Friday 12 September 2014

EXCITING EVENTS IN SUSSEX - ENTERTAINING AS WELL AS EDUCATIONAL, 
FUN AS WELL AS FACTUAL
Sarah Tobias, lecturer in social and cultural history
Keep visiting this site for regular updates 
Details given as accurately as possible, but may change, be postponed or cancelled.
PLEASE CHECK ALL VENUES, FEES, DAYS BEFORE BOOKING. 
*****************************************************************
DETAILS OF VENUES AT END - SCROLL DOWN TO BOTTOM OF PAGE


COURSES CURRENTLY RUNNING
THE TIME MACHINE: 
PROGRESS AND CHANGE IN LATE VICTORIAN ENGLAND 1880-1900
This was a time of great change and progress at the end of the century, leading into new ways of thought, progressive ideas and action, energy, optimism and innovation. There was also stagnation and pessimism, overcrowding and illness. The wealthy were very rich and the poor lived in abject poverty. The Victorian age was a time of contrasts and contradictions. A fast-moving world which included the cinema and the motor-car. Lots of books, journals and newspapers enlightened a new readership, especially those who benefited from a higher standard of schooling and being able to read. The Daily Mail was first published in 1896 and changed the pattern of journalism. Now, even the working-class home could take a daily newspaper and keep abroad of the news, as well as being entertained. 

We study work, domestic life, architecture, technology, leisure, the arts, literature and painting.
Illustrated with slides, books, period texts, prints, paintings and video clips.

10 weeks Monday afternoon 3.30-5.30pm start 22 September fee £110 
This course is being run independently by tutor at the Friends Centre, New England Street
Please contact me direct

DANCING ON THE BEACH: 
BRIGHTON AND BRITAIN IN THE INTERWAR YEARS: 1920s & 1930s
Live for today” - we study how life changed in a seaside town and the rest of Britain after WWI. There was decline but cultural life took on a new aspect reflected in architecture, design, fashion, music, literature and distinctive style of Art Deco, plus Shoreham's fun-loving 1920s “Bungalow Town” and the cinema industry. Although there was much poverty 'thirties Brighton saw a new prosperity for residents and increase in day trippers, but also notorious razor gangs and racy image.  
5 weeks Tuesday 10am-12pm start 23 September  fee: £60/£36  Course code: 3699   
Friends Centre, New England Street, Brighton
                                             T: 01273 810210  http://www.webenrol.com/friends/Default.asp?


READING BOOKS AND WATCHING FILMS: THE INTER-WAR YEARS 1920-1939
We study social and cultural history within novels and films of the post-WWI period. There was a great wealth of literature, written in a new and modern style, and many (now mostly unknown) fascinating films of this period  which provide us with unwitting testimony of how people lived, worked and spent their leisure.                                                            
5 weeks Thursday 10.30am-12.30pm start 25 September fee £40.
Whiteway Centre, Rottingdean 
        Download booking form: http://www.rwc.org.uk/index.html
or pick up a form from Whiteway Centre and mail or post in letterbox    




THE NOVEL AS SOCIAL HISTORY 2: Edwardian and WWI


We study the social and cultural history of the novel by exploring the background information we are absorbing unwittingly and which is not the main theme, but which gives us a deeper and clearer understanding of period and of everyday life. 





This term, we look at novels from the Edwardian period (1900-1914) e.g., “Kipps” (1905) by H.G. Wells (humorous novel which includes unwitting testimony on class and etiquette), and those about ordinary people and their lives during the turbulent period of WWI - “William – an Englishman” (1918) by Cicely Hamilton ('Futility of war, “encountered by Mr & Mrs Everyman”').


5 fortnightly Saturdays 11am-1pm start 4 October fee £65 
Saturday October 4, 18, November 1,8, 29
This course is being run independently by tutor at the 
Friends Centre, Brighton Junction, New England Street
Please contact me direct
            N.B. City College brochure details for this course are all incorrect- please now contact me.
OCTOBER                   
                                                                                                                               N E X T   F R I D A Y                                       
                    PRESTON MANOR
 (End of Preston Park, Brighton) Free parking, buses stop nearby, Preston Park railway station nearby
"1914 HOUSE AUTUMN
A very special tour of Preston Manor 
One house twelve people and one extraordinary moment in history: experience 1914 as it was lived in a Brighton household rocked by the outbreak of war. 
This new tour takes you on a revealing exploration of the everyday in a house preserved as a snapshot in time. Through real-life stories and practical demonstrations find out what people ate, wore, read, how they communicated, slept, washed and even what they smelt like as the world plunged into a conflict that would leave no inhabitant untouched.
We look at the lives of master, mistress, lady's maid, butler, footman, cook, housemaids and scullery maid and see how food was preserved and stored; how to keep warm and sending comforts to the troops.
Friday 10 October 11am-12.45pm & 2-3.45pm
Admission: £15 Members £12 includes refreshments
Guides Sarah Tobias and Paula Wrightson (Preston Manor Creative Programme Manager)
Book: 03000 290902

SATURDAY WORKSHOP NEXT WEEK
LOOKING AT VICTORIAN ART -  PAINTINGS AS SOCIAL HISTORY

Victorian paintings tell us much more than the main picture. They are full of symbolism and meaning, and reveal other features we hardly notice – as well as tiny figures and scenes around the principal subject which we almost miss. Massive social, economic and cultural changes took place which painters wanted to portray to the public but, as they did so, they were also exposing much more – inner turmoil of an emigrating couple; pain of parting; long engagements; nobility of work.  
At the end of the day you will be viewing paintings in a completely new way

Saturday 11 October 10am-4pm fee: £40 
Course code: 3703
Friends Centre, Tarner Children's Centre building, Ivory Place (off Lewes Road) Brighton 
 http://www.webenrol.com/friends/Default.asp?
T: 01273 810210 

G U I D E D   H O U S E   T O U R S 
PRESTON MANOR
 (End of Preston Park, Brighton) Free parking, buses stop nearby, Preston Park railway station nearby
"HIDDEN HOUSE"- behind the scenes tour 
Friday 24 October, 5 December 11am-12.45pm 
C Sarah Tobias 2011
Unique guided tour. Discover hidden rooms and secret places not normally open to the public.
If you have ever visited a historic property and longed to go through that door marked ‘private’, now you can at Preston Manor! Sarah Tobias has devised a fascinating 'backstage' tour - not on the public route - taking you into rooms, corridors, vaulted cellars and up concealed staircases, to attics where female servants slept. 
Admission: £15 Members £12 includes tea & biscuits.
Early booking advised as the tours fill up quickly (12 Max per tour) 
Guides Sarah Tobias and Paula Wrightson (Preston Manor Creative Programme Manager)
  Book: 03000 290902
N.B. There are lots of stairs, some low door frames -and it is VERY COLD in some parts of the house. 
http://www.brighton-hove-rpml.org.uk/whatson/pages/behindthescenesatprestonmanor.aspx

NOVEMBER :
 ROCK AROUND THE CLOCK TOWER
POST-WAR BRIGHTON AND BRITAIN 1939-1969 

We study effects of post-war life in seaside Brighton and compare it with what was happening throughout Britain at this time of great change in social, cultural and working life, love and relationships; and realism in literature, theatre and film.
'Fifties saw an upturn in popularity and Brighton came back to life. The new Youth congregated at Clock Tower and coffee bars and Rock ‘n’ Roll came to town when Bill Haley starred in the film ‘Rock Around The Clock'.

5 weeks Tuesday 10am-12pm 
start 4 November Fee: £60/36  Course code: 3704
Friends Centre, New England Street, Brighton
 T: 01273 810210 
http://www.webenrol.com/friends/Default.asp?

PRESTON MANOR
 (End of Preston Park, Brighton) Free parking, buses stop nearby, Preston Park railway station nearby
* THE 1914 HOUSE CHRISTMAS *
A new and exciting event
"It will all be over by Christmas": 1914 was probably the most poignant Christmas of the 20th century. Find out how people marked the season not only in Britain but across nations affected by war.
SATURDAY 22 NOVEMBER 2-3.45pm
Admission: £15 Members £12 includes refreshments
Narrated, read and guided by Sarah Tobias and
Paula Wrightson (Preston Manor Creative Programme Manager)
  Book: 03000 290902
Early booking advised as this will be popular, seating is limited

*********************************************************************************************************************************

"DIDO'S LAMENT":  RITUALS OF DEATH AND MOURNING

Short, hauntingly beautiful black and white film noir, on the superstitions and rituals associated with death and mourning, filmed in Woodvale Cemetery and Preston Manor, Brighton, and at Shoreham by DeadGood films


Written and produced by Valentina Lari & Sarah Tobias
Directed by award winning Valentina Lari    
                                              Music specially composed by glynne Cicada                                                 
Screened May 2014 Corti Quarta Edizione Sicily Short Film Festival
Next screening Cinecity Film Festival Brighton November or December - watch this space
                         
***********************************************************************************

DECEMBER :
G U I D E D   H O U S E   T O U R S 
PRESTON MANOR
 (End of Preston Park, Brighton) Free parking, buses stop nearby, Preston Park railway station nearby
"HIDDEN HOUSE"- behind the scenes tour 
Friday 5 December 11am-12.45pm 
C Sarah Tobias 2011
Unique guided tour. Discover hidden rooms and secret places not normally open to the public.
If you have ever visited a historic property and longed to go through that door marked ‘private’, now you can at Preston Manor! Sarah Tobias has devised a fascinating 'backstage' tour - not on the public route - taking you into rooms, corridors, vaulted cellars and up concealed staircases, to attics where female servants slept. 
Admission: £15 Members £12 includes tea & biscuits.
Early booking advised as the tours fill up quickly (12 Max per tour) 
Guides Sarah Tobias and Paula Wrightson (Preston Manor Creative Programme Manager)
  Book: 03000 290902
N.B. There are lots of stairs, some low door frames -and it is VERY COLD in some parts of the house. 
http://www.brighton-hove-rpml.org.uk/whatson/pages/behindthescenesatprestonmanor.aspx

SATURDAY WORKSHOP
*  WINTER CUSTOMS, CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS - a fascinating history  * 

We study the origins, meanings and significance of many winter and Christmas traditions from pagan to mid-twentieth century.

We look at early origins, winter solstice and pagan rituals of Roman times, as well as the symbolism of evergreens and cereals, such as holly, ivy, mistletoe, rosemary, wheat, fir and bay, and significance of fire and flame. We also discover who Saint Nicholas was and the origins of Father Christmas and Santa Claus, and find out how traditions came about, such as why sixpence is put into the pudding, the reason candles are lit, why children put up a stocking, and why plum pudding is eaten at Christmas.   We follow entertainments and customs of Tudor & Elizabethan Christmases when festivities were on a Grand Scale, with much feasting and public display; Georgian Christmases which were much quieter and more sedate, although there were also balls and parties; and how the Victorians and Dickens ‘invented’ the commercial Christmas - we look at it in all its glory and discuss the confections, cards, decorations, games and crackers. Finally, a look at Twentieth century Christmas celebrations and how the Festive season was spent from the early century through to the Fifties, including austerities of wartime which brought about much ingenuity. Illustrated with slides, books, video. A feast of festive fun to brighten your day with a friendly group and supportive and experienced adult education tutor. 
SATURDAY 6 DECEMBER 11am-4pm
Ref COM089 fee £35 Tel: 01273 667767, book in person at student enrolment, Pelham Street or download online form:   http://www.ccb.ac.uk/public/courses/adult/

PRESTON MANOR
 (End of Preston Park, Brighton) Free parking, buses stop nearby, Preston Park railway station nearby
FATHER CHRISTMAS IS COMING TO PRESTON MANOR 
22nd & 23rd DECEMBER 10am-5pm
This year Father Christmas is stopping off at Preston Manor bringing with him all the magic of a nostalgic Victorian Christmas at home. Meet him in Lady Ellen's sumptuous Drawing Room then have some fun on a festive treasure-hunt style tour of the house led by a seasonal costumed character - the forgetful housekeeper!
Pre-booked places only. Book early as this will be very popular and spaces are limited.
Book: 03000 290902

2015
 * FORTHCOMING COURSES  * 

SPRING
THE EDWARDIANS - A GOLDEN AGE 1900-1914
TV dramas ‘Downton Abbey’ and ‘Upstairs Downstairs’ have re-awakened interest in the Edwardian era's huge contrasts of wealth and poverty. The summer season’s giddy whirl for women of fashion was in sharp contrast to poor mothers trying hard to keep a decent home and family fed. Selfridges, founded 1909, invented the idea of shopping as a leisure activity. End-of-century dark, heavy style of architecture, furnishings and fashion was changing to a lighter uncluttered look, including Art Nouveau.
     5 weeks Tuesday 10am-12pm Friends Centre, Brighton start 13 January  Fee £60/36 Course code: 3702  
Tel: 01273 810210
http://www.webenrol.com/friends/Default.asp?page=detail&courseCode=3702&cat=11&location=&locationCollection=0&


EARLY TWENTIETH CENTURY BRITAIN 1901-1918
The end of Queen Victoria's reign, 1901, followed by the short Edwardian period - time of huge wealth, great poverty, old-age pensions, and the changing role of women: suffragettes and life on the WWI homefront taking on men's jobs in every sphere. Illustrated with slides, books, prints, film clips.
     10 weeks Wednesday Whitehawk Inn Community Centre, Brighton start 14 January  
Fee £75, £10 mtb other concessions available - please enquire
Tel: 01273 682222

UNLEASHING THE GENIE: 
POWER AND GROWTH IN LATE VICTORIAN ENGLAND 1880-1900 
Technology, electricity, science, medicine, the telephone, and the relentless advance of the human potential continued apace, hurtling toward the end of the Victorian era and into a new, Edwardian age offering, what seemed like, limitless powers to change society in every direction.
 9  weeks Monday 1.30-3.30pm City College, Pelham Street, Brighton start 19 January Ref COM265 fee £110  
Tel: 01273 667767 http://www.ccb.ac.uk/public/courses/adult/

THE NOVEL AS SOCIAL HISTORY 3: THE INTER-WAR YEARS 1920-1940
We study the social and cultural history of the novel by exploring the background information we are absorbing unwittingly and which is not the main theme, but which gives us a deeper and clearer understanding of period and of everyday life. This term, we look at a wonderful wealth of reading from the inter-war years 1918-39, e.g. the humorous 'Lucia' novels of E.F. Benson which reveal 1920s social competitiveness on an epic and silly scale; or Patrick Hamilton's fabulous 1935 trilogy,“Twenty Thousand Streets Under the Sky”, whose seedy setting and characters vividly evoke a bygone era. There is also E.M. Delafield's “Consequences (1919), Evelyn Waugh's “Scoop” (1930), Winifred Holtby's “South Riding” (1936).
5 fortnightly Saturdays at City College starting 31 January 11am-1pm & 2-4pm Ref COM087 fee £65
Tel: 01273 667767
Early booking advised - course already half-filled October 2014

SATURDAY WORKSHOP
ART DECO AND MODERNISM
After WWI a new, distinctive style emerged. Architectural buildings of every type were developed in this style which was influenced by Ancient Egyptian, Greek and neo-classical forms. Art Deco was also described as "jazzy", and it utilised modern technology and innovations, such as plastic, chrome, aluminium and electricity. The smooth lines and geometric patterns were found in everything: art, fashion, furniture, light fittings, ornaments, glass, ceramics and jewellery. Its iconic elegance furnished homes in a new, exciting fashion
Friends Centre, Brighton 7 February 10am-4pm  Fee £40 Course code: 3697 
Tel: 01273 810210
http://www.webenrol.com/friends/Default.asp?page=detail&courseCode=3697&cat=11&location=&locationCollection=0&

READING BOOKS AND WATCHING FILMS 2: THE POST-WAR YEARS 1945-1965
We further study social and cultural history within novels and films; this time, post-WWII. A modern, open and 'realistic' style of novel and a fascinating phase of 'New Wave' filmmaking described as 'gritty realism' or 'angry young men', portraying ordinary people and relationships         provide us with unwitting testimony of life, love, work and leisure.
             5 weeks Thursday 10.30am-12.30pm Whiteway Centre, Rottingdean start 26 February fee £40        http://www.rwc.org.uk/index.html

ART DECO AND THE 'MODERNE' 1920-1939
We study the iconic and distinctive style that emerged, 1920s/30s. It reflected decadent, post-WWI society. The smooth ‘Modernist’ style, based on classical and other influences, including the Egyptian; dominated all aspects of domestic and cultural life and was notable for its architecture and design. It utilized modern technology, materials, and electrical devices. It was also reflected in cinema and elegant fashion. We look at the period, social & cultural life and changes in work and living for all classes.
     5 weeks Tuesday 10am-12pm Friends Centre, Brighton start 24 February  Fee: £60/36 Course code 3698:  Tel: 01273 810210      
http://www.webenrol.com/friends/Default.asppage=detail&courseCode=3698&cat=11&location=&locationCollection=0&
Early booking advised - course already half-filled September 2014

SUMMER 2015
THE GOLDEN AFTERNOON: INTRODUCING THE EDWARDIANS 1900-1914
The short 'Golden Age' before 'the black pit of war' (as J.B. Priestley described it) that was to change the idyll of elegant living for the wealthy socialising on a grand scale, but also a tarnished age for the poor living in slums. We compare domestic, social and cultural life, including how paintings and literature depicted society. Selfridge's was founded in 1909 and invented the idea of shopping as a leisure time activity.
5 weeks Monday 1.30-3.30pm City College, Pelham Street, Brighton start 21 April Ref COM 091 fee £65
Tel: 01273 667767  http://www.ccb.ac.uk/public/courses/adult/
5 weeks Wednesday 10.30am-12.30pm Whiteway Centre Rottingdean start 22 April fee £40
http://www.rwc.org.uk/index.html

SUMMER IN THE CITY: GETTING TO KNOW BRIGHTON 
We study the fascinating history of Brighton in three classroom sessions and two field trips, getting to know our unique city. Your tutor will guide you to further places of interest so that you can stroll around and familiarise yourself during summer, discovering lots of hidden gems and understanding how Brighton evolved from a small Georgian fishing town to the vibrant seaside resort of today.
5 weeks Tuesday 10am-12pm: 3 classroom sessions and two field trips Friends Centre, New England Street, Brighton start 14 April T: 01273 810210  £60/36 Course code: 3705
http://www.webenrol.com/friends/Default.asp?page=detail&courseCode=3705&cat=11&location=&locationCollection=0&

SATURDAY WORKSHOPS
NOVELS AND FILMS OF THE INTER-WAR YEARS 1918-1939
We study the social and cultural history within the pages of novels and extracts of films of the post-WWI period, by viewing many books and film clips. There was a great wealth of literature, written in a new and modern style, and many fascinating films of this period which provide us with unwitting testimony of how people lived, worked, spent their leisure, how they formed relationships and dealt with various situations.. We can also see how fashion and etiquette changed and how the effects of World War One and other influences had changed people's perceptions and inspired them with aspirations for a better life.
City College, Pelham Street, Brighton Saturday 18 April 11am-4pm Ref COM174 fee £35
Tel: 01273 667767  http://www.ccb.ac.uk/public/courses/adult/


WOMEN IN WARTIME: HOMEFRONT WWI & WWII
We see how women coped admirably in both World War One and Two and how it changed their lives. From being housewives and mothers they became independent women working as well as looking after their homes. Daily life was turned upside-down, but the fighting spirit shone through! We look at many aspects of life on the home front – rationing, shelters, factory workers, “make do and mend”. Also included are readings from the diaries of women during both World Wars. 
Friends Centre, Brighton 16 May 10am-4pm Fee £40 Course code: 3706
   Tel: 01273 810210 
 http://www.webenrol.com/friends/Default.asppage=detail&courseCode=3706&cat=11&location=&locationCollection=0&

International  Summer School
Sussex University 2015- International Summer School for students 18-24 years from non-uk countries
The London Look - Fashion & Style 1800-2015  
Session 1: 4 weeks 22 June-17 July
Field trips include: V&A Fashion Galleries, National Portrait Gallery, Brighton Museum Fashion Gallery
Art Deco, Cubism and Surrealism:  British Art, Style and Design 1900-1939
Session 2: 4 weeks 20 July-21 August
Field trips include Art Deco Eltham Palace
Tutors Dr Alexandra Loske & Sarah Tobias


(2014 fee £1435 for 15 credit module plus housing £146 per week - check for 2015 update)


Sarah Tobias Dip Eur Hum, BA Hons, MA
 Lecturer in social, cultural and local (Brighton) history

**********************************************************
Venue Addresses, transport and refreshments
City College
Pelham Street, Brighton BN1 4FA
Location:
Behind York Place & London Road, turn up Cheapside – Aldi supermarket on corner. Or, turn left in Trafalgar St walking down from Station.
Transport & Parking:
Lots of buses nearby.
Nearby car park, about 5 minutes walk.
Railway station few minutes walk
Refreshments and further information:
Restaurant. Tea and coffee bar on balcony of Main Building.
Coffee shops, small cafés and public houses in nearby London Road 
London Road and Trafalgar Street: many shops, some banks and supermarkets

Friends Centre
Brighton Junction, Isetta Square,35 New England Street, Brighton BN1 4GQ
Transport & Parking:
Brighton railway station nearby, buses stop in station, at end of Stroudley Road/Fleet Street and many buses in nearby London Road.
Car park behind London Road in Whitecross Street, another off New England Street.
No parking but area for disabled parking in front of main door- contact Centre first to arrange this.
Refreshments and further information:
Small cafe area

Preston Manor
Preston Drove, Brighton BN1 6SD
Location:
Situated at end of Preston Park.
Transport & Parking:
Buses and rail nearby
Free parking outside and in adjacent street.
Refreshments:
No cafe. Refreshments provided by staff at some events where stated.
Chalet restaurant in park and public houses opposite

Rottingdean Whiteway Centre
Whiteway LaneRottingdean, BN2 7HB
Location:
By Library/Grange Museum
Transport & Parking:
Buses stop nearby and on seafront.
Small car park, but always full. Possible space if you get there early
Fairly near street parking
Refreshments:
Kitchen with tea and coffee making facilities (provided)
Historic tea rooms and public houses in High Street.
Further information:
Kiplings walled garden and village green and pond nearby.
Few minutes walk to sea and beach. Shops, small supermarket and bank in High Street.

Whitehawk Inn Community Centre
Whitehawk Road Brighton, BN2 3NS
Transport & Parking:
Buses stop nearby and some outside venue
Metered street car parking
Refreshments:
Café and garden area
Further information:
Shops, Co-op, public library in same road.
Few minutes walk to sea, beach and Marina or East Brighton Park

LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU

Sarah Tobias Dip Eur Hum, 
BA Hons, MA
Entertaining social/cultural/local historian.
Ask for details of talks/guided walks/visits for groups, clubs, societies.
Current list of 30+ topics
 *


No comments:

Post a Comment