Grow, learn and be inspired (From Stroud News and Journal)

Grow, learn and be inspired

Breathtaking and imposing, the building that houses Hawkwood college could not have been better chosen to inspire personal development.

Set in 42 acres of land, the beautiful neo-gothic Victorian building on Painswick old road, Stroud towers over the five valleys from the top of the hill.

The building itself is steeped in history. Originally the home of a wealthy family of mill-owners, it was founded as an educational institute in 1948 by Lily Whincop and Mary Bennell.

Lily had just bought the house when her second husband died, leaving her alone in the massive building. Mary, a Winstones teacher influenced by the work of Rudolf Steiner, suggested turning it into a college, and Hawkwood was born. Reporter Alli Pyrah went along to have a closer look

VISITORS to Hawkwood College will be immediately struck by a sense of serenity.

It is not unusual to find students on a yoga retreat, chatting quietly, shaded from the sun by a 100ft Wellingtonia Secoia tree.

Just 18 months ago, this tree was the subject of a sponsored climb, with staff and students scaling its dizzy heights to raise money for the college.

"Some people who never thought they'd get up there were admiring the view at the top," said Richard.

Trees are important at Hawkwood, walking through the main doors, a memorial plaque commemorates a Redwood tree that was struck by lightning on October 17, 2001.

"The whole thing just exploded," said principal Richard Brinton. "There were pieces of wood 200 metres around."

In the post-war years, the founders of Hawkwood tried to promote international peace by bringing students from Germany to study as teachers of English as a foreign language.

This went on for about 20 years, when Hawkwood began to expand with its prospectus, branching out into other subject areas.

Using Steiner's educational ideas, it took a holistic view of personal development.

These days, students at Hawkwood can enjoy courses as diverse as homeopathy, Japanese embroidery, yoga, dramatherapy, and crystal healing.

There are also a number of environmental projects, including the construction of an eco-friendly organic sewage system.

"The government is trying to expand adult education and we are working towards that," said Mr Brinton.

The college offers specialist courses aimed at disabled people, such as sculpture and collage for the visually impaired and is liaising with Stroud District Council about ways of making it more accessible to different groups of people.

Hawkwood is a registered charity which is largely funded by students and groups who pay to attend its courses.

Larger investments, such as special projects and refurbishments, are paid for through fundraising and grants.

It was recently awarded a £30,000 grant from Triodos Bank, an ethical bank which finances projects with social and environmental benefits.

There are 34 bedrooms, with 51 beds as the college offers day and residential courses and has first-rate catering facilities, with a 60-seat dining room and its own chef on hand to prepare nutritious and satisfying meals from ingredients produced on-site.

Provisions can be made for people on special diets, such as vegetarians and those with allergies.

Hawkwood hosts an annual open day which has been known to attract over 500 people.

This year it will take place on Monday, May 2 between 10 am and 5pm. Admission is free and activities will include a BBQ, course taster sessions, live music and amber sculpture.

There are also plenty of activities for youngsters, such as supervised clay modelling and a treasure hunt, which has been a huge success in the past.

"It's like the Pied Piper of Hamlin walking off with all these children behind him," said Richard. "If it's a nice day people will bring their blankets and chairs and sit out on the lawn."

In previous years, visitors have included Mayor Kevin Granston and Jonathon Porritt, founder of Friends of the Earth.

"It's always a wonderful day," he added. "It brings out a real sense of community, and that's what Hawkwood is all about."