More Info →John Thornley, Manawatu Workers Education Association - Manawatu Conversations

Broadcast on Manawatu People's Radio, 5th May 2020.  Workers Education Association in NZ from 1915, but died away. UK origins. Revived in Palmerston North by Merv Hancock. John active mid-1980s to mid-1990s. Funding. Objectives, topics and approach. Attendance. Membership. Quarterly brochures. Trade Union Education Authority. Bicultural coverage, Mason Durie. Margaret Tate and a film on local history. Other local history films. Others who contributed to WEA. Break up of adult education into different fields (WEA had covered everything). Book Clubs. Supported by wife, a maths lecturer, while a house-husband and then worked part-time.  African student surprised to find a female academic. John in the Community Services Council. Interest in music. Problems getting people to volunteer. Anthony Lewis in the City Library.