WEA hosted a free course on Christmas Day for anyone who wanted to join us for a few hours. 

We wanted to offer a Christmas Day session to encourage connection, conversation and a sense of community for those who attended.  

We chose a gentle, light-hearted topic, exploring the traditions that surround Christmas dinner and seasonal food, led by our tutor, Jane Williams.   

The session was a collaboration across a number of colleagues and teams and once the decision was made to run the event, it came together really quickly with lots of goodwill and hard work.    

A number of colleagues volunteered their time to drop in on the day and we initially thought we might get 12-15 learners.  As our promotional work got underway we also contacted our partners to let them know about it.  Ultimately the session attracted over 130 registrations highlighting a need we will continue to explore and understand.   

On Christmas day, 46 attendees joined the meeting over the course of the two hour session. The course was great fun with interesting topics, a high level of engagement and interaction and some questionable Christmas puns!   

Not all attendees were existing members, so we were able to share information about how to join WEA and our regular programme of free member events. We also let people know about WEA Learn and our other learning options. We answered questions and explained some of the changes learners have seen. We also signposted to partner organisations and shared contact information for some key support services.   

Offering the session felt important for us as a charity and the feedback we received from attendees showed us they appreciated the opportunity to join us on the day. 

We believe we should continue to offer similar sessions. We also think we can reach a lot more people next year with earlier planning and a range of promotional activities.   

We have to give a huge thanks to Jane for all of her ideas, creativity and materials and for handling it all so beautifully on the day.   

Did you join us for our Christmas Day course? If so, we'd love to know what you thought. Email [email protected] to tell us how you found it. 

January is often a time for reflection and renewal. 2025 was a challenging year for our movement - a disappointing Government White Paper that brought no promise of investment for lifelong learning, racism and anger in our streets targeted at some of our most vulnerable learners, and growing global challenges such as the cost of living impacting the day to day realities of all our lives.

But 2026 fills me with hope. Our new Community Learning Hubs are open and going from strength to strength, WEA Learn continues to grow and we're getting ready to kick off a campaign to fight for lifelong learning (more on that in a couple of weeks).

Before Christmas we signed our name as one of the 120 organisations backing the Together Alliance, a coalition of civil society organisations, unions and celebrities calling for love, hope and unity. We'll be joining the thousands of people marching against the far-right on March 28th in central London and we would love for you to join us. In next months newsletter we will provide more information about where we will be meeting and how you can get involved.

We are almost 6 months into delivering our new strategy, a strategy that marks a radical return for the organisation joining the dots between purpose, place and community. Lifelong learning matters now to our democracy just as much as it did in 1903 when we were founded. In this recent blog from the Centre for Democratic Business, they make the compelling case calling for adult education to be at the heart of our social clubs and local institutions.

We had a festive theme running through the December programme, kicking off with a talk called 'Reading a Christmas Carol'. For this session, we were rejoined by Dr Mark Crees who delivered a very popular talk about his collection of Charles Dickens novels earlier in the year. The session on Thursday 5th December explored the background to the short novel 'A Christmas Carol' - what prompted Dickens to write this book and to create the character of Ebeneezer Scrooge? Many of the themes and questions in the story are just as relevant today as they were in 1843 when it was first published 

Mark read some excerpts from the story for us and posed the question 'Can a person really change'? 

What our members said: 

"Superb talk with real heart- thank you." 
"Thank you Mark very interesting and Christmassy!" 
"Many thanks, Mark…I really appreciated the psychological insights." 
 

Our monthly Creativity for Wellbeing session on 12th December also had a festive theme. Dr Abbie Cairns returned to lead us through a creative workshop showing us how to create our own home-made festive wrapping paper. Abbie gave us tips on creating stencils and how to choose a suitable design. She also shared some examples of commercial wrapping paper to showcase some different options for pattern creation. 

What our members said: 

"Really fun activity today! Thank you!" 
"This has given me lots of ideas!" 

The final session of the year was on Thursday 18th December. Our members' Christmas Quiz was a new format and we covered some general knowledge questions as well as Christmas music and film rounds. We also popped in a few references to past member lectures, so regular attendees might have spotted those…  There were a range of scores posted in the chat, so some people found it quite easy and others more of a challenge – especially the backwards music round.  Thanks to everyone who came along! 

What our members said: 

"Great fun! Thank you!" 
"I do love a good quiz could we have a valentine one?" 

Remember, if you've missed a session, you can usually catch up with it in the members' area of the website: Archive WEA member lectures.
 

While this is the end of the regular member events for 2025, we are running a session on Christmas Day, open to all.  

The 12 Lunches of Christmas is a free course we are running on Christmas Day from 3:15pm to 5:15pm. The session will be a relaxed and welcoming opportunity to pause, connect and enjoy the afternoon with others.  

Our tutor, Jane Williams, will take you on a light-hearted journey through the famous carol. You will explore each of the twelve gifts and imagine how they might inspire festive food. There will be gentle conversation, lots of laughs, and optional recipe ideas to take away. The course is suitable for anybody, and there’s no pressure to join in beyond what feels comfortable.  

Whether you're looking ahead to a quiet afternoon or just seeking an escape from the festive chaos, you are most welcome to join us and we'd love to see you there. 

Book your free spot here. 

Remember, the course is open to everyone, not just WEA members, so please share the link with anyone who might like to come along. 
 

What’s coming up in the New Year:  

Creativity for Wellbeing: Journaling for the New Year  
9th January 2026  
Join Nicky Torode for another journaling taster session, this time the focus will be on planning and goal setting for the year ahead. Nicky’s last journaling session was very popular so I hope you can join us. No experience needed, come along and have a go!  
Book now  
 

Why Ukraine is not Russia 
15th January 2026, 5pm-6pm  
WEA Tutor Marina Burrell will be joining us to debunk Russian propaganda myths about Ukraine. Marina will be talking to us about Ukraine’s distinct history, language and identity in this one hour taster session, but if you would like to learn more, she is running a series of WEA Learn courses. 
Book now for the member lecture   

Story Club: Education  
Tuesday 27th January 2026, 5pm-6pm  
This will be the launch of our new Story Club series of member events. The theme for the first session is ‘Education’. Dr Mark Crees will be leading the first Story Club and we are looking for your input to gather a collection of story recommendations that fit the different themes. We also have opportunities to volunteer; if you can help out, we’d love to hear from you. You can read more about Story Club in the dedicated feature in the Christmas newsletter. 

How to join our member events 

Sign up for a free place via Zoom and you’ll be sent an invitation with a joining link. You don’t need to install any software – you can join from your browser, but there is also the option to use the dedicated Zoom app if you prefer.  

Once you join, you can choose whether to have your camera on or off. All members are muted, but you can ask questions or make comments in the chat.  Join and leave any time during the session, so why not choose a topic that you like the sound of and drop in to see what you think. 

We know that the regular Thursday slot doesn’t suit everyone, so we are varying the times and days of the week from time to time. If you would like to send us feedback on the programme or the scheduling we’d love to hear from you – suggestions always welcome! 

Panto comes to town: Learners perform The Princess Dragon and the Troll 

Tutor Katie Dexter’s learners took to the stage last week to perform a pantomime at a local community hub. 

Written and produced by learners, The Princess Dragon and the Troll received a standing ovation from friends and family members who came along to support.  

Katie’s learners have been working tirelessly revising lines, prop-making and creating merchandise to sell – funds of which will be used to purchase resources for WEA learners.  

Katie, who featured as the Troll said, “They have worked so hard on this and learned so many skills. I am so proud of the learners I could burst!” 

In the run up to rehearsals, Katie partnered with Weston College hair and beauty students who came along to do hair and make-up for the performance as part of a work experience opportunity.  

Well done to all the learners, staff and students from Weston College for bringing this performance to life! Although the best part was seeing Tutor Katie dressed as a troll! 

Check out our upcoming Story Club themes below. This page will be updated through the year with more information and the Zoom booking links, so check back regularly! 

As you may have heard, 2026 is the National Year of Reading.  

Led by the National Literacy Trust, a host of organisations, including WEA, are getting involved with this exciting initiative to promote reading for pleasure across all ages.  

We have decided to support the programme by launching a WEA Story Club for our members.  

This will be a book club with a twist. Rather than everyone reading the same book, each of our six sessions will have a theme and you can choose any story that fits the theme. This could be a novel, a film, a poem, a short story, a quick reads book, an audio book – you decide.  

We will be sharing some story options for each theme, but we would also love to hear your suggestions. You can add these via the form on our website: WEA Story Club 

If you aren't already a member of your local library, this is a great time to sign up. Many libraries offer books in different formats, so if you can't get into your local library, you can borrow e-books or audio books online. Many have online newspapers and magazines, plus games, films and music to borrow too.  You might have access to a mobile library or a home library service. See what's available in your area by entering your postcode here: Local library services - GOV.UK. 

Story Club: Education 

Tuesday 27th January 2026, 5pm-6pm  

Our first Story Club is on the theme of Education. WEA tutor Mark Crees will be leading the session and we'll start off with a poetry reading. Mark will suggest some broad questions on the theme of education and then we'll move into break out rooms to talk about our stories in smaller groups.

Some story suggestions: 

Educated by Tara Westover.  
A memoir about one woman’s journey from growing up in a survivalist family in the United States with very little formal education, to discovering the power of education and finally being awarded a PhD from the University of Cambridge.  

I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai 
This is available in several formats, including a Quick Reads version. 

This tells the story of Malala who shares details of her life growing up in Pakistan and how she fought to ensure girls have access to education. Malala was awarded a Nobel Prize for her important work.  

Educating Rita by Willie Russell
Play and film.  

This tells the story of Rita, a hairdresser who decides to complete her education, and Frank, a university lecturer. It looks at issues of class, education and self-development. If you have a TV Licence, this is available to watch free of charge on ITVX.  

The Girl on the 88 Bus by Freya Sampson 
This is the story of a young woman who makes new friends and finds a new purpose when her relationship breaks down. Several of the characters have dreams of going back to college.   

Hate that Dog by Sharon Creech
This book, aimed at children, is a collections of letters from a boy to his English teacher. It shows the boy grow in confidence as he develops a love of poetry and opens up about his life, confiding in his teacher and using his poetry as an outlet for his emotions. 

A New Year by Leila Aboulela
A Quick Reads story that tells the story of newly widowed Suad as she grieves and adjusts to her new life. It explores the family dynamics and how she must learn to live on her own.

A Gathering Light by Jennifer Donnelly 
Mattie Gokey is working in a hotel in the Adirondacks in upstate New York in 1906. She dreams of going to college and of becoming a writer, as does her friend Weaver. When there is a murder at the hotel, the pair are drawn into the investigations. 

Although this is fiction, it is inspired by a real life murder.

Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
This devastating work of speculative fiction is narrated by Kathy, who is reminiscing about her school days at a boarding school called Hailsham. It raises interesting themes about the value of education, creativity and humanity. 

Heart Lamp by Banu Mushtaq
Heart Lamp won the International Booker Prize in 2025. It is a collection of 12 short stories looking at the everyday lives of women and girls in patriarchal communities in southern India. 

One of our members recommended this title for the Education Story Club.

Pigeon English by Stephen Kelman
This novel follows a young boy living in London as he tries to solve the mystery of his friend's murder. With themes of migration, loss of innocence and inequality, the story was shortlisted for a number of literary awards and was part of the Books Unlocked project in over 100 UK prisons. 

One of our members recommended this title for the Education Story Club.

The Idiot by Elif Batuman
This semi-autobiographical coming-of-age story follows a college freshman at Harvard University in the 1990s. 

One of our members recommended this title for the Education Story Club.

The Secret History by Donna Tartt
Set in a fictional elite liberal arts college in New England, the novel is credited with creating the 'dark academia' literary genre. The story follows a group of classics students, exploring the relationships between the students and the events that lead to the murder of one of the group. 

One of our members recommended this title for the Education Story Club.

Humankind: a hopeful history by Rutger Bregman
This book starts from the position that humans are hardwired for kindness, that we are inclined to cooperate rather than compete. 

One of our members recommended this title for the Education Story Club.

Check out our website for the rest of the Story Club programme and more story recommendations, button below. Don’t forget to send us your own suggestions!

What has been your experience at the WEA so far, and does it align with your values?

Absolutely. I love the WEA ethos and am passionate about making every building open and accessible. Simon Parkinson’s speech at the recent conference about welcoming everyone resonated deeply. Initially, some venues needed TLC, but we’ve raised standards so staff, students, and volunteers enjoy being there. We’re now rolling out community learning hubs, giving locals access to resources like broadband and computers. I want every visitor to feel safe and part of a community.

What does your role involve day to day, and what impact does it have on WEA operations?

It’s a varied role involving site visits—Brighton, Leicester, and Newcastle are next—budgeting, and liaising with Health & Safety, local teams, and curriculum leads. Sustainability is central to our plans: smart electric systems, solar panels, and efficient air conditioning. Alongside our estates technician, John, we’re developing an Asset Management Lifecycle programme to forecast costs and budgets accurately. Dedicated hub administrators now manage compliance and day-to-day needs, ensuring a welcoming environment for all.

Tell us about the new WEA learning hubs and their impact on learners and communities.

Whitehawk Inn in Brighton and Mapperley Road in Nottingham are two recent successes. Whitehawk Inn, a former community hub closed after COVID, was purchased and renovated with DfE support. It’s now a thriving centre with local charities eager to use it. Mapperley Road was an underused admin building; we transformed it into a vibrant learning hub with three classrooms—soon to be four—thanks to Zoe Dimmock’s efforts. Bristol and Scunthorpe hubs are complete, Leicester is underway, and a North-East site is planned for mid-2026. These hubs reduce venue hire costs, offer modern facilities, and create vibrant community spaces.

What are the benefits and challenges of working at the WEA?

The biggest reward is improving venues and collaborating with education teams to design spaces that benefit communities. The challenge lies in attracting people to new hubs, but our partnerships and outreach efforts are making great progress. I’m proud to contribute to WEA’s mission of creating accessible, welcoming spaces that empower communities.

What are your interests outside of work?

I enjoy dog walking, spending time with my wife, attending music gigs, and eating out. We’ve had an allotment for 15 years and love rescue dogs—our latest is Ziggy, a three-year-old German Shepherd.

What book are you reading now and why?

Desi Pubs by David Jesudason—a fascinating guide to British-Indian pubs, food, and culture across the UK, which helps me choose where to eat when I stay away from home!

With a rich and continuous history dating back to 1903, the WEA has played a pivotal role in shaping adult education and lifelong learning across the United Kingdom.

This page serves as your central guide to locating the substantial documented content created and collected by the WEA over more than a century. These archives offer a unique and invaluable insight into the social, educational, and political history of Britain. We've also collected some of Highway magazines and publications at the bottom of this page.

Discover our archives

The WEA's extensive records are held in various locations across the country to ensure their preservation and accessibility for researchers, historians, and the public. These collections document the growth, administration, local activity, and impact of the WEA in both England and Scotland. This is not a complete collection: if you know of anything else, please get in touch.

Introducing 'Spotlight Q+A'    

We're delighted to introduce a new addition to our monthly newsletters. Spotlight Q+A is a fun, light-hearted questionnaire designed to help you get to know fellow WEA members. All members - including WEA staff and volunteers - are invited to join in and we'd love to have as many replies as possible.   

To take part, fill in the form on our website - the more questions you answer the better. Please also send a picture of yourself to [email protected] so members can put a face to the name!  
     

WEA Story Club  

As we mentioned last month, WEA Story Club is launching in January 2026 for the National Year of Reading. We are currently recruiting for volunteers to help lead discussions in break out rooms. We are also looking for member suggestions for stories to fit the themes – submit your recommendations.    
 

Free Wikipedia Training in Inverness 

The Forgotten Stories of the Highlands project that we covered earlier in the year is progressing well. The WEA Highlands Local Association is organising another free taster day in February, followed by a free two day training course in early March with a Wikimedia trainer. All sessions will be held at Inverness Library. Click here to learn more.    

Gift Aid  

A few months ago we ran a feature on Gift Aid and how this scheme can increase vital funds for our charitable work at no additional cost to you. If you are a UK taxpayer, we're pleased to share that you can now make a Gift Aid declaration online to make your past and future WEA membership subscriptions and donations go further.  

Gift Aid declaration