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Any W.I. members???

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Craftycat Fri 24-Jul-20 16:17:55

I was really upset to hear about the closing of W. I's Denman College yesterday.
I was lucky enough to attend courses there on 4 occasions & not only was it a wonderful place to visit & stay but the courses were second to none. I know it was a bit expensive but the courses,rooms & food were second to none.
However the main thing was the feeling of friendship that you felt as soon as you got there. I remember on my very first visit I was worried that I wouldn't find anyone to talk to or feel left out. How wrong could I be!! Within 10 seconds of walking into the bar area I was made so welcome & I don't think we stopped laughing for the next 3 days.
I live in Surrey so it was a long drive but well worth it for the fun I had there.
What a huge shame it is that the lockdown has now meant it has to close it's doors for good.

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grandMattie Fri 24-Jul-20 16:22:23

I was booked in for a course in April, naturally it was cancelled.
Very sad as, as you say, it’s such a lovely place. I have tried to go annually and have enjoyed it. My last visit in November - the accommodation (Holly) was dire, with the showers and heating not working.
But, yes, it is very sad that it has to close. I hope they do more online classes or use university accommodation in the holidays to take Denman to the masses.

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Luckyoldbeethoven Fri 24-Jul-20 18:28:59

Yes, very sad to see Denman go. I did several courses there and it was a wonderful environment and a real home for WI members. Even if they hold courses elsewhere it won't be the same. It was rather a shock to discover what a knife edge the finances were running on but I suppose it won't be the only casualty of the virus. A great shame.

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NanKate Mon 27-Jul-20 07:39:51

Yes it’s very sad to hear about Denman.

Our WI did fund raising a few years back for Denman and when we heard it was still struggling financially we wondered why they didn’t decamp from London to this beautiful place that had such potential eg Weddings.

The end of an era.

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