BedfordshireCourses for Adults 2014/15www.eastern.wea.org.uk

For further details on listed courses and local and national events, visit www.eastern.wea.org.uk 3

Some WEA courses are free to students who are in receipt of some income based benefits or to students dependent upon someone receiving such benefits. 2

Meet the WEA The WEA provides learning to cover a vast range of interests, in a friendly and supportive environment.

We will do everything we can to make your learning experience with us a positive one.

We aim to offer the following:

1 Before you start your course, or at the first session:

• an opportunity to come along to the first meeting without any obligation

• a Course Information Sheet which can help you decide if it is the right course for you

• any educational or practical support from the WEA or another agency this can be provided in order for you to complete the course

• referral to other providers of learning opportunities, or specialists, if appropriate, or to impartial guidance services if required

2 While you are on the course:• a physical environment which

encourages and supports your learning

• detailed information about the course, what is expected of you, and the support you can expect

• help with planning your learning constructive comments from your tutor, and an opportunity to discuss your learning

3 Before you finish your course, or if you do not complete it:

• information about what you have achieved

• information about what you might do next, with the WEA or in other contexts

• help to decide what next steps would be right for you

• referral to other providers of learning opportunities, specialists, or to impartial guidance services if required

For more information go to: www.wea.org.uk or www.eastern.wea.org.uk

If you require this brochure in large print please contact the Regional Office on 01223 417320

Your Guide to Symbols

Loop Systems i are available for use in our classes, and most venues have wheelchair access d.

Please contact the branch if you would find either facility helpful.

If you wish to take part in one of the courses in this brochure, which are funded by the Skills Funding Agency (SFA), but have not been resident in the UK or EU for the last three years, you may not be eligible to be enrolled as a student.

Please contact the WEA Regional Office in Cambridge on 01223 417320 or Email: eastern@wea.org.uk for advice.

Welcome... to the new brochure covering courses for 2014 – 2015 in Bedfordshire.Although only a small programme we are always looking to expand and would be interested in discussing opportunities with anyone interested in developing adult education in the county.

Please contact the Regional Office at eastern@wea.org.uk for any further information.

We look forward to you enjoying our courses in the coming year and hope we have the opportunity of meeting you.

Peter Threadkell Regional Chair

In addition to the courses listed in this brochure, the WEA also runs a wide range of community and work based courses in Bedfordshire in conjunction with partner organisations.

The WEA would like to expand its branch programme in Bedfordshire so if you are interested in starting a new branch or have suggestions for new courses please contact us at the regional office.

If you are interested in teaching for the WEA? Please go to our Regional website to download an application form. 5

Some WEA courses are free to students who are in receipt of some income based benefits or to students dependent upon someone receiving such benefits. 4

Biggleswade page 6

Dunstable 6

Langford 7

Leighton Buzzard 8

Riseley 9

Community provision 10

What is the WEA? 11

The WEA Bedfordshire Branches

Some venues have d Wheelchair Access and i Hearing Loop facilities, see course pages for more details.

Your questions answeredWe will do everything we can to make your learning experience with us a positive one.

Is the course right for me?You can find out whether the course is suitable for you by ringing the contact number listed alongside the course information.

How do I join a course?Please phone the number listed alongside the course information. If pre-booking is required details are given with the course information.

Some courses may be open to enrolling online https://enrolonline.wea.org.uk

How much will I pay?All course fees to be paid are shown against each course or on the page where the course appears.

The WEA receives public funding from the Skills Funding Agency (SFA) for the majority of its courses which supplements the fees paid by students and sponsors. For most of our courses, this funding is only available for people who are 19 or over – if they were born before 31 August 1995.

For SFA funded courses you are entitled to FREE tuition if you are in receipt of or are dependent upon someone in receipt of certain benefits, as listed on the WEA enrolment form.

Other support may be available for those not meeting the above criteria but have a low household income.

Are your venues easily accessible?Many of our venues have disabled access but please check with the Branch beforehand as they may be able to supply a portable ramp if needed.

I have difficulties with reading and writing. Can I still join a course?Yes, our courses are open to everyone and we can also help you to improve your reading, writing and maths.

My eyesight/hearing is poor. Can I still come along?Yes, please come along and let us know in advance and we can supply you with enlarged/Braille materials or a hearing loop if necessary.

“ Whole experience most rewarding, both from teaching and group participation.”

For further details on listed courses and local and national events, visit www.eastern.wea.org.uk 7

Some WEA courses are free to students who are in receipt of some income based benefits or to students dependent upon someone receiving such benefits. 6

BIGGLESWADEContact: Clive Bandy Tel: 01462 730147 Email: biggleswade.wea@virginmedia.com

A History of the English Legal System: Crime and Punishment C2221173Looking at the development of crime and punishment including the abolition of the Death Penalty, witchcraft and famous miscarriages of justice. Fee: £55

Tutor Emma CurryerVenue Labour Hall, Crab Lane

SG18 0LN dDate Tuesdays 10:00 – 1.5 hour sessions.

10 meetings from 23/09/2014

The Immigrant in Literature C2221171Immigrants bring much more than their baggage and language when they come to a new country. We will examine poetry, prose and extracts of novels, films by and about immigrants to explore the newcomers’ and hosts’ perspectives.

Fee: £55Tutor Janet BerensonVenue Labour Hall, Crab Lane

SG18 0LN dDate Tuesdays 10:00 – 2 hour sessions.

7 meetings from 20/01/2015

Dunstable Priory The Priory Church of St Peter with its monastery was founded in 1132 by Henry I for Augustinian Canons. The monastic buildings consisted of a dormitory for the monks, an infirmary, stables, workshops, bakehouse, brewhouse and buttery. There was also a hostel for pilgrims and travellers, the remains of which is known today as Priory House. St Peter’s is large and impressive, but today only the nave remains of an originally much larger Augustinian priory church. Opposite the Priory was the royal palace of Kingsbury which also belonged to Henry I. The present church and Deanery form part of the Archdeaconry of Bedford, located within the Diocese of St Albans. It became a Grade I listed building on 25 October 1951.

DUNSTABLEContact: Mrs E Pynn Tel: 01582 696352 Email: elisabeth.pynn@talk21.com

The Industrialisation of South Bedfordshire C2221174The Industrial Revolution had a tremendous impact on Great Britain. We will look at the impact of this industrialisation on South Bedfordshire. Fee: £48Tutor Vivienne Evans &

Tony WoodhouseVenue Priory House Tourist Information

Centre, Priory House, 33 High Street LU6 3RZ d

Date Tuesdays 10:00 – 1.5 hour sessions. 10 meetings from 16/09/2014

Bedfordshire in the 17th Century C2221175

Using a variety of different sources, we will examine the history of Bedfordshire throughout the 17th Century. Fee: £48Tutor Vivienne Evans &

Tony WoodhouseVenue Priory House Tourist Information

Centre, Priory House, 33 High Street LU6 3RZ d

Date Tuesdays 10:00 – 1.5 hour sessions. 10 meetings from 13/01/2015

LANGFORDContact: Jean Chapman Tel: 01462 700306

Astronomy: Fact and Mystery C2221176Many new exciting discoveries are at present being made about our Universe. Some of them, however, give rise to puzzling new mysteries. This course looks in detail at some of these. No previous knowledge of astronomy is necessary. Fee: £55Tutor Tony WoodhouseVenue St Andrews Church Hall,

Church Street SG18 9QA dDate Thursdays 10:00 – 1.5 hour sessions.

10 meetings from 18/09/2014

Strong Boots and Stout Skirts – Adventurous Women Travellers C2221178Ten extraordinary women travellers – using their journals and books, we explore their backgrounds, travels and work seeking common ground. A fascinating mix of well-known and obscure women. Fee: £55Tutor Liz CarterVenue St Andrews Church Hall,

Church Street SG18 9QA dDate Thursdays 10:15 – 1.5 hour sessions.

10 meetings from 15/01/2015

“ Excellent, informative and welcoming.”

If you are interested in teaching for the WEA? Please go to our Regional website to download an application form. 9

Some WEA courses are free to students who are in receipt of some income based benefits or to students dependent upon someone receiving such benefits. 8

LEIGHTON BUZZARDContact: Ken Prosser Tel: 01525 210294 Email: kenpross@aol.com

From the Roman Invasion to Norman Invasion C2221179

The Romans came, saw and conquered – and we have written accounts of what they did. But does the archaeological evidence support it? After the Romans left Britain degenerated into the ‘Dark Ages’ – or did they? Come and find out more. Fee: £50Tutor Virginia BriscoVenue Leighton Buzzard Theatre Lounge,

Lake Street LU7 1RX dDate Wednesdays 10:00 – 2 hour

sessions. 7 meetings from 01/10/2014

Current Issues in Science C2221211How science works/data and evidence/application to climate change, public health, nutrition, energy supply, etc. Fee: £50Tutor Paul MostynVenue Leighton Buzzard Theatre Lounge,

Lake Street LU7 1RX dDate Thursdays 10:00 – 2 hour sessions.

7 meetings from 02/10/2014

Cancan and Courtesans: the Social History of 19th century France

C2221217Despite revolutions, rebellions and war, 19th century France still managed to produce the first photograph, Impressionism, Haussmann’s Paris, and the Cancan. Discover

how people lived their lives in these exciting times. Fee: £50Tutor David PriceVenue Leighton Buzzard Theatre Lounge,

Lake Street LU7 1RX dDate Wednesdays 10:00 –

2 hour sessions. 7 meetings from 21/01/2015

Lost to Art History – the Stories of Pierro della Francesca and Caravaggio C2221215We follow the trail of their major works across their home land, with an in depth discussion of both their lives and the prevailing social conditions of the day.

We look at the historical importance of their art, then and now. Fee: £50Tutor Kate PhillipsVenue Leighton Buzzard Theatre Lounge,

Lake Street LU7 1RX dDate Thursdays 10:30 – 2 hour sessions.

7 meetings from 22/01/2015

LEIGHTON BUZZARD DAY SCHOOLContact: Ken Prosser Tel: 01525 210294 to register.

The Geology of Leighton Buzzard AreaBring lunch – morning and afternoon drinks provided. Fee: £25Tutor Dr. Peter SkeltonVenue Southcott Village Community

Centre, Grasmere Way, Leighton Buzzard

Date Saturday 10.00-4.00, 04/10/2014

RISELEYContact: Mione Harrison Tel: 01480 861231 or Mike Knight Tel: 01234 708518

Strong Boots and Stout Skirts – Adventurous Women Travellers C2221224Ten extraordinary women travellers – using their journals and books, we explore their backgrounds, travels and work seeking common ground. A fascinating mix of well-known and obscure women. Pictured above is Amy Johnson. Fee: £48Tutor Liz CarterVenue Riseley Village Hall, Gold Street

MK44 1EG d iDate Wednesdays 10:15 – 1.5 hour

sessions. 10 meetings from 17/09/2014

German Opera C2221219It’s not just Wagner. Discover the importance of Weber, the influence of Spohr (who?) and Vampires, and don’t forget Mack the Knife. Enjoy opera in German from Mozart’s Seraglio to Zimmerman’s Soldiers. Fee: £48Tutor Peter BleasbyVenue Riseley Village Hall, Gold Street

MK44 1EG d iDate Tuesdays 14:15 – 1.5 hour sessions.

10 meetings from 23/09/2014

Plant Hunters C2221225Come and discover the men who forded rivers, climbed mountains, faced danger and even death to bring wondrous plants back to Britain from around the globe. The Tradescants, Joseph Banks and ‘Chinese’ Wilson will feature together with three other great plant hunters. Fee: £48Tutor Andrew SankeyVenue Riseley Village Hall, Gold Street

MK44 1EG d iDate Wednesdays 10:15 –

1.5 hour sessions. 10 meetings from 14/01/2015

Above: Caravaggio’s Cena in Emmaus

“ Finding a creative outlet has contributed significantly to my health & wellbeing. It’s my time.”

For further details on listed courses and local and national events, visit www.eastern.wea.org.uk 11

Some WEA courses are free to students who are in receipt of some income based benefits or to students dependent upon someone receiving such benefits. 10

Community provision

Please contact us if you want to know more about WEA activity near you, if you would like to become a course tutor, or if you there is no WEA Branch near you and you would be interested in starting one:

WEA Eastern RegionEmail: eastern@wea.org.uk Tel: 01223 417320 Visit our websites at: www.eastern.wea.org.uk and www.wea.org.uk

For details of all WEA courses in Eastern Region and beyond.

In partnership with other organisations the WEA also runs courses in the community for disadvantaged groups. For more information please contact the Regional Office as above.

This publication is printed on paper produced from trees planted in sustainable forests

Design and Print SouthSide Publishing Poole, Dorset BH15 1NE t: 01202 665956 www.southside-uk.com

What is the WEA?

The WEA is a 21st Century, democratic, voluntary education movement for all adults over the age of 19 committed to widening participation and to enabling people to realise their full potential through learning.

Our strength also lies in the work of the voluntary members who govern the Region and run local branches, which choose and deliver open access courses in community settings.

WEA Eastern RegionWEA Eastern Region is one of nine English regions, which together with the Scottish Association form

the National Worker’s Educational Association. 123 branches offer courses in towns and villages in Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. Our Regional Office is in Cambridge.

If you wish to take part in one of the courses in this brochure, which are funded by the Skills Funding Agency, but have not been resident in the UK or the EU for the last three years, you may not be eligible to be enrolled as a student.

Please ring the WEA Regional Office in Cambridge on 01223 417320 for advice, if you think this might apply to you.

This booklet is one of a set of six, which are:-

Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk.

To request other area booklets please call 01223 417320.

We offer a wide-ranging programme of learning for the voluntary and community sector. Courses could include: Maths, English, ICT, Employment Skills, Personal Development, Health and Wellbeing, Schools and Parenting and Practical Art and Crafts. Our approach to teaching is always student led and flexible.

We will create the course, supply the tutor, and provide quality assurance processes. We are Matrix accredited and all our tutors are skilled and experienced and meet the WEA minimum requirements for tutors in the sector. Importantly, they are enthusiastic and committed to working with students in our community programme. We will work with you to ensure the learning needs of your members are met, in a location with which they feel confident and comfortable.

In addition to our wide ranging educational offer we can also provide specific careers advice, in some locations, through our qualified advisors. Alternatively you can make an appointment direct with an advisor local to you by calling the National Careers Service on 0800 100 900 or via their useful website: nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk

COULD YOU BE A VOLUNTEER FOR THE WEA?Membership and volunteeringMembership of the WEA is open to anyone who supports our aims and values. Members receive regular updates about WEA campaigns, fundraising and events and are able to contribute views through surveys and polls. You can join by contacting your regional office or sending an email with your full name; postal address; telephone number and date of birth to membership@wea.org.uk.

If you are interested in volunteering please email: volunteering@wea.org.uk for more information.

BedfordshireCourses for Adults 2014/15www.eastern.wea.org.uk

Introducing the WEAThe Workers’ Educational Association is Britain’s major voluntary adult education organisation.

The WEA exists to provide high quality learning opportunities for adults from all walks of life.

You don’t need any previous knowledge or qualifications to join most of our courses, only a willingness to share

with others your curiosity, ideas and experience.

We are firm believers in life-long learning as a human right and a social good.

Workers’ Educational Association Registered Office: 4 Luke Street, London EC2A 4XW

The Workers’ Educational Association is a charity registered in England and Wales (number 1112775) and in Scotland (number SC039239)

and a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (number 2806910).