One of the most interesting of the short courses on offer to those who want to broaden their minds at the Folk House this summer is entitled, ‘Cryptic crosswords: How to Solve Them’. The course is run by the immensely likeable but completely unpronouceable Kaz Pasiencznik, who earlier this month gave a sneak preview of his teaching techniques at Ignite Bristol 2.

I wrote after Ignite that there were “gasps of recognition from the audience when an answer unveiled itself from a clue”, as Kaz skillfully guided us through how to solve what at first seems like an impossible task.

The evening course is as best a place as any to start getting to grips with the world of the cryptic crossword, something that most of us see appear in newspapers every day but cannot make head nor tail of.

In the workshop, which is guaranteed to be lots of fun, Kaz will show how to solve cryptic crosswords, and also explain why they are so good for both memory and vocabulary. All participants need to bring is the cryptic crossword from their favourite newspaper or magazine, and by the end of the evening they will hopefully be solving it themselves.

Cryptic Crosswords: How to Solve Them takes place at the Folk House on Wednesday, August 4 between 6pm and 9pm. Full fee: £13.50, Over-60s: £12.15, Benefits: £8.25. Visit www.bristolfolkhouse.co.uk for more information.