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Thomas Calton - your local adult learning centre


JeanieB

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Fans of adult education will rejoice to hear that Southwark?s Adult Learning service has got rid of the exorbitant ?repeat fee? and fully reinstated concessionary rates for people on benefits. This wonderful news comes as a result of a hard-fought 3-year campaign by students. Although tutors? jobs were at stake because so many courses were cancelled as a result of the fee hikes (hardly anyone could afford to pay!) very few were trade union members and they felt vulnerable. So students took the lead, launched a petition, made a banner, joined anti-cuts protests, met with councillors and appeared at council meetings with our own reports. We got support from local trade unions and held a one-day occupation where we taught each other knitting and sewing, did arts activities and shared our cakes and paintings with the 70 people who visited us, who included local workers and students from Camberwell art college. At last the council listened and we are very glad they did. It just shows that fighting can win.

We hope that learners will return to the service and help preserve this precious jewel in our community. Many wonderful courses are on offer including pottery, woodcarving, drawing, painting and textiles, as well as basic skills and health. Thomas Calton Centre entrance is in Choumert Road SE15, near Rye Lane. See you there!

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