Anyone mourn the passing of cheap municipal evening classes - all kinds of arts and crafts?

I used to go to those sorts of evening classes. I have done Spanish, Italian, Arabic, Violin making, Tai Chi, Reflexology, Aromatherapy, Pottery and History. It was so nice to be with people doing something without the pressure to socialise. Apart from foreign languages, all those classes finished because funding was available only for accredited courses that led to a recognised qualification. Most people doing these classes would not have wanted to be put under pressure to gain a qualification. People enjoyed coming together to share an experience of making something or doing something for themselves.

It’s a sad world that can’t recognise the huge value of these classes for many people who mightn’t see anybody else for the majority of the time. Perhaps government should be looking at how these classes can make a positive contribution to people’s mental health rather than being preoccupied with what people should be doing with their enforced qualifications. 

ArchaeC said:

Perhaps government should be looking at how these classes can make a positive contribution to people’s mental health

A very good point! I'm going to write to the Minister for Culture about these classes because I feel very strongly about this.

Good for you Marianne, it's not just about the fun courses that help people try out a new interest, but many vocational courses and academic courses too, you used to be able to go to classes and catch up on things you'd not done well at or missed at school and of course a few that were never offered and qualify for new jobs or for uni. 

I did an access course years ago and they're not a patch on individual A levels, they do nothing to prepare you for uni or for something like teaching or nursing.

Good for you Marianne, it's not just about the fun courses that help people try out a new interest, but many vocational courses and academic courses too, you used to be able to go to classes and catch up on things you'd not done well at or missed at school and of course a few that were never offered and qualify for new jobs or for uni. 

I did an access course years ago and they're not a patch on individual A levels, they do nothing to prepare you for uni or for something like teaching or nursing.

I used to love reading the prospectus each year, too. I agree, these courses did far more than simply offer skills training. I'm sure many people decided on new directions after doing such courses, whether crafts or academic.