Email: secretary@riversdown.com

Sending you all love for the Valentine’s weekend.  x

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For fans of Jane Austen, Riversdown will be holding a Jane Austen-themed week commencing 8th December, including food from the time and a dance.  Contact Caroline Lewis if you would like to join us (caroline.lewis@riversdown.net)

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She arrived on Monday, one day after our English students, a smart little bird with an identification ring on her leg. Was she lost? Was she seeking to improve her English? Where had she come from?

This was no ordinary pigeon, that much was clear. Rodrigo decided to investigate. He carefully read the number on Pamela’s ring and entered it into the website of the Royal Pigeon Racing Association.  Within minutes, Pamela’s owner rang from the south-west county of Somerset. Pamela was approximately 90 miles/140km from home, she must have got lost!

Pigeon racing has long been the sport of Britain’s working-class communities. Owners take their birds to far-away destinations, and wait for them to return home.  The owner of the fastest pigeon can win thousands of pounds in prize-money.  However, it is unlikely that Pamela’s owner will earn anything for this particular race…

A reunion has been arranged. The owner will collect Pamela as soon as she has been caught.  But so far, catching her has proved difficult and Pamela seems to prefer to stay where she is.  Perhaps she finds Riversdown food better than what she is fed at home… or maybe she is determined to improve her “pigeon English.”

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Nestled in the heart of Hampshire, Riversdown provides an unforgettable experience for those studying English. While honing your language skills in the classroom is important, equally vital is the chance to embrace the essence of English life. And what could be more quintessentially English than an evening at The Flower Pots Inn in the village of Cheriton?

The Flower Pots is no ordinary pub. Its charm lies in its authenticity: a rustic haven with wooden beams, a roaring fireplace in the cooler months, and a sprawling garden that comes alive during summer. This idyllic spot is famous for its award-winning beers, brewed just steps away in its very own brewery. Whether you’re a fan of a crisp pale ale or a rich, malty stout, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The beer is crafted with passion, using traditional methods, and pairs perfectly with some classic pub fare.

Spending time at The Flower Pots isn’t just about the food and drink; it’s an opportunity to connect with locals and fellow students, practice English in a relaxed setting, and soak up the warmth of rural hospitality. Conversations flow as easily as the beer, and you may find yourself learning not just the language but also the humour, idioms, and quirks that make English so rich.

At Riversdown, learning extends far beyond textbooks. It’s about experiencing the culture, tasting the flavours, and living the language. A summer evening at The Flower Pots offers all of this and more. So why not raise a glass to the perfect blend of education and enjoyment? Cheers!

www.riversdown.com

www.theflowerpots.co.uk

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Before they knew it, giddy with anticipation of what the night may bring, all six were carried away in a modern-day carriage driven by coachman Beto.  As they walked from Winchester High Street to the magnificent cathedral, feathers emerged and waved, waistcoat buttons shone in the evening light and nods of recognition were given by those with a common goal: to dance the night away in 1820s style.

The cathedral looked breathtaking as 450 people, united by a love of Jane Austen, gathered excitedly into the aisle and nave. Candles glistened and glasses of prosecco clinked as everyone admired the various costumes, coiffures and even some occasional wigs.

Then the sound of music filled the Cathedral as the Warleggan Village Band started playing Regency style music and everyone flooded into the nave of the cathedral to enjoy the dances of the time.  The Hampshire Regency Dancers generously and patiently explained the moves and much laughter was heard as everyone attempted to sway and bow – a difficult task in a top hat!

All too soon the clock struck, signalling the end of the festivities and it was time for the Riversdown revellers to return to their carriage.  As the cathedral emptied, many paused to take their photograph next to the grave of the woman who inspired the world with her romantic novels, such as Pride and Prejudice.

And so the happy group returned to Riversdown and immediately started thinking about how to relive the experience and bring Jane Austen back to Riversdown.

There are plans to create another Jane Austen immersion event at Riversdown House, with Regency food, dancing and more, hopefully taking place this Autumn.  If this could be of interest to you, please email Caroline at caroline.lewis@riversdown.net or contact us here: www.riversdown.com/contact-us

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Riversdown House’s very own Golf Course is a 9-hole course set in 45 acres of the Riversdown estate. The course is free to use during your stay at Riversdown and a wide selection of equipment is available to borrow at no extra charge.

Our resident PGA professional and golf teacher, John Harris, has over 50 years’ experience in the field. He has played in all the major international competitions and has been personal coach to many top tour professionals and celebrities. His patience and skill makes him the perfect teacher for regular players and novices alike – the majority of our beginners leave Riversdown as keen golfers!

Thanks to the length of our summer days, John is able to give up to three, 45-minute courses per day (before breakfast, after lunch, and before dinner). The first two days are included for free, with a small extra charge per day for further lessons.

For the more serious golf enthusiast, we offer a combined English and golf immersion course, with the entire afternoon dedicated to tailor-made, one-to-one golf lessons. John offers a combination of activities and coaching at the Riversdown Golf Course, as well as excursions to up to 5 local courses including Stoneham, Brokenhurst, Corhampton, Blackmoor, Alresford and Petersfield.

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When you stay in our comfortable, on-site accommodation, everything is done for you so you can fully focus on getting ready for the exam. You don’t have to worry about transport, meals or anything else.

• We have an experienced teaching team, with in-depth knowledge of all the main exams such as IELTS, TOEFL, FCE, CAE, TOEIC and BEC.
• We also have a long track-record of successfully boosting exam grades.
• We offer tailored courses focussing on the exam-areas of your choice.
• These courses can include integrated self-study sessions so that you can apply what you have learned in lessons straight away.
• There is also the opportunity to sensibly pace your preparation by building in relaxing, free-time activities.
• We have a 9-hole golf-course, all-weather and grass tennis courts, an on-site swimming pool and a sauna.
• In addition, the beautiful countryside of the South Downs National Park is right on our doorstep so you can also clear your head after a rewarding day of study by going walking, running or cycling in this breathtaking landscape.
• Although we cannot guarantee exam success, we can certainly boost your chances.

Please feel free to contact us for more information and to request a ten-minute Phone Discussion with one of our senior trainers if you would like to speak to us about your exam needs in more detail.

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