Starts 19 May, 9 am - 3.30 pm, 2 Saturdays, $63
This two day workshop in soft pastels (not oil) is based on techniques Mike has developed as a self-taught artist, and is suitable for beginners as well as those with some experience of the medium. The focus is on landscape themes. The workshop will cover use of materials, some composition and colour theory, and lots of exercises and demonstrations in pastel techniques. Mike is an established artist known for his bold, often stylised images of land, sky and water. Especially regarded are his pastel landscape paintings which combine an intensity of colour with the tonal sensitivity of the soft pastel medium.

Starts 4 May, 10 am - 12 noon, 8 Fridays, $63
This course introduces the tonal and linear elements of drawing, using basic tools and materials combined with drawing exercises designed to build up your skill base. The aim of the course is for the student to become more confident in their own drawing ability and knowledge. As this process continues the tutor will introduce more advanced drawing exercises and will provide support for the student's individual drawing projects. Beginners welcome. Please bring a 2B, 4B or 6B pencil, putty/kneadable rubber or eraser, a ruler, and cartridge drawing pad or paper no smaller than A4. Kate has tutored community art for the past seven years in Wellington, Southland and Christchurch.

Starts 16 May, 1.30 - 2.30 pm, 4 Wednesdays, gold coin
16 May New Architecture for Christchurch: discussion about some recent proposals - Jasper van der Lingen, Past Chair, NZ Institute of Architects, Canterbury Branch
23 May Nurturing the Emergence of New Cityscapes - Di Lucas,
landscape architect, Lucas Associates
30 May One Voice Te Reo Kotahi - Moira Underdown and
Adele Wilkinson
6 Jun Making the past part of the future: historic architecture
in a rebuilt Christchurch- Jessica Halliday, architectural
historian and writer
13 Jun Resilient and Sustainable Cities - Dr David Conradson, Department of Geography, Canterbury University

Starts 30 April, 10 - 11.30 am, 8 Mondays, $46
Take a trip through the Balkans in dance! This class will introduce you to the beautiful dances of south-eastern Europe, along with a few from Russia and elsewhere, and will also touch on their cultural and historical context. Suitable for complete beginners as well as those with more experience. Wear comfortable shoes (no high heels); no partner required.

Starts 2 May, 11.45 am - 1.15 pm, 8 Wednesdays, $46
Israeli Folk Dancing is ideal for improving ones general well-being. It is good exercise for physical fitness and pleasurable, because
of the lovely music and learning to move with it. As one concentrates and tries to remember the different movements, it shuts out the rest of the day, which is both relaxing and counters stress. There are different styles from different parts of the world, some vigorous and some gentle and graceful, but all dances are written for joyful occasions. Val has been dancing and teaching Israeli Folk Dancing for nearly twenty years and the pleasure hasnt faded. No partners required.

Saturday 5 May, 1 - 4.30 pm, $14, free to members
This Saturday afternoon course is a follow-up to the ?Demystifying Capitalism' course run in October 2011. It will briefly review key points from that course and then move on to look at work and the workplace today, examining questions such as: Why are workers in NZ working longer, harder and faster for comparatively less pay than several decades ago? What happened to the ?leisure society' promise of the 1960s and early 1970s? What do casualisation, ?flexibility' and ?productivity gains' mean for workers? Dr Philip Ferguson currently teaches history and world affairs in Bridging Programmes at the University of Canterbury.

1st Friday: 6 pm - Waiata Group (Whare Tamanui)
2nd Friday: 6 pm - Italian film seminar (Daniela Bagozzi)
3rd Friday: 7.30 pm - Economics for Everyone (PegX)
4th Friday: 7 pm - History (Philip Ferguson)
5th Friday: 6 pm - Games (Gertrud)
Everyone welcome, koha. For enquiries phone the office.

Starts 30 April, 1 - 2 pm, 6 Mondays, $23 - at St Faiths Anglican Church lounge, 46 Hawke St, New Brighton, please enrol at WEA
These exercise classes teach gentle movements, with low cardio stress. A little bit of brain gym is included and we try to incorporate some balance and breathing instruction. All people are screened for medications and should get doctors approval before starting. The classes are lots of fun as we sing along to the music, with a big focus on safety. Loose clothing and sensible supporting shoes are essential. The class is divided into mostly seated and a little standing, (though all exercises can be done sitting). Janet has taught exercise classes for 12 years, after completing her sports science diploma at polytechnic.

Starts 4 May, 1 - 2 pm, 8 Fridays, $38
Learn how to quieten your mind and body with the correct breathing techniques. A busy active mind can create stress in your life and body and cause all sorts of health issues. Once you have learnt to become more aware of what a relaxed mind and body feels like, it then becomes easier to identify when you are out of balance and what you can do to help yourself. Diane Brasell has herself benefitted from working with breathing and relaxing after developing fibromyalgia (muscle pain and chronic fatigue) in 2003. Please bring 2 blankets and a pillow.

Starts 26 April, 2.45 - 3.45 pm, 10 Thursdays, $38 Tai Chi is a series of movements designed to heighten mental awareness and improve physical conditioning. It has been developed over thousands of years, and is slow, gentle and easy to learn. Classes are informal and suit any age or fitness level with no special equipment required - just comfortable clothing. Blood pressure can be reduced, circulation, joint flexibility, balance and digestion can be improved, with a corresponding increase in self confidence. Most pupils report an improvement in general well being and pain control (for arthritis sufferers in particular) within the first two lessons. This is also a falls prevention programme.

Starts 26 April, 1.30 - 2.30 pm, 10 Thursdays, $38Tai Chi is a series of movements designed to heighten mental awareness and improve physical conditioning. It has been developed over thousands of years, and is slow, gentle and easy to learn. Classes are informal and suit any age or fitness level with no special equipment required - just comfortable clothing. Blood pressure can be reduced, circulation, joint flexibility, balance and digestion can be improved, with a corresponding increase in self confidence. Most pupils report an improvement in general well being and pain control (for arthritis sufferers in particular) within the first two lessons. This is also a falls prevention programme.

Starts 11 June, 7 - 9 pm, 2 Mondays, $16
The International Olympic Committee insists that London 2012, will be a celebration of sporting participation and success. In reality, the modern Olympic games have always been highly political and marked by controversy. They were used by Hitler to promote Nazi Germany; became an important staging ground for the Cold War; almost bankrupted a number of cities that hosted them; have been tainted by drug scandals and influenced by television and corporate sponsorship. Yet there have also been many extraordinary sporting performances and millions continue to watch. Greg Ryan is Associate Professor in History and Dean of the Faculty of Environment, Society and Design at Lincoln University.

Starts 12 April, 10 am - 12 pm, 3 Thursdays, $24
This short course considers the historical idea of public art galleries, looks closely at some of the best known examples worldwide, and at how this country got its own set. There will be a chance to reflect on what contribution a public art gallery makes to our own community, as we live with its prolonged closure. Dr Pamela Gerrish Nunn, formerly Professor of Art History and Theory at the University of Canterbury, is a freelance researcher and curator. She has published extensively on the history of 19th and 20th century art.

Saturday 23 June, 10 am - 2.30 pm, $16
In this course we shall discuss the purpose(s) of education in the Aotearoa New Zealand context. Beginning with an overview of 19th century policies and practices for primary and post-primary schooling we shall then explore issues and debates in the 20th and 21st century with reference to (a) the aims of schooling, (b) controversies and conflicts that have arisen over "education" and the extent to which these have or have not been resolved, and (c) some contemporary issues in education (e.g., curriculum contestation, national standards, charter schools). Dr Gregory Lee is Professor of Education History and Policy at The University of Canterbury College of Education.

Starts 29 May, 1.30 - 2.30 pm, 5 Tuesdays, $19

29 May New Zealands Unique Mining History - Lloyd Carpenter, Mining Historian and Doctoral Candidate
5 June The importance of understanding geological parameters for coal mining and coal seam gas exploration in New Zealand - Dr Murray Cave, geologist with 30 years experience in coal exploration and mining
12 June Mine-site Restoration - Professor David Norton, School of Forestry, University of Canterbury
19 June The End of an Era - Representatives from Canty Coal Action
26 June Pit Sense and Politics: The Mining Experience Behind Bill Pearsons Novel Coal Flat - Associate Professor Paul Millar, English Department, University of Canterbury

Starts 1 May, 11.45 am - 1.15 pm, 3 Tuesdays, $45
Learn more about the rich flavours and classic traditions of the Mediterranean. Study the common ingredients and culinary traditions of Italy, Greece, Monaco, and Turkey that shape the regions dynamic flavours. The course will include both theory and demonstration as dishes such as main meat dishes, pasta, pulses, and desserts are prepared. Rita Yosef was born in Latvia and lived in Israel for over 31 years before making New Zealand her home. She qualified as a chef from the CPIT, and has her own catering business catering for private functions and families.

Starts 5 June, 11.45 am - 1.15 pm, 3 Tuesdays, $45
Do you want to make easy mains for dinner? Lets learn how to make easy delicious meals with wonderful ingredients and amazing flavours - ready for those cold winter nights! We will learn how to cook with pulses and beans and try recipes from all around the globe! The course will include both theory and demonstration.

Starts 8 May, 6 - 7.30 pm, 6 Tuesdays, $38
This practical course will teach you about the basics of organic gardening including the following topics: soil life, compost, worms, Bokashi and liquid fertilisers; permaculture; pests and diseases; raised beds, square foot gardens; crop rotation, companion planting and intercropping; community gardening and community building. Come prepared to get your hands dirty! Lily White has been gardening organically for 30 years and has done formal training at Christchurch Polytechnic. For the past 12 years she has been running the Kids Edible Gardening programme. Her specialty topic is garden design.

Starts 30 May, 11 am - 12 noon, 5 Wednesdays, $19
Oedipus Rex and Medea are two classic Greek tragedies that illustrate how the intertwining of fate and desire can bring us to places we never imagined. The focus of Medea, by Euripides, is Medea's passion for revenge while in Oedipus Rex, by Sophocles, it's Oedipus's relentless desire for the truth. Both characters share a tragic fate which ?inclines us to pity and to condemn.' But do these tragedies still compel us today? Is it as Freud claims that the destiny of these tragic characters moves us because it might be ours? Grant Pheloung has a PhD from Auburn University in Alabama where he taught in the ?Great Books' programme.

Win a free place in one of the creative writing classes, in the third term! Existing and prospective students are invited to submit a
short story (maximum word length 1,500 words) which will be judged by our Creative Writing tutor, Helen Hogan. Closing date for entries is Friday 18 May, to be delivered or posted to the WEA office. Please write on one side of the page only, with double line-spacing, and enclose your name and contact details on a separate piece of paper. The winner will be contacted before the start of the third term classes.

D-I-Y Play Reading group meets Thursdays 10 am - 12 noon. Phone Wendy 352 7119 for more info.

If you enjoy discussing books you have read why not join an FWEA Book Discussion Group? Books and notes are provided for a fee of $56 (maximum of 11 titles over the year). If you would like to start or join a group in your own area, phone the Book Discussion Scheme on 365 6210, fax 365 6054, email: bds@bds.org.nz, or website:www.bds.org.nz

Starts 30 April, 10 am - 12 noon, 8 Mondays, $61
Discover your talents and grow in confidence in a supportive group with other beginner writers. You may find your stories give pleasure to others. If your writings gone a bit stale, this group is a good way to freshen it up. Helen Hogan is a writer and teacher who first developed her creative writing courses when teaching a special writing class for teachers at Christchurch Teachers College.

Starts 2 May, 10am - 12noon, 8 Wednesdays, $61
The Wednesday class offers you an opportunity to share your work with other enthusiasts. The emphasis is on developing skills in short story writing.

Friday 8 June, 10 am - 2.30 pm and Saturday 9 June, bus trip departing from WEA at 10 am, returning at 3 pm, $43
Canterbury and South Island Maori place names give a sense of place and identity that is timeless even though these are based on descriptions of historic events. Long term devotion to history, listening to people and collecting significant pieces of inform-ation build the tapestry of meaning which gives context to our present. Place names have shaped Southern Maori identity, history, social relations and political relations and their use can help establish and support a collective understanding. Bill Karaitiana is of Ngai Tahi, Scots and Austrian descent. Suggested Text: The Reed Dictionary of Maori Place Names, A W Reed, Wellington,1999.

Starts 1 May, 6 - 8pm, 8 Tuesdays, $35 - at WEA
Beginners are welcome to this course which aims to teach a basic understanding of Maori language and Maori tikanga. Dion Kamira has taught kapahaka and has affinity with his Maori culture. Dions vision is to empower people through Maori philosophy, values, knowledge and practices to emphasise the relationship of the individual with their social and cultural environment.

Starts 3 May, 6 - 8pm, 8 Thursdays, $35 - at St Faiths Anglican Church lounge, 46 Hawke St, New Brighton, please enrol at WEA
Beginners are welcome to this course which aims to teach a basic understanding of Maori language and Maori tikanga. Dion Kamira has taught kapahaka and has affinity with his Maori culture. Dions vision is to empower people through Maori philosophy, values, knowledge and practices to emphasise the relationship of the individual with their social and cultural environment.

Starts 7 May, 1.30 - 2.30 pm, 5 Mondays, $19
Sir Edward Elgar enjoyed nothing more than the company of his friends in the western English village of Malvern, where he lived. Fourteen of them are portrayed in the famous ?Enigma' Variations. This course centres on Elgar's ?friends portrayed within', and some of the music that was inspired by them. Recorded selections of music will be played. David Sell is Adjunct Associate Professor of Music, and Director of the National Centre for Research in Music Education at the University of Canterbury. He has written or edited thirty-five books, most in the field of music education, and is a music reviewer for the Christchurch Press.

Starts 3 May, 12 noon - 1 pm, 8 Thursdays, $36
Learn the basics of vocal production and sing a selection of different types of songs, both unison and two-part, if a balance of voices is available. Valerie is a qualified music teacher with over 30 years experience of teaching and performing in vocal groups of different kinds. To assist us to prepare for this class, please enrol by 26 April.

Starts 30 April, 10.30 am - 12 noon, 6 Mondays, $36
Sing-a-long; learn to tune a ukulele; learn basic chords and strums; learn common patterns and songs. Some ukuleles supplied. Kerry McCammon has been teaching and performing for over 30 years. He has toured extensively throughout NZ, England and Japan as part of the Natural Magic Theatre Company. A qualified High School and ESOL teacher, Kerry has found the ukulele to be the ideal instrument to facilitate all kinds of group singing and celebration.

Starts 30 April, 1 - 2.30 pm, 6 Mondays, $36
For students with some familiarity with the ukulele, (or having completed the Beginners Course). Moving on with more songs and covering various styles of music such as Folk, Latin, Dixie Blues, Swing, Jazz standards.

Starts 23 May, 6 - 8 pm, 4 Wednesdays, $33
Over 4 weeks you will have the chance to assess and make plans for the next stage in your life, whether you are planning to retire or have already done so, or if you are wanting to make some changes in your life. Where will you live? How will you fill in your time? What will you do that excites you? You will be able to plan for your home needs, your health needs, your work (both paid and unpaid) options, your networks and relationships, and achieving balance. Ron is a professional coach and a member of the international Coach Federation and writes a column on retirement for www.grownups.co.nz

Saturday 12 May, 9 am - 4 pm, $24
This workshop is based on the international bestselling book Feel the fear and do it anyway® by Susan Jeffers Ph.D. and it will be helpful if you read the book before attending the workshop. Joy will help you build the tools you need to improve your self-belief, sense of achievement, and confidence. Learn how to improve all your relationships. Give yourself skills to stay calm everyday and cope with anxiety guilt and fear. Learn how to make positive changes in your life, and find direction purpose and enthusiasm. Joy McKenzie is a registered professional clinical therapist with 20 years experience working in the community with people of all ages and cultures.

Starts 2 May, 10.30 am - 12 noon, 4 Wednesdays, $23
What is it to be human? Capable of art of breathtaking beauty, of medieval torture chambers, of acts of deep kindness towards strangers, and of mass genocide. Is there such a thing as good or evil human nature? Are we creatures of primarily reason or passion? Or are we just a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, tucked inside an enigma? This course explores the ideas of four major early philosophers: Plato, Aristotle, Hobbes and Hume. Michael Couch is completing his PhD in the Philosophy of Education and has a background in History and Classical Studies. He has been tutoring since 2004.

Tuesdays, 10 am - 12 noon, gold coin donation per session. This fun and challenging game continues every Tuesday. If you have your own set please bring it along, otherwise just come along and join a bunch of friendly people having fun. Beginners welcome.

Wednesdays, 12.30 - 4pm, gold coin donation per session
Learners welcome, also anyone with a basic knowledge of the game is most welcome. For details phone Heinz, 981 4945.

Starts 3 May, 10.30 - 11.30 am, 8 Thursdays, $28

3 May Germany: A Real Life Experience - Lena Heigl and Johannes Liebisch
10 May New Zealand's Sub-Antarctic Islands - David Chilvers
17 May Southern India and Mumbai - Richard Chandler
24 May Dublin and Belfast - Philip Ferguson
31 May Mining in Western Australia - Andy Blaikie
7 Jun Norway - Sonja Scott
14 Jun Sweden and Beyond - Hugh Williams
21 Jun Working with Medicins sans Frontieres in North Africa - Richard Wesley

Meets at St Margarets, 94 Farrington Avenue. Fridays 10-11.30 am. $3 per session. A variety of tutors speak on a wide range of topics.
10th February - Michael Nottage - Scott Base
17th February - Bryan Price - NZ Police - Forensic in Police Finger Printing
24th February - Professor Ian Shaw - FRSC, FIFST, FRCPath - Is it safe to eat?
2nd March - Peter Cox - Journey to Lybia ? Sidi Rezegh - The Forgotton Battle of the Desert War?
9th March - Dr Simon Pollard - An Inordinate Fondness for Spiders
16th March - Catherine Bach - Kiwis in Oman
23rd March - Mark Thomas - Fire Safety Officer - Fire Safety in the Home
30th March - Kim Munro - Life in Saudi Arabia
(AGM)
Contacts: Lesley Boomer - 359-8040 Jan Tedesco - 351-9796

An established group to encourage outdoor activity and the enjoyment of natural history and the beauty of the countryside. Monthly trips on 3rd Saturday. Phone Marion, 384 1775.

Meets on Friday afternoons, 1 - 3.30 pm at 59 Gloucester St.
To join and to arrange a partner phone Kit, 354 6065.

Meets Saturday mornings at previously arranged painting
places. Programme displayed at WEA Centre or by mail.
Phone Yvon, 360 3845.