About Us
The Courses
I offer a choice of courses suitable for beginners and experienced milliners.
I teach no more than six students at a time, so you will get plenty of
individual tuition.
I offer three day courses in couture hat making, working with
traditional blocking and construction techniques. There is also
a two day course exploring 'Fascinators' and a two day course creating Tiaras.
I teach a variety of mid-week,
part weekend and weekend courses.
Class hours are 10:00 - 4:30 (with 30 minutes for lunch).
I also offer a City and Guilds Millinery Level 2 7716 qualification. This is run over twenty days, one weekend a month for ten months of the year.
By arrangement, I can offer intensive courses on a one to one basis and am available for group bookings. Please telephone me to discuss details.
Your Tutor
I trained in millinery at the London College of Fashion with the Royal Couturier,
Marie O'Reagan. After several years of running a successful business in
London, 'Lashford's Couture Milliners' moved to the Cotswolds.
I started teaching in 1997 and at first taught recreational courses throughout
Worcestershire and Gloucestershire.
Realizing how much I loved teaching I trained to be a teacher.
In 1999 I taught my first City and Guilds Millinery course.
I also wrote and taught several new OCN millinery courses.
I setup my own Millinery School in the Autumn of 2002.
I now offer 17 short courses and am also an independant City and Guilds Centre.
The Location
The Millinery School is situated at Bowers Hill on the edge of the Cotswolds
in an idyllic rural setting 2 miles southeast of Evesham and 2 miles northwest
of Broadway. If you are travelling by train, then Evesham is the nearest
train station. If you are travelling by plane then Birmingham International Airport is the nearest airport.
If you are travelling without a car and stay somewhere on my very local accommodation list, I will be able to take you to your accommodation after your first day at the school. I will also be able to collect you in the mornings throughtout the rest of the duration of your course. I cannot offer this facility on the last evening of any course.
Materials & Equipment
Hat blocks are provided by the School.
All other materials are to be paid for by the student (please telephone
me for an estimate of your material costs, they vary depending on which
course you choose). Before attending a course, you will have the opportunity
to establish a trade connection with Luton and order your hat materials
direct from the millinery suppliers. An equipment/material list and colour
swatches will be sent to you on receipt of your deposit for the course.
Accommodation
For those students travelling from a distance, there are many local bed
and breakfast and hotels. Please tick the box on the booking form if you
require a bed and breakfast list.