Update 7/3/22
Online Crossword Masterclass for Aspiring Setters and Advanced Solvers
My next masterclass will take place online. The contents of the class will be essentially the same as usual, including individual advice and plenty of interaction with other participants. The main difference is that the online class is split into two four-hour afternoon sessions instead of one intensive day. This gives extra time for reflection and questions, and I pass on any savings in the costs of venue hire and catering, which means that the cost will be £135 per person instead of the usual £165.
We’ll look at clue-writing, grid filling and theme development, with the emphasis on the things that make the difference between good and mediocre puzzles. You’ll receive a copy of the other participants’ work before the class, so that you’ll have a chance to think like an editor and to see your own work through other people’s eyes, and you’ll receive notes and personal guidance with suggestions for further work, and over 250 pages of course materials.
I hope you’ll join us, and learn a lot about compiling from me and from each other.
Dates Saturday 4 and 11 June 2022
Time 14:00 to 18:00
Venue Zoom
Cost £135
For full details and to book your place in the class, go to boatmancryptics.co.uk/crossword-masterclasses/
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Update 18/12/21
Online Crossword Masterclass for Aspiring Setters and Advanced Solvers
My next masterclass will take place online. The contents of the class will be essentially the same as usual, including individual advice and plenty of interaction with other participants. The main difference is that the online class is split into two four-hour afternoon sessions instead of one intensive day. This gives extra time for reflection and questions, and I pass on any savings in the costs of venue hire and catering, which means that the cost will be £135 per person instead of the usual £165.
We’ll look at clue-writing, grid filling and theme development, with the emphasis on the things that make the difference between good and mediocre puzzles. You’ll receive a copy of the other participants’ work before the class, so that you’ll have a chance to think like an editor and to see your own work through other people’s eyes, and you’ll receive notes and personal guidance with suggestions for further work, and over 250 pages of course materials.
I hope you’ll join us, and learn a lot about compiling from me and from each other.
Dates Saturday 12 and 19 March 2022
Time 14:00 to 18:00
Venue Zoom
Cost £135
For full details and to book your place in the class, go to boatmancryptics.co.uk/crossword-masterclasses/
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Update 2/8/21
Online Crossword Masterclass for Aspiring Setters and Advanced Solvers
My next masterclass will take place online. The contents of the class will be essentially the same as usual, including individual advice and plenty of interaction with other participants. The main difference is that the online class is split into two four-hour afternoon sessions instead of one intensive day. This gives extra time for reflection and questions, and I pass on any savings in the costs of venue hire and catering, which means that the cost will be £135 per person instead of the usual £165.
We’ll look at clue-writing, grid filling and theme development, with the emphasis on the things that make the difference between good and mediocre puzzles. You’ll receive a copy of the other participants’ work before the class, so that you’ll have a chance to think like an editor and to see your own work through other people’s eyes, and you’ll receive notes and personal guidance with suggestions for further work, and over 250 pages of course materials.
I hope you’ll join us, and learn a lot about compiling from me and from each other.
Dates Saturday 20 and 27 November 2021
Time 14:00 to 18:00
Venue Zoom
Cost £135
For full details and to book your place in the class, go to boatmancryptics.co.uk/crossword-masterclasses/
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Update 9/5/21
Online Crossword Masterclass for Aspiring Setters and Advanced Solvers
My next masterclass will take place online. The contents of the class will be essentially the same as usual, including individual advice and plenty of interaction with other participants. The main difference is that the online class is split into two four-hour afternoon sessions instead of one intensive day. This gives extra time for reflection and questions, and I pass on any savings in the costs of venue hire and catering, which means that the cost will be £135 per person instead of the usual £160.
We’ll look at clue-writing, grid filling and theme development, with the emphasis on the things that make the difference between good and mediocre puzzles. You’ll receive a copy of the other participants’ work before the class, so that you’ll have a chance to think like an editor and to see your own work through other people’s eyes, and you’ll receive notes and personal guidance with suggestions for further work, and over 250 pages of course materials.
I hope you’ll join us, and learn a lot about compiling from me and from each other.
Dates Saturday 14 and 21 August 2021
Time 14:00 to 18:00
Venue Zoom
Cost £135
For full details and to book your place in the class, go to boatmancryptics.co.uk/crossword-masterclasses/
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Update 5/2/21
Online Crossword Masterclass for Aspiring Setters and Advanced Solvers
My next masterclass will take place online. The contents of the class will be essentially the same as usual, including individual advice and plenty of interaction with other participants. The main difference is that the online class is split into two four-hour afternoon sessions instead of one intensive day. This gives extra time for reflection and questions, and I pass on any savings in the costs of venue hire and catering, which means that the cost will be £135 per person instead of the usual £160.
We’ll look at clue-writing, grid filling and theme development, with the emphasis on the things that make the difference between good and mediocre puzzles. You’ll receive a copy of the other participants’ work before the class, so that you’ll have a chance to think like an editor and to see your own work through other people’s eyes, and you’ll receive notes and personal guidance with suggestions for further work, and over 250 pages of course materials.
I hope you’ll join us, and learn a lot about compiling from me and from each other.
Dates Saturday 15 and 22 May 2021
Time 14:00 to 18:00
Venue Zoom
Cost £135
For full details and to book your place in the class, go to boatmancryptics.co.uk/crossword-masterclasses/
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Update 27/8/20
Online Crossword Masterclass for Aspiring Setters and Advanced Solvers
My next masterclass will take place online. The contents of the class will be essentially the same as usual, including individual advice and plenty of interaction with other participants. The main difference is that the online class is split into two four-hour afternoon sessions instead of one intensive day. This gives extra time for reflection and questions, and I pass on any savings in the costs of venue hire and catering, which means that the cost will be £125 per person instead of the usual £150.
We’ll look at clue-writing, grid filling and theme development, with the emphasis on the things that make the difference between good and mediocre puzzles. You’ll receive a copy of the other participants’ work before the class, so that you’ll have a chance to think like an editor and to see your own work through other people’s eyes, and you’ll receive notes and personal guidance with suggestions for further work, and over 250 pages of course materials.
I hope you’ll join us, and learn a lot about compiling from me and from each other.
| ….. | Dates | ….. | Saturday 21 and Saturday 28 November 2020 |
| Time | 14:00 to 18:00 | ||
| Venue | Zoom | ||
| Cost | £125 |
For full details and to book your place in the class, go to boatmancryptics.co.uk/crossword-masterclasses/
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Update 25/3/20
In light of the current travel restrictions during the Covid-19 outbreak, my spring masterclass will take place online. The contents of the class will be essentially the same, including individual advice and the same extensive course materials, and there’ll be plenty of interaction with other participants. We’ll also be able to allow the class to run on a little longer than normal in order to allow more time for questions, and I’ll pass on any savings in the costs of venue hire and catering, which means that the cost will be £125 per person instead of the usual £150.
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Update 12/1/20
Crossword Masterclass for Aspiring Setters and Advanced Solvers
My spring masterclass will see us once again in Brighton, on Saturday 23 May 2020.
We’ll have the use of our favourite quiet, airy room in the charming Friends’ Meeting House in the historic centre of Brighton, where lunch will be provided by one of our characterful local cafes and there’ll be good coffee & teas, fruit and other goodies available all day. I’m looking forward to a stimulating class, with a group of people representing a range of experience, from self-confessed dabblers to those who are starting to have their work published, along with perhaps a few advanced solvers who’ll be able to enhance their enjoyment of crosswords by taking the opportunity to find out how setters’ minds work.
We’ll look at clue-writing, grid filling and theme development, with the emphasis on the things that make the difference between good and mediocre puzzles. You’ll receive a copy of the other participants’ work before the class, so that you’ll have a chance to think like an editor and to see your own work through other people’s eyes, and you’ll receive notes and personal guidance with suggestions for further work, and over 250 pages of course materials.
There are more details at http://boatmancryptics.co.uk/crossword-masterclasses/
I hope you’ll join us, and learn a lot about compiling from me and from each other. May is a wonderful time to visit Brighton, as it hosts England’s largest arts festival. Make a weekend of it, and enjoy everything that this vibrant city has to offer!
| Date | Saturday 23 May 2020 | |
| Time | 09:30 to 16:00 | |
| Venue | Brighton Friends’ Meeting House Ship Street Brighton BN1 1AF |
|
| Accessibility | Our room is fully accessible by stair-lift | |
| Cost | £150 including lunch, drinks and snacks |
.
For full details and to book your place in the class, go to boatmancryptics.co.uk/crossword-masterclasses/
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Update 24/6/19
Crossword Masterclass for Aspiring Setters and Advanced Solvers
My autumn masterclass will see us once again in Brighton, on Saturday 9 November 2019.
We’ll have the use of our favourite quiet, airy room in the charming Friends’ Meeting House in the historic centre of Brighton, where lunch will be provided by one of our characterful local cafes and there’ll be good coffee & teas, fruit and other goodies available all day. I’m looking forward to a stimulating class, with a group of people representing a range of experience, from self-confessed dabblers to those who are starting to have their work published, along with perhaps a few advanced solvers who’ll be able to enhance their enjoyment of crosswords by taking the opportunity to find out how setters’ minds work.
We’ll look at clue-writing, grid filling and theme development, with the emphasis on the things that make the difference between good and mediocre puzzles. You’ll receive a copy of the other participants’ work before the class, so that you’ll have a chance to think like an editor and to see your own work through other people’s eyes, and you’ll receive notes and personal guidance with suggestions for further work, and over 250 pages of course materials.
Brighton is a thrilling place to visit at any time of year – make a weekend of it, and enjoy wandering among the city’s many colourful independent shops and facing the elements on the pier!
I hope you’ll join us, and learn a lot about compiling from me and from each other.
| Date | Saturday 9 November 2019 | |
| Time | 09:30 to 16:00 | |
| Venue | Brighton Friends’ Meeting House Ship Street Brighton BN1 1AF |
|
| Accessibility | Our room is fully accessible by stair-lift | |
| Cost | £150 including lunch, drinks and snacks | |
For full details and to book your place in the class, go to boatmancryptics.co.uk/crossword-masterclasses/
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Update 18/2/19
Crossword Masterclass for Aspiring Setters and Advanced Solvers
My spring masterclass will see us once again in Brighton, on Saturday 4 May 2019.
We’ll have the use of our favourite quiet, airy room in the charming Friends’ Meeting House in the historic centre of Brighton, where lunch will be provided by one of our characterful local cafes and there’ll be good coffee & teas, fruit and other goodies available all day. I’m looking forward to a stimulating class, with a group of people representing a range of experience, from self-confessed dabblers to those who are starting to have their work published, along with perhaps a few advanced solvers who’ll be able to enhance their enjoyment of crosswords by taking the opportunity to find out how setters’ minds work.
We’ll look at clue-writing, grid filling and theme development, with the emphasis on the things that make the difference between good and mediocre puzzles. You’ll receive a copy of the other participants’ work before the class, so that you’ll have a chance to think like an editor and to see your own work through other people’s eyes, and you’ll receive notes and personal guidance with suggestions for further work, and over 250 pages of course materials.
May is a wonderful time to visit Brighton, as it hosts England’s largest arts festival. Make a weekend of it, and enjoy everything that this vibrant city has to offer!
I hope you’ll join us, and learn a lot about compiling from me and from each other.
| Date | . | Saturday 4 May 2019 |
| Time | 09:30 to 16:00 | |
| Venue | Brighton Friends’ Meeting House Ship Street Brighton BN1 1AF |
|
| Accessibility | Our room is fully accessible by stair-lift | |
| Cost | £150 including lunch, drinks and snacks |
For full details and to book your place in the class, go to boatmancryptics.co.uk/crossword-masterclasses/
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Update 13/8/18
Crossword Masterclass for Aspiring Setters and Advanced Solvers
My Christmas masterclass will see us once again in Brighton. We’ll have the use of our favourite quiet, airy room in the charming Friends’ Meeting House in the historic centre of Brighton, where lunch will be provided by one of our characterful local cafes and there’ll be good coffee & teas, fruit and other goodies available all day. I’m looking forward to a stimulating class, with a group of people representing a range of experience, from self-confessed dabblers to those who are starting to have their work published, along with perhaps a few advanced solvers who’ll be able to enhance their enjoyment of crosswords by taking the opportunity to find out how setters’ minds work.
We’ll look at clue-writing (with the emphasis on the things that make the difference between good and mediocre puzzles), grid filling and theme development. You’ll receive a copy of the other participants’ work before the class, so that you’ll have a chance to think like an editor and to see your own work through other people’s eyes, and you’ll receive notes and personal guidance, with suggestions for further work, and over 250 pages of course materials.
I hope you’ll join us, and learn a lot about compiling from me and from each other.
Brighton is a thrilling place to visit at this time of year – make a weekend of it, and enjoy wandering among the city’s many colourful independent shops and facing the elements on the pier!
| Date | Saturday 8 December 2018 |
| Time | 09:30 to 16:00 |
| Venue | Brighton Friends’ Meeting House Ship Street Brighton BN1 1AF |
| Accessibility | Our room is fully accessible by stair-lift |
| Cost | £150 including lunch, drinks and snacks |
For full details and to book your place in the class, go to boatmancryptics.co.uk/crossword-masterclasses/
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Update 8/1/18
Crossword Masterclass for Aspiring Setters and Advanced Solvers
My late spring masterclass will see us once again in Brighton. We’ll have the use of our favourite quiet, airy room in the charming Friends’ Meeting House in the historic centre of Brighton, where lunch will be provided by one of our characterful local cafes and there’ll be good coffee & teas, fruit and other goodies available all day. I’m looking forward to a stimulating class, with a group of people representing a range of experience, from self-confessed dabblers to those who are starting to have their work published, along with perhaps a few advanced solvers who’ll be able to enhance their enjoyment of crosswords by taking the opportunity to find out how setters’ minds work.
We’ll look at clue-writing (with the emphasis on the things that make the difference between good and mediocre puzzles), grid filling and theme development. You’ll receive a copy of the other participants’ work before the class, so that you’ll have a chance to think like an editor and to see your own work through other people’s eyes, and you’ll receive notes and personal guidance, with suggestions for further work, and over 250 pages of course materials.
I hope you’ll join us, and learn a lot about compiling from me and from each other.
May is a very special time of year to visit Brighton, as it hosts England’s biggest arts festival. Make a weekend of it, and enjoy everything that this vibrant city has to offer.
Date Saturday 12 May 2018
Time 09:30 to 16:00
Venue Brighton Friends’ Meeting House
……………………………..Ship Street
……………………………..Brighton BN1 1AF
Accessibility Our room is fully accessible by stair-lift
Transport By bus to North Street
.10 minute walk from Brighton Railway Station:
.Parking one minute away in the Lanes (Bartholomew Square) car park
.Cheaper parking by park & ride from Withdean:
……………………………http://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/index.cfm?request=c1000782
Cost £150 including lunch, drinks and snacks
For full details and to book your place in the class, go to
http://boatmancryptics.co.uk/crossword-masterclasses/
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Update 4/7/17
Crossword Masterclass for Aspiring Setters and Advanced Solvers
My autumn masterclass will see us once again in Brighton. We’ll have the use of our favourite quiet, airy room in the charming Friends’ Meeting House in the historic centre of Brighton, where lunch will be provided by one of our characterful local cafes and there’ll be good coffee & teas, fruit and other goodies available all day. I’m looking forward to a stimulating class, with a group of people representing a range of experience, from self-confessed dabblers to those who are starting to have their work published, along with perhaps a few advanced solvers who’ll be able to enhance their enjoyment of crosswords by taking the opportunity to find out how setters’ minds work.
We’ll look at clue-writing (with the emphasis on the things that make the difference between good and mediocre puzzles), grid filling and theme development. You’ll receive a copy of the other participants’ work before the class, so that you’ll have a chance to think like an editor and to see your own work through other people’s eyes, and you’ll receive notes and personal guidance, with suggestions for further work, and over 250 pages of course materials.
I hope you’ll join us, and learn a lot about compiling from me and from each other.
Make a weekend of it, if you’re coming from outside Brighton, and enjoy everything that this vibrant city has to offer.
| Date | Saturday 4 November 2017 | |
| Time | 09:30 to 16:00 | |
| Venue | Brighton Friends’ Meeting House Ship Street Brighton BN1 1AF |
|
| Accessibility | Our room is fully accessible by stair-lift | |
| Transport | By bus to North Street | |
| 10 minute walk from Brighton Railway Station: http://www.brightonquakers.co.uk/about-the-building-2/map-directions |
||
| Parking one minute away in the Lanes (Bartholomew Square) car park Cheaper parking by park & ride from Withdean: http://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/index.cfm?request=c1000782 |
||
| Cost | £150 including lunch, drinks and snacks |
For full details and to book your place in the class, go to http://www.boatmancryptics.co.uk/index_files/CrosswordMasterclasses.html
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Update 27/1/17
Crossword Masterclass for Aspiring Setters and Advanced Solvers
My late spring masterclass will see us once again in Brighton. We’ll have the use of our favourite quiet, airy room in the charming Friends’ Meeting House in the historic centre of Brighton, where lunch will be provided by one of our characterful local cafes and there’ll be good coffee & teas, fruit and other goodies available all day. I’m looking forward to a stimulating class, with a group of people representing a range of experience, from self-confessed dabblers to those who are starting to have their work published, along with perhaps a few advanced solvers who’ll be able to enhance their enjoyment of crosswords by taking the opportunity to find out how setters’ minds work.
We’ll look at clue-writing (with the emphasis on the things that make the difference between good and mediocre puzzles), grid filling and theme development. You’ll receive a copy of the other participants’ work before the class, so that you’ll have a chance to think like an editor and to see your own work through other people’s eyes, and you’ll receive notes and personal guidance, with suggestions for further work, and over 250 pages of course materials.
I hope you’ll join us, and learn a lot about compiling from me and from each other.
May is a specially good time to visit Brighton, as it hosts its annual arts festival – the largest in England. Make a weekend of it and immerse yourself in some of the most thrilling theatre, music, literature and visual arts around.
Date
Saturday 6 May 2017
Time
09:30 to 16:00
Venue
Brighton Friends’ Meeting House
Ship Street
Brighton BN1 1AF
Accessibility
Our room is fully accessible by stair-lift
Transport
By bus to North Street
10 minute walk from Brighton Railway Station:
http://www.brightonquakers.co.uk/about-the-building-2/map-directions
Parking one minute away in the Lanes (Bartholomew Square) car park
Cheaper parking by park & ride from Withdean:
http://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/index.cfm?request=c1000782
Cost
£150 including lunch, drinks and snacks
For full details and to book your place in the class, go to http://www.boatmancryptics.co.uk/index_files/CrosswordMasterclasses.html
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Update 1/3/16
Crossword Masterclass for Aspiring Setters and Advanced Solvers
My summer masterclass will see us once again in Brighton. We’ll have the use of our favourite quiet, airy room in the charming Friends’ Meeting House in the historic centre of Brighton, where lunch will be provided by one of our characterful local cafes and there’ll be good coffee & teas, fruit and other goodies available all day. I’m looking forward to a stimulating class, with a group of people representing a range of experience, from self-confessed dabblers to those who are starting to have their work published, along with perhaps a few advanced solvers who’ll be able to enhance their enjoyment of crosswords by taking the opportunity to find out how setters’ minds work.
We’ll look at clue-writing (with the emphasis on the things that make the difference between good and mediocre puzzles), grid filling and theme development. You’ll receive a copy of the other participants’ work before the class, so that you’ll have a chance to think like an editor and to see your own work through other people’s eyes, and you’ll receive notes and personal guidance, with suggestions for further work, and over 250 pages of course materials.
I hope you’ll join us, and learn a lot about compiling from me and from each other.
Date
Saturday 25 June 2016
Time
09:30 to 16:00
Venue
Brighton Friends’ Meeting House
Ship Street
Brighton BN1 1AF
Accessibility
Our room is fully accessible by stair-lift
Transport
By bus to North Street
10 minute walk from Brighton Railway Station:
http://www.brightonquakers.co.uk/about-the-building-2/map-directions
Parking one minute away in the Lanes (Bartholomew Square) car park
Cheaper parking by park & ride from Withdean:
http://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/index.cfm?request=c1000782
Cost
£150 including lunch, drinks and snacks
For full details and to book your place in the class, go to http://www.boatmancryptics.co.uk/index_files/CrosswordMasterclasses.html
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Update 1/10/15
It’s close to the last call for my Autumn Masterclass on Saturday 28 November 2015, but one or two places are still available. Grab yours while you can!
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Update 22/8/15
Places are filling up for my Autumn Masterclass on Saturday 28 November 2015. Grab yours while you can!
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Update 1/6/15
My autumn Crossword Masterclass will see us once again in Brighton. We’ll have the use of our favourite quiet, airy room in the charming Friends’ Meeting House in the historic centre of Brighton, where lunch will be provided by one of our characterful local cafes and there’ll be good coffee & teas, fruit and other goodies available all day. I’m looking forward to a stimulating class, with a group of people representing a range of experience, from self-confessed dabblers to those who are starting to have their work published.
Although the class is primarily for aspiring setters, we’ll be welcoming a few advanced solvers as well. I hope you’ll join us, and learn a lot about compiling from me and from each other.
| Date | Saturday 28 November 2015 |
| Time | 09:30 to 16:00 |
| Venue | Brighton Friends’ Meeting House |
| Ship Street | |
| Brighton BN1 1AF | |
| Accessibility | Our room is fully accessible by stair-lift |
| Transport | By bus to North Street |
| 10 minute walk from Brighton Railway Station: | |
| http://www.brightonquakers.co.uk/about-the-building-2/map-directions | |
| Parking one minute away in the Lanes (Bartholomew Square) car park | |
| Cheaper parking by park & ride from Withdean: | |
| http://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/index.cfm?request=c1000782 | |
| Cost | £150 including lunch, drinks and snacks |
For full details and to book your place in the class, go to http://www.boatmancryptics.co.uk/index_files/CrosswordMasterclasses.html
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Update 1/4/15
LAST CALL FOR FINAL PLACE
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Update 22/2/15
There are still two or three places left on my spring Crossword Masterclass in Birmingham – grab them while you can!
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Update 8/12/14
By popular request, my next Crossword Masterclass will take place in the Midlands. We’ll have the use of a quiet, airy room in the Priory Rooms complex, which is part of the Friends’ Meeting House in Birmingham’s interesting city centre, where lunch will be laid on and there’ll be good coffee, teas, juice, fruit and other goodies available all day. I’m looking forward to a stimulating class, with a group of people representing a range of experience, from self-confessed dabblers to those who are starting to have their work published. I hope you’ll join us, and learn a lot about compiling from me and from each other.
Date
Saturday 9 May 2015
Time
09:30 to 16:00
Venue
Priory Rooms
Quaker Meeting House
40 Bull Street
Birmingham B4 6AF
Accessibility
Our room is on the first floor, fully accessible by lift.
Transport
The venue is a short walk from Birmingham’s three mainline stations
Click here for a map
The venue is also easy to access by car
Click here for a map
Parking is available at Londonderry House NCP
The weekend rate is currently £4 for up to 12 hours
Click here for a map
Cost
£150 including lunch, drinks and snacks
For full details and to book your place in the class, go to http://www.boatmancryptics.co.uk/index_files/CrosswordMasterclasses.html
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Update 20/9/14
Places on my Autumn Crossword Masterclass in Brighton on Saturday 8 November are starting to fill up, so don’t miss out! If you’d like to join us – and I hope you will – please get in touch as soon as possible at www.boatmancryptics.co.uk and I’ll keep a place for you.
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Update 1/7/14
By popular request, my fifth Crossword Masterclass will see us once again in Brighton. We’ll have the use of the same quiet, airy room in the charming Friends’ Meeting House in the historic centre of Brighton, where lunch will be provided by one of our characterful local cafes and there’ll be good coffee & teas, fruit and other goodies available all day. I’m looking forward to a stimulating class, with a group of people representing a range of experience, from self-confessed dabblers to those who are starting to have their work published. I hope you’ll join us, and learn a lot about compiling from me and from each other.
| Date | Saturday 8 November 2014 |
| Time | 09:30 to 16:00 |
| Venue | Brighton Friends’ Meeting House Ship Street Brighton BN1 1AF |
| Accessibility | Our room is at the top of a flight of stairs. If you think you may have difficulty negotiating them, please contact me to discuss the options. |
| Transport | By bus to North Street |
| 10 minute walk from Brighton Railway Station: http://www.brightonquakers.co.uk/about-the-building-2/map-directions | |
| Parking one minute away in the Lanes (Bartholomew Square) car park | |
| Cheaper parking by park & ride from Withdean: http://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/index.cfm?request=c1000782 |
|
| Cost | £150 including lunch, drinks and snacks |
For full details and to book your place in the class, go to: http://www.boatmancryptics.co.uk/index_files/CrosswordMasterclasses.html
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Update 16/1/14
I’m taking bookings for my spring Masterclass in Brighton on Saturday 8 March – numbers are limited, so to make sure of your place please get in touch as soon as possible. Full details from http://www.boatmancryptics.co.uk/index_files/CrosswordMasterclasses.html
Hope to see you there!
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Update 2/10/13
I can take just one or two more people on my Manchester Masterclass on Saturday 16 November – let me know as soon as possible if you’d like to be one of them. Full details from http://www.boatmancryptics.co.uk/index_files/CrosswordMasterclasses.html
If you can’t make it to Manchester, I’ll be taking bookings soon for my Spring Masterclass in Brighton, on Saturday 8 March 2014. Hope to see you there!
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Update 7/7/13
My third Crossword Masterclass will take place in Manchester on Saturday 16 November 2013. We’ll have the use of an quiet, airy and fully-accessible room in the charming Friends’ Meeting House right in the centre of the city, close to hotels and just a few minutes’ walk from mainline stations. Lunch will be brought to us and there’ll be coffee, fruit and other goodies available all day. I’m looking forward to a stimulating class, with a group of people representing a range of experience, from self-confessed dabblers to those who are starting to have their work published. I hope you’ll join us, and learn a lot about compiling from me and from each other.
Date
Saturday 16 November 2013
Time
09:30 to 16:00
Venue
Friends’ Meeting House, Mount Street, Manchester M2 5NS
Our room is on the first floor, and is fully accessible by lift for wheeled persons
Transport
Bus stop outside (city centre shuttle) and more bus stops within a few minutes’ walk
Tram stop a couple of minutes’ walk away at St Peter’s Square
Oxford Road railway station 10 minutes’ walk.
Piccadilly, Victoria and Deansgate stations within easy walking distance
Bike rack outside and public car parks within easy walking distance and signposted
Cost
£150 including lunch, coffee and snacks
For full details and to book your place in the class, go to http://www.boatmancryptics.co.uk/index_files/CrosswordMasterclasses.html
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Update 28/5/2013
There are just a few places left on my Crossword Masterclass in London on Saturday 13 July. Catch them while you can!
Full details at http://www.boatmancryptics.co.uk/index_files/CrosswordMasterclasses.html or see below.
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Update 12/4/2013
The second Crossword Masterclass will take place in London on Saturday 13 July 2013. We’ll have the use of an easily accessible room on University College’s leafy main quadrangle off Gower Street, where lunch will be brought to us and there’ll exquisite coffee, fruit and other goodies available all day. I’m looking forward to a stimulating class, with a group of people representing a range of experience, from self-confessed dabblers to those who are starting to have their work published. I hope you’ll join us, and learn a lot about compiling from me and from each other.
Date: Saturday 13 July 2013. Time: 09:30 to 16:00
Venue: UCL South Wing, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT
Accessibility Our room is on the ground floor, and is fully accessible to wheeled persons
Transport: By tube to Euston Square, Warren Street, Euston or Russell Square
By bus number 10, 14, 24, 29, 73, 134 or 390 to Gower Street or Warren Street
Full details from: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/find-us/public-transport
Cost £160 including lunch, coffee and snacks.
For full details and to book your place, go to: http://www.boatmancryptics.co.uk/index_files/CrosswordMasterclasses.html
There are also still a couple of places available on the Brighton masterclass, set for Saturday 8 June 2013, but act now if you’d like to spend a day by the sea!
If you can’t get to either the London or Brighton class, I’ll set up more classes further afield, wherever I know there’s a group of aspiring setters who’d like to come to them. If that describes you, please let your friends know and put them in touch with me, so that I know where to look.
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Update 17/3/2013
I’m now taking bookings for the first of my Crossword Masterclasses for aspiring setters, which will take place in Brighton on Saturday 8 June 2013.
We’ll have the use of a quiet, airy room in the charming Friends’ Meeting House in the historic centre of Brighton, where lunch will be provided by one of our characterful local cafes and there’ll be exquisite coffee, fruit and other goodies available all day.
The idea is that the class will provide a route into the world of professional setting, combining essential information about compiling techniques, requirements for publication and the use of software with discussion of issues such as quality and fairness, developing a style and managing the creative process.
I’m looking forward to a stimulating day, with a group of people representing a range of experience from relative newcomers to those who are nearly ready to have their work published. There’ll be an opportunity for students to present their own work in progress for constructive criticism and individual advice, and the whole day will cost £150, including lunch, drinks and snacks.
Whether you’re just starting out as a compiler, considering submitting work for publication or simply wish to develop a talent for your own satisfaction, I hope you’ll join us, and learn a lot about compiling from me and from the other participants.
For more details and to book your place, please follow this link:
http://www.boatmancryptics.co.uk/index_files/CrosswordMasterclasses.html
Date: Saturday 8 June 2013
Time: 09:30 to 16:00
Venue: Brighton Friends’ Meeting House, Ship Street , Brighton BN1 1AF
Accessibility: Our room is at the top of a flight of stairs. If you think you may have difficulty negotiating them, please contact me to discuss the options.
Transport: By bus to North Street , 10 minute walk from Brighton Railway Station:
http://www.brightonquakers.co.uk/about-the-building-2/map-directions
Parking one minute away in the Lanes (Bartholomew Square) car park. Cheaper parking by park & ride from Withdean:
http://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/index.cfm?request=c1000782
Don’t worry if you can’t get down to Brighton, or if you’re busy on the day – I’ll be arranging a date in London later in the year, and I’ll set up more classes further afield, wherever I know there’s a group of aspiring setters who’d like to come to them. If that describes you, please drop me a line, then let your friends know and put them in touch with me, so that I know in which parts of the country to look.
Boatman
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Boatman has asked me to post the following on his behalf:
I’m thinking of running Masterclasses for aspiring setters, starting in London or Brighton and then looking further afield.
The idea is that the classes will provide a route into the world of professional setting, combining essential information about compiling techniques, requirements for publication and the use of software with discussion of issues such as quality and fairness, developing a style and managing the creative process.
Each class will include an opportunity for students to present their own work in progress for constructive criticism and individual advice, and the whole day will cost in the region of £150 (perhaps slightly more in London), including lunch.
I’d like to hear from anyone who thinks they might be interested, whether they’re just starting out as a compiler, considering submitting work for publication or simply wish to develop a talent for their own satisfaction. The more feedback I can get at this stage, the more closely I can tailor the classes to suit what people want.
This link contains more details and a way to get in touch.
I’d certainly be interested
Starburst – Excellent! Do send me a message through my site (if you haven’t done so already) and I’ll keep you posted with all the details.
Are these courses suitable for someone who as never set a crossword but is interested in trying, or are they more for established setters?
Has not as!