My Life on a Plate

Adult Education

I don't know about other countries but England has always offered a varied and high standard of Adult Education or 'night schools' as they're more commonly known. Ever since starting work I've always given over at least one evening a week to a class, whether it be for self-improvement, to learn a new skill or just for relaxation.

In my younger, fitter days it was usually a physical activity - in the past I've tried Badminton, Yoga, Trampolining and many Keep Fit classes. As computers became more popular I've gained qualifications in Word Processing, Business Technology and Desk Top publishing, all from night schools.

After finishing work I decided it was time to be creative and have attended classes in Watercolours, Glass Painting, Calligraphy and Decoupage. Eventually, friends pointed out I should be developing my writing talent and I signed up for a Creative Writing class five years ago. Has anyone else attended a class I wonder?

The joy of a writing class is the fact you immediately have something in common with other people and over the years I've made some lovely friends through the class. It's only one evening a week but a stimulating night out with many a laugh. The assignments for homework are not always to my liking but I like to have a go.

I was horrified to find this year all leisure classes in this area have been cut. Only classes leading to qualifications are to be funded, due to lack of resources. These classes are not cheap and the writing class generally attracts around twenty initially, so I cannot see why it should cost much to keep these classes going. What a sad state of affairs when a country cannot offer its people the opportunity to learn new skills and meet new people. We may have won 'The Ashes' and be hearing crowds singing about this land of 'Hope and Glory,' but when that same country is taking away benefits from people in difficult circumstances but cannot offer jobs and then cuts leisure activities, it does make me wonder what sort of society we are to become. 'No wonder England trembles,' as someone once said.

The Creative Writing class has been running for over twelve years and has regular supporters. I don't feel I need it so much now as I have plenty of things I want to do and the skills to tackle them I think, but the social side is important to me. Our tutor Derek, has managed to secure a room to run the classes independantly - starting this evening. I shall go, but have a feeling they will be run haphazardly, have little structure or variety and not attract any new members. We shall see.

So, I've had my reflexology, my diet lunch and now have to take mother for her Tuesday drink. Slimline bitter lemon for me. I definitely have some sort of virus but as yet it's not bothering me too much. Better touch wood. Maybe it's a Cyprus virus. (poetry lol) The people were gentler than the English, maybe their bugs are too. I'm hoping the class will be worthwhile and maybe you lot can help out with my first new assignment.