Wednesday, 11 August 2021


ALL UP-TO-DATE 2023 INFORMATION
https://sarah-tobias.blogspot.com/ 

📢 W E L C O M E  (2021/22)
ENTERTAINING AND EDUCATIONAL EVENTS IN SUSSEX UK - FUN AS WELL AS FACTUAL


Woodvale Crematorium (cemetery) Brighton, BN2 3QB
The Grand Cemetery Tour

More than gravestones.

Beautiful, grounds, full of trees and winding pathways.  We view monuments,
statues, symbolism and chapels as well as the grave in a glade of Thomas 
Highflyer the rescued 12 year old slave boy.

Saturday 21 August 2pm £5. Pre-booking only. One place remaining.

Meet Bear Road entrance (not Lewes Road) at free car park.



Woodvale Crematorium (cemetery) Brighton, BN2 3QB
                                           The Grand Cemetery tour
Saturday 18 September 11am. Pre-booking onlyFULL - Waiting List
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-grand-cemetery-tour-tickets-165424917381


** 2021-22  ADULT EDUCATION COURSES ** 
(For other events, please scroll down to end)

Back to almost normal?
Courses are expected to be taught in classrooms from September without face coverings (except in public areas) and minimal distancing. This may change.

DETAILS OF ALL MY HISTORY COURSES AT GREATER BRIGHTON METROPOLITAN COLLEGE (MET):
https://www.gbmc.ac.uk/history-part-time
                                                                                             

🍂  AUTUMN 2021 🍂

COURSES WILL BE TAUGHT IN THE CLASSROOAT ROTTINGDEAN WHITEWAY CENTRE. FURTHER UPDATES ON  SAFETY PROCEDURES AND WEARING OF MASKS - IF REQUIRED - WILL BE POSTED HERE. 

                ROTTINGDEAN WHITEWAY CENTRE, Whiteway Lane, Rottingdean (Brighton) BN2 7HB                                Buses stop on seafront outside the White Horse Inn and no. 2 in the High Street


The Golden Age of the Edwardians (1900-1914)

We study the short 'Golden Age' before the 'black pit of war' (J.B. Priestley's description) that was to change the idyll of elegant living for the wealthy socialising on a grand scale, but was also a tarnished age for the poor living in slums. We compare domestic, social and cultural life, including how paintings and literature depicted society.

Illustrated with powerpoint slideshows, paintings and texts.

10 weeks Tuesday 1-3pm Start 21 September Fee £84

                             Enrolment commences August  

                         https://www.rwc.org.uk/the_golden_age_of_the_edwardians__1900-1914 enquiries: enrolments@rwc.org.uk


ONLINE: (Zoom) for Sussex School of  Archaeology and History:

                             The Victorian World: Life, Death, Work and Leisure in Nineteenth Century England                                                   10 weeks, Wednesday evenings 7pm Start 21 Sept                         

The Egyptian Influence on Art Deco evening lecture (45m + 15m Q&A) Fri 26 Nov 8pm tbc

01323 811785   info@sussexarchaeology.co.uk


🙋🙋
For enquiries about Adult and Leisure courses at GBMET please e-mail Admissions@gbmc.ac.uk and they will get back to you as soon as possible.
Or, telephone 01273 667704 (lines are very busy right now but if no reply you can leave a voicemail)

COURSES WILL BE TAUGHT IN THE CLASSROOAT MET COLLEGE AND WHITEHAWK INN.  FURTHER UPDATES ON  ANY SAFETY PROCEDURES AND WEARING OF MASKS - IF REQUIRED - WILL BE POSTED HERE. 

COVID-10 RAPID TESTING SHOULD E CARRIED OUT WEEKLY AT HOME AND THE RESULTS SENT TO NHS AND THE GBMET COLLEGE IF YOU ARE ATTENDING THERE. THIS IS NOT MANDATORY

TAUGHT AT PELHAM STREET CAMPUS, BRIGHTON:

.
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.  

The Great Exhibition of 1851 showcased the huge  variety of technology, textiles, furniture, and fashions which could now be produced by means of mass production and new machinery. An example of which was the steam press, triggering an increase in consumption of pulp fiction, mainly purchased by the working classes. Cheap newspaper further enhanced leisure publicity.

The Arts & Crafts Movement, firmly rooted in the Gothic Revival, was energised by a rejection of the uninspired and repetitive design inventory of mid-Victorian Britain.

Illustrated with powerpoint slideshows, documentary and texts

10 weeks Mondays 1.30-3.30pm start 27 September 

Ref CL0029-1C  Fee £131
https://www.gbmc.ac.uk/the-great-exhibition-and-mid-victorian-britain-brighton-metleisure

 
Fashion and Style History - how it shaped British Culture 1750-2000 


This course examines historic inspiration that forms today’s innovative fashion and
designers by studying the fascinating social and cultural history of Britain.

We examine how the social and cultural background of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries influenced British fashion then and now; focussing on aspects of fashion 
such as the voluminous and extravagant court dresses of the eighteenth century and the dandy; Victorian crinoline, bustle and aestheticism; Edwardian, Art Nouveau,  
Art Deco era, wartime recycling, swinging sixties, and subculture of mods, rockers, 
goths, skinheads and punks. 

You will learn how to read fashion, what your clothes say about you and examine
key style developments and designers, such as Mary Quant. A really exciting and
fascinating course that will make you think differently about style, clothing and
what you and others wear

Illustrated with masses of fashion illustrations and powerpoint slideshows.

10 weeks Tuesday  7-9pm start 28 September

Ref no: CL0083-1C  Fee: £131
https://www.gbmc.ac.uk/history-fashion-and-style-how-it-shaped-british-culture-met-leisure


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


Culture and Society Between the Wars 1918-1939

We see how life changed in Britain after WWI. There was decline but social and cultural life took on a new aspect reflected in architecture, design, fashion, music, literature and distinctive style of Art Deco and Modernism.

 We study the culture of "Live for today" during the interwar yeas following the horrors of war. During this period there was a wealth of wonderful literature and the joy of film. Cinema-going was extremely popular - including Shoreham's fun-loving 1920s "Bungalow Town" and the film industry there. Cinema and film influenced peoples' lives in many ways including what they wore.. Imitating your favourite film star meant dressing like them, so clothing for the working class included synthetic silk - 'Rayon', and young women cut their hair short in a 'bob', wore cosmetics, smoked and shortened their skirts in order to dance the Charleston - just like their liberated screen idols.

Illustrated with powerpoint slideshows, film and documentary.

10 weeks Wednesday 29 September  1-3pm

 Ref CL0418  -1C Fee A £20 B £10 (Benefits)

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

https://www.gbmc.ac.uk/history-culture-and-society-between-the-wars-1918-1939-brighton-pare

Pelham Street Campus:
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.

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 02 October 11am-2pm 

Ref CL0026-1C  Fee £98
https://www.gbmc.ac.uk/the-novel-as-social-history-brighton-metleisure

Varndean College at
The Church of the Holy Cross, Downsway, Woodingdean (Brighton) BN2 6BD          (Buses 2, 2A, 22, 22A stop outside, car park across road outside Library) 

Arts, Culture and Society in Regency  England    
1790-1830  

An age of elegant living and great hardship. Regency London was a hotbed of crime, vice and low life. It was also a brilliant period for the arts, culture and architecture, literature and scientific experiment and  observation. The Industrial Revolution was underway  and we see the rise of the sea-side with its accompanying infrastructure.  

Illustrated with powerpoint slideshows

 6 weeks start Mon 11 October 10.00 - 12.00
Ref X472  Fee £75 £25 (Concessions) Enrol: 01273 546604
  
SINGLE SATURDAYS AT PELHAM STREET CAMPUS, BRIGHTON:
.
"BEAUTIFUL AND USEFUL"- 
Victorian Arts & Crafts
.
   A reaction to mass production, the Arts and Crafts Movement was a group of craftsmen, artists, designers and architects who aimed to raise the status of the applied arts (useful)  to that of the fine arts (aesthetically significant).

It was largely inspired and led by William Morris, whose firm produced hand-made textiles, books, wallpapers and furniture. The idea was to return to the use of natural materials and make individual items. The style was full of colour, as were the paintings – mainly narrative, full of symbolic meaning, especially the Pre-Raphaelites.

Lots of fabulous illustrations
SATURDAY 13 NOVEMBER 11am-3pm

Ref No: CL0664-1C Fee £28
https://www.gbmc.ac.uk/history-beautiful-and-useful-victorian-arts-crafts-brighton-parent-met-leisure


Christmas! Myths, Legends Customs and Traditions of the festive season 

          Get in the mood for Christmas!  

If you are interested in the fascinating customs, traditions, myths and legends
We study early origins, winter solstice and pagan rituals of Roman times, as well as the symbolism of evergreens and cereals, such as holly, ivy, mistletoe, rosemary, wheat, fir and bay, and significance of fire and flame. We also discover who Saint Nicholas was and the origins of Father Christmas and Santa Claus, and find out how traditions came about, such as why sixpence is put into the pudding, the reason candles are lit, why children put up a stocking, and why plum pudding is eaten at Christmas.
We follow the entertainments and customs of Tudor and Elizabethan Christmases when festivities were on a grand scale. Georgian Christmases were much quieter and more sedate, although there were also balls and parties (Jane Austen loved them). We see how the Victorians and Charles Dickens 'invented' the commercial Christmas; look at it in all its glory and discuss its confections, cards, crackers, decorations and games. Finally, a look at Twentieth Century Christmas celebrations and how the festive season was spent from the early century through to the Fifties.

Illustrated with slides, books, video. A feast of festive fun to brighten your day with a friendly group.

Illustrated with powerpoint slideshows, books and documentary.

Saturday 11 December 11am-3pm  
Pelham Street campus.  Ref no: CLO665   Fee: £28
Enrol in person at Student Centre, Pelham Street, Tel 01273 667704 or online
https://www.gbmc.ac.uk/history-customs-myths-and-legends-of-winter-in-the-festive-season-brighton-metleisure



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.

REGENCY TOWN HOUSE BN3 1EH

👻Things That Go Bump in the Night: A Halloween Happening 🎃

🧁Scary poetry and cake🧁 

October date and time to be confirmed if covid situation eases


 2022


SPRING 2022

The Novel as Social History: Life, Work, Leisure and Love (fortnightly)  [GBMET]  (Sat) start 15 Jan

^  Full details below - scroll down  ^

  The Victorian World 1851-1875  [GBMET]  (Mon) start 17 Jan

The Edwardians: A Golden Age (1900-1914)   [PM]  (Tue) start 25 Jan 11am-1pm

A History of Fashion and Society 1700-2000   [PM]  (Tue) start 25 Jan 1.30-3.30pm

Women, Wartime, the Homefront and Post-war Britain  [WHI]  (Wed) start 19 Jan

Introducing the Victorians [VarnHX]  (Mon -start Feb/Mar)

.Looking at Victorian Art – paintings as social history  [GBMET]  (Sat) 12 March 

A Day in the Life of an Edwardian House   [PM]  (Sat) 26 March


🌞  SUMMER 2022  🌞   
Courses start  April   

 Victorian Life and Leisure 1851-1875  [GBMET]  (Mon) start 25 April

                         Art Deco and the ‘Moderne’ (1918-1939)  [GBMET]  (Tue eve) start 26 April                    

^  Full details below - scroll down  ^

The History of Brighton – a unique resort  [WHI]  (Wed) start date tbc      

Summer Reading: Books, books and more books!  [GBMET]  (Sat) 30 April

The Shaping of Early Victorian Britain  (1837-1850) [VarnHX]  (Mon -start May) tbc

Summer in the City: exploring Brighton’s unique history (incl 3 field trips) [GBMET]  (5 Sats) start 7 May

^  Full details below - scroll down  ^


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


🍂  SPRING 2022 🍂

The Novel as Social HistoryLife, Work, Leisure and Love    
            
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.

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 in the relaxed and friendly atmosphere. 

 Full reading list from tutor: SARAH.TOBIAS@gbmc.ac.uk 
   
5 Fortnightly Saturdays start 15 January 11am-2pm 

Ref CL0030-1C  Fee £98
https://www.gbmc.ac.uk/the-novel-as-social-history-life-work-leisure-brighton-metleisure



🌞 SUMMER 🌞

 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 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 26 April  Ref: CL0068-1C  Fee £76
                    
Summer in the City: exploring Brighton's unique history 
(includes 3 Brighton 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.  Classroom sessions illustrated with images, maps and powerpoint slides.                                                         

              5 weeks Saturday 11am-1pm start 7 May   
                      Ref: CL0027-1C  Fee: £68            

                                                         

 
COURSES AT FABULOUS, HISTORIC PRESTON MANOR RE-COMMENCE JANUARY 2022
(Basic details above)




OTHER EVENTS

Coronavirus (Covid-19) - Due to the current pandemic,  the following events have been postponed until further notice and will hopefully be running in 2022. 

 Study day at the West Pier Centre

Patrick Hamilton’s “The West Pier” 
followed by cocktails or tea at Metropole Hotel

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 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

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:

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.

 THESE EVENTS ARE POSTPONED UNTIL RESTRICTIONS ARE LIFTED. INFORMATION WILL BE POSTED HERE OR YOU CAN CONTACT ME. IT WILL NOW RUN 2022


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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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    

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. 
 
Preston Manor
Preston Drove, Brighton BN1 6SD
Location:
Situated 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