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Dianne Bourne
Dianne Bourne

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Dame Academy

Dianne Bourne
4/ 7/2005

THERE'S no denying that ladette culture has had its day. It's suddenly oh so cool to brush up on one's etiquette and become the perfect polished filly.

So, with court shoes and pearls at the ready, off I skipped as one of the first adults to enrol at Cheshire's newly-established Finishing Academy, to see how to become that hostess with the most.

The Cheshire academy was founded earlier this year to cater for the 16-18 year old, in the finishing school tradition, but such has been the demand for etiquette tips from women aged up to 60 desperate to perfect their ladylike skills that an inaugural adult course was held this weekend.

But whereas the finishing schools of old were all about preparing a young "gel" to become the perfect catch for an eligible young buck, this 21st century academy is all about making the very most of yourself - for yourself.

In the leafy grounds of Combermere Abbey, near Nantwich, we learnt how to walk with grace and poise (thanks to books on heads in deportment class), flower arrange like a pro, how to keep conversation flowing and how to correctly eat one's dinner (no flapping elbows, girls).

Alongside strangely antiquated discussions about how to "properly" reply to formal invites to parties, and how to correctly address royalty, there was also some thoroughly modern etiquette posers, like how does a lady gracefully enter one's Mercedes 4x4 (I hear the trick is to always keep one's legs together and try to put your bottom on the seat first, before elegantly sliding the legs into the vehicle).

Academy co-founder Diana Mather tells me: "This is all about putting the polish on what you already know, and knowing how to behave in any situation.

"The old ethos of finishing schools was how to become the perfect lady to meet eligible men. Now people want to have the right skills to get that promotion at work, or simply to feel confident in any given situation and that is what we aim to do."

She decided to set up the academy after searching for a finishing school in the UK to send her nieces to - but was unable to find a single one.

The first five-day course for 16-18 year olds was held earlier this year and more courses are being planned throughout the summer.

It's surprising how much of the traditional finishing school rituals still carry weight today, even with the likes of basic sewing and ironing skills on the itinerary, and the ladies paying up for the course were certainly impressed.

Louise Charlesworth, a freelance personal assistant from Nantwich, says: "It's important for me to come across in the right way when I'm meeting clients all the time and going to networking meetings. This course gives you the confidence to walk into a room in any situation.

"I have a 10 year-old daughter and I wouldn't hesitate in sending her to finishing school now, it's an excellent basis for life."

Mum Jenny Ward travelled from Cambridge - despite having already attended a Swiss finishing school in her youth. "I thought it would be interesting to see how much things have changed since I was last at finishing school, 100 years ago," she laughs.

"Finishing school did give me confidence and for that I'm forever grateful that I was sent.

"This weekend has been great because there is such a mix of people here and people now want to learn these skills to advance in their careers or to hold their own at parties."

For information on courses see the website listed below.


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Most recent 2 of 2 user comments

   I have just returned from my week at the academy. Definetly worthh my time and something i will never forget. Would recommend
Claire, Birmingham
6/08/2005 at 13:08

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   No website address listed as stated. Directory enquiries do not seem to have a listing for Dame Academy.

Do you have website details please.

(ED) http://www.finishing-academy.co.uk
Diana, Guildford
19/07/2005 at 13:16

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