holiday insurance including cover for accident & medical expenses, loss of personal property, personal liability, cancellations & costs.
To book or for our brochure, Please contact
Victoria SandellL’Age Baston Ltd
23 Swallowfield RoadLondon SE7 7NS
Tel: (0044) 0208 858 [email protected]
www.lagebaston.com
L’Age Baston Chronicles 2012
LB Chronicles No.12 Dec 2012
EDITORIAL Chronicles Number 12
This year saw us moving definitively towards the 21st Century. We launched our our new web site and all the twittering, face-booking, blogging and pay-palling that goes with it. What a scintillating, sensational, globalised season it was with guests arriving from Bostwana, Wall Street, Scandinavia, Australia, Singapore and points E, W, N, & South. The Painting Courses were pre-eminent, the writing was wonderful and the cooking captivating. Retreats were reposing, French was fascinating and there were lots of walkers that John didn’t lose. Next year will be the 21st anniversary of courses here at L’Age Baston. This is a cause for celebration. So we shall have a 21st Birthday Party every week, & you are officially invited. Break out the party frocks, polish up those party pieces and get ready for a bit of joyous frivolity. We shall have all your favourite courses with added entertainments, diversions and those life-affirming long lunches in the courtyard. Fine thoughts to carry you through the dark days of winter. There’s a bright L’Age Baston tomorrow waiting for you. Best wishes from everyone at the Château.
Happy New Year (and many of them)
L’AGE OF STAFF
First things first. A big thank you to Jennifer and Matt & Paulina – our hard working and cheerful season’s helpers. We wish them all the best for the future.
PAPER SUPPLIES Deciding what to pack is hard enough without having to worry about things like paper if you are an artist. To help out we are going to have a simple stock of papers here in Alex’s ‘boutique’ to save you all the trouble.
LITERACY Alexandra has been busy restocking the library. She takes it very seriously and insists on reading every new
addition herself before it goes on the shelves. Literacy is a wonderful thing.
NEW PAINTING TUTORS We have new tutors joining our stellar team of Painting Teachers this year. Lulu Hancock is a talented artist and tutor with a professional background in
illustration. She lives in France but still finds time to lecture at De Montfort and to
tutor at L’Age Baston from the 8th June. Having someone like Paul Bassingthwaite at the Chateau is too good a chance
to miss. Paul is a trained and qualified tutor, artist, illustrator and film maker. His thoughtful and creative
presence will be with us for two weeks from June 29th. Karen Pearson is joining us
for the 10th August. A lively painter & sculptor who really enjoys teaching.
Well known for inspirational and practical tuition from Dorking to Africa. Find more about Paul, Karen and Lulu on their pages at www.lagebaston.com
ANIMALERY All the animals are doing well at L’Age Baston, including the red squirrels stuffing them-selves on our walnuts. Don’t worry there’s plenty left. The donkeys and cats are in fine form and the saga of Horatio continues. Read his blog on our website. Learning to read was a pushover for him but, truth to tell, writing and typing were a bit hard to begin with.
VASTER THAN EMPIRES Our love affair with home-grown vegetables deepens. Celeriac and celery were new ventures for us this summer. Keeping in touch with our green side, we not only have a spanking new compost heap but also supply all our own firewood now. Hooray for wood burners. You have to cut and stack a bit but that smug feeling is priceless.
PAINTERLY VENTURES Another prime year for painting. We don’t know how you do it. It’s tough for artists to leave the comfort and visual splendour of L’Age Baston, but it’s a good thing to do now and then. This year saw field trips to paint sunflowers and sorties to Angouleme, Montbron , La Rochefoucauld and Confolens (picture) - a picturesque old town astride the river Vienne about 35 minutes away. We shall sally forth to explore lovely new locations in 2013.
FRENCH INTENSIVE
The return of Intensive French has been eagerly awaited by those of you for whom French holds few, if any, tears at all. Well it’s back. We are happy to announce three intensive weeks full of chances to let slip a subjunctive or elide a liaison. Courage mes braves!
WRIT L’AGE
Our first intrepid wordsmiths have written themselves into L’Age Baston history. They explored their own literary landscapes, discovering new
sources for the never ending story and had more fun with words than was entirely proper. Write!
THE RETREATS Two retreats next season for the holistically inclined. The lovely Claire Nichols returns on the 3rd of August and new tutor Isabelle Weber will be with us on the 31st. Isabelle is a professional holistic therapist with a repertoire of gentle but
effective approaches to finding a proper life balance a sense of emotional and physical well being. We feel more relaxed already.
CHÂTEAU CHANGES
We can report that this year, amongst other things, we made bedroom 6 en-suite, spruced up the Guardians’ House, replaced the missing panels in the French room and wall papered the seco-ndary staircase. We have plans for Bathroom 1 (which is now getting excited) and even for finishing our new curtains.
RECIPE
Not long to prepare but almost a day to cook. Eartha Kitt had a song about taking your time. She was, of course, singing about cooking. This recipe is our answer to all the 15 minute meals. Think what you could get done while the lamb slowly melts into a delicious, mouth-watering feast.
Seven Hour Lamb 1 large leg of lamb – 3 kilos 4 onions sliced 8 whole garlic cloves, peeled 4 carrots, left whole if small or quarter (depending on size) olive oil 300ml white wine 300ml stock 2 tablespoons cognac thyme sprigs to decorate. Heat oven to 120C. Put a large casserole on the hob. Add a little olive oil in the bottom and brown the seasoned leg of lamb on all sides. Do this very thoroughly until it is a good dark brown as it will not brown during the cooking. If lamb sticks, add a drizzle of oil. Pour away any fat that has collected in the bottom Add the vegetables and then the wine and stock. Season and bring to the boil. Place the lid on and put the casserole in the oven. Bake for 7 hours, turning twice.
To serve Remove meat and vegetables from casserole and keep warm. Strain sauce into a jug and skim the fat off Pour the sauce into a pan then boil hard to reduce by a quarter. Adjust seasoning, add cognac and serve alongside the lamb. Dish with a spoon.
LAge Baston 2012 Newletter A4 2pp V2 111212.indd 2 11/12/2012 12:49
