Humanities

We currently offer several History courses at various times and locations in the local community.

Our local History courses are led by Bob Woodhouse, a very experienced local historian and author. The topics are updated regularly and the current theme is Pubs, parsons and parasols. The summer term includes outings to places studied, which helps to consolidate the learning and 'brings the course to life'. The courses are offered during the day at Elmwood Community Centre.

Pat Chandler teaches History at the Billingham Community Centre on Monday afternoons. The course deals with mainly with social History and has a local bias. To this end there are two field sessions and two outings arranged to illustrate the lectures, e.g. learners went to Anglo Saxon churches in North Yorkshire last term. Lively discussion is part of every session.

Family History is becoming increasingly popular. Ged Milestone currently teaches Tracing your Family Tree at Ragworth Neighbourhood Centre. The course caters for beginners and the more experienced researchers, covering parish records, census records and civil registrations. A visit to the archives is arranged each term.