Colin’s previous experience of learning since school was at college night classes, where he describes the tutorials as “intense” and felt under pressure to keep up. He has found WEA classes “totally different”. Here’s how:
“When I started my first WEA course at Sandhill's Library, Grindon, Sunderland, it was with more than a little trepidation that I took my place at the computer. I wanted to learn about building a website but did not know anything about web design.
My tutors Theresa and Eric made me feel at ease. They explained that if I had any problems just to ask. Their style of teaching was brilliant and we completed the work at our own pace with no deadline to meet!
I could tell that they had given a good deal of thought and consideration to my requirements before I arrived. I was shown to a computer with plenty of room to accommodate my wheelchair and a large monitor, very much appreciated!
Now, two years later, I am proud to say I have my own website published on the internet. My site tells the story of my father's R.A.F. service during World War II and formed the basis of an exhibition I held at the library.
The help and encouragement I received from my tutors while putting these projects together was tremendous. I could not have done it without their input. I never dreamed that I would have something worthy enough to go on public display and be featured in our local newspaper!
I now attend a WEA Family History class and this has been quite a revelation too. I’ve traced my family tree back years and I’m corresponding with relations I didn’t know existed.”
Colin has also continued taking WEA classes in web design and family history, he says “I am compiling all my research with a view to writing the ‘Clegg Family Report’ which I’m hoping will give a flavour of how people lived during each generation and include some local history.”
Colin told his local WEA: “Long may your classes continue and long may you continue to provide such excellent teachers.”