A passion for discovery

Rachel Burden from Enfield and Southgate Lifelong Learning on how the group is expanding people’s horizons

A book and a mug — Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Lifelong learning is a powerful way to stay curious, keep the mind active, and connect with a like-minded community.

For adult learners, the opportunity to dive into new subjects is about far more than formal education – it is a source of personal inspiration, shared experiences and lasting friendships.

It is this exact passion for discovery that inspired a dedicated group of local volunteers to come together and launch Enfield and Southgate Lifelong Learning (ESLL), ensuring a bright, independent future for adult education right on our doorstep.

Our aim is to provide in-person courses that are fun and encourage participation but still challenge and enable us to expand our knowledge.

We started in January, initially offering three courses. In the summer we added a fourth course and are now adding further subjects this autumn. Located in central Enfield, the courses are two hours per session and five or six weeks long, taught by highly-qualified and experienced tutors. ESLL is an organisation run by volunteers with the intention of running high-quality courses open to all.

As a democratic not-for-profit group, we are able to keep our costs manageable at £9 per hour, which covers room hire and the cost of employing our tutors. A membership fee of £8 per academic year is charged which covers insurance, website, internet fees, and any other administrative expenses.

We are going from strength to strength, and are running a range of diverse courses this autumn – history, philosophy, local/social history and art history.

Some of the topics we will be covering include a discussion about whether morals can be objective; the influence of the Bloomsbury Group; important industries in the development of Enfield; and how crisis and revolution led to the collapse of the Ottoman Empire.

Whether you want to delve into history, explore the arts, enjoy a lively debate or simply meet like minded people, ESLL offers a friendly local space to expand your horizons.

On Saturday, 5th September, from 1pm to 4pm at Enfield Baptist Church in Cecil Road, ESLL is hosting an afternoon talk by Dr Mark Banting about British artist Samuel Palmer and his group The Ancients. To book a place for £30 and for more information about ESLL courses:
Visit eslifelonglearning.uk

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