From her home in the hills of Cumbria Gillian Wray has established an excellent reputation for running highly enjoyable and informative practical Aga cookery courses. An experienced teacher and Aga cook, Gillian Wray has developed her cookery courses in response to demand from people wanting to know more about the Aga and learn her secrets for creating delicious meals with confidence and ease.
To enquire about availibility and/or book please either phone Gillian on
01539 729215
or email
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Course Dates and Details
Use this link for specific information on course dates and details (pdf file).
Approach Gillian’s approach is a “hand’s on” teaching technique. Working with small groups, courses are friendly and informal, with the emphasis on meeting the needs of the individual. As each person is able to work at their own level, it means that courses are suited to experienced and novice cooks alike. Courses are also suitable for people who cook on Rayburns, Stanleys, Redfyres, Esses and other range type cookers. Every effort will always be made to include each course participant’s particular requirements and interests.
“Thank you for a thoroughly enjoyable few days. It was so educational too. Your method of teaching is inspiring.”
Featured in Aga Magazine, Cumbria Life, English Home, on Agalinks and in other publications, Gillian’s reputation has spread across the world. Visitors from as far a field as America and Japan have come to experience her Aga cooking. With the choice of residential and non-residential courses Gillian can cater for cooks from Kendal too.
Cumbria has a wealth of high quality food producers and Gillian makes full use of these in her cookery courses. Great care is taken with the quality of food that is cooked at Ashes Barn. Wherever possible use is made of excellent locally sourced produce, including organic flours from the Watermill at Little Salkeld, free-range eggs, New Hutton lamb, Garsdale dry cured bacon from Steadmans of Sedbergh, Farrers’ teas and coffee, Howbarrow organic fruit and vegetables…
You have a choice of courses:-
Three Night Breaks This is the most popular option and courses get booked up many months ahead! Arrive late afternoon, then enjoy three nights dinner (3 course), bed and breakfast, with 2 mornings Aga cookery sessions including light lunches on the intervening two days. Guests are free by 2p.m. and have time to explore the area or relax in the comfort of Ashes Barn. At the end of the course guests depart after breakfast, taking home a complimentary cool bag filled with a range of food that they have cooked, plus a “Wrays” apron. Prices are per person and are based on two people sharing a room.
“A totally inspiring weekend. Now we are ready to ignite our new Aga. Wonderful!”
Non-residential Courses Arrive for coffee 9.30 – 10am then it is aprons on and straight into the kitchen for the morning session. We break for a light lunch at approximately 12.30 when you will also have time to browse Gillian’s cookshop collection – much of which you will have been using in the kitchen. Then it is back to the kitchen for more creations and you depart by 3p.m. taking with you some of the products of your labour to impress those at home.
“We can’t wait to get started on our new baking ideas, we have both sworn never to buy a packet of biscuits again!”
Tailor Made Individual Courses. These are ideal for busy people or those with specific requirements. You choose the topic and book a course for a time that suits you. Accommodation and evening meals can be booked to match your requests. Course ideas :- Making the most of the Aga, Vegetarian, Low Fat, Healthy Eating, Fill the freezer, Entertaining, Christmas, Running a B&B with an Aga, Bread, Baking, Soups, teenage survival, nanny / au pair/ house keeper/ chalet staff…
Courses in Your Home If you prefer, Gillian Wray can visit you in your own home and organise a course to suit your requirements. Individual courses can be for one /two people or why not get a group of friends together and share an enjoyable day. Please ‘phone for details and an individual quotation.
Gift Vouchers These have proved a highly successful idea for birthday, Christmas, wedding, anniversary, thank you … presents. Each voucher is unique to Gillian Wray Courses and Cookware can be made up for whatever value you wish. Vouchers are available for courses and cookware; they are valid for one year from the date of issue.
Cookware Using the criteria of quality and suitability for use with the Aga, Gillian Wray has carefully selected a range of cookware. Those attending courses are able to try out the range before buying, making sure that you buy the right product. Products stocked include: - Aga, Kuhn Rikon, Berndez, Silverwood, La Caftiere, Microplane… A mail order service is also available, please ask for a current price list or visit our on-line shop.
 AccommodationVisitors attending courses are able to stay at Ashes Barn. The accommodation available consists of a choice of double, twin or double ensuite bedrooms. Single rooms are available for a small supplementary charge. The rooms are tastefully furnished and offer tea and coffee making facilities, hairdryers, clock radios and colour television. All bedrooms have delightful rural views. Please visit:- http://www.ashesbarn.co.uk for more information on accommodation at Ashes Barn.
When you are not cooking there is much to do in the area as Ashes Barn is situated 4 miles from Kendal and is ideal for exploring both the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales. The stunning Lakeland scenery, with its literary and artistic heritage provides an endless range of excursions.
How to find us Ashes Barn is very easy to find. From Junction 37 of the M6 take the A684 towards Kendal. After approximately 2 miles you will come to a crossroads with a white house on your left. Take the left turn, signposted ”New Hutton”. Follow the road downhill, passing through the village with the church on the left and the Institute on the right. As you leave the village the road bears sharply to the left. 1, Ashes Barn is the first property, immediately on the left.
From Kendal take the A 684 towards Sedbergh. After approximately 4 miles look for a bus shelter on the right. Shortly afterwards turn right to New Hutton, then as above. Ashes Barn is 2 mile from Oxenholme, mainline railway station.
Please note that Ashes Barn is a no smoking home.
To enquire about availibility and/or book please either phone Gillian on
01539 729215
or email
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
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