The Village School

Experiential event specialists Rogue Village took their signature feel good vibes into the world of online workshops and masterclasses with their launch of The Village School in October.

With restaurants, pubs and gyms closed during lockdown thousands of us turned to Zoom to get a creative workout, and online courses boomed. Directors of North Berwick-based Rogue Village, Peter and Jenny Maniam recognised the ‘webcam-in-the-spare-room’ style, that many out-of-work creatives resourcefully pivoted to. But these often felt two-dimensional and uninspiring, doing the talented workshop leader no favours. Inspired by lifestyle publications such as The Selby, The Village School was born. Featuring a range of beautifully-shot workshops from some of the UK’s most exciting creatives, participants can learn new skills such as floristry, photography, wild cooking and calligraphy as well as gaining an insight into the lives of the mentors – all from the comfort of their own home. Workshops are pre-recorded and participants have lifelong access to the course so they can work at their own pace, and return to the workshop whenever they want.

Mentors include Great British Bake-Off’s youngest ever runner-up and owner of ARAN Bakery, Flora Shedden; Trinidadian Calligrapher Paul Antonio – one of the Queen’s four scribes and go-to scribe for the world’s leading fashion brands; Ceramics with Channel 4’s Great British Pottery Throwdown finalist Matt Cronshaw and Pyrus Botanicals whose locally sourced and seasonal approach to floristry and botanical installations has been lauded by US Vogue, The Telegraph, The Times and Fashionista.

Jenny explains; “We live in such a busy world, and right now, in very strange times. It’s more important than ever to ensure we’re taking time for ourselves and decompressing. Many of our mentors talk about the benefits of learning and being creative, have on their wellbeing and mental health. When was the last time you tried or learned something new? It can be so empowering and uplifting.”

And with Christmas approaching The Village School provides a unique and thoughtful gift option with beautifully designed gift cards, whilst The Village Store offers add-ons from course mentors such as; cookbooks, wreath making kits and handmade products.