The WEA at the Centre of Britain Hotel, Haltwhistle, Northumberland, England

The Workers' Educational Association, Newcastle upon Tyne Branch has had a long and warm association with the wonderful Centre of Britain Hotel in the small market town of Haltwhistle, located in the beautiful South Tyne Valley (one of Britain's most scenic and unspoilt areas). Each year for the past six years the Branch has run a regular arts residential weekend at the Hotel, allowing adult students to gather for an intensive (but highly pleasurable!) look at music, art and English literature based upon a varying yearly theme. Tutors Ann Alexander, Simon Terry and Bob Groves (who organises the event, alongside Branch Secretary Marian Free) have the tuitional tasks... and enjoy every minute of it! This is the one time each year when adult learners can immerse themselves in a subject continuously for two whole days in the friendly company of like-minded individuals, and in the most excellent scenery. In addition, the Hotel provides the best of food and drink to accompany the deliberations... thanks to the hard work of David and Grethe, Hotel proprietors.

The photographs below will hopefully give some idea of the Hotel and the WEA annual events.

WEA Residentials at the Centre of Britain Hotel
The Hotel, Haltwhistle

The Centre of Britain Hotel

 In the Conference Room, May 2000

In the Conference Room at the Hotel
An English Literature session with Ann Alexander, May 2000

Discussing literature with Ann

 Breakfast at the Hotel, May 2000

Breakfast!
Dinner in the Hotel Restaurant, May 1999

Dinner in the Hotel restaurant

 A philosophy class, Autumn 1999

Discussions on a Sunday morning

The WEA Newcastle Branch Arts Residential is held each spring (usually in May) at the Centre of Britain Hotel. If you're interested in taking part (and all adults with an interest in the history of music, art and/or literature are welcome!) then please click here to email Bob Groves for details about the next such event.

The Centre of Britain hotel is open most of the year for those wishing to stay at Haltwhistle and sample the inimitable delights of the Tyne Valley, Roman Wall, Northumberland, or the Borders. The Hotel itself dates back to 1417 (Haltwhistle's oldest building!), has two restaurants serving excellent food cooked on the premises from the very best local ingredients, very high quality individually-designed en suite accommodation (English Tourist Board '3 Crowns' Highly Commended), and a warm welcome from David Taylor and staff. Conference parties are welcome.

'As one who has stayed there many times and returns as often as I can, I can highly recommend a visit!' (BG)

Please contact David Taylor for further information by telephoning: +44 01434 322 422

Alternatively, send a fax message to the Centre of Britain Hotel by clicking HERE
(NB: This uses the Internet Email-to-Fax Gateway, which may or may not be accessible from your local region!)

This page designed by Bob Groves, 26/5/2000