Registered Charity No. 1044936
Annual Report 2005
Making things happen
As the University of Withywood approaches its 19th year, it would be useful to reflect how far we have come and where we are going. The updating and transformation of our website this year by David Fitzjohn means that all our activities can be quickly located by those who are interested, so we are liberated in this report from simply reciting the lists of courses, exhibitions, musical events, sponsorships etc., and can look, for the moment at the bigger picture.
The University of Withywood is all about quality of life and what individuals can do about it. When confronted with the immensity of human problems – whether it is the poor record of state education in Bristol (and especially south Bristol), or tsunamis and earthquakes in Asia, Aids in Africa or international terrorism, most people can be forgiven for thinking, “What possible difference can I make?”
With regard to what we are doing in Withywood, people often ask me, “Why don’t you think big; acquire spacious premises, enrol staff and run loads of courses?” My answer is always the same. Pure academic attainment can be acquired in dozens of places nowadays. Quality of life is also to do with fun, intimacy, doing things constructively together, caring for each other and these things easily get overlooked in the big conventional centres of learning.
All you need is a room. Everyone has something to give and this can be shared with friends and neighbours. And how much more cosy round an open fire, even though the chairs are collapsing and the mugs are chipped and stained.
To those who say, “You can’t reach many people that way,” I say go and do likewise. Gather a few friends in your home, backyard or garden. Take it in turns to share what you have, what you know and what you do, and keep it small so that no one feels inhibited and everyone feels they can contribute. Don’t get too serious, have a few laughs and you’ll go home afterwards thinking, “That was more fun, more enjoyable, more enriching than sitting alone in front of the TV.”
This has already begun to happen. Marie Jo Coutanche has, for some years, welcomed French conversation groups into her home. Jane Fidgen has begun a band for instrumentalists in her lounge and next year, Mike Knight, is beginning a music appreciation group at his home. And for the last fifteen years I have transported the University of Withywood every week to Filton in north Bristol – I’ve almost decided to live on the No. 75 bus!
Anton Bantock
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