Adult Education Courses Brighton - Fun! Factual! Friendly!

FESTIVE GREETINGS

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2025

ZOOM:

The Regency Cook, food historian Paul Couchman and social and cultural historian Sarah Tobias will be repeating their intformative and entertaining courses, plus some new ones.

JOIN US FOR TWELFTH NIGHT CELEBRATIONS!

Food historian Paul Couchman and social historian Sarah Tobias invite you to

TWELFTH NIGHT REVELRY, FUN AND FOOD

Sarah will explain how Twelfth Night was celebrated, including games,

and Paul will demonstrate some dishes from the period.

Ingredients and recipes will be sent to you after the event which will be recorded so you can watch at your leisure.

Twelfth Night used to mark the end of a winter festival that started on All Hallows Eve. Throughout the centuries it was commemorated with food, drink, plays, masquerades, characters, general merriment and general mischief. you will discover the history of Twelfth Night celebrated since the Middle Ages on January 5th, when songs were sung, doors defaced with chalk and special cakes were eaten.

Sunday 5 January 2025 7-8.15pm (very popular 2023/24)

Early Bird offer £15.50 until 5 December £20.50 thereafter

Book via eventbrite:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/twelfth-night-revelry-fun-and-food-a-twelfth-night-online-event-tickets-1096325211219?aff=SarahTobias

MET courses taught at Pelham Street Brighton BN14FA and The Church of the Holy Cross Parish Hall, Woodingdean, BN2 6BD

If you encounter problems enrolling, contact me, SARAH.TOBIAS@gbmc.ac.uk

Enrolment: 01273 667704 Admissions:.admissions@gbmc.ac.uk

No homework. Classes are relaxed, friendly & fun as well as informative.

All other courses and events here on this blog.

! > IF YOU HAVE COVID, 'FLU, COUGH, COLD, FEEL UNWELL - PLEASE DO NOT ATTEND ! <

To be eligible for a 50% discount on courses (not single Saturday workshops), you must meet the below criteria :
- Unemployed and in receipt of a means tested benefit
- Employed and earning below £22,038 annual gross salary

SPRING 2025 term starts 20 January

N.B. History courses may contain outdated attitudes, cultural depictions and language which cause offence today. They have to be viewed from an historic perspective. When discussing the content these views are not those of the tutor. If you feel you may be uncomfortable about this, please do not enrol.

Pelham Street Campus

The Edwardians: A Gilded Age of Peace and Prosperity (1900-1914)

The short “Golden Age” of the Edwardians was defined by the privileged wealthy and upper classes, able to flourish due to the labours of their servants and workers; when conventions of class were still rigidly adhered to – when everyone knew their place and there was a place for everyone.

Much was new and exciting. Luxury, progress and indulgence in cuisine, culture, art, fashion, homes, entertainment and travel. We compare this opulence and excess for the wealthy with the degrading social conditions, poverty, slums, working and domestic life of the poor.

Illustrated with PowerPoint slideshows.

7 weeks Mondays 1-3pm Start 20 January

Ref MACL010D1A FULL

Enrol: https://www.brightonmet.ac.uk/courses/history-the-edwardians-a-gilded-age-of-peace-and-prosperity-1900-1914/

>>> 3 week follow-on course starting March:

WWI Home Front (1900-1918) - scroll down for details <<<

Rottingdean Whiteway Centre

Arts, Culture and Society in Regency and Early Victorian England

(1800-1850)

We study the late GEORGIAN/REGENCY era and its social, domestic, cultural and working life, as well as the arts, medical matters, distinctive architecture – and many coffee houses! The latter served as public and social places where the Stock Exchange, Lloyds of London and auction houses were spawned.

Brighton is much associated with this period: the extravagances of the Prince Regent (the “Regency”) and his remarkable palace at a time when the fashionable visited the seaside town to take the waters and be entertained.

In EARLY VICTORIAN BRITAIN we see the continuing effects of the Industrial revolution and how it impacted on life in factories and mills. We study each strata of society, from the affluent upper classes, to the new, aspirational middle-class and the miserable lowly poor, and consider all aspects of social, domestic and working life.

Highly illustrated with PowerPoint slideshows.

10 weeks Tuesdays 10.30am-12.30pm Start 21 January

Enrol: https://www.rwc.org.uk/a_grand_tour_of_regency_indulgence_1790-1837

2 PLACES REMAINING

Taught at the church of the Holy Cross Parish Hall, Woodingdean

The Transformation of Mid-Victorian Britain (1851-1875)

Rich and poor and their world: their architecture and living conditions - from large country estates and town houses to humble cottages and town rookeries of the residuum; their social life, culture and the impact of influential women.

We study architectural styles from the grandest country estate to vernacular dwellings, town, terraces, municipal and public buildings and view the internal workings of the home. Other course themes include schooling and the work and life of the governess, mechanic’s institutes which provided evening education for workers; the poor, their lack of amenities, deficient nutrition and medical attention and the effect of their appalling living and working conditions.

We also see how campaigning women made a difference, such as Barbara Bodichon who wrote “Women and Work” which argued that a married women's dependence on her husband was degrading and who founded the “Englishwoman's Review”, a journal run entirely by women for women. We also reflect on the colourful world of William Morris and the Arts & Crafts Movement.

Illustrated with powerpoint slideshows

5 weeks Wednesdays 1-3pm Start 22 January

22/01/25, 29/01/25, 05/02/15, 26/02/25 and 05/03/25.

Ref MACL052D1A Fee £38

Enrol: https://www.brightonmet.ac.uk/courses/history-the-transformation-of-mid-victorian-britain-1851-1875/

>>> A Short Introduction to the Late Victorian Period

3 week course follows - scroll down for details and to enrol <<<

The Novel as Social History: Comparing Cultures

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 an extensive and detailed knowledge of everyday life.

Within each piece of fiction is a wealth of information on culture and social life which leads us into deeper understanding of a subject, time, place, period in history, genre, working conditions, habits, style or social trend that we might pursue further, deepen our knowledge and intensify our interest.

There are two books to read each fortnight over 10 weeks in a specific order and make notes. You then participate in lively group discussion in the relaxed and friendly atmosphere. This term’s Comparing Cultures novels include: "The Mother" by Pearl S. Buck (1933), "Housebound" by Winifred Peck (1942), "The Far Cry" by Emma Smith (1949), "A Town Like Alice by Nevil Shute (1950).

3 Fortnightly Saturdays, 25/01, 08/02, 01/03, 15/03/ & 29/03 10am-1.30pm Ref: MACL007D1A Fee £73 FULLY BOOKED

Enrol: https://www.brightonmet.ac.uk/courses/history-the-novel-as-social-history-women-alone-freedom-of-women-post-wwi/

>>The Novel As Social History: Women Alone, 3 session course over 4 weeks.

Saturday 15 March 11am-1.30pm Saturday 29 March, 11am-1pm & 2-4pm.

Ref: MACL011D Fee £33 Scroll down for details <<

LOVE AND LOATHING : AN ALTERNATIVE ST VALENTINE'S
Friday 14 February 2025 7-8.15pm
Great fun! Social history, readings, poetry and food. Find out just what a Vinegar Valentine is ;) In this intriguing online event, you will discover the history of St Valentine and the customs associated with the day.
There will be scandalous tales of love and poison - beware of the chocolates you are given.
You'll discover which foods were said to inflame passion and which foods given by a lover you should refuse. Which foods will seduce and which foods will kill?
Delight in the history and be tempted by the food in this fun and informative hour online.
This event is illustrated with slide shows and practical food demonstrations. Dramatic social history will be brought to life and poetry both romantic and humorous will be shared.
Workbook and receipes sent post-event.
Link to book via eventbrite to follow

The Novel as Social History: Women Alone – Freedom of Women Post WWI

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 an extensive and detailed knowledge of everyday life.

Within each piece of fiction is a wealth of information on culture and social life which leads us into deeper understanding of a subject, time, place, period in history, genre, working conditions, habits, style or social trend that we might pursue further, deepen our knowledge and intensify our interest.

There are five books to read in total. 2 for Session 1, 2 for session 2 and 1 for
afternoon session 3 to be read in that specific order and make notes. You then participate in lively group discussion in the relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

The novels: “Latchkey Ladies“ (1921) by Marjorie Grant,“Business as Usual” (1933) by Jane Oliver and Ann Stafford, “The Girls of Slender Means” (1945) by Muriel Spark“, “The Millstone” (1965) By Margaret Drabble, " “Sing Me Who You Are” by Elizabeth Berridge (1967)

3 session course over 4 weeks (fortnightly).
Saturday 15 March 11am-1.30pm
Saturday 29 March, 11am-1pm & 2-4pm.
Ref: MACL011D Fee £33
Enrol: https://www.brightonmet.ac.uk/courses/history-the-novel-as-social-history-women-alone-freedom-of-women-post-wwi-spring-term/

Pelham Street Campus

  WWI Home Front (1900-1918)
We observe domestic, working and social life on the home-front during WWI; the impact it had during this period and its life-changing effects post-war.

When men went to war women went to work. We focus on women and the home-front. They took on what had been seen as hard and heavy work, in factories, on farms, driving buses, and more. Their stories are fascinating with women displaying 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 powerpoint slideshows, documentary film, texts, images and books

3 weeks Mondays 1.30-3.30pm Start 17 March
Ref: MACL214D1A Fee: £46
Enrol: https://www.brightonmet.ac.uk/courses/history-wwi-home-front-1900-1918-spring-term/

Taught at the church of the Holy Cross Parish Hall, Woodingdean

A Short Introduction to the Late Victorian Period (1865-1895)

For those who are interested in the great changes and progress at the end of the nineteenth century, leading into new ways of thought, progressive ideas and action, energy, optimism and innovation

The Victorian age was a time of contrasts and contradictions. On the one hand, piety, prudery, stiffness and hypocrisy; on the other, free thinking, high living and immorality. In-between was the ordinary, hard-working, fun-loving Victorian, who wanted to enjoy all that was on offer in this 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.

Illustrated with powerpoint slideshows.

3 weeks Wednesdays 1-3pm Start 19 March

19/03, 26/03, 02/04

Ref: MACL215D Fee £15

Enrol: https://www.brightonmet.ac.uk/courses/history-a-short-introduction-to-the-late-victorian-period-1865-1895-spring-term/

The ‘Beautiful & Useful’ Arts and Crafts Movement: How it Changed Interior Style (1860s-1914)

“Have nothing in your houses which you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” (William Morris 1880). He and others believed that mass production produced inferior goods and they returned to the styles of earlier ages,

We study the very colourful style of the Arts and Crafts Movement which began in Britain around 1860 and comprised a group of craftsmen, artists, designers and architects who aimed to raise the status of the applied arts (useful, with a utilitarian purpose e.g. weaving or pottery) to that of the fine arts (aesthetically significant – architecture, painting, sculpture and some graphic arts).

The Movement was largely inspired and led by William Morris (1834-96), poet, artist and architect whose firm, Morris, Marshall, & Faulkner, founded 1861, promoted hand-made textiles, books, wallpapers and furniture. The idea was to return to the use of natural materials and recollection of older styles, notably medieval, and to open up and brighten homes. It changed architecture and interior style in an innovative, fascinating and wonderfully artistic manner.

Illustrated with masses of colourful images on powerpoint slideshows

Single Saturday 26 April 11am-3pm

Ref: MCOM193D1A Fee £34

Enrol: https://www.brightonmet.ac.uk/courses/history-the-beautiful-useful-arts-and-crafts-movement-how-it-changed-interior-style-1860s-1914-2/

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🌞 SUMMER 2025 🌞

Taught at Church of the Holy Cross Parish Hall, Woodingdean

Life, Work & Leisure in Late Victorian England (1865-1895)

The long Victorian period was one of complete contrasts, especially during the latter part of the century. We study progress and change in architecture, technology, domestic life, work, leisure and the arts, using literature as a backdrop to set the scene, and paintings to demonstrate domestic and public life. We focus on cultural aspects of society, expansion and development, and wider issues of change and women's status; and view various transforming revolutions which impacted on society, including advances in technology and the electrical revolution of 1870. New scientific thought caused landowners to reconsider agricultural methods of farming; this in turn effecting changes in rural and urban life. There was considerable migration from country to town which brought about changes in traditional ways of living. We also consider facets which remained constant, such as the huge gap between the lives of wealthy and poor.

We discuss social investigation and reforms, including Charles Booth's “Life and Labour of the People in London” and his famous poverty maps. Social conscience among the burgeoning middle classes led to social investigation and action. There were many women social investigators, such as Brighton born Clementina Black (1853-1922), feminist, author and social reformer who was involved with the 1888 Match Girl’s Strike at the Bryant and May factory – conditions we also study.

Illustrated with PowerPoint slideshows.

9 weeks Wednesdays 1-3pm Start 30 April
Ref: MACL058D1A Fee £68 Enrol:https://www.brightonmet.ac.uk/courses/history-life-work-leisure-in-late-victorian-england-1865-1895-spring-term/

Pelham Street Campus

Arts and Crafts to Art Deco: Arts and Culture of the 19th & 20th Centuries

The three wonderful ‘A’s! Three new and exciting movements from the middle of the Victorian century to the middle of the Twentieth century.

After industrialised mass-produced goods, the Arts and Crafts movement celebrated a return to individual handcrafted items. This led to the ornate, nature-inspired designs of Art Nouveau which morphed into the geometric style of Art Deco. All influenced people’s lives and living.

We study the impact of arts and culture on 19th and 20th centuries society and the very distinct and colourful look of each of these inspired, innovative and iconic styles, starting with William Morris led Arts and Crafts. It began mid-century in Britain, comprising a group of craftsmen, artists, designers and architects who aimed to raise the status of the applied arts to that of fine art. They hand- made individual pieces that were also useful, and designed exquisite houses, furniture and furnishings.

Art Nouveau style followed on directly from Victorian Arts & Crafts and was in response to radical changes and technological advances. It was highly decorative, with undulating and flowing forms, waves, asymmetrical lines and famous “whiplash” curve. Its organic structure, designs and motifs were influenced by many forms; as was 1920s & 30s iconic Art Deco, Modernist style, but this was geometric and curving, utilising modern technology and materials such as cement and chrome.

Highly illustrated with masses of colourful power-point sideshows, books and images.

8 weeks Tuesdays 1-3pm Start 29 April

Ref: MACL045D1A Fee £113

Enrol: https://www.brightonmet.ac.uk/courses/history-arts-and-crafts-to-art-deco-arts-culture-of-the-19th-and-20th-centuries-summer-term/

Space, Light & Speed-Art Deco & Modernism (1918-1940)

For those who love the smoothly distinctive style of Art Deco and clean lines of Modernism which dominated all aspects of interwar domestic and cultural life, and was notable for its architectural and design features. Iconic and elegant, it was used to furnish homes in a new and exciting fashion, utilizing modern technology and materials.

The Decorative Movement, Modernism or ‘moderne’, later described as ‘Art Deco’, was based on classical and other influences, including Egyptian - after the opening of Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922 by Howard Carter and Lord Carnaervon.

The distinctive iconic style of space, light and speed, vibrant with colour, its modern designs full of sharp patterns, was also described as "jazzy”. It utilised modern technology and innovations such as plastic, chrome, aluminium and electricity.

Smooth lines and geometric patterns featured on architecture, advertising, jewellery, furniture, glass, ceramics, lighting, metalware, technology and influenced cinema. The elegant style fabulously showcased high fashion and adornments.

Illustrated with books, paintings and hundreds of colourful powerpoint slideshows.

8 weeks Tuesdays 6.30-8.30pm Start 29 April

Ref: MACL001E1A Fee £113

Enrol: https://www.brightonmet.ac.uk/courses/history-speed-light-speed-art-deco-modernism-1818-1940-summer-term/

“Keep Calm and Carry on! ” Life on the Homefront in WWII

Bring your ration card and trip back eighty years, when daily life was turned upside-down, but the fighting spirit shone through! We spend our war days on the home-front: find tips to stretch our budgets, and keep up with fashion by “make do and mend”.
Our spirits and camaraderie are high and we dream over our favourite film stars, admire the women factory workers, Home Guard, spivs....lots more!

We study domestic, working and social life on the home-front during World War Two; the impact it had during this period and its life-changing effects post-war.

We focus on life for women at war and at home: their occupations in the armed services, as doctors, nurses, typists, clerks; working in the Land Army, in factories, in the WRVS and other voluntary organisations, as well as being housewives and mothers. At home during war and after, women had to cope with rationing and learning to ‘make do and mend’ while attempting to remain glamorous and keeping up with fashion and cosmetics in innovative ways as they were scarce.

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.

When war ended women found it difficult to give up their new independence. Family life changed and so did relationships.

Illustrated with slideshows and documentary film clips.

6 weeks Mondays 1.30-3.30pm Start 12 May

Ref: MACL009D1A Fee: £84

Enrol: https://www.brightonmet.ac.uk/courses/history-keep-calm-and-carry-on-life-on-the-homefront-in-wwii-summer-term/

Summer in the City: Exploring Brighton’s Unique History

3 Classroom sessions and 3 Brighton field trips

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, then you will enjoy this course comprising three classroom sessions and three field trips.

We study the fascinating history of Brighton in three 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 additional 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 are illustrated with many fascinating and historic images, maps and powerpoint slides.

6 weeks Saturdays 11am-1pm Start 10 May

Ref: MACL008D1A Fee: £73

Enrol: https://www.brightonmet.ac.uk/courses/history-summer-in-the-city-exploring-brightons-unique-history-summer-term/

The Novel as Social History: Books for Summer Reading.

If you love books, reading, social and cultural history, and lots of lively discussion in a relaxed, informal atmosphere then this one-day course is definitely for you!

This is a unique one-day study session comprising literature and social and cultural history. Within the pages of the novel we discover more than a story - enthralling ‘other’ information about people, relationships, class and place. A different, unusual, exciting way of reading and learning in a friendly, relaxed group.

We discuss books for summer reading from a selection of three novels with lots of background social and cultural history to be read before class, plus further recommendations.

Whilst reading, make notes on the social and cultural history you are finding which is not the main theme. You then participate in lively group discussion in the relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Novels to be read: Greengates by R.C. Sheriiff (1936), The Last of Summer by Kate O’Brien (1943), The Village by Marghanita Laski, (1953).

Single Saturday 21 June 11am-3pm

Ref: MCOM202D1A £34

Enrol: https://www.brightonmet.ac.uk/courses/history-the-novel-as-social-history-books-for-summer-reading-summer-term-2/

LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU!

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Sarah Tobias MA, BA Hons, Dip Eur Hum
(Former associate tutor at Sussex University)
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 Metropolitan 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

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

Rottingdean Whiteway Centre
Whiteway Lane, Rottingdean, Brighton, BN2 7HB
Transport & Parking:
Very small car park outside, some nearby parking in side streets, car parks on main sea road (few mins walk). Bus nos 2, 22, 22A stop nearby, Bus nos 12, 12A, 12X, 27C, 47 stop by the White Horse Hotel on the seafront - short walk.
Refreshments:
Tea-making facilities in hall. Small cafes nearby and in Museum tea garden next door during summer.
Further information:
Rottingdean public library and museum next door (opening times vary). Shops and Co-op in the High Street. Post office. Several historic public houses, village pond, windmill (not generally open), Grade II listed 1300s St Margaret's Church, accessible downland and a few minutes from the sea and beach.

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

Adult Education Courses Brighton - Fun! Factual! Friendly!

Sunday, 15 March 2026

Saturday, 21 December 2024

About Me