Friday, 25 October 2019

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ENTERTAINING AND EDUCATIONAL EVENTS IN SUSSEX UK - FUN AS WELL AS FACTUAL
KEEP VISITING THIS SITE FOR REGULAR UPDATES 
DETAILS OF VENUES AT END - SCROLL DOWN TO BOTTOM OF PAGE.  
 Check venues, fees, dates before booking - accurate as possible, but may change, be postponed or cancelled. 
ADULT EDUCATION COURSES, WORKSHOPS, TALKS, TOURS, EVENTS 2019-20
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AUTUMN/WINTER 2019
Adult Education classes 

Pelham Street, Brighton, BN1 4FA tel 01273 667704/88 
THERE MAY BE PROBLEMS ENROLLING ONLINE - TELEPHONE 01273 667704 MONDAY-FRIDAY OR ENROL IN PERSON AT PELHAM STREET. BRIGHTON.  CONTACT ME IF PROBLEMS.


*  A Sussex Christmas  
Customs, Myths and Legends of Winter in the Festive Season 

If you are interested in the the fascinating customs, traditions, myths and legends 
surrounding Christmas and winter you will be able to learn lots of interesting 
and entertaining information from this one-day session; taught in a relaxed 
and friendly atmosphere.


We study the origins, meanings and significance of fascinating winter and Christmas
customs from Pagan to mid-twentieth century; learn how traditions evolved,
discover who Saint Nicholas was, the godforms that became Father Christmas
 and Santa Claus, and discover some of the myths and legends surrounding
Christmas in Sussex from Winchelsea to Rye. We discover lots of interesting
and entertaining information including reminiscences of a family Christmas
in a tiny cottage in Rottingdean.

Illustrated with powerpoint slidesows, books and documentary.

 Saturday 30 November 11am-3pm Pelham St campus 

  (Preston Manor) 
Preston Drove, Brighton

Free parking outside on driveway, buses stop almost outside and trains nearby


*  A Victorian Christmas Merriment  *

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If you would like to study in fabulous historic Preston Manor and get in the mood for 
Christmas this course is definitely for you! Be prepared to marvel at the glorious 
commercial Christmas of the Victorians, learn about the games, gifts and greenery
and listen to readings as you sit around the fireside. 

Join us for a feast of fun and merriment as we study customs from pagan times,
showing the origins of familiar Victorian traditions, such as Father Christmas,
who evolved from various spirits and gods, plus origins of the Christmas stocking,
tree, decorations, crackers, cards, gifts and games. We learn how Charles Dickens
and “A Christmas Carol” along with the Victorians invented the commercial
Christmas we know today and who wrote such poetic gems as
“Hang up the Baby’s Stocking”.

Illustrated with powerpoint slides and the chance to tour the Manor led by the
tutor who is also a house guide.
Bring a packed lunch to eat in the servant’s room. Tea and coffee will be provided.

Ref no: CL0082-1C  Saturday 07 December 11am-3pm  Fee: £26

Class taking place in the Macquoid Room of Preston Manor March 2019 Photo: Sarah-Mary Geissler

Courses currently running, ending late November.                                     AUTUMN

Royal Pavilion & Museums Brighton & Hove
Life in Late Georgian and Regency England 1785-1830 
A course for lovers of the arts and social history during the late Georgian and  Regency era, which includes many innovations, developments and advances in all aspects of life for wealthy and poor.
10 weeks Monday 1.30-3.30pm start 16 September 2019 Pelham St campus 
Ref no: CL0029-1Q1 Fee: £123


THE EDWARDIANS (1900-1914) 

We study social conditions, domestic and working life for all classes in town and country; the arts, architecture, housing, literature, culture, fashion, leisure, early cinema and life in the home. 
Illustrated with powerpoint slideshows, film and documentary

10 weeks Wednesday 1-3pm start 18 September  

Whitehawk Inn Community Centre, Whitehawk Road, BN2 5NS
(Buses stop outside)   
Ref no: CL0332-1C Fee: £20 £10 (benefits)  Tel: 01273 667704

Preston Manor 
Preston Drove, Brighton BN1 6SD
FREE PARKING ON DRIVE, buses and trains stop nearby

Art Deco and the ‘Moderne’  (1918-1939) 
If you would like to study in fabulous historic Preston Manor and like Art Deco this course is for you! After WWI a new, distinctive style emerged in the 1920's and  '30's,  Smooth lines and geometric patterns featured on architecture, advertising, fashion, jewellery, furniture,  glass, ceramics, lighting, metalware, technology and cinema.

8 weeks Tuesday 1-3pm start 01 October Preston Manor
Ref no: CL0081-1C Fee: £98

The Novel as Social History: Homes of Every Sort  
Unique course comprising literature, social and cultural history, book club – and lively discussion!  Within the pages of the novel we discover more than a story  by exploring 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.
This term we look at how life is lived in homes, dwellings and living spaces: lodging houses, private hotels, terraced housing, cottages, villas, flats and rooms and the new 1930s housing estate of R.C. Sheriff’s “Greengates”.  
 You are expected to  participate in group discussion.


Ref no: CL0026-1C 5 Fortnightly Saturdays 11am-2pm 

Start 21 September  Pelham St campus Fee £64

  https://www.gbmc.ac.uk/the-novel-as-social-history-brighton-metleisure                                                    


Varndean College at Holy Cross Church Hall, Woodingdean
(Buses 2, 22, 22A stop outside, car park across road outside library) 

The Georgians - Life in 18th Century England
Georgian life was run on strict codes of conduct, etiquette and ritual. We will study daily life for all classes on the country estate in the town. This period is known for its classical architecture, industry and innovation which helped mould the period. The course also looks at manufacturing, commerce, shopping, banking and trade in sugar, tea and tobacco.
Monday 10am-12pm 6 weeks start 7 October
Fee £70 concessions £45/25  Enrol: 01273 546604 



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Preston Manor Father Christmas Event this year is on a woodland and mystical theme. 

The Manor will dazzle in its festive glory and our gentle Father Christmas 
will be in residence. 
The imps and fairies of old Sussex fable inspire this year's magical Christmas event. 

Meet the friendliest Father Christmas and his playful elf, then explore two floors of the festive-themed Manor. Strike a pose in a Victorian photo-parlour and finish with a mince pie and coffee or a glass of mulled wine in the pop-up vintage cafe.

Preston Manor historian and guide Sarah Tobias will be on site to help and chat.

Fri & Sat 14 & 15 , Fri-Mon 20-23 December 10am-4.30pm timed slots.*

£10.50 per child plus Preston Manor admission fee. Price includes gift. All ages. 

* Book in advance - early booking strongly advised.  
Adults welcome at normal admission price - reduced for Brighton residents 
with proof of address.


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1A Pelham Street, Brighton, BN1 4FA tel 01273 667704/88

SPRING 2020

Arts Culture and Society in Regency England (1790-1830)

An age of elegant living for the wealthy, aspiration for merchants and tradesmen, 
great hardship for the poor, but also a brilliant period for the arts, culture, 
architecture, literature, technology, science and for great advances and 
new and exciting ideas. 

We study all strata of society focussing on arts and culture.  The arts were
prominent with collections of painting, sculpture and artefacts brought back
from the Grand Tour. We view the beginnings of consumerism and shopping and
the rise of the seaside, especially of Brighton, and all that entailed in the need
for accommodation, food, shops and entertainments.

Jane Austen and the Regency go hand in hand. Her charming and witty writings
reflect the period and give an insight into the minutiae of society. It is
recommended that you read some of her letters and works of fiction,
especially “Mansfield Park”, “Persuasion” and “Northangar Abbey”, as these
reflect different aspects of life for various classes in the Regency period.

Illustrated with powerpoint slides, images and maps.
There may be a field trip if the class request this. 

10 weeks Monday 1.30-3.30pm start 13 January 2020  

Ref no: CL0059-1C Pelham Street campus Fee £123
HALF-FULL - BOOK NOW TO ENSURE A PLACE


 (Preston Manor) 
Cool Britannia: How Fashion Shaped British Culture (1750-2019) 

Royal Pavilion and Museums Brighton & Hove


This course examines historic inspiration that forms today’s innovative fashion and 
designers by studying the fascinating social and cultural history of Britain.

We examine how the social and cultural background of the eighteenth and nineteenth 
centuries influenced British fashion then and now; focussing on aspects of fashion 
such as the voluminous and extravagant court dresses of the eighteenth century and 
the dandy; Victorian crinoline, bustle and aestheticism; Edwardian, Art Nouveau, 
 Art Deco era, wartime recycling, swinging sixties, and subculture of mods, rockers, 
goths, skinheads and punks. 

You will learn how to read fashion, what your clothes say about you and examine key 

style developments and designers such as Mary Quant (current exhibition at the V&A). 
A really exciting and fascinating course that will make you think differently about style, 
clothing and what you and others wear.

Illustrated with masses of fashion illustrations and powerpoint slideshows.

8 weeks Tuesday 10.30am-12.30pm start 21 January 2020 
Ref no: CL0276-1C  (Preston Manor) £98



 (Preston Manor) 
The Edwardians (1900-1914)
Royal Pavilion & Museums Brighton and Hove

If you would like to study Edwardian social and cultural history in the delightfully 
unique, relaxed and hugely atmospheric setting of fabulous historic Preston Manor 
(end of Preston Park), which will include house tours, you will enjoy 
this leisurely course. 

The short ‘Golden Age’ before ‘the black pit of war’ (J.B. Priestley) which was to 
change the idyll of elegant living for the wealthy socialising on a grand scale. 

We study social conditions, domestic and working life for all classes in town and 
country; the arts, architecture, housing, literature, culture, fashion, leisure, 
early cinema and life in the home. The summer season’s giddy whirl for ladies 
of fashion was in sharp contrast to poor wives and mothers trying to keep a 
decent home and the family fed, often in slum conditions.

Illustrated with powerpoint slideshows, film and documentary, and includes house 

and garden tours above and below stairs by the tutor who is also a Preston Manor 
guide and lecturer. The furnished house is on four floors.

8 weeks Tuesday 1-3pm start 21 January 2020 
Ref no: CM0400-1C   (Preston Manor)  Fee £99



Varndean College at Holy Cross Church Hall, Woodingdean
(Buses 2, 22, 22A stop outside, car park across road outside library) 

Innovation and Experiment: Georgian England 1760-1800  

This was a time of enlightenment, literature, the Grand Tour, scientific experiment, observance of nature and the arts. Great advances were being made, Industrial Revolution was under way and there were many innovators, inventors and original thinkers who helped mould the period Illustrated with powerpoint slideshows.

6 weeks start Mon 27 January  10.00 - 12.00
Fee £70 concessions £45/25  Enrol: 01273 546604 


The Novel as Social History:  Life and Living 

Unique course comprising literature, social and cultural history, book club – and
 lively  discussion!  Within the pages of the novel we discover more than a story - 
enthralling  ‘other’ information about people, relationships, class and place.
We study the social and cultural history of the novel by exploring 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’S writers are Jane Austen, George Eliot, Elizabeth Gaskell, 
Charles Dickens, Wilkie Collins, Leonard Merrick, Patrick Hamilton, George Orwell, 
Richmal Crompton and Barbara Pym. Full reading list from tutor and you are 
expected to participate in group discussion.

 5 Fortnightly Saturdays 11am-2pm 
Start 25 January 2020 
Ref no: CL0030-1C  Pelham St campus Fee: £64


https://www.gbmc.ac.uk/9049/the-novel-as-social-history-brighton-metleisure


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BRIGHTON'S SECRET PARKS AND GARDENS

A talk by Sarah Tobias at the West Pier Centre
(in the prom arches opposite the ruins of the pier)

Thursday 27 February 2020 6-7pm 
 Limited seating so book early. £6 wine or soft drink included. 

Further information/booking: info@westpier.co. 
Book: via Eventbrite - link will be shown here nearer the time

(Sarah is an ex West Pier guide)

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"The Whiplash Curve" Art Nouveau (1890-1910) 

Image result for art nouveau dancer
The Art Nouveau style followed on directly from Victorian Arts and Crafts and
   was in direct response to radical changes and technological advances. 

Its iconic style was highly decorative, with undulating and flowing forms,
waves, asymmetrical lines and the famous "whiplash curve", and was found on, 
jewellery, ceramics, metalwork, glass and advertising posters.

Its organic structure, designs and motifs were influenced by many styles,
folklore, ancient and classical countries - including Japan, France and Islamic 
and Eastern traditions; and mainly of nature and natural styles, such as
plant forms, floral and leaf patterns, sea anemones and insects - especially
the dragonfly. The particular style also incorporated long flowing tendrils
of hair and entwined foliage.

 1 day SATURDAY 14 March 2020  11am-3pm
Ref no: CM0163-1C  Pelham St campus Fee: £26


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Summer 2020

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Introducing the Victorians 

An introduction into the world of the remarkable and influential Victorian period 
which spanned 64 years and saw many changes and advances, opening up spheres 
of communication, travel and consumerism, especially after the 
Great Exhibition of 1851. 

This short course is an introduction and overview of a long historical period which
will be followed up in the next academic year. We discuss aspects of social and
daily life in nineteenth century England, and the effect on the working, middle
and upper classes. Particular consideration is given to the impact on women’s
lives. The Victorian era saw many changes in all aspects of daily life within the
home, at work, in the factories, mills and for the life of the influential
and wealthy.


We take a general look at life in factories and mills, problems of housing, poor
nutrition, lack of education and medical attention and the wealth of Victorian
literature. We discuss social investigation and reforms which were also tackled
in some of the novels of the period.


Illustrated with powerpoint slides.


6 weeks Monday 1.30-3.30pm start 20 April 2020 
Ref no: CL0028-1C  Pelham St campus  Fee £64



The World of Iconic Art Deco - Interwar Modernism 1918-1939 


For those of you who love the iconic style of Art Deco and clean lines of Modernism, 
this is the course which will explain the difference between the two and discover 
the influences that made these innovative forms. 

We study the inter-war years of change and innovation focussing on The Decorative
Movement, Modernism or ‘moderne’, later described as ‘Art Deco’ which was based
on classical and other influences, including Egyptian - after the 1922 opening of
Tutankhamun’s tomb. The smoothly distinctive ‘Modernist’ style dominated all
aspects of domestic and cultural life and was notable for its architectural and
design features. Motifs included the sunray.

The distinctive iconic style of space, light and speed, utilised modern technology
and innovations such as plastic, chrome, aluminium and electricity. Smooth lines
and geometric patterns featured on architecture, advertising, fashion,
jewellery, furniture, glass, ceramics, lighting, metalware,
technology and cinema.

Richly illustrated with masses of images and powerpoint slidehows


5  weeks Tuesday 7-9pm start 21 April 2020
Ref no: CL0068-1C  Pelham Street campus Fee £64



R    Summer Reading: Books, Books and More Books!   R 

Unique course comprising literature and social and cultural history.
Summer c.1958 by Donald Moodie (1892-1963)
Books for summer reading - recommendations, discussion, background social history... and novels to read before class. If you like books, literature and social history – this is for you!  A different, unusual, exciting way of reading and learning in a friendly, relaxed group. We also view extracts of two of the novels that were made into films.

A reading list will be available from the tutor and you will be expected to participate in group discussion.

1 day Saturday 25 April  2020 10am-4pm   
Ref: CL0067-1C  Pelham Street campus. Fee: £26



Short Saturday Course:

R Summer in the City: Exploring Brighton's Unique History R
Two classroom sessions and 3 field trips in Brighton

                  Royal Pavilion & Museums, Brighton & Hove
We study the fascinating history of Brighton in two classroom sessions giving a brief historical overview and looking at early maps.

This will be followed by three field trips, getting to know our unique city, 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 Saturday 11am-1pm starting 02 May 2020
Ref: CL0027-1C Pelham Street campus  Fee: £64 
       

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Sarah Tobias MA, BA Hons, Dip Eur Hum
Entertaining lecturer in social, cultural and local (Brighton, Sussex, UK) history
Contact me for talks/guided walks/visits for groups, clubs, societies.
Current list of 30+ topics
Also contact me for poetry readings and narrations.
More information about me, my subjects, research and contact:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-tobias-0318943a?trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile 
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Courses -Venue Addresses, transport and refreshments

Brighton Metroplitan College MET (formerly 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:
College canteen. Tea and coffee bar on balcony of Main Building. Vending machine. 
Coffee shops, small cafés and public houses in nearby London Road 
London Road and Trafalgar Street: many shops, some banks and supermarkets

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

Holy Cross Church Hall, Woodingdean
Warren Road, Brighton, BN2 6ND
Transport & Parking:
Car park outside Library and Community Centre over the road, opposite church hall. Bus nos 2, 22, 22A stop nearby.
Refreshments:
Tea-making facilities in hall. Small cafes nearby. Downs Hotel almost next door serves tea, coffee and refreshments at bar and has outside area. 
Further information:
Woodingdean public library over the road. Shops, Co-op, dry cleaners nearby      

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 
Delicatessen cafe and public houses opposite and in Preston Drove. Chalet restaurant in park.

Sussex University
Falmer, Brighton, BN1 9RH
Location:
Campus located in the South Downs National Park
Transport & Parking:
Buses and rail nearby into town and elsewhere
Car parks
Refreshments:
Cafes and restaurants on campus. 
Co-op, pharmacy, books and stationery shops

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