WEA Discovery Walks Spring 2018 - posted 31 December 2018

WEA Membership 2017 - Frequently Asked Questions - posted 28 August 2017

1)  Why has an annual membership fee of £15 been introduced? The WEA is an incorporated charity and an organisation that uses public money to provide many of our educational programmes. The Trustees are accountable for the use of the WEA’s funding and currently membership in England is a significant cost to the Association. The new membership subscription will bring England into line with Scotland, cover the cost of administration and allow us to invest any surplus in the charitable objectives of the Association. We will also be introducing new content to make membership more appealing, including the new member area on the website and relaunching The Highway magazine as a contemporary addition to the world of adult learning.

 2) What is the difference between an Association member and belonging to a WEA branch? Membership is defined in the constitution. Through their support members add credibility and real political weight to the WEA as a membership organisation. Members are also democratically involved in the Association and elect the national officers (President, two Deputy Presidents and Treasurer) and can stand for office themselves at branch, regional or national level (eg as branch committee member of regional officer). At a local level a WEA branch is made up of its Association members (including the committee and registered volunteers), its tutors and all participating students within the academic year. Anyone belonging to the branch can join in WEA democracy by making suggestions, electing representatives at the branch AGM and volunteering informally (eg organising coffee and room layout). You don’t have to be an Association member to be part of a WEA branch (although we would like you to be!).

3) Who is exempt from paying the membership fee? Anyone aged 24 or under, in receipt of a means test benefit or actively volunteering for the WEA can choose to waive the membership fee if they wish.

 4) Do I have to be a member to attend WEA Classes No, definitely not! Students choose to become WEA members. We positively encourage this as membership leads to fuller involvement with the WEA but it is not a requirement of studying with the WEA. Students can participate in the democracy of the WEA at a local level without being a member of the Association.

 5) Does membership entitle me to any discounts on course fees? No. As explained above studying and membership of the Association are separate. Course fees are set at an economically sustainable level and as a charity we continually invest in support and educational opportunities for students.

 6) How do I know if my volunteering exempts me from payment? We do not want there to be any barriers to volunteering and we recognise the valuable contribution of all our amazing volunteers. Anyone who is registered with the WEA as a volunteer can waive the membership subscription. If you are a member of a branch committee or a regular classroom or regional volunteer you should already be registered but you can easily check by emailing volunteering@wea.org.uk . There is no minimum amount of voluntary contribution required to be exempt from the subscription fee. If you are not registered you can easily become so by completing a simple application form to describe your volunteering. Tick the box on the membership renewal form to let us know that you do not wish to pay the fee.

 7) What happens when I stop volunteering? You will keep your membership for the current year and then you can choose whether to pay the subscription fee the following year. Anyone who has given many years of service of voluntary activity to the WEA and “retires” can be recommended for an honorary Lifetime Membership which will continue to be free.

 8) Is the membership fee eligible for Gift Aid? Any volunteer or donor who could choose to waive the membership fee but decides to pay, can ask for the fee to be treated as a donation. In this case gift aid can be added to the sum collected.

9) Can I donate more than just the membership fee? Yes. You can complete a Direct Debit mandate, send a cheque or pay by credit card through the website or by phone for any amount you choose and your membership will be automatically included.

 10)Can I just donate and not become a member? Yes. You can set up a regular donation using Direct Debit or standing order, make a single payment via the WEA’s Virgin Money Giving web page or send a cheque to the membership address. We also process CAF vouchers. Any further questions? Contact us today at membership@wea.org.uk or call 0117 9166503.

WEA Weston Branch Autumn Course - posted 03 August 2017

The Autumn WEA course (C2337989) at Weston branch with tutor Adam Smith is English Architecture from 1500 to 1950 and it covers  how different types of building evolved as fashions and needs changed.

It begins on Wednesday 27^th September, from 2pm – 4   pm, and is at the Weston Community Project, High Street, Weston, NN12 8PU.  The fee is £53.90 or free for those on income related benefit,  and covers seven weeks.

Weston Branch Contact: Peggie Clarke  01295 768133

WEA Autumn Discovery Walks - posted 19 July 2017

Northamptonshire Forum Summer Events - posted 07 April 2017

There are still places available for most Summer Programme events.  (The first number below

indicates places already booked) 

Hindu Temple Wellingborough            24.    No upper limit.

Evenley Gardens                             10.    No upper limit.

Kingscliffe  Village History Walk          25.    Fully booked.

Weedon  Barracks Tour                    44.    6 more places.

Eydon Village History Walk               18.    7 more places.

Southwick  Hall nr Oundle                 22.   Waiting for at least 6 more bookings and then

they will run 2 guided groups on same day.

Please see programme below for more details.

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE WEA FORUM SUMMER ACTIVITIES 2017 - ALL WELCOME Visit our web-site www.weanorthamptonshire Reg Charity No. 1112775. Co Ltd by guarantee in England and Wales No 2806910. Reg Office 4 Luke Street, London EC2A 4XW VISIT TO HINDU TEMPLE BAPS SHRI SWAMINARAYAN MANDIR 2 -22 Mill Road, Wellingborough. NN8 1PE Fee £4.00p. 10th May at 10.30 a.m. Meet at Hindu Temple. (Entrance Mill Road). Limited Car Park or park on street. This visit to the Hindu Temple includes a presentation on Hinduism, viewing of the sacred images in the shrines and question time. Includes tea/coffee. To book use form & enclose sae Further information from Mary Traxton 01933 224324 KINGSCLIFFE VILLAGE & HERITAGE CENTRE Sue Trow-Smith of Kingscliffe Heritage. Fee £5.00p. Wednesday 14th June at 2 p.m. Assemble inside the church. PE8 6XQ. Park in Park Street. Kingscliffe is a pretty stone and Collyweston slate village steeped in history. This tour looks at its past and includes a visit to the Heritage Centre. Tea /coffee in the church at the end. Tour takes 2 hours. Limited to 25. To book use form enclose sae. Further Information from Sue Payne 01780 782747 THE ROYAL ORDNANCE DEPOT—WEEDON BARRACKS Weedon Bec NN7 4PS Fee £4.00 Monday June 26th at 2pm. Weedon Barracks was a Napoleonic era military ordnance depot established in 1803. It was the central small arms depot for the British military. It consisted of 8 large storehouses which were originally served by the canal. They added 4 gunpowder magazines and in later times a large clothing store. All the buildings have survived. Meet in the onsite car park at 1.30pm. Directions - left at crossroads A5/A45, first left onto Harman’s Way, continue straight along this road till see sign on left for Sofa King and turn left, barracks off on the right side of this road---believe called Cavalry Hill. The tour lasts between 60 and 90 minutes. To book use form and enclose SAE For further info contact David Aaronson on 01908 565233 GUIDED TOUR OF SOUTHWICK HALL Southwick, Northants. Fee £11.50p. Tues 18th July at 2pm. Assemble at Southwick Hall PE8 5BL Southwick Hall is a stone built manor house which dates back to the 14th century. It has been the home to 3 inter related families each adding to the building. Inside St Mary’s church is a monument to George Lynn by sculptor Louis-Francois Roubiliac. Tour takes 1.5 hours including the church. Refreshments after the tour. Limited to 20 people. To book use form & enclose sae. Further information from Sue Payne 01780 782747 I/we would like to attend the following: - ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Enclosed cheque for: - Branch/Walks. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Name/s ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Address ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Phone No. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Email ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Please send cheque payable to ‘Northants WEA Forum’ to Sue Payne, 26 Woodnewton Road, Nassington, Peterborough, PE8 6QQ. Please enclose SAE for tickets. Numbers restricted. Book early to avoid disappointment. Northamptonshire WEA Forum AGM Sat 18th Nov 2017 EYDON VILLAGE HISTORY Guided Walk by the Heritage Research Group Fee £7.50p. Tuesday 4th July at 1.45p.m. Assemble at St Nicholas Parish Church, North Gate, Eydon NN11 3PQ. Hear about this four-sided medieval planned village built of local stone and brick as we walk from the church along streets, narrow lanes and yards, past artisan houses and hear of its notable people. Tea and homemade cakes in the church. Tour takes 2 hours. Limited to 25. To Book use form & enclose sae. Further information from Peter Mackness 01295 768300 EVENLEY WOOD GARDEN Evenley Nr Brackley NN13 5SH Assemble at Evenley Wood Garden car park. Fee £12.00p. Tuesday 23rd May at 1.30p.m. Evenley Wood Garden is a 6o acre privately owned woodland garden containing a large collection of plants, ranging from unusual trees and shrubs to a wide selection of lilies and other bulbs. Entrance covers a pass for rest of day. There are Pubs locally or bring picnic. Tour takes one hour. To book use form & enclose sae. Further Information from David Aaronson 01908 564233

Summer Walks Programme - posted 22 March 2017

WEA Membership Survey - posted 31 January  2017

We are looking to develop our WEA membership offer and we are very interested in your views

This information will be used to create the most effective membership offer for you - our loyal

supporter.

This short survey won’t take more than 3 minutes of your time but the support to our charity from

this feedback will help the WEA to grow and continue delivering adult learning in communities, for all.

Please click here to have your say in shaping your WEA.

Many thanks for you time and continued support.

Pearl Ryall
​Membership & Volunteer Development Manager

Weston Branch Spring Course - posted 30 December 2016

There has been a change of subject.

Contact: Peggie Clarke  Telephone: 01295 768133

Spring Walks Programme - posted 25 November 2016

WEA Tutors Required - posted 28 September 2016

Weston Branch WEA Autumn Course - posted 20 August 2016

The Weston branch WEA  will host a new history course entitled Shining a Light on the Dark Ages, with tutor Elaine Rawlinson, on Wednesday afternoons at 2.pm to 3.30 pm., starting on Wednesday, October 5.

In the early 5^th century the Romans left Britain.  This course explores the history of the next 400 years.  The fee is £52 or free if you are on a means tested benefit or low income, so please ask about details.

Enrolments can be made now online at www.wea.org.uk or to 01132453304. More information from 01295 768133.

Autumn Discovery Walks - posted 03 August 2016

This year’s autumn walks programme is now available to see, a brief list is below, go to to our website for details on the walks.
• 15th September - Weston-by-Welland & Sutton Bassett
• 29th September - Brigstock, Fermyn Woods Hall
• 13th October - Kingscliffe, Fineshade Abbey
• 27th October - Little Addington
• 10th November - Easton-on-the-Hill
• 24th November - Ashton, Cotterstock, Tansor Crossing
• 1st December - Polebrook, Kingsthorpe
• 15th December - Woodnewton, Bluefield FarmExploring Northamptonshire Discovery

Walks take place on alternative Thursday afternoons at 2 pm. The walks are based mainly in East Northamptonshire. The approximate distance of each walk is between 4-5 miles. There is no need to book - just turn up in good time to put on your boots for a prompt departure. Stout shoes and waterproofs recommended and all walkers must be prepared for stiles and rough ground. Dogs must be on a lead throughout the walk.

Discovery Walks webpage is http://www.weanorthamptonshire.org/index.php/discovery-walks

East Midlands Course Brochure Now Available - posted 28 July 2016

The WEA East Midlands Autumn 2016 course brochure is now available to download, click on the following link and click on the brochure you would like to download:www.weaeastmidlands.org/brochure

Along with the usual methods or enrolling, online and postal, this term the East Midlands region is offering to take enrolments over the telephone! This option is available where ever a course is displayed as being available for online/pre-enrolment, full contact details are available on the how to enrol page of each brochure.

Strong Minded Women: The Early Women's Suffrage Movement- posted 07 April 2016

Long Bucky branch would welcome students or friends from other branches who might like to attend. Some of you will have seen Liz Carter speaking at our Forum AGMs even if your own branch is too distant for her to offer courses.

Students must enrol in advance (at least a week in advance as we need to know if the course is running & also if you want the sandwich lunch Joan needs to order it!).

You can enrol online via the national website www.wea.northamptonshire.org, but lunch payments need to be made directly to the branch.  

Bridget Chapman

Tutor Organiser

Workers' Educational Association | East Midlands region

01604 813445 | M: 07810831516 | W: www.wea.org.uk |

Spring Walks Programme 2016 - posted 27 February 2016

This year’s summer programme of activities are

now available.  There are briefly listed below,

for further details please see the website here

Nature Walk at Summer Leys Nature Reserve

Wednesday 4th May at 2pm, and lasts 2 hours.

 Fee is £4.

Islip Village

Wednesday 15th June at 2pm, and lasts 2 hours.

Fee is £4.50.

Kathy Brown's Garden

Thursday 23rd June at 2pm. Fee is £11.00.

A Tour of Sulgrave Village

Friday 8th July at 2pm, tour takes 2 hours.

 Fee is £4.00.

Tooley's Boatyard and Canal Trip

Tuesday 19th July at 10.15am. Fee is £9.50.
 
Book early to avoid disappointment.
 
The forum committee is also looking for a

secretary, if you might be interested please

talk to a committee member or send us an

email using the contact form on the website.
 

Local Courses Spring 2016 - 06 posted January 2016 

Richard Farquharson: 01295 760079 Magna Carta & The Barons War  Mike Ingram  Tues 19 Jan 16  7:30pm – 9:00pm 9 weeks  £52.00   C2335688 Helmdon Reading Room, Helmdon, Brackley, NN13 5QJ    Online enrolment available - www.enrolonline.wea.org.uk

Peggie Clarke   Telephone: 01295 768133 The Countryside in Spring Adam Kwolek Wed 13 Jan 16 2:00pm - 3:30pm 9 £52.00 C2335838 Weston Community Project, High Street, Weston NN12 8PU Online enrolment available - www.enrolonline.wea.org.uk

Contact: Bridget Chapman Telephone: 01604 813445  Email: bchapman@wea.org.uk Title Tutor Garden history Rosemary Jury Thu 14 Jan 16 2:30pm - 4:00pm 9 weeks  £52.00 C2335844 Sulgrave Manor, Sulgrave Manor, Sulgrave, Banbury OX17 2SD Online enrolment available - www.enrolonline.wea.org.uk

Contact: Lin Deeley   Telephone: 01295 711938 In tune with the times: part 2 More social commentary & satire in music David Price Fri 29 Jan 16 7:30pm - 9:30pm 7  weeks  £53.90 C2335817 Farthinghoe Village Hall, Cockley Road, Farthinghoe, Brackley NN13 5PD Online enrolment available - www.enrolonline.wea.org.uk

WEA Spring Walks - posted 16 December 2015 

EXPLORING NORTHAMPTONSHIRE

DISCOVERY WALKS Spring 2016

Thursdays  2pm.  Leader: Sue Payne. Fee £1.50p per walk. No need to book. Please bring stout shoes and a waterproof. Dogs on leads please. Please walk behind the leader.

 7th Jan .........Lowick, Drayton & Slipton. (4.5 miles) (Meet at Lowick Church).NN14 3BH

 21st Jan.........Kingscliffe & Fineshade. PE8 6YE (4.0 miles) (Meet in Wood Lane, Kingscliffe).

 4th Feb..........Thurning. PE8 5RF (4.5 miles) (Meet at Thurning Church.)

 18th Feb.........Nassington. (4.0 miles) (Meet at Nassington Church ). PE8 6QG

 3 rd March......Warmington, America Farm. PE8 6UH (4.5 miles) (Meet at Broadgate Way – road to Morbourne - Warmington).

 17th March.......Barnwell, Wigsthorpe. (4.0 miles) (Meet at Barnwell Village Hall). PE8 5QD

31st March........Woodford, Denford, Ringstead NN14 4EX (5.0 miles) (Meet at Woodford Church ).

 14th April.........Lutton & Papley. PE8 5ND (4.0 miles) (Meet at Lutton Village, Polebrook end).

WORKERS’ EDUCATIONAL ASSOCIATION Reg Charity No. 1112775. Co Limited by guarantee in England and Wales No 2806910. Reg Office 4 Luke Street, London EC2A 4XW www.weanorthamptonshire.org

Northamptonshire WEA Forum Meeting - posted 21 October 2015 

A MEETING OF NORTHAMPTONSHIRE WEA FORUM

SATURDAY 21st NOVEMBER 2015 PARSONS MEMORIAL HALL, LEYS LANE, GREAT HOUGHTON, NORTHAMPTON, NN4 7AQ

 10.00 am to 2.00 pm Tea and coffee on arrival. Meeting starts at 10.30 am. REVIEW OF THE WEA PROVISION IN NORTHAMPTONSHIRE Bridget Chapman – County Organiser.

 AGM OF THE NORTHAMPTONSHIRE FORUM

Spotted bellies and webbed feet: life in the Fens. A talk by LIZ CARTER - WEA tutor. BUFFET LUNCH PROVIDED - £6.50p PER PERSON

 ……………………………………………………………...........................................

 I we/would like to attend the meeting of the Northamptonshire WEA Forum Name …………………………………………………………………Branch …............................... Address ……………………………………………………………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………….....Phone ……………………….. Food preferences............ Vegetarian...........No.............. Gluten Free..............No............................. If you wish to receive further information about WEA Forum activities please add your email address below.

................................................................................................................................................................

Please send cheques payable to ‘Northamptonshire WEA Forum’ to Sue Payne, 26 Woodnewton Road, Nassington, Peterborough. PE8 6QQ by 16th November 2015. If you require a receipt please enclose sae. Registered Charity No. 1112775. Company limited by guarantee in England & Wales No.2806910      www.weanorthamptonshire.org

Adult Education Under Threat - Act Now! - posted 03 October 2015 

I am writing to you on behalf of the WEA and all adult learners across the UK to ask you to help us save adult education.

The Government is currently preparing its Spending Review for the next 5 years and will announce its plans on November 25. The Department of Business Innovation and Skills, which funds the WEA and other adult learning institutions like ourselves, has been asked by the Chancellor to suggest cuts of 25% and 40%.

Less than 6 per cent of Government spending on education and training is devoted to adult further education and skills. Further cuts, on top of the 24 per cent and 3.9 per cent cuts to the Adult Skills Budget already announced this year, will have a devastating impact on a service that is life-changing for many people. 

Putting this in context, over the next 10 years there will be 13.5 million more jobs but only 7 million young people coming into the workforce. At the same time employer investment in skills and training has declined by 2.5bn since 2011.  Apprenticeships alone will not fill the gaps.  In addition, the research shows that adult education improves health and wellbeing, develops confidence and builds better communities. 

Over the next few weeks we are hoping to reach thousands of students, members and supporters of the WEA as well as a vast range of partners and friends who share our concerns. Our aim is to raise awareness, make the case for adult education and to give adult learners a voice. We need you – the WEA’s greatest advocates – to help. Individual letters or emails to your local MP and the Chancellor will make a difference and make sure that adults are not forgotten when cuts are being made.

Thank you for your support.  

How you can help:

1.    Write to your local MP – the sooner the better

·         Find their contact details at http://www.parliament.uk/mps-lords-and-offices/mps/

·         Write to them by letter or email or contact them via social media. Please click here to download a template of what you might consider writing.  

·         Write also to the Chancellor George Osborne at HM Treasury, 1 Horse Guards Road, London, SW1A 2HQ or email:public.enquiries@hmtreasury.gsi.gov.uk

·         Let us know you have written either by copying any emails to the WEA at news@wea.org.uk or by letting a member of WEA staff know you have contacted your MP

2.    Spread the word on social media

·         Use #saveadulteducation on twitter and tell the world about the impact adult education has had on your life, family and community

·         Join our Facebook Campaign at https://www.facebook.com/saveadulted 

3.    Sign our campaign petition at https://you.38degrees.org.uk/p/sae

Ruth Spellman (General Secretary)  

Workers' Educational Association | 7 York Court, Wilder Street, Bristol, BS2 8QH

T: 019 9384 4886 | M: 07984 659 291 | W: www.wea.org.uk | T: @WEAadulted

A better world – equal, democratic and just; through adult education the WEA challenges and inspires individuals, communities and society
The Workers' Educational Association is a charity registered in England and Wales (number 1112775) and in Scotland (number SC039239). 
The Workers' Educational Association is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (Company Number 2806910).

Our Registered Office address is 4 Luke Street, LONDON, EC2A 4XW. 
Our website is www.wea.org.uk

Sulgrave Manor Student Group - Autumn 2015 - posted 20 August 2015

5000 years of history in a typical Northamptonshire village                 

  Thursday afternoons. Tutor: Martin Sirot-Smith.

Note:  The first part of each session Is classroom based. The final ¾ hour of each session will be a village or field walk.

Full Northamptonshire listings and contact details, etc. at http://www.weaeastmidlands.org/brochure/

New Link For WEA Northamptonshire - posted 08 August 2015

Over recent months this website has been completely redesigned:  to provide information about courses and activities happening in Northamptonshire: to give details of any projects being undertaken; to publicise news from WEA Northamptonshire Forum.  Richard Farquharson has more details.
 
Bridget Chapman, WEA organiser for Northamptonshire, has posted information about the Helmdon War Memorial project worked on by Helmdon WEA in 2014.  http://www.weanorthamptonshire.org/

Weston Branch Autumn Course - posted 04 August 2015

The autumn course at the Weston Community Project, High Street, Weston, is

In And Out of the Workhouse  with tutor Liz Carter.   The seven meeting course begins  on Wednesday 30 September  in the afternoons, 2 – 4 p.m.   The fee is £53.90.

Peggie Clarke (01295) 768133

(On line enrolment is available at www.enrolonline.wea.org.uk)

The History Of Modern Art Day School - posted 02 May 2015

Tutor: Barry Whitehouse
Venue: Hanwell Fields Community Centre,
Days: 16/05/2015 Saturday 10.00am to 4.00pm
Fee: £27.50
To enrol contact Cynthia Briant 01608 677913 or email cbriant@wea.org.uk

Website: http://banburywea.moonfruit.com

WEA Summer Actitivies Programme 2015 - posted 11 April 2015

                                       click for poster

WEA Northants Now Has Facebook Page - posted 02 March 2015