The Ross CDT’s arts and crafts courses, organised as part of the Clover social prescribing programme, are proving hugely popular with our crafts men and women in HR9 – so much so, places on the Block Printing course starting on 10th February have been snapped up in record time.

After a short period of recommending the course to participants through Clover’s network of social prescribers, a waiting list is now in place for the six-week course, which allows participants to try out the exciting technique of hand block printing. The course aims to stimulate creativity, the imagination and engage participants in an enriching hands-on experience.

Hand Block Printing is the ancient art of patterning fabric. It requires minimal equipment and yet the results are impressive, even for those with no experience. Finished work provides a lasting sense of achievement and pride.

These informal and fun sessions are broken down into achievable and manageable parts, which allow you to develop your confidence and skills over the weeks.

• You’ll first gain experience by using traditional Indian wood blocks and found objects, printing onto specialist papers, to make covers for note books and greetings cards.

• You’ll learn how to design simple patterns and how to print in repeat patterns.

• You’ll be able cut your own simple blocks from foam, advancing onto ‘easy cut lino’, using specialist cutting tools.

• You’ll print onto fabrics with special printing dyes.

We may be able to provide support to help carers or those without their own transport to attend – ask when booking.

This course is free to those living in the HR9 postal area. Clover participants are asked if they would like to make a voluntary donation towards the costs of our courses as this will help us to continue to provide activities once our grant funding ends in early 2022.

Visit www.clover-hr9.org.uk for details of all local courses in Ross-on-Wye and the HR9 area.