Wednesday 16 September 2015

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
*   EXCITING AUTUMN 2015/SPRING & SUMMER 2016 PROGRAMME  *
OF  CLASSES, COURSES AND EVENTS   *
AUTUMN 2015 
>>  THIS SATURDAY >>>
Friends Centre, New England Street, Brighton:
The Edwardians and Art Nouveau 1895-1914
Social and cultural history of the Edwardian period, starting 1890’s. The huge contrast of great wealth and abject poverty was very much in evidence. We also look at the arts, literature, fashion, travel, leisure and early cinema as well as domestic and working life for all classes in town and country. End-of-the-century style in architecture and furnishings was changing from the heavy, Gothic look, to the lighter but highly decorative, asymmetrical and flowing style of Art Nouveau.
1 day 3 October 101m-4pm Fee £40
Tel: 01273 810210 

Weekday courses
City College, Pelham Street Brighton:
The Golden Summer: Edwardians 1890-1910 
We study social and cultural history of the Edwardian period, starting 1890s. The short golden age before war was to change the idyll of elegant life for the wealthy
The huge contrast of great wealth and abject poverty was very much in evidence. A golden age for the wealthy but a tarnished one for the poor. The summer season’s giddy whirl for women of fashion was in sharp contrast to poor wives and mothers trying hard to keep a decent home and the family fed. End-of-the-century style in architecture and furnishings was changing from the heavy, Gothic look, to the lighter style of Art Nouveau. We also look at the arts, literature, fashion, travel, leisure, holidays & early cinema as well as domestic and working life for all classes in town and country.
Illustrated with slides, books, extracts from period texts, prints
10 weeks Monday 1.30-3.30pm start 21 September 2015
Ref COM142 Fee £115 - concessions for those on benefits £70/35 
Tel: 01273 667767
Extra, huge discounts available to those not working, on pension or benefit credits 
Contact Head of Curriculum, Amir Bahrani  AB4@ccb.ac.uk.

Friends Centre, New England Street, Brighton:
Gorgeous Georgians: 
A short introduction to the long Georgian period
Four classroom sessions and one field trip to the Royal Pavilion
 (tutor is also a guide there)
High and low society - fashion, fops, suppers, secrets, gossip in pleasure gardens & beauties promenading; and the underworld of pickpockets, pimps, prostitutes and body-snatchers!  Also, Brighton - well known for its Regency life and flamboyant Prince Regent and his palace. We see how Brighton & Hove developed during this period.
5 weeks 10am-12pm start 22 September 2015 Fee £62.50
Tel: 01273 810210 

Whitehawk Inn Community Centre, Whitehawk, Brighton:
Post-War Britain 1945-1965
We study social and cultural history of the period covering architecture, 
housing, social conditions, setting up of the National Health Service, 
relationships, fashion, books, cinema ... and lots more.
Illustrated with slides, documentaries and film clips
10 weeks Wednesday 1-3pm start 23 September 2015
Enrol: 01273 682222
FULL - waiting list

Fortnightly Saturdays
City College, Pelham Street Brighton:
The Novel as Social History 4:
Post-war 1940s and 1950s 
Unique course comprising literature, social and cultural history and book club
 Within the pages of the novel we discover more than just a story. 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 general minutiae of everyday life. Within every piece of fiction is a wealth of information on culture and social life which can lead us into a deeper understanding of a subject, time or place, period in history, genre, working conditions, habits, style or social trend that we might pursue further, or deepen our  knowledge and intensify our interest.

THIS TERM we look at novels from the 1940s and 1950s including “Miss Ranksill Comes Home” by Barbara Euphan Todd (1946), “Of Love and Hunger” by Julian Maclaren Ross, (1947), “The Slaves of Solitude” by Patrick Hamilton (1947) and “The Fancy” by Monica Dickens (1953).
A reading list is available from the tutor and you will be expected to join in group discussion.
5 sessions every other Saturday start 26 September 2015
11am-1pm Ref COM076 Fee £60 - concessions for those on benefits £42/21
2-4pm Ref COM342 Fee £60 - concessions for those on benefits £42/21
Tel: 01273 667767

Weekday courses
Friends Centre, New England Street, Brighton:
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, including the Yule log and the Christmas tree’s entry into England.  Lots of interesting and entertaining information including festive Sussex customs and reminiscences of a family Christmas in a tiny cottage in Rottingdean. 
5 weeks Tuesday 10am-12pm start 3 November Fee £62.50
Tel: 01273 810210 

Weekday evening course
Friends Centre, New England Street, Brighton:
Novels and Films of the Inter-war Years: 
a social and cultural history 1920-1939
We study social and cultural history within the pages of novels and extracts of films post-WWI, 1920s and 1930s, by viewing and discussing many books and film clips which reveal the effects of WWI and other influences that changed people's perceptions and inspired them with aspirations for a better life. There was a wealth of literature, written in a new and modern style, and fascinating films which provide us with unwitting testimony of how people lived, worked, spent their leisure.
Recommended booklist if required from tutor but not compulsory to read any novels.
5 weeks Tuesday 6.30-8.30pm start 3 November Fee £62.50
Tel: 01273 810210

Saturday
Friends Centre, New England Street, Brighton:
A History of Christmas: 
Seasonal Festivities and Winter Customs
Get in the mood for Christmas!
We study the origins, meanings and significance of many Christmas customs and traditions from early times to Twentieth Century, including Pagan, Medieval, Tudor, Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian, Wartime and Interwar. We see how traditions came about, such as why sixpence is put into the pudding, reason candles are lit, why children put up a stocking, and why plum pudding is eaten. We see how customs came about such as why sixpence is put into the pudding, reason candles are lit, why children put up a stocking, and why plum pudding is eaten. We also discover who St. Nicholas was, origins of Father Christmas, Yule log, crackers…and more.
1 day 5 December 10am-4pm Fee £40
Tel: 01273 810210

Spring 2016
Weekday courses
City College, Pelham Street Brighton:
Early 20c Britain:
A Changing Society 1900-1914
The end of Queen Victoria's reign, 1901 was followed by the short Edwardian period – an era which included old-age pensions and the changing role of women, including the first female MP and the suffragettes and their struggles for equality and the vote.
We study the years leading up to the “black pit of war” (J.B. Priestley), when life would be changed forever, by looking at social and cultural history which includes literature, art, architecture, domestic, working and family life; leisure pursuits, travel, holidays, shopping, food and dining, gardening, fashion and the great impact of cinema and film, and how life in the home was being slowly transformed by new technology. But there was still the huge class divide of wealth and poverty -from the lavish lifestyle of the upper classes with servants to wait on them, down to the abject poverty of the lowliest of the working class.
Illustrated with slides, books, extracts from period texts, prints, paintings and film clips
10 weeks Monday 1.30-3.30pm start 11 January 2016
Ref COM265 Fee £115 - concessions for those on benefits £70/35
Tel: 01273 667767


Friends Centre, New England Street, Brighton:
A New World: Brighton & Britain 1925-1945
We study effects of life in a coastal town and compare it with the rest of Britain during the post WWI-period and into the Second World War. Interwar Brighton was a town of excitement and rapid change, known for its racy image!  The north side of Western Road was rebuilt and 1920s facades of C & A and Staffords stores can still be seen.  The effects of wartime on Brighton had a different impact and to that of urban Britain.
5 weeks Tuesday 10am-12pm start  12 January Fee £62.50
Tel: 01273 810210

Whitehawk Inn Community Centre, Whitehawk, Brighton:
Georgians 1714-1830
We study morals, manners, fashion and foibles of the period; contrasting
culture, industry, the Enlightenment and literature, with a world of 
gambling, vice, drunkenness, thieves and rascals - of all classes!
Illustrated with slides, film, images and texts.
10 weeks Wednesday 1-3pm start 13 January 2016
Fee £75 (£10 MTB/VOL) £30 EB PC
Enrol: 01273 682222
Enrolment open December 2016 - early booking advised
Fortnightly Saturdays
City College, Pelham Street Brighton:
The Novel as Social History 5: 1950s and 1960s 
Unique course comprising literature, social and cultural history and book club
 Within the pages of the novel we discover more than just a story. 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 general minutiae of everyday life. Within every piece of fiction is a wealth of information on culture and social life which can lead us  into a deeper understanding of a subject, time or place, period in history, genre, working conditions, habits, style or social trend that we might pursue further, or deepen our  knowledge and intensify our interest.

THIS TERM we look at novels from the 1950s and 1960s including “A Far Cry From Kensington” by Muriel Spark (1988-set 1950s), “Saturday Night and Sunday Morning” by Alan Sillitoe (1958) and “A Kind of Loving” by Stan Barstow (1960).
A reading list is available from the tutor and you will be expected to join in group discussion.
5 sessions every other Saturday 11am-1pm start 16 January 2016
Ref COM174 Fee £60 - concessions for those on benefits £42/21
Tel: 01273 667767

Friends Centre, New England Street, Brighton:
Culture and Society in the Interwar years 1918-1940
Four classroom sessions and one field trip to Grade One listed Modernist 1935 De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill-on-Sea.
We study inter-war culture and social life during an exciting period of innovation and new ideas in the arts, literature, paintings, architecture, cinema and fashion, as well as developments in technology and electrical goods.  Smooth Modernist and iconic Art Deco dominated everything and there was a wealth of modern literature and film including Patrick Hamilton’s “The West Pier “set in Brighton.
5 weeks Tuesday 10am-12pm start 23 February 2016 Fee £62.50
Tel: 01273 810210

Weekday evening course
Friends Centre, New England Street, Brighton:
Dancing on the Beach: Brighton and Britain between the Wars 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 6.30-8.30pm start 23 February 2016 Fee £62.50
Tel: 01273 810210

Saturday
Friends Centre, New England Street, Brighton:
Art Deco, Modernism and the Interwar Years 1918-1939
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.
1 day 19 March 10am-4pm Fee £40
Tel: 01273 810210
Summer 2016
Weekday courses
City College, Pelham Street Brighton:
Keep the Home Fires Burning: Homefront in Wartime 1914-1918
We study domestic, working and social life on the homefront during World War One and the impact it had during this period and its life-changing effects post-war.  When men went to war women went to work. 
They took on what had been seen as hard and heavy work in factories, on farms, driving buses, even working as cinema projectionists. When the men returned from war the women returned to the home – which they had not really left. Their stories are fascinating. Women, such as Ruby, the welder, were not allowed to carry on with jobs for which they were highly trained. And, what about life on the home-front? Women displayed their ingenuity and inventiveness.  Nurses writing home from overseas or who were stationed in Britain give us a touching insight into the lives of men and women during this period.
Illustrated with slides, books, period texts, and film clips including documentary.
5 weeks 1.30-3.30pm start 11 April 2016
Ref COM091 Fee £60 - concessions for those on benefits £42/21
Tel: 01273 667767

Friends Centre, New England Street, Brighton:
Summer in the City
2 classroom sessions and 3 field trips
We study the fascinating history of Brighton and Hove in two classroom sessions and three 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 start 19 April 2016 Fee £62.50
Tel: 01273 810210

Friends Centre, New England Street, Brighton:
Rock Around the Clock Tower: Post-war Brighton and Britain
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 6.30-8.30pm start 19 April 2016 Fee £62.50
Tel: 01273 810210

Saturdays
Friends Centre, New England Street, Brighton:
Novels and Films of the Post-war Years (1945-1970)
We study social and cultural history within the pages of novels and extracts of films post-WWI, 1920s and 1930s, by viewing and discussing many books and film clips which reveal the effects of WWI and other influences that changed people's perceptions and inspired them with aspirations for a better life. There was a wealth of literature, written in a new and modern style, and fascinating films which provide us with unwitting testimony of how people lived, worked, spent their leisure.
1 day 14 May 10am-4pm Fee £40
Tel: 01273 810210

Friends Centre, New England Street, Brighton:
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.
1 day 18 June 10am-4pm Fee £40
Tel: 01273 810210

JUNE-JULY 2016 
International  Summer School
Sussex University 2016- International Summer School for students 18-24 years from non-uk countries
The London Look - Fashion & Style 1800-2016  
Session 1: 4 weeks 20 June-15 July
Field trips include: V&A Fashion Galleries, National Portrait Gallery, Brighton Museum Fashion Gallery
Tutor Sarah Tobias
(2014 fee £1435 for 15 credit module plus housing £146 per week - check for 2016 update)
Autumn Events at
Preston Manor, Brighton
 (End of Preston Park, Brighton-entry off Preston Drove) 
Free parking, buses stop nearby, Preston Park railway station nearby

"The Hidden House": behind-the-scenes tour
 Discover hidden rooms and secret places not normally open to the public. 
Friday 16 October, 20 November  11.30am-1pm
WE ARE NOW SHOWING THE HITHERTO UNSEEN CERAMIC STORE ROOM
* Special Christmas Hidden House * 
Friday 11 December 11.30am-1pm
- extra surprises and the house decorated for Christmas
 - early booking advised
Adult £16 Members £13 includes tea and biscuit
Tour guides Sarah Tobias and Paula Wrightson (Preston Manor Venue Manager)
  Book: 03000 290902

 A Cabinet of Curiosities: Preston Manor after-dark
A rolling programme of entertainment including tarot and medium readings in the 
Drawing Room, short film-noir screenings in the Dining Room, ghost tales, mini
ghost tours, magic lantern, and a rare visit to spooky underground cellars.
Friday 30 October 6-10pm
Adult £13 members £10 child aged 10-16 £6
  Details: 03000 290902

An Edwardian Christmas at Home
A magical tour throughout the festively decorated rooms: 
A delightfully nostalgic exploration of Christmas customs and traditions upstairs and downstairs in an Edwardian house followed by a glass of sherry and a mince pie 
served in a Victorian kitchen dressed for the season.
Saturday 12 December 2-3.30pm
Adult £14.50 members £12.50
Book: 03000 290902
Limited places - early booking advised 

Father Christmas at the Manor *
19, 20, 21, 22, 23 December 10am-5pm
Meet Father Christmas in the cosy fireside setting of Lady Ellen's beautiful Drawing room, then explore Preston Manor top to bottom and discover how a Victorian family prepared for the magic of the festive season
£8 per child, Preston Manor admission fees apply. Price includes gift. Pre-booked only.
Book: 03000 290902 
Early booking strongly advised - last year's event sold out immediately - extra days this year

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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
 22 February  2015 Latest TV (Channel 8) can be viewed online
   
FORTHCOMING SCREENINGS 2015    
Preston Manor, Brighton Friday 30 October Cabinet of Curiosities 6-10pm - 
shown on continuous loop in Macquoid Room 
where director Valentina Lari will be available for questions and discussion
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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

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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R.I.P.