Annual Review 2014 - 15 Yorkshire & Humber Region
www.wea.org.uk/yh
Sarah Champion, MP and Lindy Gresswell.
Chair’s Remarks Walking the dog this morning I am well aware that the summer is over, what there was of it. However, I do have very pleasant memories of one of the hottest days this year. June 27th saw Clifton Park in Rotherham awash with WEA bunting and the colourful stalls of our Summer Fayre. Some months before this I had planted the seed of holding a Fayre to raise the profile of the work we do and, of course, raise money. It was to be a Regional event so could have happened anywhere in the Region but it was the Rotherham Branch who took up the challenge. It is quite a few years since we held anything of this type in the Region and Dawn and Khatt from Rotherham had little experience. They have lots now! I cannot begin to tell you how tirelessly they worked to make the day a success, nothing was too great a challenge for them from organising friends to run stalls to inviting the local MP, Sarah Champion, to open the event for us. The sun shone all day, many of us going home with the only sunburn/tan of the summer! We had a steady flow of interested onlookers throughout the day who were able to enjoy some of the ‘showcase’ items that took place throughout the afternoon, spend their money and learn a lot more about what the WEA does. We raised just short of £500 which will be put towards this year’s fundraising initiative – mental health. We owe Dawn and Khatt the biggest THANK YOU. We are already looking for a Branch or group to ‘grasp the nettle’ and hold a similar event in 2016. Please contact me or the Regional Office if you’d like to put yourselves forward. I would probably have to think back a long way to find a year when I didn’t mention ‘change’. The Association, this year, has seen enormous changes to the Senior Management Team (SMT). Many/all of the previous team decided during the restructuring process that the time had come to retire and their replacements are, just now, beginning to find their way in their new posts. Joanna Cain (Director or Education), Ian Hanham (Chief Operating Officer) and James Ward (Director for Marketing, Membership and Income Growth) have visited our Region.
August 2011 before she took up her National post as Director for Education. She is a great loss to the Association for which she worked tirelessly and very wisely. She was a superb ambassador for us in the highest places, having the ‘ear’ of many involved with education at every level, including parliament. I know that she will always be waving the flag for the WEA. In fact, she has kindly accepted our invitation to speak at the Yorkshire and Humber AGM this year. I hope that many of you are already aware that our Region is hosting the Association Biennial Conference next year. It is to be held in Sheffield on the 11th/12th March. Conference is also going through a period of change which is why it has been moved back from its usual October slot. The general theme is ‘Sustainability’ and we are hoping that lots of you will feel able to attend, at least on one day, as it is ‘local’ this year. All Branch Secretaries should have received mailings concerning this We are looking at an uncertain future for Adult Education – we cannot be sure what priorities this Government will have and, at the time of writing, we don’t know the outcomes of the Spending Review. We need all of you to speak up for the benefits that the WEA has been able to offer you. Tell everyone and anyone how the WEA has helped you, let others know the many benefits of joining a WEA class or volunteering in any capacity for us. It might be that you have found employment, been able to help your children or learned a new skill with the help of one of our classes. Perhaps you have had someone to talk to and enjoy a cup of tea with for a couple of hours a week. It all matters. Thank you all, once again for all you do to keep the WEA alive and well in Yorkshire and Humber. Lindy Gresswell
Joanna has taken over from Ann Walker who has retired. I cannot write this report without making mention of Ann. Most of you will know that she was our Regional Director from August 2002 to
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Message from the Chief Executive This has been another fantastic year for the Association but these remain challenging times for the adult education sector, with the government continuing to cut budgets while asking more from providers. The WEA has been responding to this challenge by focusing on improving the quality of our courses, reducing bureaucracy and diversifying our income. To deliver this, the WEA has adopted three strategic objectives: Educational Excellence; Sustainability and Profile Raising. These will give the WEA a new drive and focus to create high quality courses for students across the country. We have reshaped our Senior Management Team, with Joanna Cain joining as the Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Education, Ian Hanham as the Chief Operating Officer and James Ward as the Director for Marketing, Membership and Income Growth. They have combined with the Director of Student Services, Fiona Parr, Director of Quality and Curriculum, Greg Coyne and Director of WEA Scotland, Jayne Stuart, in a new team to move the Association forward. The WEA has also been reviewing its internal systems to deliver a sustainable transformation that addresses the WEA’s longstanding desire to improve its financial and operational effectiveness. This includes developing an improved website and course search along with fit for purpose systems to enable our staff to work more effectively and efficiently. At the same time, we have been actively engaging with decision-makers to raise the profile of adult education and help reduce the impact of any cuts. This has included working in partnership with other providers to set up a new parliamentary group for adult education, launching a campaign amongst our members, volunteers and students to lobby MPs and building a coalition across the sector to protect adult education funding. These are difficult times for the sector, but I am pleased to report that the WEA is at the forefront of the campaign to support adult education. As the UK’s leading provider of adult education, we have a duty to fight for the sector and campaign for lifelong learning. The various activities at this year’s Regional AGM are examples of the difference adult education can make to individuals and communities. Our students, tutors, members and volunteers are why the WEA exists. Education can be life-changing and life-enhancing – improving health, wellbeing, self-confidence and skills to help people reach their potential. We will continue to campaign for our students to ensure there are always opportunities to learn.
Ruth Spellman General Secretary and Chief Executive
To find out more about our campaign, visit
www.wea.org.uk/campaign
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Regional Managers Report Thank you for taking the time to read this year’s Annual Review and thanks also to the many valuable contributions staff and volunteers have made to the report.
2,094
44,700
28,256
588,820
courses
course hours
enrolments
learner hours
The stories give a flavour of some of the region’s varied, innovative and inspiring work that has taken place during 2014 - 2015.
In total there were 2094 courses delivered in the region last year (all provision) with over 28,000 enrolments providing 588,820 learning hours. These figures do not include Branch day schools or any educational activities offered outside our main SFA contract, so we are confident that there is a lot more adult education happening in the region and this is due to WEA volunteers, staff and tutors.
Our curriculum is organised around four themes and embodies a commitment to social purpose education: l Community Engagement: Courses and activities delivered range from Community Volunteering and Community Interpreting courses through to Workplace Education, and Political studies on Europe, Democracy and Citizenship in the 21st Century. 95 courses and activities were offered under this theme. For further information on our Community Engagement activities please see page 6 l Health and Wellbeing: Courses and activities delivered range from ‘getting active’ - dance, yoga, gardening, and health walks, through to confidence building, and creativity and Selfexpression - singing, creative writing and arts based courses. 740 courses and activities were offered under this theme. For further information on our Health and Wellbeing activities please see page 9. l Employability: Courses and activities delivered range from English, Maths and ESOL and Skills for Volunteers through to Make Your Experience Count, Return to Learn and Volunteer Helping in Schools programmes. 426 courses and activities were offered under this theme. For further information on our Employability activities please see page 12. l Culture: Courses and activities delivered under the Culture education theme continues to represent the largest proportion of our provision, with 740 courses being offered in 2014 - 2015. The programme includes a wide range of innovative courses and projects, and is well supported by staff, tutors and branch volunteers. For further information on our Culture education activities please see page 13.
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We continue to be successful in working with some of the most marginalised people in society with over 65% of course hours targeted at specific priority student groups. These include people with physical disabilities (34.7%), people with learning difficulties (24.7%), people from ethnic minority communities (19.5%), and people with below level 2 qualifications (41.4%). Many students acknowledge that the WEA has ‘changed their lives’ and for the better, and we all remain committed to that end whatever the challenges we may face. The findings from the WEA’s Research Unit are testament to this. Please see the impact and outcomes of the research unit’s findings on page 04. The region has had to contend with cuts in-year and we’ve lost some valued members of staff. Matt Livingstone, (Business Development Manager) moved to a new post with the Pre-School Learning Alliance, and we wish him all the best. Sharon Watson successfully applied for the Regional Education Manager’s post in the Eastern Region of the WEA and is settling in to her new role nicely. Again we wish Sharon all the best and will obviously continue to work closely with her. In January Fiona Parr (YH Regional Director) moved in to her new Association role and we took on her role as Regional Education Managers for the region. It’s been a learning curve and we hope we’ve risen to the challenge. What is certain is that the hard work and dedication of volunteers, partners, tutors and staff, both course organisers and administrative teams have made our successes possible. Thank you. The struggle for ‘a better world’ could not be more important for the region, but we recognise that these remain very challenging times for the adult education sector as a whole, with the threat of further budget cuts on the horizon. With this in mind we acknowledge and celebrate all that has happened in 2014 - 2015 and look forward to a successful 2015 - 2016. Trish Land and Jol Miskin
Regional Education Managers
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WEA courses changing lives: Impact research findings 2015 The WEA Research Unit investigated the impact of WEA courses in the four areas of WEA’s work (employability and skills, health and wellbeing, community engagement, and cultural education). The data was gathered using a quantitative online survey sent out to all autumn term WEA students with email addresses. 1112 WEA students responded to the survey in spring 2015 (about four months after their WEA courses finished). The sample included students who completed short (15 – 30 hours) courses in various subject areas within community learning. The key findings from the research revealed:
WEA helps students to develop key skills: all students reported developing 77% ofat least one skill as a result of the WEA course;
39
% of all students said the course developed their communication skills;
61%
of ESOL students developed language skills and
32
developed their literacy;
18%
of BAMER students developed their numeracy;
70%
of all students knew where to go to improve their English, Maths, ICT or vocational skills as a result of the course.
more interested in 29% became making local community a
24%
of students became more involved in voluntary work as a result of the WEA course;
WEA as a member 12% joined or volunteer;
88
recommended WEA course to their family, friends or community;
99%
would recommend adult learning as a way to improve local community and 96% to become a more involved citizen.
Students under the age of 60 reported greater skill development them developed 52% ofcommunication skills, solving 27% problem skills,
18% developed their literacy;
26% language skills,
18% problem solving skills;
24% organisational skills and
developed their
their 70% developed language skills;
24% literacy;
WEA helps to promote community engagement and active citizenship: students met people they did 77% ofnotallnormally mix with on the WEA course - 92% of them enjoyed meeting these people;
74
% shared coursework with their friends, family or community;
71
% of all students said their community engagement improved because of the WEA course;
students engaged in debates 43% ofandalllistened to people who think
better place to live;
41% more involved citizens; reported they became
gave them skills they 54% course could use in voluntary work; students claimed that the
differently;
WEA has a big impact on health and wellbeing: reported at 95% ofleastWEAonestudents positive health and
better about themselves 59% felt because of the course (76%
75%
of students with mental health disabilities claimed the course helped them with their mental health;
students reported that the 69% ofcourse helped them to keep their
up a hobby or other pastime; 32% took
22%
of students with physical disabilities claimed the same with physical health;
99%
of all students would recommend adult learning as a way to improve health and wellbeing.
wellbeing outcome as a result of their course;
body or mind active (82% of students over the age of 60);
61
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% made new friends (77% of students on means-tested benefits);
of students on means-tested benefits);
better equipped to make 39% felt health decisions (71% of BAMER students);
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WEA courses help students to develop culturally and grow personally: students reported doing at 81% ofleastall one cultural activity more
frequently because of the course (such as reading or visiting cultural sites);
66
% tried to improve their knowledge independently;
42
% enrolled on taught courses;
art, music, 36% value literature more;
7%
students (and 60% of 35% ofESOL students) have greater
recommend adult 96% would learning as a way to
understanding about other cultures;
became involved in a local cultural group;
develop culturally.
that people 31% appreciate from different backgrounds are needed to build culture;
WEA courses improve employability: was a 21% increase in 21% There students gaining employment after
students said 67% oftheyunemployed got new skills they might
employed students said the 59% ofcourse gave them skills they could
students were 59% ofmoreunemployed confident about finding a
36
48
the WEA course;
use in a job;
% of employed students felt more confident in progressing in their career in the future;
use in a job;
job in the future;
unemployed students had 36% ofbetter knowledge of support services provided for the unemployed people;
would recommend 98% ofadultall students learning as a way to improve one’s employability.
% of unemployed students said they got a new job as a result of the course;
students felt they were unemployed students knew 25% ofableemployed 45% ofbetter to do their job better; what to do to get a job;
WEA courses support parents and families: with children under the 25% ofageparents of 18 felt more confident about helping their children with reading;
more confident about helping 23% felt with writing; more confident about helping 19% felt with Maths;
BAMER parents felt more 62% ofconfident about helping with
reading, 62% with writing and 47% with Maths;
all parents (46% of BAMER 27% ofparents) improved relationships with their children as a result of
parents (49% of BAMER 27% ofparents) with teenaged children
felt more confident when dealing with issues that affect teenagers (e.g. smoking).
the course;
ESOL parents felt more confident improved their 27% parents) 71% ofabout helping with reading and 70% confidence in engaging with with writing; of parents (59% of BAMER children’s school activities;
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Community Engagement ‘WEA community engagement education combats social exclusion and promotes active citizenship’ All WEA provision is designed to develop critical skills that encourage students to analyse issues, weigh up evidence and propose solutions to problems. We also encourage students to work co-operatively and respect each others’ points of view and diverse experiences. We make provision specifically designed to support community engagement focusing on particular skills and information. This includes: l Community volunteering courses that provide training in the skills involved in running and participating in meetings, marketing and publicity, equality and diversity etc. l Active citizenship programmes that teach about how to contact and influence decision-makers or become socially or politically involved l Educational programmes about political and social issues and change; we run courses on subjects like the environment, globalisation, trade union history and struggles, equality and the economy
l Where possible we also provide practical experiences and illustration. WEA groups have visited the Houses of Commons and Brussels as well as local magistrates’ courts, Employment Appeal Tribunals and council meetings. Some students too have opportunities for placements or progression to volunteering roles with partner organisations such as the Citizens’ Advice Bureaux. In 2014 - 2015 we have slowly built the programme of courses with CE outcomes/ impact. These have included a variety of subjects including ‘Europe, Citizenship and Democracy in the 21st Century’; ‘Why Vote?’; ‘Skills for Volunteers’; ESOL ; ‘Community Interpreting’; ‘Volunteers Helping in schools’; ‘Community Reporting’ and ‘Social Media and Social Purpose’, to name but a few. Some examples of this work are provided below. Our aim over the coming year is to consolidate and build the portfolio of Community Engagement activities across the region.
For example: We will be offering two free day schools and other longer courses exploring the legacy of Magna Carta and broader contemporary rights issues. We hope also to offer further courses building on the successful ‘Europe, Citizenship and Democracy in the 21st Century’ course – as we head towards the EU Referendum. And we expect to continue offering: l Social Media 4 Social Purpose l Volunteer Helping in Schools l Workplace Education (including UNISON/ WEA courses)
l Skills for Volunteers l Community Interpreting l Why Vote?
Tony Harrison Organiser
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Europe, Democracy and Citizenship in the 21st century: 2014 - 2016 The Region has run a highly successful course - Europe, Democracy and Citizenship in the 21st century – followed by a Study Visit to Brussels and Ypres. The course was written, developed, publicised and then delivered with financial support from the European Parliament Office in London as a pilot project. 56 students were recruited to the four courses which ran from May to July 2015 in Leeds, Sheffield, Scunthorpe and Barton, culminating in a special event on the 10th July, 2015 which brought together all four student groups with two MEPs. The student group was very diverse and created a great learning dynamic in the best WEA tradition. Separately, and with the backing of Linda McAvan MEP, the Region raised funds to support the linked study visit which took place from the 14th-18th September 2015; 48 participated. The visit incorporated meetings at the EU Parliament, the Commission, the European Economic and Social Committee and a variety of NGOs, including Solidar of which the WEA is an affiliate. The group also benefitted from a corporate lobby walk which highlighted the
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role and power of major global corporations in Brussels (See: http://corporateeurope.org/ about-ceo). The visit concluded with a day in and around Ypres – including the famous Flanders Fields Museum and the Last Post at the Menim Gate. It was an appropriate end to a fascinating week, highlighting the horrors of war with contemporary issues facing Europe and the EU. A number of the students have already become WEA members. Many have taken what they learnt back in to their communities and are engaging them in the European dialogue which is a somewhat hot topic! It is now hoped that the association nationally will successfully tender to roll the course out across the regions in the run up to the referendum in 2016 - 2017. Jol Miskin Regional Education Manager
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Study Visit Omer Mahdy Ahmed
“
My journey with the WEA began February 2015 when I did a course in community interpreting. After that WEA sent out an advertisement about the “Europe, citizenship and democracy in the 21st Century” course. Joining that course is one of my happiest periods in my life. It has helped me to integrate in my new community and I have gained a lot of knowledge about the EU and UK relations; especially from the EU study visit . In the course I met many people from Sheffield with different backgrounds and some of them have become my friends now. Besides the knowledge I gained about EU issues, I also developed and learnt a lot of skills such as: improving my English, presentation skills and research skills. The study visit was the most wonderful experience in my life. I visited the European Parliament in Brussels and the World War One museum in Ypres. In general the course helped me to build my confidence after a very stressful period. I have lived here in Sheffield for one year and six months waiting for a decision from the home office about my asylum claim. Although I always feel welcome and I get much support from many people here, I am always worried about my situation. But then I got my refugee status and now I am doing some voluntary work and working as an interpreter.
“
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Health and Wellbeing ‘WEA health education combats health inequalities and promotes a social and preventative model of health and wellbeing’ The WEA in Yorkshire and Humber delivers a rich and varied health and wellbeing programme. Courses encouraged adults to ‘get active’ through dance, yoga, gardening, health walks and volunteering; supported adults to adopt ‘healthy’ lifestyles through nutritional eating, cooking on a budget, look after yourself and skilled for health as well as skills for independent living; improved ‘confidence’ and self-esteem through self-help, stress management, relaxation and holistic therapies; and increased creativity and self-expression through singing, creative writing, painting and drawing, and arts and crafts. In 2014 WEA Organisers Julia Thompson and Sue Taylor were appointed to help lead and develop our offer with an emphasis on provision which addresses health inequalities and working with local partners. Our health and wellbeing provision focuses on working with vulnerable individuals and groups in socially deprived communities. We run a growing programme of locally-based health education courses designed to meet the needs of people to improve their health chances. Reducing health inequalities is a matter of fairness and social justice. Inequalities are a matter of life and death, of health and sickness, of wellbeing and misery. The fact that in England today people in different social circumstances experience avoidable differences in health, wellbeing and length of life is, quite simply, unfair. Creating a fairer society is fundamental to improving the health of the whole population and ensuring a fairer distribution of good health. Inequalities in health arise because of inequalities in society – in the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age. (Fair Society, Healthy Lives: The Marmot Review, 2010)
The WEA’s emphasis on education and prevention has wider social benefits; it helps people to become more proactive about their health, to gain more control of their lives; to reduce demands on medical services and support people in taking a more active part in society. Many students say that their health and wellbeing has improved as
I can make better choices about my health.
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a result of coming on WEA courses, irrespective of the course topic. Students often become more socially connected and less isolated and get involved in community activities that provide opportunities for social engagement. We recognise the enormous diversity of health and wellbeing needs and in Yorkshire and Humberside we work in collaborative partnerships with a range of community based organisations that share the same values and approach providing tailor-made provision. One example of a successful recent partnership is the emerging work with the Sheffield City Council’s Community Development and Health Programme which leads and co-ordinates education within the Communities Wellbeing Programme. Mai Mustaphanin is the Programme Co-ordinator who has been the key person involved in making this happen. The Programme’s main aim is to use community development principles and approaches in public health work to address the impact of health inequalities on people’s lives to enable them to be more in control, informed and able to help themselves. The plan is for the WEA to work in a three-way partnership with community organisations to deliver the ‘What is Health?’ course in target areas of Sheffield. Another innovation has been a new Health and Technology Course which ran with an African and Asian Women’s Health Group in the Darnall area of Sheffield. WEA Tutor Val Boulding successfully developed, piloted and delivered the course aimed at supporting women from the local community to use technology to learn about a range of health issues. All the students enjoyed the course, gained confidence, learnt about health and how to use a computer to access health information. The health and wellbeing offer has continued to flourish in 2014 - 2015. We have built new health partnerships, recruited new health tutors, produced a new prospectus, delivered a successful tutor training event and developed our curriculum offer. Sue Taylor Organiser
We are all much more confident and independent since doing the course
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We are stronger women now!
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Health and Wellbeing Gallery Visit is Inspiration for Art Group The Art Group run at Next Steps Mental Health Resource Centre in Scarborough has covered a range of subjects to increase confidence, develop skills in creativity and self-expression, and improve the overall health and wellbeing of the students. Students reported that the course had helped keep their mind active as well enhance their own artistic skills.
I felt good about my own work – I could imagine it in here. (Scarborough Art Gallery)
The students were particularly excited by the amount of texture visible on the surface of some of the paintings, and the evidence of how the paint had been applied – details that are “flattened” in reproductions of work in books or on online. All of the students felt their work was of a comparable standard to the work in the East Coast Open and will consider submitting work to the next one. Ruth Collett (tutor) will look out for other opportunities for students to get their work into exhibitions and online galleries. Already identified BBC Great Art Challenge which is an open call for artists to submit postcard – sized work and “Wish You Were Here”, another call for postcard submissions
for a summer exhibition at Woodend Creative Space in Scarborough. To facilitate students in producing this work Ruth is planning sessions in the next Next Steps art course – The Art of Nature – where we will work to this postcard paper size so can select from work produced in class and start including making applications to exhibitions in the courses. Whilst at the gallery Ruth also spoke to their community organiser about having the community gallery space for an exhibition featuring work from all the art groups running in the Scarborough area and a slot is pencilled in for August 2016. This will give the Next Steps Art Group a focus and goal to work towards and will give them experience in all aspects of presenting your work – mounting, framing and hanging, titling and writing artists statements, press releases and talking to the public about your work. Steven Blockley
I would recommend adult learning as a way to improve health and wellbeing
I’m surprised how much I enjoy abstract art now – because we’ve done it in the group I can appreciate other artists’ work
In preparation for this visit to Scarborough Art Gallery the group made an online visit, through the centre’s computer suite, to the gallery’s online collection and selected an image to work from on the portrait painting course.
Organiser
Artwork in report produced by Viv Nicholson, Pauline Hewitt, Linda Harland and Terry Hewitt.
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Employability “WEA employability education develops confidence, understanding and skills to help adults, at all stages of their lives, to participate more fully in the world of work.” The WEA’s intention is to provide employability educational opportunities particularly to the most disadvantaged adults: those who are unemployed or in low-paid and/or precarious employment. Employability has a wide remit and includes provision that directly prepares students for employment (or self-employment), and also provision which develops students’ skills, knowledge and confidence to improve their labour market position and help those furthest from the labour market to re-engage, leading to longer term employment possibilities. The WEA believes that employment is the best way to combat poverty and inequality, and therefore supporting adults wishing to go into employment (or improved employment) benefits those individuals and society as a whole. The WEA Yorkshire and Humber ‘Employability Offer’ includes courses such as: l English, Maths and ESOL l ICT l Helping in Schools l Helping Pupils with SEND in Schools l Skills for Volunteers l Make Your Experience Count l Unison Return to Learn and Women’s Lives programmes We work in partnership a range of organisations e.g. schools, Children’s Centres, Trade Unions, voluntary organisations to develop the employability learning opportunities. If you are interested in knowing more about these and possible new opportunities within the Employability Theme please contact Brian Chadwick bchadwick@wea.org.uk or Diane Quinney dquinney@wea.org.uk Diane Quinney Organiser
Charlie Logan Charlie Logan made such an amazing amount of progress from her starting point on the Unison Women’s Lives course. Charlie was a real returner, having no formal education experience since training as a nurse 30 years ago. She arrived at the course with very little confidence and a low level of study skills. However in just six months Charlie made the most dramatic leap forward, handing in work demonstrating greatly improved writing skills and an incredible insight into various women’s lives, including her own. Charlie has been an inspiration.
Charlie Logan pictured right with Organiser Diane Quinney (left) and Melanie Starkey (centre) also an award winner.
Due to work commitments Charlie missed the first two course sessions. However, she worked so hard to catch up facing new challenges with enthusiasm and determination, fitting everything in with a full time job and busy home life. She hasn’t let anything become an obstacle. Using the course to reflect positively on experiences, she’s grabbed this learning opportunity with both hands! Jan Coulthard
Unison Women’s Lives Course Tutor
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Culture Courses and activities delivered under the culture theme continue to represent the largest proportion of our provision in Yorkshire and Humber, and we are continuing to develop strategies and partnerships to offer innovative courses and projects across our communities. Following the departure of Fiona Parr from the Region, management of the Culture Theme Group has been taken over by Steven Blockley, Rob Hindle and Christine Sharman. With the support of tutors and other team members, we have seen a wide range of activity. Victoria Beauchamp has redeveloped the Out of the Box initiative, which has enabled a number of groups to enjoy visits to heritage and cultural sites around the Region and beyond. A particular highlight was the visit of a group of Deaf students to Parliament, where they were met by all three of their constituency MPs. A report of the visit is on the WEA website at http://www.wea.org.uk/News/Deaf-WEAstudents-visit-the-Houses-of-Parliament.aspx and further information about Out of the Box, including reports from this year’s visits, are at https://weaoutofthebox.wordpress.com/. The culmination of the year’s activity was the Tutors’ and Members’ Curriculum Conference, held in York in June. Over 70 delegates considered how critical action learning could widen and inspire education, and took part in three workshops – engaging cross-curricular learning (focusing on the theme of ‘conflict’), using iPads in creative art, and also a taster of the architectural and cultural history of York with a walking tour following in the footsteps of architectural historian Nikolaus Pevsner. The last activity was a pilot for an extensive programme of day events across Yorkshire and Humber entitled Pevsner’s Perambulations. The remit will be to enrich the WEA offer by attracting over 200 students to this relatively undeveloped curriculum area, utilising new region-wide models of organisation, publicity, enrolment and communication. These 12 walking tour Perambulations will take place during the autumn 2015 term, and more information can be found at http://yh.wea.org.uk/.
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The Voices of Conflict project continues apace. A group of tutors and staff visited the People’s History Museum in January as a prelude to developing ideas and resources for further exploration of this theme. These have been gathered together and are now available at https://voicesofconflict.wordpress. com/. We have also developed a partnership with the University of Huddersfield and University of Leeds to participate in a project called ‘Adult Education and the Great War in Yorkshire’. Funding has been secured for initial research to be carried out by the WEA’s Dr Sarah Holland and Dr Rob Light from Huddersfield, with the intention of delivering workshops across the Region next year. This year also saw the development of a Cultural Industries module, led by Nicola Thorpe. The module offers opportunities for students to learn about developing business and promotional ideas for creative arts practice. Chris Sharman is now taking this initiative forward and is keen to develop opportunities to deliver the module this year. The past year has seen increasing collaboration between the Culture and Health and Wellbeing themes. In Sheffield, Barnsley, Wakefield and Kirklees the WEA is working as a delivery partner on the national Community Learning and Mental Health pilot, offering a wide range of courses – many of them creative and cultural – which have positive outcomes for people’s health and wellbeing. We will be consolidating this practice by working together to offer training for tutors across the two themes in the coming months. Rob Hindle
Organiser Sheffield
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Successful completion of the Voices of Conflict project Following successful completion of the Voices of Conflict project a webpage has been created to allow you to explore the subject further. It provides links to resources and websites connected with conflict and suggests ways the theme of Voices of Conflict can be added to your curriculum. We would love to hear what you have been doing with your groups via the website
https://voicesofconflict.wordpress.com
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Digability The Digability Project, funded by HLF, ran for 3 years, finishing in September 2014. In that time it delivered 1340 hours of learning and engaged 340 students with a wide range of needs, united by their interest in archaeology. The vast majority of our students didn’t have any experience of practical archaeology and were recruited from groups under-represented in the subject: people with learning difficulties, people with physical disabilities or mobility difficulties, mental health service users and (to a small extent) members of Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. Thirty six student groups took part, coming from 12 areas across Yorkshire and the Humber. They engaged in a huge variety of tasks and activities, both in centres and out in the field, developing skills, confidence and knowledge through practical engagement in archaeological learning. They were taught by 15 tutors, many of whom were new to the WEA, and supported by 52 volunteers, including archaeology graduates from universities in the region, as well as our care partners and a host of heritage organisations. They visited over 80 heritage sites and their enthusiasm, commitment and diligence helped to inspire a significant change in attitudes among those that came into contact with them. The project also led to changes within and beyond the WEA. The Association has significantly developed its volunteer support structures as a result of our work; and it has built expertise in working with disadvantaged people in heritage learning. It has raised awareness among heritage partners about their responsibilities to inclusion and helped to provide a voice for disadvantaged groups wanting to participate in archaeology. The impact on individuals – students, volunteers, tutors and staff – was inspiring. Students visiting local museums and heritage sites for the first time returned with their families; some became involved in volunteering. Many of our volunteers have gone on to employment or further study: in some cases, it has led to a complete change in career
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direction. WEA staff are including archaeology in their community programmes, or enabling the disadvantaged groups they work with to try new learning experiences. We hope that the success of Digability – recognised by the Heritage Lottery Fund who featured it on their website as a ‘good practice case study’ and nominated it for a National Lottery Award - will encourage the WEA to develop similar opportunities across the country. ‘Andy, another student, left the session vowing to research some sites in his local area, and bring back some information to class the following week. True to his word he did. He had visited Ulley Church, and had photographed a piece of window tracery, which was now housed in the church’s interior, intrigued to know what it was, and how it had found its way to being cemented into the floor of the current church.’ - Stonham student (tutor comment). ‘This kind of archaeological learning / experience helps to break down the perception that people with disability have barriers.’ - Paul Silvester, Foresight NE Lincolnshire. ‘It was a shared and rewarding experience, where everyone had a valid contribution and an equal opportunity to learn things about the past, about themselves and from each other.’ Nicola Thorpe, Project Worker. Rob Hindle
Organiser Sheffield
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Here are a few comments from people involved:
The course has led me on to other things, activities and courses. I particularly liked the positive attitude the tutor brings to the group. It rubs off on me. I feel better about myself as a result of attending the courses… A special day and all I had to do was put on my boots and turn up. Jez, student in Rotherham
I don’t think I have enough words or space here to express how proud I am to have had the opportunity to volunteer on this project. It is by far the most valuable and best thing I have done with my degree and archaeological knowledge. I will carry all that I have learned and gained during my experience as a volunteer throughout the rest of my career and life. My experience on the project has been life changing for me so thank you – Katie Purdy, volunteer
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Outcomes were far in excess of what we’d hoped. Consistently it was the same group of people [attending]: it had captured people. It was so powerful to witness the recovery journey.’ Will Mayor, Sheffield Care Trust
Andy, another student, left the session vowing to research some sites in his local area, and bring back some information to class the following week. True to his word he did.
It has been a privilege to be a part of the project, making archaeology give value to the community, enhancing my own understanding of local history, and doing so in a context in which all who took part, including myself, had fun. Tim Cockrell, tutor
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The Locate Project The Locate Project (Local Media for Sustainable Community Action in Europe) is a European Commission funded Lifelong Learning Programme aimed to support communities across Europe to build platforms of local learning, media and participation, in order to develop their capacity and stimulate innovation, entrepreneurship and social change. The Workers’ Educational Association (WEA) Yorkshire and Humber Region has been the promoter and co-ordinator of this two-year project, including partners from Spain, Greece, Romania, Italy and the United Kingdom. All partners had previously identified their target groups, with the intention of establishing several Community Management Boards to promote and sustain active citizenship using every available element of today’s knowledge and techno-savvy society to generate interest, disseminate good news and promote activity in even socially disadvantaged or geographically remote communities. The WEA working with three Community Learning Ambassadors (CLA’s) with Learning and Physical Disabilities and Asperger Syndrome from Bradford, identified a need for the Disabled Community to have access to guide or directory of Local Services. The CLA’s found existing directories were too complicated and difficult for adults with Learning Disabilities to understand and therefore with little value. Over several sessions of training the Ambassadors learned how to use filming and recording equipment, social media, interviewing and reporting techniques as well as notions of marketing, hyperlocal journalism and financial sustainability. They planned how best to involve Disabled People as reporters, and concluded that the people who have direct experience of the services should be in a leading role.
and accessible training materials and took these into local Disability Service Providers organising meetings and developing resources and a newsletter. “Sometimes things went wrong like the time I interviewed someone at a rugby ground and the sound didn’t record, but in the end we gave hundreds of people a voice” Ahsan Sakandar – Community Learning Ambassador. The project trained over 60 people and created 35 new Community Reporters, with a dedicated WEA class in Bradford which run for 11 weeks. The major outcome has been the establishment of a Partnership of Service Providers across Bradford Metropolitan District with its headquarters in Keighley. The Partnership “You Can Do” (a Video Service Directory for People with Learning and Physical Disabilities), intends to be a new and innovative way of finding out about opportunities for Disabled People straight from the mouths of the protagonists, with an accessible and intuitive approach which can be replicated or expanded on a national scale. The Partnership includes already several organisations like People First, Home Farm Trust, the Big Soup and many others will join it over the next few months. All the stories, videos and information are available on the Partnership’s website http://youcandobradfordandkeighley. blogspot.co.uk/. Martino Corazza
Project Programme Worker
The Ambassadors designed business cards, information packs, as well as easy read I had to take a deep breath to conquer my fears when I first went in front of a camera, so I was able to tell the reporters how to get over camera shyness! Anisha Suad –
Community Learning Ambassador
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Workers’ Educational Association and ‘active citizenship’ - Looking backwards and forwards... There are so many issues to contend with today, from migration to the EU, from the rise of nationalism and racism to austerity and inequality, from unemployment and poverty to the future of the welfare state, to name but a few. All these issues concern the WEA and as an adult education provider and movement we have a responsibility to provide adults accessing our courses the opportunity to consider, reflect on and seek understanding of these and other issues in order to engage in creating a better and more just world.
Our Vision is very clear in this regard: “A better world, equal, democratic and just; through adult education the WEA challenges and inspires individuals, communities and society”. Education for social purpose has been central to the WEA from its formation in 1903. Of course conditions have changed, as has language – once we called this political education, whereas today it’s called active citizenship learning or community engagement – but the key elements remain the same: critical thinking and ‘action learning’, linking learning – of whatever subject – to contemporary social and political issues and encouraging activity outside the classroom.
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And so the anniversary of Magna Carta was not to be missed. The Region led an application to the Magna Carta Trust (involving Eastern and Southern Regions) for funds to develop a course and resources, as well as to enable a group of students to visit the MC Exhibition at the British Library in London. The bid was successful. The British Library visit took place in August and 30 students (10 from each region) participated from the three Regions. It was a huge success. Resources have been written and courses will be delivered in the coming year, both exploring the history of rights from the Magna Carta, as well as looking at contemporary issues and campaigns. Jol Miskin
Regional Education Manager
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Out of the Box’ began in the Yorkshire and Humber Region in 2012 with the aim of encouraging tutors to think about innovative and creative teaching and learning activities at ‘cultural’ venues to create a rich and rewarding educational experience for our students. Out of the Box has allowed groups that normally feel excluded from cultural activities to broaden their horizons and enhance their learning journeys.
Why Vote course has a big impact on women in Doncaster Students from the Doncaster “Why Vote Course” were able to visit the Houses of Parliament and meet with their MPs to discuss key deaf issues. The visit set up through the Parliamentary Education and Outreach Team and sponsored by Grand Central Trains who provided free group travel from Doncaster to London to see for themselves the House of Commons and to meet with MP Caroline Flint, MP Rosie Winterton and MP Ed Miliband to raise issues about Deaf employment and Deaf education.
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Creative Cohort Congregate at the Coast On a lovely June day, nineteen WEA Creative Arts and Creative Writing for Wellbeing students from York came together with tutors to take part in an “Out of the Box” cultural visit to Saltburn by the Sea. The purpose of the day was to experience the town of Saltburn as a piece of live history, learn about Henry Pease and how his vision of a heavenly town on the cliff top became a reality and take inspiration from the visit to work on pieces of creative art and writing in follow up study sessions. Another important intended outcome of the day was to provide a much needed opportunity to enhance students’ health and wellbeing providing a perfect setting to relax and lower stress levels. Out of The Box Saltburn Rail station mosaic York groups visit 2015 After a very social and relaxing train journey the group arrived at Saltburn and were immediately able to admire the colourful mosaics which adorned the station wall, learning about the history of the town which they depicted. From here the group were taken on an informative walking tour exploring the landscape, discovering
This day was an injection of wellbeing into my tired system, with the WEA organising everything to the last detail. The visit to Saltburn has been my most memorable experience in my 4 years with the WEA.
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the history of some of the fine old buildings, and saying hello to the sculptured statue of Henry Pease. Other highlights of the day were a fascinating funicular ride and a scintillating stroll along the Victorian pier. Cameras were clicking as students took every opportunity to capture the colourful surroundings. Images were shared and discussed with enthusiasm on the train journey back to York. So many ideas emerging already for poetry and art work to follow. It had been such a good day; a day full of learning and new experiences, and one which had a significant impact on students’ health and wellbeing.
Diane Quinney Organiser
Today will be a beautiful memory that I will treasure forever. Thank you for making it possible!
A very good day, lots of valuable experiences for our learning in the future. Strong bonds made between individuals and the group. Good support available and the itinerary wasn’t too demanding.
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Inspiring Harewood House for Functional Skills English Course As part of our L1/L2 Functional Skills English course we cherish the opportunity to learn new things. We all have a say in what we are curious about and what we want to learn, so as well as the key skills we learn lots about the country we live in, history, science and current affairs is our favourite topic! This year one of the things we wanted to learn about was royalty and monarchies, so we began by examining different systems of government and debated whether it was best to have a democracy or a monarchy and what living under an absolute monarchy might feel like. Then we explored the history of the British monarchy and discovered that our Queen was the 38th descendent direct in line from the first English King Egbert. Finally, we realised the Queen has a first cousin who lived in Yorkshire up to a few years ago and that his family still reside at Harewood House. So, that is where we decided to visit! On the day it was beautiful weather and we began by visiting the bird gardens. Everyone was impressed by the magnificent creatures on display. The penguins and the flamingos were the winners though! Then we looked around the terrace gardens and had lunch on the benches in open air. Everyone was glad to be out in the sun and kept remarking how peaceful and picturesque the surroundings
The trip was brilliant! I learnt how the ‘rich and royals’ live and about their lifestyle. I loved the bird gardens. I was impressed how the building is still lived in and how the main hall was used for wedding photos just recently
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were. During lunch one student said, this wasn’t far to travel and she will return in the summer holidays with her family. “I’m sure my husband can find this, if I show him this leaflet I’m taking with me”. We shared several discussions during the day. After visiting the house and seeing the enormous amount of wealth on display, we discussed how different life is for people in the same society. Such huge amounts of money here, whilst in the same city there will be people who are struggling to put food into their children’s mouths. We talked about the importance entrepreneurship and leadership skills as we discussed how this massive estate had been in the same family for eight generations. Students asked the staff lots of questions about each room of the house, how many people looked after the gardens and whether the lake was man made? The group took lots of pictures everywhere to show family where they had been. Below is a picture of a few people with amazing views in the background. Nabeela Ahmed
WEA Tutor
We will be using this visit to stimulate some written work this term, a letter to thank the 8th Earl of Harewood and a report on how the trip went
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WEA volunteers direct Rotherham Branch Towards Success An influx of enthusiastic volunteers has seen our Rotherham Branch emerge as a WEA success story over the last three years. The Branch have delivered an excellent service in their local area and, after 276 student enrolments in 2011, this figure has increased by 87% during this period. Since having just four or five branch members a few short years ago, Rotherham have accumulated a brilliant group of motivated volunteers and, now boasting a team of fifteen, now have more members than ever before! Having worked with the Branch for five years, Course Programme Worker Maxine Turner has overseen its growth during this period and is delighted with the volunteers now on board: “With younger blood, enthusiastic and highly motivated new members, the work of the Branch has accelerated over the last three years, particularly in the last two. Our members come both from previous student and volunteer roles and therefore bring with them a great mix of different skills and knowledge”. Of Rotherham’s 15 current members, seven of them made the journey from a student in a WEA classroom all the way up to being a branch member. With Dawn Rudd, Khatt Lambert and Linda Koncowoj now fulfilling their roles as Chair, Vice-Chair and Branch Secretary respectively, three of these former students now occupy key positions within the Branch. Also, the hard work and reliability of Barrie Dalby, a member of the branch for 15 years and long serving Treasurer, has provided a valuable sense of continuity alongside the injection of new personnel. Among the Branch’s recent achievements is their successful hosting of Yorkshire & Humber region’s inaugural Summer Fayre this June. Dawn and Khatt in particular are worthy of special praise as they enthusiastically and proactively went about arranging the event and even manned a stall on the day! The event raised an excellent £500 towards our Mental Health Appeal! Dawn and Khatt, whom Maxine calls “fabulous and encouraging”, subsequently received a recognition certificate from Adult Learner’s Week in celebration of their wonderful work. (see picture). Maxine continues: “It is a privilege and honour to work alongside the Rotherham Branch members, who, more often than not, blow me away with their enthusiasm and pro-activism but also with their wicked sense of humour. As all the members come from the local area, they understand the needs of the community and tell it like it is, as only Yorkshire folk can! Long may they continue to engage with the people of Rotherham.” Maxine Turner
Course Programme Worker
Well done to everybody at our Rotherham Branch – keep up the good work!
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Adult Learners Week Awards York: Students and tutors were well represented at the York Adult Learners Week Awards Ceremony on 18th June 2015. It was a grand event at Explore York attended by over 120 students, family members, tutors and learning provider staff. Once again the WEA York Voices Community Choir initiated the evening's proceedings with a rousing performance of "Swing Low Sweet Chariot". Thanks to Kerry Merriam and her students.
Kirklees: Congratulations to WEA student Diana Jordan on winning the Kirklees award for most significant contribution in the community, and to WEA tutor Judith Boardman on winning the lifetime achievement award for services to community learning. Rose Farrar Organiser
Presentation of awards then followed with BAFTA style film clips of the students speaking about their learning experience. These were both uplifting and emotional and certainly reminded everyone of the very positive and often life changing impact of learning. WEA students celebrating awards included Hilary Major (Creative Learner), Charlie Logan and Melanie Starkey (Learning Into/At Work), Terry Colvin and Clare Howgate (Learning through Health & Wellbeing), Ryan Southgate (Biggest Achievement). Thanks to tutors Brinley Price, Katie Croft, Jan Coulthard and Cheryl Colley for submitting the nominations.
Roll on the 2016 awards! Diane Quinney Organiser
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Celebrating Success Once again we were given the opportunity to display students work at the Wakefield Theatre Royal during the August Art Walks. All the work on displayed was produced by students with range of abilities and disabilities from a number of arts and craft classes across Wakefield. The students were able to visit the café along with carers, friends and family to see their work on display much to their delight.
Millennium Summer Project - Colour This work is based on the theme ‘Colour’, and is a continuation of the Colour Museum visit and workshop funded by Out of the Box. Students chose their favourite colour as inspiration for their art work. They researched all kind of things in their chosen colour on the internet such as animals, food, nature, objects etc and used them to produce sketches. These sketches were then reproduced using Batik; using wax as a resist on fabric to which coloured inks are added to create a pattern or image. We experimented using different papers and using the wax in different ways.
Millennium 2014 -15 project: Bodies - Myself The students are all from Millennium Care Services and have a range of abilities and disabilities. The students traced their body outline striking a pose onto paper. They produced a file of research and drawings about how their ‘body’ would be painted after discussing what each part of the body would represent. The head involved knowledge; things they enjoyed learning or were interested in e.g. Maths. The arms involved activities they did or ‘doing things’ e.g. shopping. The upper body involved anything they really love or are passionate about; their heart, e.g. Family. The lower body and legs involved anything active e.g. Sport or Travel. Students also researched and included the flag of their favourite holiday destination on their legs. The individual ‘bodies’ were then varnished with yacht varnish to withstand the weather and will be put together outside the Millennium building as one mural. Mandy Williams WEA Tutor
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Staffing A number of staff members have left the WEA over the course of the year, the region would like to thank them all for their work and dedication and wish them well for the future. Staff who left the WEA in 2014 - 2015:
Other members of staff also left during the year: Hannah Kingston, Dianne Hartley and Nicola Thorpe. Matt Livingstone
Dory Glynn
Business Development Manager
Staff who left the region in 2014 - 2015: but are still with the WEA:
Organiser
Fiona Parr
Sharon Watson
Regional Director
Area Education Co-ordinator
The WEA would like to extend a warm welcome to the new staff who have joined our region this year.
Volunteers’ Round Up Rotherham The WEA Rotherham Branch members are all older people (50+) who are actively involved within the communities in and around Rotherham, generating interest in WEA courses and promoting the WEA as a leading provider of adult education. They recently organised a fund raising evening, which was very well attended by approximately 60 people and generated nearly £300 from ticket sales which they hope to use to provide more courses in Rotherham.
They are taking the initiative to work with the local council’s markets department to hold information stalls and promote WEA art and craft classes by displaying and selling items made by WEA students to further increase Rotherham Branch funds.
The majority of the volunteers in Rotherham Branch also take part in WEA courses, either as students or as classroom support volunteers and are interested in taking part in the new (European Parliament) course, which they are looking to generate income from local sources to pay for the EU visit. The overriding benefit for all the volunteers is a sense of growing confidence; through getting involved with a community organisation and meeting people from all walks of life. Maxine Turner
Course Programme Worker
A Big Thank You to Tony Kaye - Thirsk Branch. In 2015 Tony Kaye stood down as secretary of Thirsk WEA Branch. Tony has been a member of Thirsk Branch for 40 years (in fact he was one of the founder members) and served as Branch Secretary for 30
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years. Whenever I have visited Thirsk Branch courses I have found them to be well supported and extremely welcoming thanks to the hard work and commitment of Tony and his team of volunteers. Tony and his wife
are still attending branch courses and remain valued supporters of the WEA. Diane Quinney Organsier
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Obituarys Albert Smith In around 2007, a group of musical instrument makers came to the WEA to ask whether we would be interested in setting up a class in Sheffield. They had many years’ experience of making instruments but wanted our support to find a suitable venue and to offer a course to the public. Their ‘spokesman’ was Albert Smith.
Albert was a talented maker who had been producing guitars for over 20 years. He had a clear vision for the development of a WEA course which could make the most of the skills he and other members of the group had acquired. A violin maker (and retired teacher), Philip Downs, became the tutor; and the class was established at Fir Vale School. The class has established itself as a unique part of the WEA programme in Sheffield, with students attending from across the city and beyond. One current student travels each Tuesday evening from Leeds. The class has moved to Silverdale School; and Phil was succeeded by Stefano Gilbertoni and John Cockburn, the current tutor.
Throughout the life of the course, Albert has been an ever-present driving force. Although he enrolled as a student for the first few years, it became apparent that his expertise – and his generosity in sharing his knowledge and time with others – meant that he would become a much-valued volunteer on the course. With his guitar making experience, he has been able to complement the expertise of the tutors – all of them violin makers – enabling the WEA to provide a course which could offer the opportunity for people to make all kinds of stringed instruments. Albert became ill this summer. He was very keen to try to continue to support the class, but very sadly he was unable to return. He died on 19 October. Needless to say, he shall be sorely missed. His love of musical instrument making and his clear-sighted, positive and generous approach enabled the WEA to develop and sustain a course which very many people, from absolute beginners to those with great experience, have found fulfilling and inspiring. We owe Albert a great deal and remember him fondly.
Steve Cox We were saddened to hear of the untimely passing away of WEA tutor Steve Cox in June 2015.
Steve was a wonderfully engaging tutor, a passionate anti-war campaigner and an active member of the Socialist Workers Party in York.
Enid Wilson Enid was well known at the WEA Regional Office, as she regularly visited on errands for the WEA Leeds Branch, and worked closely with the staff based there.
She had a great interest in music and studied numerous WEA courses on this subject over the years. She was also keenly interested in history, studying a course on World War One in the Middle East this January.
As Secretary of the Leeds Branch, she often hosted meetings in her home and sometimes provided home baked cakes for the attendees. She would also store boxes full of WEA brochures in her home before they could be distributed to students. She was tremendously successful when organising residential courses at Cober Hill in Scarborough, often making the accommodation and teaching arrangements for the events herself.
Enid was also an active member of the Yorkshire & Humber Marketing and Communications Committee, and contributed to policy surrounding course promotion and the production of the regional brochures.
Enid gave up a large portion of her life to the WEA, and did a wonderful job. She was always ready to provide help to colleagues, and always had a smile and kind words for those she worked with. She will be sadly missed by her fellow students, the Leeds Branch Committee, the Regional Marketing and Communications Committee, Regional Office Staff and the WEA as a whole.
His comprehensive knowledge of the history of the Middle East together with his quick wit, charming personality, and ability to challenge and initiate purposeful discussion were the ingredients of many a successful WEA course. Steve will be greatly missed.
Joan Stephenson Joan who was the Vice-Chair of Rotherham Branch for a number of years and passed away January 2015, after a short illness. Joan’s contribution to the success of Rotherham Branch was very much appreciated and she will be sadly missed by all who knew her and we send our condolences to the family.
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Read our vision and values at: www.wea.org.uk/about/vision www.facebook.com/WEAYorkshireHumber
@WEAYH
Workers’ Educational Association I Yorkshire & Humber Region Regional Office I Suite 10B I Joseph’s Well I Hanover Walk I Leeds LS3 1AB T: 0113 245 3304 I F: 0113 245 0883 E: yorkshumber@wea.org.uk W: www.wea.org.uk/yh
The Workers’ Educational Association (WEA) 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). Registered Office: Workers’ Educational Association, 4 Luke Street, London, EC2A 4XW.