wea eastern region - courses for adults in hertfordshire 2014/15

HertfordshireCourses 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: [email protected] for advice.

Welcome... to the new brochure covering a wide range of courses for 2014 – 2015 in Hertfordshire.The Federation is an important link between the WEA Eastern Region and the branches. Our meetings are an opportunity to raise your concerns, ask questions and enjoy meeting members from other branches.

The subjects of the courses run by WEA Branches in Hertfordshire are chosen by our voluntary members, who generally act as secretaries, and welcome newcomers.

The Federation of Branches in Hertfordshire and South Bedfordshire, as well as the branches, run Day Schools (usually on Saturdays) and outings to places of educational interest.

Both the Branches and Federation hold AGM’s, when students from the courses meet in a social atmosphere and hear about other activities in the County.

I hope that you will discover something of interest and be encouraged to join us.

The Hertfordshire Federation AGM is on Saturday 11th October 2014 and you are welcome to come along.

Betty Wolfenden Acting Chair of Hertfordshire and South Bedfordshire Federation.

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

The WEA would like to expand its branch programme in Hertfordshire 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


The WEA Hertfordshire 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.”

Berkhamsted page 6

Bishop’s Stortford 7

Brookmans Park 7

Chorleywood & Rickmansworth 8

Chorleywood & Rickmansworth Day Schools 10

Harpenden 10

Harpenden Day School 13

Hatfield 13

Hertford 13

Hertfordshire and South Bedfordshire Federation Day School 14

Hitchin page 15

Hoddesdon 15

Kings Langley 16

Radlett and Bushey 19

Royston 20

St Albans 21

Ware 23

Welwyn Garden City 24

Community provision 25

Booking Form 26

What is the WEA? 27



BERKHAMSTEDContact: Ann Baines Tel: 01442 872432

Ripe for Rediscovery: Some Neglected Authors of the 20th Century Part 1 C2221409There are many 20th century writers who have been ignored or dismissed by critics and commentators. We will be exploring some writers outside or on the margins of the literary canon in order to assess and consider their work for its own intrinsic value. Fee: £77Tutor Michael KingVenue Friends Meeting House,

289 High Street HP4 1AJ d iDate Mondays 10:30 – 2 hour sessions.

11 meetings from 15/09/2014

Discovering Tring in the 19th Century C2221417This course shows how easily available resources can be used to uncover the history of Tring in the 19th century. Fee: £77Tutor Adam SmithVenue Tring Community Centre,

Silk Mill Way HP23 5EP d iDate Wednesdays 10:00 –

2 hour sessions. 11 meetings from 17/09/2014

Tutor Paul RanfordVenue Friends Meeting House,

289 High Street HP4 1AJ d iDate Tuesdays 10:00 – 2 hour sessions.


Philosophy of Religion C2221437Does God Exist? St Anselm said, ‘God cannot not exist.’ Richard Dawkins says, ‘God is a delusion.’ We examine the arguments for and against the existence of God. Fee: £60Tutor Paula SaundersVenue Tring Community Centre,

Silk Mill Way HP23 5EP d iDate Wednesdays 10:00 –

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

BISHOP’S STORTFORDContact: Rosemary Pember Tel: 01279 651138 or Peter Sanders Tel: 01279 654819

War, Pudding Time and History C2221511This course will explore the years from 1702 to 1763 when Britain came into existence, established an empire and secured political stability. Left, Captain James

Cook – National Maritime Museum Fee: £48Tutor Roger CookeVenue Northgate Activities Centre,

14 Northgate End CM23 2EU Date Wednesdays 10:00 –


Heaven and Earth, Cosmology Today C2221423We will study the evidence for the expansion of our universe, its history since the big bang, the formation and evolution of the Earth, how our natural resources were formed, and Earth’s short and long term future. Fee: £52Tutor Paul MostynVenue Friends Meeting House,

289 High Street HP4 1AJ d iDate Tuesdays 10:00 –

1 hour 40 mins sessions. 8 meetings from 23/09/2014

Ripe for Rediscovery: Some Neglected Authors of the 20th Century Part 2 C2221428There are many 20th century writers who have been ignored or dismissed by critics and commentators. This second course will explore further writers outside or on the margins of the literary canon in order to assess and consider their work for its own intrinsic value. Fee: £77Tutor Michael KingVenue Friends Meeting House,

289 High Street HP4 1AJ d iDate Mondays 10:30 – 2 hour sessions.


The Scientific Revolution C2221431This course examines the Scientific Revolution, and of whether that is an appropriate description of the 16-17th century period when ‘religion, superstition and fear were replaced by

reason and knowledge’. Above, Sir Isaac Newton. Fee: £77

Vienna: Centre of Musical Excellence C2221507

Vienna – hub of Western Music for 350 years. A study of musical developments from Haydn and Mozart (left), through Beethoven and Brahms, up to Mahler and Schoenberg, using numerous audio/video examples. Fee: £48

Tutor Peter GoodwinVenue Northgate Activities Centre,



History of the Universe C2221516From the Big Bang to Black Holes; from Aristotle to Stephen Hawking. Current science will be illustrated with simple analogies to make the complex and esoteric understandable by the layperson. Fee: £48Tutor Peter MaggsVenue Northgate Activities Centre,



BROOKMANS PARKContact: Lyn Pym Tel: 01707 650673

Very English Jews C2221469The name ‘Rothschild’ is synonymous with great wealth and, consequently, great influence. This course looks at the world of the Rothschild’s and their place in 19th century England. Fee: £68Tutor Irene JacobsonVenue United Reformed Church,

Bluebridge Road AL9 7UP dDate Tuesdays 10:00 – 2 hour sessions.


FORM YOUR OWN WEA BRANCH!

If there is no WEA Branch near you and you are interested in starting one with our support,

contact the Regional Office on 01223 417320

Email: [email protected]



Writers in their Diaries and Letters C2221472Many writers have kept diaries and all wrote letters. We will explore some of these more personal writings across the past five hundred years, from Samuel Pepys to Alan Bennett. Fee: £68Tutor Michael KingVenue United Reformed Church,

Bluebridge Road AL9 7UP dDate Thursdays 10:00 – 2 hour sessions.


History of Medicine C2221474Explore the history of medicine from pre-historic times up to the development of modern medicines, the Human Genome Project, and non-invasive scanning techniques like ultrasound and MRI. Left, Marie and Pierre Curie. Fee: £68

Tutor Christopher WoolstonVenue United Reformed Church,

Bluebridge Road AL9 7UP dDate Tuesdays 10:00 – 2 hour sessions.


English and American Short Stories Part 1 C2221479The short story as an art form can be found as long ago as Aesop’s fables and the tales of Boccaccio and Chaucer. We will look at the history of the short story in English and examine British and American stories from the 19th – 21st centuries, exploring background, themes and styles. Fee: £68Tutor Janet BerensonVenue United Reformed Church,

Bluebridge Road AL9 7UP dDate Thursdays 10:00 – 2 hour sessions.


Love, Loss and Heroism – an exploration of conflict in literature Part 1 C2221552We will examine the ways in which poetry, drama and fiction engage with the themes of love, loss and heroism. The current commemoration of WWI has ignited a controversy about how we remember the past. How does literature shape our idea of what it means to be a hero? Fee: £75Tutor Michael BartletVenue St John Fisher RC Church, Shire

Lane, Chorleywood WD3 5NH dDate Thursdays 10:00 – 2 hour sessions.


Archaeology – The Tudors Part 2 C2221545This second course aims to further explain and analyse the events that occurred during the Tudor period. We shall look at the personalities and politics of Tudor monarchs and how this impacted on religion, parliament, the economy, education and culture. Fee: £75Tutor Virginia BriscoVenue Junction, Christ Church,

The Common, Rickmansworth Road, Chorleywood WD3 5SG d

Date Tuesdays 10:30 – 2 hour sessions. 9 meetings from 06/01/2015 plus a field trip

CHORLEYWOOD & RICKMANSWORTHContact: Rosemary Warburg Tel: 01923 282848 Email: [email protected]

Archaeology – The Tudors Part 1 C2221543This course aims to explain and analyse the events that occurred during the Tudor period. We shall look at the personalities and politics of Tudor monarchs and how this impacted on religion, parliament, the economy, education and culture. Above, Henry VII. Fee: £75Tutor Virginia BriscoVenue Junction, Christ Church,

The Common, Rickmansworth Road, Chorleywood WD3 5SG d

Date Tuesdays 10:30 – 2 hour sessions. 9 meetings from 23/09/2014 plus field trip

Art Architecture and Society in the 18th Century Part 1 C2221546The 18th century was a period of great change. This course looks at the way that art and architecture reflect the needs and concerns of that period. Fee: £75Tutor Madeline EdmeadVenue Baptist Church Hall, Old Rectory,

Latimer Road, Cheines WD3 6ED d

Date Wednesdays 10:00 – 2 hour sessions. 9 meetings from 24/09/2014 plus field trip

Art Architecture and Society in the 18th Century Part 2 C2221548The 18th century was a period of great change. In this second course we will look further at the way that art and architecture reflect the needs and concerns of that period. Fee: £75Tutor Madeline EdmeadVenue Baptist Church Hall,

Old Rectory, Latimer Road, Cheines WD3 6ED d

Date Wednesdays 10:00 – 2 hour sessions. 9 meetings from 07/01/2015 plus field trip

Love, Loss and Heroism – an exploration of conflict in literature Part 2 C2221541In this second course we will examine further the ways in which poetry, drama and fiction engage with the themes of love, loss and heroism. The current commemoration of WWI has ignited a controversy about how we remember the past. How does literature shape our idea of what it means to be a hero? Fee: £75Tutor Michael BartletVenue St John Fisher RC Church, Shire

Lane, Chorleywood WD3 5NH dDate Thursdays 10:00 – 2 hour sessions.


An Exploration of European Art Collections C2221550The history of art is also the history of collecting. The collectors’ tastes reflected their time and influenced the development of art. This course will look at collections and explore something of the motives of the people who brought them. Fee: £47Tutor Madeline EdmeadVenue Baptist Church Hall,

Old Rectory, Latimer Road, Cheines WD3 6ED d

Date Wednesdays 10:00 – 2 hour sessions. 6 meetings from 08/04/2015

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CHORLEYWOOD & RICKMANSWORTH DAY SCHOOLSContact: Rosemary Warburg Tel: 01923 282848 Email: [email protected] is essential. Please send a cheque made payable to ‘Chorleywood and Rickmansworth WEA’ to Liz Childerhouse, 6 Swallow Close, Rickmansworth, WD3 7DZ. Tea and coffee provided; bring a packed lunch.

The Human Form in Art: Uncovering the Nude Fee: £19Tutor Nicola LoweVenue The Junction,

Christ Church, Chorleywood, WD3 5SG

Date Saturday 25/10/2014, 10:30am – 3:00pm

From Lincoln to Obama: The American Civil War and Its Legacy Fee: £19Tutor Adam SmithVenue The Junction, Christ Church,

Chorleywood, WD3 5SGDate Saturday 28/02/2015,

10:30am – 3:00pm

Venue Harpenden Trust Centre, 90 Southdown Road AL5 1PS d

Date Tuesdays 10:00 – 2 hour sessions. 11 meetings from 23/09/2014

Current Affairs Part 1 C2221525This is a structured discussion class; the tutor introduces the session and outlines various options for debate. Each week you will discuss a different topic, either

domestic or international, covering an issue in the news. Fee: £52Tutor Virginia BriscoVenue Harpenden Trust Centre,

90 Southdown Road AL5 1PS dDate Tuesdays 14:00 – 1.5 hour sessions.


Romantic Art C2221527The age of Constable and Turner is one rich in invention. The course will look at the main themes in painting and architecture and consider the work of some of the stars of the period. Fee: £72Tutor Madeline EdmeadVenue Harpenden Trust Centre,

90 Southdown Road AL5 1PS dDate Wednesdays 14:00 – 2 hour sessions.


Poetry and Prose of World War I C2221528A consideration of poetry and prose written by combatants during the conflict and after as well as by more recent writers reflecting on the war. Fee: £72Tutor Michael King

HARPENDENContact: R.W. Spence Tel: 01442 254375 Email: [email protected]

London and the Slave Trade C2221523This course examines the relationship between London and the Triangular Trade. It will consider how exploration and trade expansionism from the late Tudor period affected the economic, political and social development of London from that period. Fee: £72Tutor Heather PascallVenue Harpenden Trust Centre,

90 Southdown Road AL5 1PS dDate Mondays 10:00 – 2 hour sessions.


The Problem of German History C2221520How could a civilized European nation come to be ruled by a regime of that of the Nazis? The answer lies in Germany’s recent but also distant past. This course will explore the chief developments in the history of the Germans. Right, Heinrich Himmler. Fee: £72Tutor Victoria CumminsVenue Harpenden Trust Centre,



Vienna: Centre of Musical Excellence C2221526Vienna – hub of Western Music for 350 years. A study of musical developments from Haydn and Mozart, through Beethoven and Brahms, up to Mahler and Schoenberg, using numerous audio/video examples. Fee: £72Tutor Peter Goodwin

Venue Harpenden Trust Centre, 90 Southdown Road AL5 1PS d

Date Thursdays 14:00 – 2 hour sessions. 11 meetings from 25/09/2014

Apocalypse: War, Plague, Famine and Revolution in the 14th Century C2221530Learn about people’s lives in 14th century Britain and how they coped with war, famine, plague and finally revolution. Pictured, The Battle of Crécy. Fee: £72Tutor Wendy

FeatherstoneVenue Harpenden Trust Centre,



History of India: A Bird’s Eye View C2221529India is a potential superpower with a lengthy and varied history and a rich culture. This course will provide a wide overview but also a framework for further research. Fee: £72Tutor Victoria CumminsVenue Harpenden Trust Centre,



“ I liked the group and the way they made a newcomer feel part of the group.”

“ Excellent, informative and welcoming.”



The Glory of Baroque Music C2221532An exploration of the wide variety of 17th and 18th century music – Bach, Handel (right), Vivaldi and others. And to think they were servants! Fee: £72Tutor John WinterVenue Harpenden Trust Centre,

90 Southdown Road AL5 1PS dDate Tuesdays 10:00 – 2 hour sessions.


Current Affairs Part 2 C2221531This is a structured discussion class, the tutor introduces the session and outlines various options for debate. Each week the class will discuss a different topic, either domestic or international, covering an issue in the news. Fee: £52Tutor Virginia BriscoVenue Harpenden Trust Centre,

90 Southdown Road AL5 1PS dDate Tuesdays 14:00 – 1.5 hour sessions.


A History of Design C2221533Where does art end and design begin? Does good craftsmanship = good design? What does a designer do, anyway? Join us to look at the form and function of products since the 18th century. Fee: £72Tutor Irene JacobsonVenue Harpenden Trust Centre,

90 Southdown Road AL5 1PS dDate Wednesdays 14:00 –


HARPENDEN DAY SCHOOLContact: Mr. R.W. Spence Tel: 01442 254375 Email: [email protected]

Britain under the Georges Fee: £20Tutor Ian JonesVenue Harpenden Trust Centre,

Southdown Road, Harpenden AL5 1PS


HATFIELDContact: Norma Coulter Tel: 01707 263202

Britain 1931 – 1956 C2221561Labour, National, Coalition and Conservative Governments – do prime ministers matter? MacDonald, Baldwin, Chamberlain, Churchill, Attlee, Eden – Depression, abdication, world war, welfare state, decolonisation – Bulskellism? – Right

and Left alternatives – Hola and Suez – towards two Harolds (Macmillan, Wilson) and a consumerist, less intolerant society? Fee: £50Tutor Nicholas HymanVenue Oxlease House,

Travellers Lane AL10 8TJ dDate Mondays 14:00 – 1.5 hour sessions.


The Great American Novel C2221535What makes a great American novel? We will look at four novels that have been given this accolade and consider what makes them great. Fee: £72Tutor Valerie EnglishVenue Harpenden Trust Centre,

90 Southdown Road AL5 1PS dDate Thursdays 14:00 – 2 hour sessions.


Walking with History C2221537A series of walks exploring the multi-faceted history of the Hertfordshire countryside, including settlement, farming, commons, parks and woodlands. Walks will take about two hours and cover around 2-4 miles. Fee: £42Tutor Anne RoweVenue Harpenden Trust Centre,

90 Southdown Road AL5 1PS dDate Thursdays 14:00 – 2 hour sessions.


The Rothschild Country Houses C22221578

In the 19th century the Rothschild family built seven country houses in the Vale of Aylesbury. This course will look at the artistic, social and economic importance of these houses. Above, Waddesdon Manor / Mattlever. Fee: £42Tutor Adam SmithVenue Harpenden Trust Centre,

90 Southdown Road AL5 1PS dDate Tuesdays 10:00 – 5 x 2 hour

sessions plus 1 field trip. 6 meetings from 21/05/2015

Mud, Songs and Blighty C2221560100 years on from the Great War, we will look closely at how the conflict was perceived and portrayed in the music, films, newspapers and magazines of the time. Fee: £50Tutor Stephen BarnardVenue Oxlease House,

Travellers Lane AL10 8TJ dDate Mondays 14:00 – 1.5 hour sessions.


HERTFORDContact: Wendy Celia Tel: 01992 589538

A Brief Journey through Film C2221544A history of film which will take you through key points in the evolution of film from early silent cinema up to the present day. Pictured right, Gloria Swanson. Fee: £48Tutor Laurence StaigVenue Bengeo Parish Church Hall,

Duncombe Road SG14 3DA d iDate Tuesdays 10:00 – 1.5 hour sessions.


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Climate Change: Past, Present and Future C2221542Ice ages, volcanoes, global warming, rising sea levels, and extreme weather: we will look at our distant past, climate change today and on what the future holds. Fee: £48Tutor Wendy HartnellVenue Bengeo Parish Church Hall,



Life in Medieval Times C2221549This course will cover what it was like to live in Medieval Times. Fee: £48Tutor Karon StanleyVenue Bengeo Parish Church Hall,



Writing for Pleasure and Profit C2221551Discover how to make money from writing short stories and non-fiction e.g. features for magazines, opinion pieces, reviews and letters. You will be encouraged to write about what you already know and will be set optional ‘homework’ that is aimed at honing your skills. Fee: £48Tutor Lynne GarnerVenue Bengeo Parish Church Hall,



HITCHINContact: Adeline Darvill Tel: 01462 338740

Richard III and Henry VII C2221556This course will compare the reigns of the two kings and re-appraise their achievements. Pictured right, Richard III. Fee: £48Tutor Karon StanleyVenue Christchurch, Bedford Road

SG5 1HF dDate Mondays 10:00 – 1.5 hour sessions.


When Radio was King – The Story of Sound Broadcasting C2221555

With the help of numerous historic recordings, this course explores the 90 year history of radio – BBC and commercial – and its role in shaping

our popular culture from the Reith era to the digital age. Fee: £48Tutor Stephen BarnardVenue Christchurch, Bedford Road

SG5 1HF dDate Wednesdays 10:00 –


Curios and Collectables Part 1 C2221558If you are a fan of the Antiques Roadshow, then this is the course for you. Find out how things were made, what their use was and what their value is. Fee: £48

Detective Fiction C2221554The course comprises: the history of the genre, with reading analysis and discussion relating to selected detective fiction such as the work of Wilkie Collins (left), Agatha

Christie, Sara Paretsky and Ian Rankin. Fee: £48Tutor Steven Wade-JonesVenue Bengeo Parish Church Hall,



HERTFORDSHIRE AND SOUTH BEDFORDSHIRE FEDERATION DAY SCHOOLContact: Betty Wolfenden Tel: 01582 460561

The Great Cosmos Mystery Fee: £18Tutor Paul RanfordVenue St Martin’s Church,

St Martin’s Lane, Knebworth, AL6 9LX


Tutor Peter EdwardsVenue Christchurch, Bedford Road

SG5 1HF Date Mondays 10:00 – 1.5 hour sessions.


A Thousand Years of English Church Building c.900-1901 C2221557A chronological and thematic treatment of the development of ecclesiastical architecture, focusing on stonework (i.e the basic fabric of buildings), including church monuments and the influence of local geology. Fee: £48Tutor Colin CanfieldVenue Christchurch, Bedford Road

SG5 1HF dDate Wednesdays 10:00 –


HODDESDONContact: Penny Groom Tel: 01992 424510

Discovering Biblical Women C2221492Most people know something about the great men of the Bible, but there are also powerful stories of women. Their lives and experiences can both inform and support our understanding of women’s lives in Biblical times and today. We will examine from a literary perspective the stories and lives of Biblical heroines: Sarah, Dinah, Esther, Ruth, and Deborah. Fee: £48Tutor Janet BerensonVenue Broxbourne Parish Centre,

St Augustines Church, Churchfields EN10 7AU d i

Date Thursdays 10:00 – 1.5 hour sessions. 10 meetings from 11/09/2014

“ More please – intellectually stimulating.”



Music and Shakespeare C2221495A course showing how Shakespeare influenced a wide variety of composers in a wide variety of styles – opera, ballet, orchestral music, film and song. Fee: £48Tutor John WinterVenue Broxbourne Parish Centre,



Countryside and Wildlife of Britain C2221498Our rich legacies of landscapes and their wildlife that have been created through long interaction of geology, climate and human influences. Fee: £48Tutor Brian SawfordVenue Broxbourne Parish Centre,



The Enlightenment of Britain & Europe Part 1 C2221365The Enlightenment radically challenged ancient authorities (via the Scientific Method) in thinking about Science, religion, law, politics etc. Spreading from Great Britain to Europe & America, its ideas still partially affect us! Fee: £68Tutor Andrew RudolfVenue All Saints Church Hall,

Church Lane WD4 8JU dDate Tuesdays 10:30 – 2 hour sessions.


London’s Overground C2221375This is the story of the marvellous “new” railway created for us by some inspired people within Transport for London. Nearly all of it uses routes that predate the Underground but the rejuvenation of these has seen their usage soar. On our Field Trip we will study a little of this extensive and growing system. Fee: £68Tutor David WadleyVenue Kings Langley Community Centre,

The Nap WD4 8ET dDate Tuesdays 14:00 – 2 hour sessions.

8 meetings from 23/09/2014 plus a field trip

Poets & Poems of the First World War C2221331The Centenary of World War I has begun. It produced extraordinary poetry by soldiers on both sides as well as women at home. We will examine the lives and writings of some of the poets whose words have come down to use even when their names have been forgotten. Pictured, Wilfred Owen. Fee: £52Tutor Janet BerensonVenue Oddfellows Hall,

31A High Street WD4 8AB Date Wednesdays 10:30 –


KINGS LANGLEYContact: Anne Futerman Tel: 01923 264396 Email: [email protected]

1950’s A Literary Portrait C2221353We will consider novels, plays and poetry from the 1950s, to illustrate how different writers treated some of the main themes of an eventful and turbulent decade, as Britain adjusted to the post-war world. Fee: £68Tutor Michael KingVenue All Saints Church Hall,



For God and Country C2221348‘For God and Country’ – a study of the years leading up to the First World War. The course will look at specific novels , biographies, poems, and works of art as well as the social conventions of the time and national histories. Fee: £52Tutor Caroline EllwoodVenue Christ Church Baptist Hall,

The Nap WD4 8ET Date Mondays 10:00 – 1.5 hour sessions.


Creative Writing Part 1 C2221333A relaxed and friendly class for anyone and everyone who has ever dreamed of writing creatively. Fee: £52Tutor Susan CurranVenue Leverstock Village Hall,

Village Centre, Leverstock Green Road, Hemel Hempstead HP3 8QG d

Date Mondays 10:30 – 1.5 hour sessions. 10 meetings from 22/09/2014

The Architecture of Victorian London Part 1 C2221338London’s architecture is a source of continual fascination. We will look at buildings well-known and unknown, and try to discover more about them. Fee: £68Tutor Madeline EdmeadVenue Waterside Centre,

63 Waterside WD4 8HE dDate Thursdays 20:00 – 2 hour sessions.


The Architecture of Victorian London Part 2 C2221344Victorian London needed buildings of every kind. How did architects deal with the new demands and technologies? How did the buildings that arose reflect the role of ? imperial city? Fee: £68Tutor Madeline EdmeadVenue Waterside Centre,

63 Waterside WD4 8HE dDate Thursdays 20:00 – 2 hour sessions.


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



Philosophy of Religion & Ethics C2221370

How did the ideas of Greek scholars like Plato and Aristotle influence the thinking of Christian and Islamic scholars? How do we make ethical decisions and on what beliefs are they based?

Fee: £52Tutor Paula SaundersVenue Christ Church Baptist Hall,

The Nap WD4 8ET dDate Mondays 10:00 – 1.5 hour sessions.


Creative Writing Part 2 C2221335A relaxed and friendly class for anyone and everyone who has ever dreamed of writing creatively. Fee: £52Tutor Susan CurranVenue Leverstock Village Hall, Village

Centre, Leverstock Green Road, Hemel Hempstead HP3 8QG d

Date Mondays 10:30 – 1.5 hour sessions. 10 meetings from 12/01/2015

The Enlightenment of Britain & Europe Part 2 C2221369Exploring the Enlightenment reveals a radically different way of thinking about God, Man and the Natural World. Originating with the Scientific Method, where universal laws governing natural phenomena could be induced rationally from observations rather than relying on ancient authorities. Fee: £68Tutor Andrew RudolfVenue All Saints Church Hall,



The English Short Story C2221356The English short story is a rich and distinctive genre. We will look at a variety of short stories, written across the last century, which display the many facets of the form. Fee: £45Tutor Michael KingVenue All Saints Church Hall,



RADLETT AND BUSHEYContact: Jim Parkin Tel: 01923 469644 Email: [email protected]

20th Century Literature from 1900-1939 Part 1 C2221404The course comprises reading analysis and discussion relating to selected 20th century literature. The period and developments in literature will be discussed. Fee: £68Tutor Steven Wade-JonesVenue Radlett Village Institute,

43 Watling Street WD7 7JG dDate Mondays 10:00 – 2 hour sessions.





The English Country Estate 1500 – 1950 C2221373Great estates have been a feature of the English countryside since the Middle Ages. This course examines how these estates operated and their impact on today’s countryside. Below, Blenheim Palace. Fee: £68

Tutor Adam SmithVenue Oddfellows Hall,

31A High Street WD4 8AB Date Wednesdays 10:30 –


It’s About More than not eating Pork C2221351This course offers an outline guide to Judaism, the oldest of the three monotheistic religions, by looking at its history, beliefs, customs and practices over the last five millennia. Fee: £68Tutor Irene JacobsonVenue Leverstock Village Hall,

Village Centre, Leverstock Green Road, Hemel Hempstead HP3 8QG d


Ripe for Rediscovery: Some Neglected Authors of the 20th Century Part 1 C2221384There are many 20th century writers, in all genres, who have been ignored or dismissed by critics and commentators. We will be exploring some writers outside or on the margins of the literary canon in order to assess and consider their work for its own intrinsic value and also why it has been unfairly marginalised and neglected. Fee: £68Tutor Michael KingVenue Bushey Centre, Bushey Country

Club, High Street WD23 1TT dDate Tuesdays 10:00 – 2 hour sessions.


Post Romanticism in Music C2221408

After the First World War, many composers were uncertain which way to go – jazz, folk influences, extreme dissonances, neo-classical ideas were some of the options but not to everyone’s taste. This course will feature the music of Bruckner and Mahler showing how they became influential on Richard Strauss and musicians such as Rachmaninov (above), Puccini and lesser-known names. Fee: £50Tutor John WinterVenue Christchurch Vision Hall,

Watling Street, Radlett WD7 7JJ dDate Thursdays 14:00 – 2 hour sessions.







20th Century Literature from 1900-1939 Part 2 C2221585The course comprises reading analysis and discussion relating to selected 20th century literature. The period and developments in literature will be discussed. Amongst the books to be covered: Some poems from Look, Stranger! W.H. Auden (above, right). Fee: £68Tutor Steven Wade-JonesVenue Radlett Village Institute,



Ripe for Rediscovery: Some Neglected Authors of the 20th Century Part 2 C2221388There are many 20th century writers, in all genres, who have been ignored or dismissed by critics and commentators. We will be exploring some writers outside or on the margins of the literary in order to assess and consider their work for its own intrinsic value and also why it has been unfairly marginalised and neglected. Fee: £68Tutor Michael KingVenue Bushey Centre, Bushey Country

Club, High Street WD23 1TT dDate Tuesdays 10:00 – 2 hour sessions.


Ten Operas that Changed the World C2221380The title may exaggerate but some operas made a profound impression on future developments. Nabucco and the Risorgimento, Mozart’s

Figaro fusing opera seria and buffa, Wozzeck and atonality and seven more! Fee: £68Tutor Peter BleasbyVenue Christchurch Vision Hall,

Watling Street WD7 7JJ dDate Thursdays 14:00 – 2 hour sessions.


ROYSTONContact: Carol Bradshaw Tel: 01763 268678. N.B Enrolment session for Autumn term is 16th September and Spring term is 6th January 2015

A Thousand Years of English Church Building c.900-1901 C2221405A chronological and thematic treatment of the development of ecclesiastical architecture, focusing on stonework (i.e the basic fabric of buildings), but including church monuments and the influence of local geology. Fee: £48Tutor Colin CanfieldVenue Royston Town Hall,

Melbourn Street SG8 7DA d

Date Tuesdays 10:00 – 1.5 hour sessions. 10 meetings from 23/09/2014

Curios and Collectables – Part 2 C2221415

A follow on from the first course, this course will deal with a wide variety of collectables and curios from plastics to paintings and from cocktails to compacts.

Fee: £48Tutor Peter EdwardsVenue Royston Town Hall,

Melbourn Street SG8 7DA dDate Tuesdays 10:00 – 1.5 hour sessions.


Climate Change: Past, Present and Future C2221419Ice ages, volcanoes, global warming, rising sea levels, and extreme weather: we will look at our distant past, climate change today and on what the future holds.

Fee: £48Tutor Wendy HartnellVenue Royston Town Hall,



The Colleges of Cambridge C2221421Custodians of heritage, landowners, educators, employers: The Cambridge Colleges have important and varied roles locally and globally, which we will explore through their past and present. Above, King’s College. Fee: £48Tutor Honor RidoutVenue Royston Town Hall,



ST ALBANSContact: Mr J Wimhurst Tel: 01438 861310 or Mrs S Bond Tel: 01727 851152

Art and Architecture of France in the 18th Century Part 2 C2221429The art and architecture of France in the second half of the 18th century represents the flowering of the developments of the first half of the century but also takes new and revolutionary directions. This course will look at the significant achievements in painting, architecture and sculpture. Right, The Swing by Jean-Honoré Fragonard. Fee: £57Tutor Madeline EdmeadVenue Methodist Halls, 133b Hatfield

Road, Fleetville AL1 4JS dDate Mondays 10:15 – 1.5 hour sessions.




Current Affairs C2221426This is a structured discussion class with the tutor introducing the session and outlining various options for debate. Each week the class will discuss a different topic, either domestic or international, covering an issue in the news. Fee: £57Tutor Virginia BriscoVenue Sandridge Village Hall,

High Street AL4 9DD dDate Mondays 13:45 – 1.5 hour sessions.


Women in Music C2221448The course’s twin focuses are: a wide-ranging study of music by women composers and reasons for its neglect, and the treatment of women characters in Opera. Fee: £57Tutor David PeacockVenue Methodist Halls, 133b Hatfield

Road, Fleetville AL1 4JS dDate Tuesdays 13:45 – 1.5 hour sessions.


Contemporary Literature C2221466The course comprises reading, analysis and discussion relating to selected contemporary literature. Books to be covered are: Sense of an Ending - Julian Barnes; There but for the - Ali Smith;and NW - Zadie Smith.

Fee: £57Tutor Steven Wade-JonesVenue Methodist Halls,

133b Hatfield Road, Fleetville AL1 4JS d


Introducing International Cinema C2221465This course will introduce International / World Cinema. We will look at examples of Film Movements and great

International Directors including some of the greatest films ever made. Right, Ingrid Bergman in Angoisse (1954, Director Roberto Rossellini). Fee: £57Tutor Laurence StaigVenue Methodist Halls, 133b Hatfield

Road, Fleetville AL1 4JS dDate Thursdays 13:45 – 1.5 hour sessions.


Current Affairs C2221427This is a structured discussion class with the tutor introducing the session and outlining various options for debate. Each week the class will discuss a different topic, either domestic or international, covering an issue in the news. Fee: £57Tutor Virginia BriscoVenue Sandridge Village Hall,

High Street AL4 9DD dDate Mondays 13:45 – 1.5 hour sessions.


Slav Opera C2221424Folklore, historical and family feuds. The genius of Tchaikovsky and all those Russian Basses. Glinka to Gudonov, Mussorgsky to Lady Macbeth. Fee: £57Tutor Peter BleasbyVenue Methodist Halls, 133b Hatfield

Road, Fleetville AL1 4JS dDate Tuesdays 13:45 – 1.5 hour sessions.


Utopia and Distopia C2221435A consideration of ideal and negative societies. What makes the ideal Society? Philosophers, economists, novelists, politicians, sociologists, and theologians have all grappled with this problem. We will consider and discuss some of their solutions. Fee: £53Tutor Caroline EllwoodVenue Methodist Halls, 133b Hatfield

Road, Fleetville AL1 4JS dDate Mondays 10:15 – 2 hour sessions.


The Outsider Part 1 C2221444We will explore plays, novels and poems from the late 19th century onwards which address the predicament of men and women who were alienated from the increasingly urban societies in which they lived. Fee: £53Tutor Michael KingVenue Methodist Halls,



Chiltern Country Houses C2221453

This course uses a group of country houses in the Chilterns to illustrate aspects of country house history. Above, Wrest Park. Fee: £80Tutor Adam SmithVenue Methodist Halls,



The Outsider Part 2 C2221446We will explore plays, novels and poems from the late nineteenth century onwards which address the predicament of men and women who were alienated from the increasingly urban societies in which they lived. Fee: £53Tutor Michael KingVenue Methodist Halls,



WAREContact: Susan Davies Tel: 01992 584961

Elizabeth to Elizabeth C2221480The course covers: music from the Elizabethan renaissance; the Restoration; European visitors; the Victorians and Edwardians; the 20th century. Sessions include listening to, and discussion of, audio and video examples. Fee: £48Tutor Peter GoodwinVenue The Priory, High Street

SG12 9AL d iDate Wednesdays 09:45 –


Climate Change: Past, Present and Future C2221481Ice ages, volcanoes, global warming, rising sea levels, and extreme weather: we will look at our distant past, climate change today and on what the future holds. Fee: £48Tutor Wendy HartnellVenue The Priory, High Street



Current Affairs C2221477This is a structured discussion class. Each week we discuss a different topic, either domestic or international, covering an issue in the news. The tutor introduces the session and outlines various options for debate. Fee: £45Tutor Virginia BriscoVenue The Priory, High Street





Community provision

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 [email protected].

If you are interested in volunteering please email: [email protected] for more information.

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

WELWYN GARDEN CITYContact: Mrs M Bond Tel: 01707 322692 Email: [email protected]

Aspects of Tudor History C2221502It is 500 years since Henry VIII came to the throne and initiated a century of change – from social, economic and religious change to culture, the arts and seafaring. Fee: £49Tutor Virginia BriscoVenue Vineyard Barn,

The Vineyard AL8 7PU dDate Wednesdays 14:00 –


Slav Opera C2221482Folklore, Historical and Family feuds. The genius of Tchaikovsky and all those Russian Basses. Glinka to Godunov, Mussorgsky to Lady Macbeth. Fee: £45Tutor Peter BleasbyVenue Vineyard Barn,

The Vineyard AL8 7PU dDate Mondays 14:00 – 2 hour sessions.


Climate Change: Past, Present and Future C2221484Ice ages, volcanoes, global warming, rising sea levels, and extreme weather: We will look at our distant past, climate change today and on what the future holds. Fee: £45Tutor Wendy HartnellVenue Free Church,

Church Road AL8 6PS dDate Tuesdays 14:00 – 2 hour sessions.


Writers in their diaries and letters C2221499Many writers have kept diaries and all wrote letters. We will explore some of these more personal writings across the past five hundred years, from Samuel Pepys to Alan Bennett (right). Fee: £67.20Tutor Michael KingVenue Free Church,

Church Road AL8 6PS dDate Tuesdays 14:00 – 2 hour sessions.


Romantic Art C2221497The age of Constable and Turner, of Nash and Soane, brought revolutionary ideas to English art and architecture. We will explore some of their masterpieces and the ideas behind them. Fee: £45Tutor Madeline EdmeadVenue Vineyard Barn,

The Vineyard AL8 7PU dDate Mondays 14:00 – 2 hour sessions.


Great Gardens, Famous Gardeners C2221506A course looking at 8 famous gardens & their influential gardeners. We’ll consider design, style, what each garden was trying to achieve, the impression on other gardens and key elements. Gardens looked at include Hidcote, Chatsworth (above), Blenheim Palace & Levens Hall. Fee: £45Tutor Andrew SankeyVenue Vineyard Barn,

The Vineyard AL8 7PU dDate Wednesdays 14:00 –




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: [email protected] 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.

,,,

$

WEA BOOKING FORMFor Courses run by:BROOKMANS PARK, RADLETT & BUSHEY, HARPENDEN, HATFIELD, HERTFORD, HODDESDON, KINGS LANGLEY, ST ALBANS AND WELWYN GARDEN CITYI/We wish to book a place on the following courses. (ONE Branch only on each form)

Branch:

Course/s:

Name/s:

Address:

Post Code:

Telephone Number:

I enclose a cheque payable to ‘WEA Branch’ (insert Branch name)

WEA courses are free to students who receive an income related benefit and to students dependent upon someone receiving such benefits or on a low income (This does not apply to One Day Schools).

Please send a copy of a current letter from the Benefits Agency as proof of benefit received.

I wish to claim full fee remission because I am on:

BenefitOR

I am the unwaged dependant of someone receiving:

Benefit

I would like to book crèche place/s.

I enclose a stamped addressed envelope for receipt/outline.

If you would like to enrol for courses in more than one of these branches, please copy this form.

Addresses:Brookmans Park: Mrs L Pym, 24 Mymms Drive, Brookmans Park, AL9 7AFRadlett & Bushey: Dr Jim Parkin, 42 Elm Walk, Radlett, WD7 8DPHarpenden: Mr R W Spence, 16 Greenacres, Leverstock Green, Hemel Hempstead, HP2 4NAHatfield: Mrs N Coulter: 21 The Holdings, Hatfield, AL9 5HHHertford: Wendy Celia: 23 Lodge Close, Hertford, SG14 3DHHoddesdon: Mrs Ann Young: 29 St. Davids Drive, Broxbourne, EN10 7LSKing’s Langley: Mr Nick Clarke: Dunster, Common Lane, Kings Langley, WD4 8BLSt Albans: Mr W H Bond: 42 Cunningham Hill Road, St Albans, Herts, AL1 5BYWelwyn Garden City: Mrs M MacKean: 3 Fern Grove, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 7ND

HertfordshireCourses 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).

wea eastern region - courses for adults in hertfordshire 2014/15

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