Description
Brand new, published by University of Hertfordshire Press to celebrate the centenary of The Settlement.
Softcover. 96pp. 23.5 x 15.9cm.
Synopsis:
Letchworth Settlement, an independent adult education centre, is one of the treasures of the world’s first garden city. Starting life as Letchworth Adult Education Settlement, it soon became part of the wider Educational Settlement Association, following the example of Toynbee Hall in London, and is now one of few such institutions still up and running.
In its early days, the Settlement embodied the ideals of the young garden city with its ethos of self-help.
There was a strong belief that everyone was entitled to an education and to fulfil their potential; the unemployed in the town were regularly helped with free classes and meals.
In 1925 the Settlement moved to the former premises of the Skittles Inn in Nevells Road, which it still calls home today. Despite a lack of funds, the number of classes grew steadily and associated societies were formed, including the Settlement Players and the camera club (both still in existence) as well as a choir and orchestra, and rambling and camping clubs.
The building was listed grade II in 1979; in 1995 the then Letchworth Corporation bought the building and leased it back to the Settlement, ensuring a secure future for an institution seen as an integral part of life in Letchworth.
In this lively history, former Hertfordshire County Archivist Kate Thompson looks at the wider context in which the organisation flourished, as well as notable members of staff and key events in its century of sharing knowledge.
Price includes free postage.
All proceeds from the sale of this book (and all of our gifts & souvenirs) go to help fund Letchworth’s heritage & museum service – which comprises of the Garden City Collection (an ACE-accredited museum & archive); the Museum at One Garden City (a special micro-museum exploring the social history of the town); and The International garden Cities Exhibition (a museum & visitor centre which explores the history of Letchworth and the Garden City Movement worldwide in an original 1907 Arts & Crafts building, designed by Letchworth master-planners & architects, Raymond Unwin and Barry Parker).
By purchasing this product you are directly supporting heritage & museum provision in the town.
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