Saturday 9 January 2021

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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. 

** 2021  ADULT EDUCATION COURSES ** 
(For other events, please scroll down to end)

< S P R I N G  2 0 2 1  >

DUE TO LOCKDOWN: ALL MET COLLEGE COURSES DUE TO START IN JANUARY ARE POSTPONED UNTIL APRIL 2021 or cancelled

Some staff are working from home. For enquiries about Adult and Leisure courses please e-mail commercial@gbmc and they will get back to you as soon as possible.

COURSES WILL BE TAUGHT IN THE CLASSROOAT MET COLLEGE & WHITEHAWK INN.  CLASSROOMS ARE SANITIZED BEFORE USE. WINDOWS AND DOORS KEPT OPEN TO VENTILATE. SANITIZERS FREELY AVAILABLE. * FACE COVERINGS ARE TO BE WORN IN CLASSROOMS AND COMMUNAL AREAS.* NUMBER OF PLACES PER CLASSROOM IS HALVED AND DESKS ARE DISTANCED. 
COVID-10 RAPID TESTING WILL TAKE PLACE BEFORE RETURN TO CLASSES. 
THIS IS NOT MANDATORY

COURSE IS TAUGHT ONLINE FOR ROTTINGDEAN WHITEWAY CENTRE.

TAUGHT AT PELHAM STREET CAMPUS, BRIGHTON:
E: admissions-brighton@gbmc.ac.uk

THIS IS OUR NEW BUILDING. 
Main entrance is in Trafalgar Street (below) but can also be accessed from Pelham St.


The Shaping of Early Victorian Britain (1837-1850)

A course for lovers of social and cultural history during the early Victorian era, which was a time of change and development, and the effects of the Industrial Revolution. 

Much was happening in this period including reforms and a different way of thinking which brought about Factory Acts and observation of the needs of the poor.  Working conditions were harsh and homes for the poor insanitary.

The family was central to peaceful harmony and the new middle-class norm was for separate spheres:  women in the domestic sphere focussing on husband, family care and “good works”, while men were to be in the public sphere, including politics and commerce. Legally, women had almost no rights and were the property of their husbands.

Illustrated with powerpoint slideshows  
     
10 weeks Monday 12 April 1.30-3.30pm NEW Ref CL0637-1C Fee £127

  *PLEASE NOTE NEW COURSE START DATE (originally January) DUE TO  LOCKDOWN. 

Maximum 10 places re distancing. FULL
Face covering to be worn in all areas.


MET course at WHITEHAWK INN
Brighton BN2 5NS (buses stop outside):

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS IN PLACE AND CLASSROOM CAPACITY HAS BEEN REDUCED FOR DISTANCING. SANITISERS ARE AVAIALBLE AT RECEPTION. FACE COVERINGS TO BE WORN IN COMMUNAL AREAS. 

Interwar Britain: Work and Leisure 1918-1939

Life changed after the First World War with the decline of high living for the wealthy as the supply of servants dramatically dropped. Cultural life took on a particular aspect reflected in architecture, design, fashion, music, literature, cinema and distinctive styles of Art Deco and Modernism. Further changes altered everyday living and perceptions, especially how women viewed their role, although little was being done to change their status even though they had contributed so greatly to the war effort and workforce. 

Illustrated with powerpoint slideshows, film and documentary.

10 weeks Wednesday 14 April  1-3pm

 NEW REF CL0639 -1C Fee A £20 B £10 (Benefits)

Enrol - T: 01273 667704 or in person at Brighton Metropolitan College, Pelham Street, Brighton.   

Maximum 5 places re distancing. FULL

*PLEASE NOTE NEW COURSE START DATE (originally January) DUE TO  LOCKDOWN. 


  The Novel as Social HistoryNorth and South Divide – 

Industrial, Rural and Urban Lives     
            
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. 
You are expected to participate in group discussion and this term’s novels include:  "The Mill on the Floss" by George Eliot,  "The Life and Adventures of Michael Armstrong, Factory Boy" by Frances Trollope (mother of Anthony),“North and South” by Elizabeth Gaskell, “Cider with Rosie” by Laurie Lee and “The Dreaming Suburb” by R.F. Delderfield. Full reading list from tutor: SARAH.TOBIAS@gbmc.ac.uk and you are expected to participate in group discussion.
  

   
5 Fortnightly Saturdays start 17 April  11am-2pm  
NEW REF CL0640-1C  Fee: £95
Maximum 10 places re distancing 4 classroom places remaining.

*PLEASE NOTE NEW COURSE START DATE (originally January) DUE TO  LOCKDOWN. 
Face covering to be worn in all areas including classroom.


🌞  SUMMER COURSES  ðŸŒž

ROTTINGDEAN WHITEWAY CENTRE
<  ONLINE COURSE VIA ZOOM >

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.


5 weeks Tuesday 2-4pm start 20 April  Ref:T19 Fee £42

Enrolment form: https://rwc.org.uk/bookasummer2021course 
(payment by Bank Transfer or cheque)
Enrolment enquiries: rwcinformation@gmail.com or tel: 07379 056829  
 


TAUGHT AT PELHAM STREET CAMPUS, BRIGHTON:
E: admissions-brighton@gbmc.ac.uk

 Art Deco and the ‘Moderne’  (1918-1939) 
 
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.

The Modern Movement or ‘moderne’ style, later known as ‘Art Deco’, was brought to prominence by the Paris Exposition of Decorative Art in 1925 and lasted approximately twenty years. It was based on classical and other styles, including Egyptian, Arts & Crafts, Chinoiserie, Art Nouveau, Jazz Age, Cubism, Aztec, and Futurism. It was a style which reflected the machine age, utilising period innovations, such as plastics, chrome and aluminium. Motifs were based on forms of nature: trees, flowers and insects.

The smoothly distinctive ‘Modernist’ style dominated all aspects of domestic and cultural life and was notable for its architectural and design features. The iconic, elegant style was used to furnish homes in a new and exciting fashion, utilizing modern technology and materials, and electrical devices.

Illustrated with powerpoint slidehows, film and documentary.

6 weeks Tuesday 7-9pm start 20 April  Ref: CL0068-1C  Fee £76
Face covering to be worn in all areas including classroom.


Summer in the City: exploring Brighton's unique history 
(includes 3 Brighton field trips)
🌞A FABULOUS SUMMER TREAT AFTER LOCKDOWN!🌞
If you are interested in the distinctive history of Brighton and how it evolved, and enjoy walking through the city and discovering places you might not know, you will enjoy this course comprising of two classroom sessions and three field trips.     

 We study the fascinating history of Brighton in two classroom sessions with 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. 

Your tutor will guide you to further places of interest so that you can stroll around and familiarise yourself during summer, discovering further hidden gems.

Be prepared to walk on each field trip for almost two hours, to wear suitable clothing for all weather and to bring water if it is hot.

Classroom sessions illustrated with images, maps and powerpoint slides.              

5 weeks start 8 May -New start date (originally 1 May) Ref: CL0027-1C  Fee: £66

*DUE TO CURRENT LOCKDOWN AND RESCHEDULING COURSE WILL NOW BE FORTNIGHTLY AND NEW START DATE IS 8 MAY
Face covering to be worn in all areas including classroom at MET. 


DUE TO COVID LOCKDOWN AND RESCHEDULING OF CLASSES THE FOLLOWING ARE POSTPONED UNTIL AUTUMN OR 2022 OR CANCELLED. SEE DETAILS BELOW

TAUGHT AT PELHAM STREET CAMPUS, BRIGHTON:
E: admissions-brighton@gbmc.ac.uk 

Looking at Victorian Art – paintings as social history     
Victorian paintings tell us much more than the main picture. They are full of symbolism and reveal other features around the central subject, reflecting massive social changes, turmoil and emotions.

Victorian artists attempted to expose social conditions by painting them realistically rather than making the subjects beautiful. Some took a moral stance, and the fallen woman was a popular subject.

Domestic scenes showed interiors of everyday life which appealed to the public and painters wanted to portray them as ‘real life’. They were not afraid of painting controversial subjects which might shock the public.

Paintings, such as the large William Powell Frith’s Derby Day, were so popular when they were shown that a rail was needed to stop the public from getting too close to the pictures and damaging them.

Illustrated with books, PowerPoint presentation, illustrations and art.
     
One day Saturday 11am-3pm 27 March 2021 Ref CM0163-1C Fee: £27
gbmc.ac.uk/history-looking-at-victorian-art-paintings-as-social-history-brighton-metleisure
Maximum 10 places re distancing. 

DUE TO CURRENT LOCKDOWN AND RESCHEDULING THIS IS NOW CANCELLED AND WILL RUN AT A LATER DATE, EITHER AUTUMN 2021 OR  SPRING 2022. 


SADLY, DUE TO CURRENT RESTRICTIONS, ALL COURSES AND SATURDAYS AT FABULOUS, HISTORIC PRESTON MANOR HAVE BEEN CANCELLED. THE MANOR IS CLOSED UNTIL APRIL 2021. 
COURSES WILL RESUME IN AUTUMN 2021. Details here later in year.



TAUGHT AT PELHAM STREET CAMPUS, BRIGHTON:
E: admissions-brighton@gbmc.ac.uk 

  
The Great Exhibition and Mid-Victorian Britain (1848-1870)
An introduction to the remarkable and influential mid-Victorian period which witnessed many changes, especially after the Great Exhibition of 1851.  Illustrated with powerpoint slides.
5 weeks  Was due to start Monday start 19 April* CL0028-1C  Fee £76
   https://www.gbmc.ac.uk/history-victorians-brighton-metleisure

*DUE TO CURRENT LOCKDOWN AND RESCHEDULING COURSE IS POSTPONED UNTIL AUTUMN 2021 AND WILL RUN FOR 10 WEEKS. DATE HERE SOON. 

 

 Summer Reading: Books, books and more books!
If you love books, reading, social and cultural history, and lots of lively discussion in a relaxed, informal atmosphere then this unique one-day course is definitely for you. 
We discuss books for summer reading from a selection of novels with lots of background social and cultural history to be read before class. A different, unusual, exciting way of reading and learning in a friendly, relaxed group. We also view extracts of one or two of the novels that were made into films.  A reading list will be available from the tutor: SARAH.TOBIAS@gbmc.ac.uk, and you will be expected to participate in group discussion. 
One day Saturday 24 April * 10am-4pm Ref: CL0067-1C Fee: £32
* DUE TO CURRENT LOCKDOWN RESCHEULING COURSE IS CANCELLED. 


  


There will be distanced guided Brighton history tours including Woodvale and Extra-Mural Cemetery as soon as restrictions are lifted.
 
Please let me know if you are interested. 
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OTHER EVENTS

Coronavirus (Covid-19) - Due to the current lockdown and situation with social distancing,  the following events have been postponed until further notice. 

 Study day at the West Pier Centre

Patrick Hamilton’s “The West Pier” 
followed by cocktails or tea at Metropole Hotel
Date to be confirmed 2021 if covid situation changes or transferred to 2022

We study social, cultural, local and West Pier history, characters and events within Patrick Hamilton’s excellent novel, followed by tea at the Hotel Metropole. 

Morning session will be followed by a short seafront tour. Bring a packed lunch to eat on the beach or forecourt - or several cafes nearby. After our afternoon session we will go across the road to the Metropole Hotel for afternoon tea or cocktails. The hotel features in the novel.  

Illustrated with powerpoint slideshow. Please read short novel before the session.

Fee £28 (plus booking fee)   (Does not include refreshments at the Metropole for which  you pay separately. Cocktails from £9, cup of tea £2.90, full afternoon tea £24 - two can share - Hotel suggests two afternoon teas shared by three - with additional cups of tea)   Book via EventBrite:
THIS EVENT IS POSTPONED UNTIL RESTRICTIONS ARE LIFTED. INFORMATION WILL BE POSTED HERE OR YOU CAN CONTACT ME. IT WILL PROBABLY NOW RUN 2022


A cream coloured terrace house built in Regency style. It has 5 floors and the photo shows the house from street view. There are black cast iron railings in front of the building and the building has a basement which you can just about see in the photo.
THE REGENCY TOWN HOUSE                                                          
13 Brunswick Square, Hove,  BN3 1EH

A really exciting and unique event:
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A REGENCY TOWN HOUSE
Dates to be confirmed 2021 if covid situation changes or postponed to 2022

Presented by lecturer and guide Sarah Tobias 
and Town House cook Paul Couchman

You will be welcomed with hot chocolate (or coffee) and plum cake in the kitchen followed by discussion on servant duties and then on to the basement of no. 10 Brunswick Square which is a time capsule, having been left undisturbed for many years, where you will enjoy a guided tour. Regency inspired lunch back at the Town House will be followed by an illustrated talk in the small servant hall on daily life for the wealthy who lived in the main part of the house - which we will then tour. Discussion, questions and answer session with afternoon tea and cake ends our pleasant day. 

£60 includes all talks, tours, hot drinks, lunch and cake.
Early Bird offer £47 Book via eventbrite  - there is a booking fee:
Dates to be confirmed 2021 if covid situation changes. Otherwise 2022. Check here.

An Autumn Day in the Life of a Regency Town House 
£60 includes all talks, tours, hot drinks, lunch and cake.
Early Bird offer £47 Book via eventbrite  - there is a booking fee:
 Dates to be confirmed 2021 if covid situation changes. Check here

We may also be running online courses - check here

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------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 
     ****************************************************************************************
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.

The Regency Town House
13 Brunswick Square, Hove, BN3 1EH
Transport & Parking:
Buses stop at the top of Brunswick square in Western Road
Very limited parking. 
Refreshments:
Refreshments provided  
Lots of shops and cafes in Western Road. Seafront is about 2 minutes walk

The West Pier Centre
103-105 King's Road Arches, Brighton, BN1 2FN 
Transport & Parking:
Nearby car parks - Regency Square. Buses stop in Western Road and walk down.  
Refreshments:
Wine or cool drink provided  
Situated on the lower prom and seafront. Various shops and lots of cafes and restaurants. Hotels on upper level over the road. Western Road and popular streets of Brighton with many shops and cafes are 10-20 minutes walk

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