Denman College, in Marcham, is the bustling centre of the Women's Institute and on Sunday it celebrates its golden anniversary. So what's the secret of it's success? KATHERINE MacALISTER went to find out...

With everything from car maintenance to advan- ced driving lessons on its books, Denman College dispels the WI's dowdy image instantly. Admittedly, the bulk of its clients are middle-aged women, but younger members - and even the odd man - have been known to attend.

Activities cover an enormous range and include such subjects as aromatherapy, stencilling, "millennium cookery", drawing for the terrified, herbs for health, creative writing, massage, know yourself through your handwriting, relaxation and many more.

The more bizarre courses include tea-bag paper-folding, "topsy-turvy doll", Who do you think you are? and Indian head massage. But there's something for everyone, from music to dance, cooking to history, crafts to exercise and relaxation - in all, more than 1,000 subjects.

But with 6,000 overnight guests passing through every year and 2,500 day visitors, the full agenda is understandable.

The bonus is that courses run intensively from two to four days. So you have to use the charming accommodation.

Each of the bedrooms is individually decorated by a different WI Federation and contains locally painted, embroidered or crocheted crafts. Everything from the curtains to the bedspread has been hand-made.

And the facilities lend themselves to a fun but relaxing stay.

Since it opened over 200,000 WI members have enjoyed the facilities. The management committee makes a concerted effort to keep up-to-date to meet the demand for more modern hobbies. Alexander Technique, Tai Chi and aromatherapy are just a few examples on this year's agenda.

But they never turn away from the more traditional skills such as sewing, tapestry, ballroom dancing, cake decoration and flower arranging.

Principal Marilyn Holyoake said: "At Denman you can experiment and have a go. It's friendly. You can come here on your own and instantly meet people, which is often hard as a single woman.

"People here are of like mind and very strong friendships are made. We hear of members visiting each other all over the country after coming to Denman.

"Once people come here they nearly always return. This week, for example, there are only three new women, but we're full. Everyone else has been before.

"But Denman also arms people with new skills and advanced learning. Members can learn anything from German to Beethoven, DHLawrence to Celtic history. "It gives them confidence. I remember one lady who hadn't been out since her husband died. Her family brought her here but she wouldn't get out of the car.

"When they came to pick her up a few days later they feared the worst when her room was empty, until someone informed them she was out walking with her new friends. She had a wonderful time.

"We had a mother and daughter here recently. The daughter, a doctor, did the belly-dancing course and loved it."

As for the WI image, she knows once people step inside Denman College their preconceptions will vanish. That's why she was so keen to show me round.. and it worked.

*Courses cost from £135 for two nights to £265 for four nights. Students must be WI members or must accompany one. Bursaries are available. For further information telephone 01865 391991, but book early because the courses get booked up fast.

LEARNING POWER TO THE PEOPLE

Denman was the brainchild of Lady Denman, who visited a people's college in Denmark and was determined to bring the concept to England.

Marcham Park, as it was then, was purchased in 1946 with 100 acres for £16,000. Renovations took two years and were paid for by widescale fundraising. The building was in a state of disrepair having been used by the RAF in the Second World War.

Since then, members have donated numerous antiques, ornaments and paintings of breathtaking detail, which they made themselves.

Additions over the years have included cottage apartments, some of which were officially opened by the Queen Mother in 1970, a home economics wing and a dining room. An art studio, IT unit and enlarged workshop are in the pipeline.

Denman is self-financing, relying on fees and investment. In the 1980s the college got into financial difficulties and its future looked bleak. But the WI raised £1m to keep it going and since then Denman hasn't looked back.

*The golden anniversary celebrations kick off at the Kingfisher Barn at noon on Sunday. Oxfordshire WI members will be showing off their skills in displays and demonstrations. A WI market, games, bookshop and the famous cream teas will provide lots to see, do and eat. Admission is free.

DENMAN'S BIGGEST FAN

June Cox has visited Denman nearly every year since it opened its doors 50 years ago.

The 71-year-old from Hastings tries to take a different course on each visit. Her first was rural housewifery.

"I'm not married and I don't live in the country but it sounded great, and was very interesting," she recalled.

I caught up with her in the miniature furniture workshop, where she explained why Denman was so great.

"I have tried to come every year, but if I can't make it or it's booked up I'll make sure I go two or three times the next year.

"I've done all sorts of cookery classes, from jam and cake-making to herbs. I've done gardening, lace-making, better driving - all sorts.

"I'm a bit of a loner but I like getting away and meeting new people now and then.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.