Scroll to topSCROLL TO TOP
NEWSLETTER ISSUE 96 / JUNE 2018

Dear Friend,

Maggie's painting group at the watermill in Italy and a painting by Maggie Renner Hellman

Our 2019 creative course season is bubbling away, with Sandra Strohsche in beginning her four weeks as ‘artist in residence’ at the Watermill. We’ve already enjoyed a marvellous Courageous Colo(u)r Workshop with Maggie Renner Hellman, a terrific knitting week with Sarah Hazell and a brilliant watercolour painting week with Paul Talbot-Greaves, all of whom will returning next year.

We’ve only a few places left on this year's creative courses (details below) so we’ve opened up a preview of our 2019 courses, which you can see by clicking here. And there is a tempting offer: if you book a 2019 course before 1 September 2018, you can enjoy a place in 2019 at 2018 prices. Again, there are more details and links below.

In this month’s newsletter there are also stories on:

  • Friendship renewed on a painting course
  • Growing your writing wings with Jo
  • Now you don’t have to eat your spaghetti with a spike
  • A reminder of the Watermill photographic competition
  • An honorary woman on writing your memoir
  • A preview and a tempting offer on our 2019 creative courses

Intrigued? Read on....

The two pictures above show (left) Maggie’s happy group showing off their pictures and (right) Maggie’s watercolour demonstration of the sunny courtyard (she gave it to us as a gift and it will hand in the watermill sitting room. Thanks Maggie); while below are, (left) an intriguing painting by Watermill guest Carol Gaston and (right) fine photographic study of three local gentlemen enjoying each other’s company on market day in the rain, by another Watermill guest, Cliff Anderson. Thank you both for sharing your work.

Painting by Carol Gaston at the mill and Gents in the rain by Cliff Anderson

Privacy Update

You've probably already seen quite a few articles like this, so we'll keep it brief. We have updated our Privacy & Terms Policy to comply with the new GDPR requirements. We kindly ask you to read them and get familiar with the updates.

Not much has changed, we've always been careful and responsible with the data we collect.


Come to the watermill in Tuscany with your partner or friend
Together
at the Watermill

Bring a partner: there’s plenty for them to do

Why not bring your friend or partner? They don’t have to participate in the course, but they will be able to enjoy the wonderful hospitality of the mill and, whenever they want, to come out with you to our beautiful locations. We also offer a range of Alternative activities for partners on all our 2018 courses, as well as a generous £GBP 250 discount if they share a room with you.


Lana and Swanthra meet again at the watermill in Tuscany

Friendship renewed on a painting course

This delightful picture shows Lana Marie Paris and Swanthra Cooke, two friends who met on a painting course here last year and who were reunited at the beginning of Sandra Strohschein’s week.

Welcome back!


Remaining places on our 2018 creative courses

Sandra Strohschein - Watercolours
9 June to 16 June 2018: One space left (or two sharing)
16 June to 23 June 2018: One space left (or two sharing)
To learn more about Sandra, her course at the mill and to see more of her pictures, please visit her Profile Page

Andrew Geeson - Watercolours
23 June to 30 June 2018: One space left (or two sharing)
To learn more about Andrew, his course at the mill and to see more of his pictures, please visit his Profile Page

Terry Jarvis - Watercolours (and oils, pastels and acrylics)
7 July to 14 July 2018: Still places
To learn more about Terry, his course at the mill and to see more of his pictures, please visit his Profile Page

Rebecca de Mendonça & Nel Whatmore - Pastels
1 September to 8 September 2018: One place left (or two sharing)
To learn more about Rebecca & Nel, their course and to see more of their pictures, please visit their Profile Page

Mike Willdridge - Watercolours and drawing (also gouache and acrylics with an emphasis on sketching and drawing on location)
8 September to 15 September 2018: 1 place left
To learn more about Mike, his course at the mill and to see more of his pictures, please visit his Profile Page.

Lisa Richardson - Knitting and La Bella Vita
29 September to 6 October 2018: One place left
To learn more about Lisa and her course at the mill, please visit her Profile Page

Jo Parfitt - Write Your Life Stories
18 August to 25 August 2018: Three places left
To learn more about Jo and her course at the mill, please visit her Profile Page


Grow your writing wings with Jo

Grow your writing wings with Jo at the watermill in Tuscany

We have always thought that we have to take risks in life from time to time: jumping off the cliff, as it were, and finding that we can fly. So we were in tune with this sentiment by author Kurt Vonnegut, who echoed my thoughts in this tip about writing: “We have to continually be jumping off cliffs and developing our wings on the way down.”

Of course, you’ll need a safe landing ground, a group of supportive friends and an expert guide on your fledgling outings...

And that’s just what you’ll have on Jo Parfitt’s wonderful Writing your Life’s Stories week here. Jo says:“The course at the watermill will provide a safe haven in which to unlock your creativity, write from your heart and hone your writing craft. It will also help to remove blocks to your writing. Sessions at the mill will empower students to write in a compelling way that makes real experiences come to life.

Writing outside at the watermill in Italy

One of the best way to begin writing is with stories from your own life, whether it’s for a short blog or full-blooded memoir. Or just a record for your grandchildren to enjoy and to understand what you did and how it was when you were younger. You’ll need motivation and courage, but the rewards will be great. As one student on Jo’s last course here said: “I can honestly say it’s been life changing for me and the setting could not have been more perfect.”

Jo’s week with us, from 22-29 September, is now completely full, but we still have a few places on her Write Your Life Stories course, from Saturday 18 August to Saturday 25 August 2018.

Jo’s creative writing courses are designed to help you produce your best work, to find your true writer’s ‘voice’ and to write authentically. Among other things, you’ll discover the secret of SPICE, the seven steps to writing life stories, and put this into practice right away.

Jo Parfitt has published 32 books herself, has helped more than 100 authors get into print and more than 1,000 people to begin writing. She’s an inspiring, compassionate and encouraging teacher: her motto is ‘sharing what I know to help others to grow’. Jo says: “The class will include several methods and genre and is perfect for anyone wanting to write about their own lives for an effective journal, memoir or blog. If you would enjoy an injection of inspiration in a safe and supportive environment this course is for you. It is appropriate for students of any level.”

Jo Parfitt

Jo Parfitt
22 September to 29 September 2018 - Three places left
Write Your Life Stories
To learn more about Jo and her course at The Watermill, please visit her Profile Page


Now you don’t have to eat your spaghetti with a spike

Did you know that in the Middle Ages Italians used to eat their pasta with a spike? The instrument was known as a punteruolo (technically, an awl). We are grateful to the English language on-line newspaper The Local for that pasta fact – and nine fascinating others too. Please click here for more.

The spike, The Local says, “was gradually replaced by the fork as Italians realised that three spikes were better than one. The fork’s practicality for eating pasta is believed to be a factor in why Italy adopted the cutlery earlier and more enthusiastically than most other countries in Europe.” Actually, I think early forks had just two spikes, but I may be wrong...

Dont Forget the Watermill Photographic Competition
(Left) Picture from the Local (Right) Tagliatelle ai funghi porcini: a Watermill speciality

The Local tells us that the world eats 13 billion tonnes of pasta a year and after Italy and the USA, Russians are the biggest pasta eaters.

At the Watermill we don’t overload you with pasta, but the spaghetti al pomodoro you’ll eat at the trattoria Al Castello near the mill is fabulous and our own Italian grandmother cook Mirella Musetti makes wonderful fusilli alla primavera and a tagliatelle ai funghi porcini that is to die for!


Don’t forget the Watermill photographic competition

Cliff Anderson’s picturers of three old friends chatting at the market reminded us to remind you of our photogahic competition, which is your chance to capture the unique ambiance and fun-filled atmosphere of The Watermill during our inspiring creative courses -- and win a free creative holiday. The competition is open to anyone who has stayed at the Watermill, this year or in previous years (except professional photographers.)

Dont Forget the Watermill Photographic Competition
(Left) A humming bird moth at the Watermill by guest Ron Ploeg and
(Right) Concentration on a knitting course by guest Phil Wright

First prize goes to the photograph we judge to be the one that most reflects the ambiance of the mill. We are particularly interested in shots that show our ‘students’ in action, both at ‘work’ and play, although we’d also like to see great photos of the Watermill, its grounds and the surrounding countryside, and of the flora and fauna that abound in this environmentally protected area. The winner will be offered a free week-long creative holiday at the Watermill in 2019, of his or her choice, subject to availability. There will be five runner-up prizes, of £GBP 200 off a creative holiday at The Watermill in 2019, subject to availability.

You can find out more by clicking here. Please join in the fun and submit the best photos taken during your visit this year. We look forward to seeing them all.


Watermill in Tuscany's Painting NewsPAINTING NEWS

Sudden availability on Mike’s painting course

Painting by Mike Willdridge

Due to cancellations, we now have places on Mike Willdridge’s inspiring painting course this September. For Mike’s course, from Saturday 8 September to Saturday 15 September 2018, the Donatello bedroom is free for one painting guest. Details of the room can be found by clicking here.

Come and join us on one (or both) of these fun-filled, sun-filled painting courses. We’d love to welcome you here.


Painting holidays: the inspiring 2018 line-up


Sandra Strohschein

Sandra Strohschein
9 June to 16 June 2018 - two places left
16 June to 23 June 2018
- two places left
Watercolours
To learn more about Sandra, her course at the mill and to see more of her pictures, please visit her Profile Page


Andrew Geeson

Andrew Geeson
23 June to 30 June 2018 - two places left
Watercolours
To learn more about Andrew, his course at the mill and to see more of his pictures, please visit his Profile Page


Terry Jarvis

Terry Jarvis
7 July to 14 July 2018 - still single or double rooms available
Watercolours (and oils, pastels and acrylics)
To learn more about Terry, his course at the mill and to see more of his pictures, please visit his Profile Page


Nel Whatmore & Rebecca de Mendonça

Rebecca de Mendonça & Nel Whatmore
1 September to 8 September 2018 - one or two places left
Pastels
To learn more about Rebecca & Nel, their course and to see more of their pictures, please visit their Profile Page


Mike Willdridge

Mike Willdridge
8 September to 15 September 2018 - one place left
Watercolours and drawing (also gouache and acrylics with an emphasis on sketching and drawing on location)
To learn more about Mike, his course at the mill and to see more of his pictures, please visit his Profile Page


Claire Warner

Claire Warner
15 September to 22 September 2018 - course full, waiting list open
Watercolours (and oils and acrylics)
To learn more about Claire, her course and to see more of her pictures, please visit her Profile Page


Vicki Norman

Vicki Norman
6 October to 13 October 2018 - course full, waiting list open
Oils en plein air
To learn more about Vicki, her course at the mill and to see more of her pictures, please visit her Profile Page


Tim Wilmot

Tim Wilmot
13 October to 20 October 2018 - course full, waiting list open
Watercolours
To learn more about Tim, his course at the mill and to see more of his pictures, please visit his Profile Page


Onion Cartoon
Our Summer painter in residence,
Sandra Strohschein

Come and join us and enjoy the magic at the mill!

*** Why not bring your non-painting partner as well?

There’s a generous £250 discount for him/her if they share a room with you - and there’s plenty for them to do. Have a look at our Partner’s Activities Page for suggestions.

Use the 2018 programme link below to view the full list of our inspiring 2018 painting tutors


Watermill in Italy's Knitting NewsKNITTING NEWS

One place left on Lisa’s exciting knitting week

Another cancellation means we now have one place available for Lisa Richardson’s inspiring knitting course this Autumn. It is in our Donatello bedroom. (Please click here for more details of the bedrooms

Lisa Richardson

Lisa Richardson's name is instantly associated with the Rowan pattern house. Lisa joined Rowan in 2003 and, after years of turning her hand to many different roles and tasks as part of the set-up, is now a celebrated and well established designer in her own right. She says: “I’ve always made things – my Gran taught me to knit and crochet – but I started at Rowan doing homeware, not knitwear at all. Working there you are surrounded by yarns, and people creating amazing things with them, and I was soon finishing off and doing bits of embroidery to help out. Then I got asked to crochet a cardigan and it just went from there. I don’t think there’s a job at Rowan I haven’t done.”

Beret project

Inspired by shape and texture, Lisa’s designs showcase interesting stitch details, unique garment structure and stylish techniques with a classically understated, yet innovative brilliance which is reflected in the global status she now commands.

Lisa has created two special projects for participants on her course: the first is a fairisle and textured cushion using rowan felted tweed, inspired by the different tiles that you will find in the various rooms at the watermill. The second is a textured and lace beret worked in the round using a beautiful cashmere yarn.

Here’s some praise from knitters on Lisa’s course in 2017:

“I had the most wonderful knitting holiday at the Watermill in Posara! Really everything was taken care of by our perfect hosts Lois and Bill as well as by the rest of the great staff. Having Lisa Richardson as our knitting tutor was a delight and great inspiration! A huge thanks to you all.”

“Such perfection, I am spoiled for anywhere else! A wonderful relaxing holiday with knitting. Everything was superb, and I was particularly touched by the warm friendly reception from Bill and Lois. The knitting was led by the talented and delightful Lisa Richardson, a calm presence who worked miracles with those of us who struggled from time to time. Our finished work is something we shall all treasure.”


Here’s the current 2018 knitting line-up:


Marie Wallin

Marie Wallin - course full, waiting list open
14 July to 21 July 2018
Knitting and La Bella Vita
To learn more about Marie and her course at the mill, please visit her Profile Page


Lisa Richardson

Lisa Richardson - one place left
29 September to 6 October 2018
Knitting and La Bella Vita
To learn more about Lisa and her course at the mill, please visit her Profile Page


Knitting group at the watermill in Italy

Don't forget your partner!

And don’t forget that your friend or partner doesn’t need to participate in the creative course, whether it’s painting, language, knitting or yoga.

We offer them a range of Alternative activities for partners on all our 2018 courses, as well as a generous £GBP 250 discount if they share a room with you.


Creative writing News at the watermill in ItalyCREATIVE WRITING NEWS

An ‘honorary woman’ on the importance of Jo’s Writing your Life Stories course

It’s been a few years since Jo Parfitt, our enthusiastic and inspiring writing tutor took a Writing Your Life Stories course here. She’s been in the Far East, but we are delighted that she’s back in Europe and able to join us in Posara again.

And we make no excuses for sharing with you again the reminiscenes of our old friend the scriptwriter Laurence Marks, (Goodnight Sweetheart, Birds of a Feather, The New Statesman,etc., etc.) who came on Jo’s first memoir-writing course here some five years ago.

Dont Forget the Watermill Photographic Competition
(Left) An old photo, well saved, of the group on Jo’s last course at the Watermill
(Right) Laurence Marks

Laurence still has fond memories. The battered photograph, top, sent to us recently by another participant, shows Laurence among our other writing guests. He says: “For a week I became an honorary woman. Eleven women and me, all intent on learning the rudiments of how to write a memoir. I went home with my manhood intact, but I also left the Watermill knowing considerably more about the shortcuts and methods of chronicling my life. Under the careful, learned and sympathetic supervision of Jo Parfitt, I am now twelve chapters into my magnum opus and not a morning passes when I don’t refer to the notes and advice Jo passed on to me.

Not bad praise coming from a successful professional writer! But Jo’s course is for aspiring writers of all levels. All you have to do is want to write! Jo says:“The class will include several methods and genre and is perfect for anyone wanting to write about their own lives for an effective journal, memoir or blog. If you would enjoy an injection of inspiration in a safe and supportive environment this course is for you. It is appropriate for students of any level.”


Jo Parfitt

Jo Parfitt
18 August to 25 August 2018 - four places left
22 September to 29 September 2018 - course full, waiting list open
Write Your Life Stories
To learn more about Jo and her course at The Watermill, please visit her Profile Page


 

ITALIAN LANGUAGE NEWS
Learning Italian at the watermill in Tuscany

Unitevi a noi nel 2019 per il divertimento e l'italiano!

.... join us next year for fun and Italian!

Sorry, we are having to turn people away from our 2018 Italian language course (but there may be cancellations, so if you are keen, we’ll put you on the waiting list.

And we are already taking bookings for 2019 (please click here for more details)


Giulia Balestri

Giulia Balestri
30 June to 7 July 2018- one or two places still available
7 July to 14 July 2018 - possible course if there is demand
Italian language week
To learn more about Giulia and her course at The Watermill, please click here


The watermill in Italy's newsletter specialsNEWSLETTER SPECIALS
Preview of our 2019 courses at the watermill in Tuscany, Italy

An early preview of our 2019 creative courses

Because of the unprecedented demand for our courses this year, we’ve decided to open up most of our 2019 courses for bookings. There’s a preview section on the Watermill website, which you can see by clicking here.

Watermill's creative courses in 2019

And there’s a Special Offer: If you book for a 2019 creative course before 1 September 2018, you can reserve your place at 2018 prices. (After 1 September, the costs for 2019 courses will change.) Please have a look at the exciting courses for NEXT year and if you find a tutor and a course that you like, please be in touch as soon as you can, using the 2019 Preview Enquiry Form which you’ll find on the 2019 Watermill website 2019 Preview Section.

*** If you are keen NOW is the time to book: we already have more than 50 bookings for 2019. Two courses are already sold out and others are filling fast. ***


Everything's included in your watermill painting holiday, yoga retreat, creative writing holiday, knitting week or Italian Language course

Don’t forget that everything is included in the cost of a painting holiday, yoga retreat, knitting, personal development or language holiday: tuition, accommodation (including all linen and towels), pre-dinner aperitifs, all meals and local transportation (including transfers to Pisa airport; an excursion by train to visit the ancient walled city of Lucca or the stunning seaside villages of the Cinque Terre). All you have to do is to get to Pisa airport and we do the rest.

Whether you're travelling alone or with a partner you can be sure of a warm welcome, and that you'll be well looked after. We have built our reputation on the comfort of the mill and the care we provide.


Become a friend of The Watermill at Posara

Visit our Friends Website (Link below). Just follow the instructions to Register as a Friend and then Log In to enjoy special privileges. If you become a ‘Friend’ (it will cost you nothing) you’ll enjoy many exclusive benefits, including dozens of practical and inspiring tips from our international painting and creative writing tutors and recipes from the watermill’s mouth-watering menus. And there will be exclusive offers for Friends to make our courses and holidays even more attractive.


Thank you for reading the watermill in Italy's newsletterTHANK YOU

We very much look forward to welcoming you to the mill this year, and for those of you who have already tasted the many delights at The Watermill at Posara, we look forward to welcoming you back.

Your hosts at the watermill, Italy

With very best wishes a tutti

Your hosts at the watermill in Tuscany

Lois and Bill Breckon