Lavistown House, the Kilkenny home of cheesemakers Olivia and Roger Goodwillie, is the venue for a varied programme of weekend hobby and leisure courses which runs throughout the year. So far this year there have been courses on topics as varied as Mexican cooking and discovering bats. There are still a few places left on a basket-making course in October and on Peter Whyte's course on pruning shrubs, fruit trees and roses in early November. The basket-making course is a weekend event (cost £85) running from October 20th to October 22nd and it will teach the basics to beginners. The pruning course on November 4th is a one-day session (cost £40). This is a practical course aimed at those feeling nervous or unsure about when and how to make the cut. Food and accommodation are provided on site. The website to check for details is www.lavistownhouse.ie or you can phone or fax 056-65145 or e-mail courses@lavistownhouse.ie