A critical feature of the work of Michael Barratt Brown in establishing Northern College lay in building links with local women’s groups. From the start they wanted to know, “What could we learn?” We asked, “What do you want or need to learn?”
They had discussions in local schools or community centres, and at home with their coal-mining husbands. There were key issues given the residential nature of the college. How can we have a weekend at the college with our children? Husbands asked who would cook their meals over the weekend. These issues were worked through, slowly, and agreements made with the college and within families through the first years of operation.
Michael provided the critical development space and time for these issues to be addressed. It was months before any “courses” were developed. Facilities were established for children with their mothers in residence; a nursery was opened; Michael raised the necesary funds. Links with local schools were agreed for older children in residence and with their home schools so that normal studies would continue.
These developments in adult residential short courses led eventually to a fully fledged Children’s Centre at the college – and a revolution in terms of family engagement in learning away from home. Michael’s vision for a comprehensive provision of adult learning made it all possible.
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