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The WEA is a countrywide (and indeed international) organisation that responded
to a surge of demand for adult education at the beginning of the century and
caters for a wide spectrum of educational opportunities. Details about the national
organisation can be found on their web site,
www.wea.org.uk
Northamptonshire has been providing courses since the First World War.
The branch in Helmdon has been in existence for over forty years, with
courses being put on almost without a break twice a year for ten evening
sessions ever since 1959. Classes cover a wide range of subjects such as
architecture, creative writing, literature, art and musical appreciation,
current affairs, history and natural sciences. The fact that the Helmdon
has for some years concentrated mainly on local history courses reflects
the fact that current members are interested in finding
out about their
environment, and choose their next course.
Next Course
The autumn term begins on Tuesday, 19 September 2000, in Helmdon School from 7.30 to 9 pm.
The lecturer will be Geoffrey Starmer on
"Northamptonshire in the Railway Age"
All are welcome. You do not have to pay until the second meeting,
so why not come along and see whether you would like to join us?
Local Studies Group
A group has grown up, as a result a WEA course in the mid-90s, with a shared
interest in local history.
While the core group remains the same other members come and go as time or
interests dictate. Anyone may join whether or not they attend WEA classes.
In 1997-8 the group, under the direction of Val Moir, transcribed the
inscriptions in the parish church, churchyard, chapel, war memorial and
elsewhere round the village.
There are over 500 entries, beginning in the mid-seventeenth century.
Where possible the most appropriate entry in the burial register has been
added. Search cost is £1 (British Isles £1, USA £2 or 3 dollars) to include
printouts of entries. Cheques to be made out to WEA Helmdon branch.
Please reply to Mrs Val Moir, 54 Wappenham Road, Helmdon Northants, NN13 5QA.
We have recently finished the film HELMDON 1999 "A Year in the Life of Helmdon".
Copies will be given to the Record Office for posterity (with explanatory typescript)
and to the Church, and will be available for loan by village organisations, with
some for sale.
The local history on this web site has also been a local studies group project.
Publications
Aspects of Helmdon No 1 (1987) contains analysis of census information and
articles on the Old Bakehouse, the railways of Helmdon, and lace making,
as well as an article on the recording of oral history and an example of it.
Aspects of Helmdon No 2 (1988) contains an article on Helmdon Enclosures of
the eighteenth century by Val Moir, work on the four public houses
(only one remains) by Audrey Harwood, an account of the work that went
on in the village (church churchyard, chapel war memorial, etc) transcribing
the inscriptions by Val Moir, and the wartime reminiscences of Mary Turnham,
Harold Seckington and Alice Hearne. A few copies available, from the
secretary, as below.
Aspects of Helmdon No 3 (1999) contains a history of Helmdon School from
log books 1872-1990, by former head master, Geoff Ipgrave. Also The WEA
(40 years in Helmdon) by Audrey Harwood; a contribution from Nancy Wheeler
on Wine and Wild Flowers; and the reminiscences of Marjorie Watson, née
Gulliver, whose childhood was spent at Grange Farm. Copies available, as below.
Aspects of Helmdon Nos 2 and 3 are priced at £3.00 (£3.50 to include post
and packing, or USA £5 or seven dollars). Cheques payable to "WEA Helmdon branch" from:
Mrs Audrey Harwood,
Secretary, Helmdon branch WEA
The Old Bakehouse
Church Street, Helmdon
Northamptonshire,
NN13 5QJ
Audrey.Harwood@Btinternet.co.uk
WEA Charity reg. no. 314001
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