Tuesday 23 December 2014

*  SEASON'S GREETINGS  *
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. 
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DETAILS OF VENUES AT END - SCROLL DOWN TO BOTTOM OF PAGE

*   2015  *
 FORTHCOMING COURSES TOURS & EVENTS
Tutor for all courses Sarah Tobias
   Some courses are full or almost full - book soon to ensure a place 


JANUARY :
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 Junction 
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&
FULL

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 10am-12pm 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, the telephone, and the relentless advance of the human potential continued apace, hurtling toward the end of the Victorian era into a new, Edwardian age offering, what seemed like, limitless powers to
 change society in every direction. Improvements were made in housing, sanitation and hygiene, and boys and girls enjoyed the benefits of education, although for the working-class being in a paid job from as early an age as possible was still more important for the family and its precarious finances than schooling. Railways created new economic and social relationships and opened up the country. We also look at the role of women and the agitations of what was to become the Suffragette Movement, as well as the fortunes that could be made by working-class actresses and music hall stars marrying wealthy men. Philanthropic women were socially aware and active.

Illustrated with slides, books, period texts, prints, paintings and video clips.
  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, includng 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 Evelyn Waugh's “Decline and Fall” and Winifred Holtby's “South Riding” (1936). 
Booklist sent once you have enrolled.
5 fortnightly Saturdays at City College, Pelham Street, Brighton
starting 31 January 11am-1pm  

Ref COM087 fee £65
Tel: 01273 667767  http://www.ccb.ac.uk/public/courses/adult/
Only 3 places remaining- book now
FEBRUARY :
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 Junction, New England Street  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&
Only few places remaining- book now

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&
FULL

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

G U I D E D   H O U S E   T O U R  
PRESTON MANOR
 (End of Preston Park, Brighton) Free parking, buses stop nearby, Preston Park railway station nearby
"HIDDEN HOUSE"- behind the scenes tour
Friday 27 February, 20 March, 24 April 11am-12.45pm & 2-3.45pm
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. Book in advance.
Tour guides Sarah Tobias and Paula Wrightson (Preston Manor Creative Programme Manager)
  Book: 03000 290902
http://www.brighton-hove-rpml.org.uk/whatson/pages/behindthescenesatprestonmanor.aspx
This is a popular tour which fills up quickly -twelve places only per tour - so book early. 
MARCH :
Preston Manor, Brighton
GHOSTS, THE VICTORIANS AND US
Saturday 7 March, Friday 17 April 2.30-4pm
A talk and tour investigating why Preston Manor has the enduring reputation 
for being haunted. Includes original archive material, first-hand accounts 
antique and modern.
Presented and guided by Sarah Tobias and Paula Wrightson (Preston Manor Creative Programme Manager)
Admission £15  members £12 book in advance
Book: 03000 290902
This will be popular - book early

APRIL 
Preston Manor, Brighton
SPRINGTIME ASSORTMENT
Sunday 4 April 11am-1pm & 2-4.30pm 
Pop-up history! Mini-talks, tours, demonstration and revelations as the house 
opens its doors for a brand new season of activity.
Events free but donations welcome. House entry applies.
Presented and guided by Sarah Tobias and Paula Wrightson (Preston Manor Creative Programme Manager)
Book: 03000 290902


SUMMER 2015
GORGEOUS GEORGIANS - A SHORT INTRODUCTION TO THE LONG GEORGIAN PERIOD
A society of morals and manners - but what was hidden underneath? Georgian & Regency England - fashion, fops, suppers, secrets, gossip in pleasure gardens & beauties promenading. The social whirl in town, spa and seaside resort....and not only the dandies, darlings, princes and palaces of Regency life but also the underworld of pickpockets, pimps, prostitutes and body-snatchers! Also, Brighton - well known for its Georgian and Regency life popularised by Dr Russell and his sea cure and the flamboyant Prince Regent.
 5 weeks Monday 10am-12pm Friends Centre, New England Street, Brighton start 13 April 
T: 01273 810210  £60/36 Course code: 3843
http://www.webenrol.com/friends/Default.asppage=detail&courseCode=3698&cat=11&location=&locationCollection=0&

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 WORKSHOP
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/

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/

THE GOLDEN AFTERNOON: INTRODUCING THE EDWARDIANS 1900-1914
5 weeks Wednesday 10.30am-12.30pm Whiteway Centre Rottingdean start 22 April 
fee £40  http://www.rwc.org.uk/index.html


Preston Manor, Brighton
THE 1915 HOUSE
Saturday 25 April 11am-12.45pm & 2-3.45pm 
What was Brighton like 100 years ago? Discover how people lived, 
what they ate and wore - and more.
Presented and guided by Sarah Tobias and Paula Wrightson  (Preston Manor Creative Programme Manager)
Admission £15  members £12 book in advance
Book: 03000 290902
MAY :
SATURDAY WORKSHOPS
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 Junction, New England Street
Saturday 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&

JUNE :
|
SUMMER READING- LITERATURE AS SOCIAL HISTORY
Books for summer reading: recommendations, discussion, background social history... and three novels to read before class. If you like books, literature and social history – this is for you! Within the pages of the novel we discover more than just a story. Setting, portrayal of characters, clothing, habits and background detail tell us much about the period and its social and cultural history - 'unwitting testimony'. A different, unusual, exciting way of reading & learning in a friendly, relaxed group. Contact tutor for reading list.
Friends Centre, Brighton Junction, New England Street
Saturday 20 June 10am-4pm  
Fee £40 Course code: 3844 
Tel: 01273 810210
http://www.webenrol.com/friends/Default.asp?page=detail&courseCode=3697&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)

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"DIDO'S LAMENT":  VICTORIAN 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                                             
Featuring Sarah Tobias as The Grieving Widow/Narrator/Singing voice   

Screened May 2014 Corti Quatra Edizione Sicily Short Film Festival
December 2014 Cinecity 12th Film Festival Komedia Cinema, Brighton
   
MORE SCREENINGS 2015 -  CONTACT FOR INFORMATION  
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Sarah Tobias Dip Eur Hum, BA Hons, MA
 Lecturer in social, cultural and local (Brighton) history

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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
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