Formerly known as Marcham Park, this stunning Georgian building set in picturesque Abingdon, Oxfordshire, is now known to us as Denman College, but a varied history has preceded this place, including accommodating the RAF during
WWII.
After the war it was secured by the WI, partially financed by The Carnegie United Kingdom trust, with a condition that Institutes raise the balance of funds needed themselves. Every WI was invited to raise £10 over three years to donate to the project and the college was formally established in 1948.
WI members were generous with gifts, particularly at this time of rationing.
For instance, the curtains were made by working parties from bleached black out curtains.
The college was named after Lady Denman, an amazing lady of her time, who in 1917 became the first National Chairman for the WI and who remained in that office for 30 years.
A teaching block was opened by the Queen Mother in 1970 and a Home Economics Centre by the Queen in 1977.
Today, students attending the college do not have to be members of the WI, but there are membership benefits and opportunities to apply for a bursary if you are. The college accepts both male and female learners.
Residential courses at Denman College last between 2 and 4 days, although non-residential day courses are also offered. Course subject areas include the arts, crafts, languages, history, sport and technology. Also, the college also operates
its own cookery school.
For more details on courses, workshops and classes or to request a brochure, telephone 01865 391 991, or visit their website http://www.denman.org.uk to download the full course catalogue, find up to-date information on special open days, festivals and much more.
Denman College is an integral part of the Women’s Institute and is just over 50 miles away from Stonehouse, easily accessible by road or rail. As part of their green transport initiative, if you’re arriving by train or by bus , a free taxi service direct to Denman from both Oxford and Didcot railway stations and Gloucester Green Bus Station is on offer.
It couldn’t be easier to enjoy the Denman experience!
WWII.
After the war it was secured by the WI, partially financed by The Carnegie United Kingdom trust, with a condition that Institutes raise the balance of funds needed themselves. Every WI was invited to raise £10 over three years to donate to the project and the college was formally established in 1948.
WI members were generous with gifts, particularly at this time of rationing.
For instance, the curtains were made by working parties from bleached black out curtains.
The college was named after Lady Denman, an amazing lady of her time, who in 1917 became the first National Chairman for the WI and who remained in that office for 30 years.
A teaching block was opened by the Queen Mother in 1970 and a Home Economics Centre by the Queen in 1977.
Today, students attending the college do not have to be members of the WI, but there are membership benefits and opportunities to apply for a bursary if you are. The college accepts both male and female learners.
Residential courses at Denman College last between 2 and 4 days, although non-residential day courses are also offered. Course subject areas include the arts, crafts, languages, history, sport and technology. Also, the college also operates
its own cookery school.
For more details on courses, workshops and classes or to request a brochure, telephone 01865 391 991, or visit their website http://www.denman.org.uk to download the full course catalogue, find up to-date information on special open days, festivals and much more.
Denman College is an integral part of the Women’s Institute and is just over 50 miles away from Stonehouse, easily accessible by road or rail. As part of their green transport initiative, if you’re arriving by train or by bus , a free taxi service direct to Denman from both Oxford and Didcot railway stations and Gloucester Green Bus Station is on offer.
It couldn’t be easier to enjoy the Denman experience!