The organisation for ex-students at Coleg Harlech is known as the Coleg Harlech Association of Old Students (CHAOS).
Never has chaos been so well planned.
A week ago my wife and I spent a fine week-end at the CHAOS annual re-union at the College. I was there to talk about the Iraqi Trade Union Movement.
It is 40 years since my only previous visit to Coleg Harlech. Along with other lecturers from the Sheffield University Extramural Department, I was present for a fortnight's Summer Schools in 1967.
Ann and I have the good fortune to live near Geoff Bratley-Kendall who is the Secretary of CHAOS. He not only gave us a lift to and from the College, but he also toured us around telling sites at Portmeiron, Criccieth and Portmadog. He then took us to (and from) the CHAOS-organised walk around Harlech.
We were blessed with a week-end of fine weather and had a breathtaking view from our room at the top of an eleven storey residential block. We looked out upon Snowden, Harlech Castle, a fine Golf Course, the Bay, a single line railway and the College itself.
Spreading Chaos
An important feature of the week-end was that the ex-students of Coleg Harlech, the Northern College and Ruskin College built an important link for the future. Ten ex-students from the Northern College were in attendance, whilst the Secretary of Ruskin College's equivalent body arrived to attend CHAOS's own AGM.
The new interconnection is one I indentify with closely. As an ex-Ruskin Student, I am a member of its ex-student body - the Ruskin Fellowship. Whilst I organised an annual short-course at the Northern College for nine years following its opening in 1978.
On top of this, I had a small hand in facilitating the new links by passing on a couple of key e-mail addresses to the right person at the right time - Geoff.
Geoff Bratley-Kendall
Geoff was an electrician at Markham pit when I first met him. This was only a month after I had first visited Coleg Harlech. He was a student on an Industrial Day Release Class run for Derbyshire Miners and I was the politics tutor. Afterwards, he moved from day-release studies to two year's full-time studies at the Coleg Harlech Adult Education College.
He then moved on to my old University at Hull, College Lecturing and firm voluntary commitments with his Trade Union NATFHE (National Association of Teachers in Further and Higher Education). On retirement, he has had the good sense to return to his original electrician's work, but now in a self-employed capacity.
In the days when Geoff and I attended Adult Education Colleges, these were part of an important (if limited) provision of full-time study for mainly working-class adults who had few or no formal qualifications. Geoff and I benefitted from this. Today this avenue is largely replaced by wider forms of opening for educational advancement. But for late developers like Geoff and myself, this tends to require a slog to obtain acreditations - a stage at a time. I am convinced that it is an access route to higher education which we both would never have had the determination, self-belief and planning to follow. For it is an avenue in which ambition tends to replace an interest in study for its own sake. Yet the chance to pursue new interests and develop fresh horizans, seems to some of us to have had invaluable spin-offs both for the individuals who participated in such studies and the wider society.
Hopefully, the new links forged through CHAOS will help keep a belief in the earlier formats of Adult Education at College's such as Coleg Harlech, Ruskin, and the Northern College alive. A good sign at Harlech is that the College is now known as "Coleg Harlech WEA". The Worker's Education Association were, of course, amongst the original propounders of the educational values I have stressed. And they were the organisers' of that first Summer School I attended at Coleg Harlech 40 years ago.
83 comments:
I am trying to establish contact with an ex Coleg Harlech student Dai Jones who studied there around 1965/6. Dai was married to Hazel and they lived directly up the hill off the town centre and overlooking the castle. He was Welsh and an ex-miner. He was a writer and had a play broadcast by BBC Radio 3.
Dai came to Harlech in 1961 and Hazel in 1962 - if my memory still serves me!!
It is Dai and Hazel Richards you are enquiring about. I did stay in Dai's house many years ago with another former CH student. I think it was Queen St but can't be sure. Dai became a Cardiff City Councillor and hazel did a degree in Cardiff and I think became a teacher. I am Allan Parfitt, I was a a student at CH in 1962-4 and met Glenys Thomas whom I married 1965.
There is a reunion of former 1962/4 students in Cheltenham this March organised by Keith Heale.
Is that the Allan Parfitt who was not only a Coleg Harlech former student but tutor too.
I was a student at CH in 1976-78 and Allan was my IR tutor and lived in Harlech [was it Ty Canol?].
I went on to Stirling University and now live back in Manchester.
I too was a student of Alan P's in 1968 -1971.
I am looking for news of Winston Thomas A Harlech contemporary and good friend (of Trinidad & Notting hill before it became gentryfied.
Ray H,
I bumped into Winston in Birmingham in the 70's. He was working with educationally disadvantaged kids. He'd just been bitten by one, but I don't think he would let a little thing like that take him out of his chosen stride - unless the kid had rabies, that is!?
Wow! Coleg Harlech to be closed, because nearly a million in the red! Amazing, given that professional fund-raiser raiser John said at the time we were there that there was sufficient funding to keep the college going for a hundred years or more!?
A million in the red ! Does that mean that GB UK has to close! Huh!
A million in the red! Does that mean that GB UK will also have to close! Huh!
A million in the red ! Does that mean that GB UK has to close! Huh!
Bullock,
questioning exclaimingly?! or exclaiming questioningly!?
Please forgive my poor grasp of hyper-subtlety!?
Ian H
i am trying to locate dorothy chambers who was a student in coleg harlech in early 1960s. anyone help
graham allport
re dorothy chambers email me at allport13@googlemail.com
graham allport
no sorry allportg13@googlemail.com
graham allport
i am trying to locate dorothy chambers who was a student in coleg harlech in early 1960s. anyone help
graham allport
Is CHAOS still going ??? I was at CH 1971/73.Graham Briggs.
I am not sure, although I think that it packed in. I will seek to contact the person who chaired it for many years and then let you know the answer via this comment box. He attended from around 1968/70.
Cheers. I seem to recall that Dave Harbord was the editor of the newsletter for a long time.
Last Action I'm aware of Jack Worral and me carried CHAOS baner through London to Hyde Park (from Val Romayne's home) in 1980 March Against Racism - you must have known Bratley - Kendal in 1971, he became Secretary. Ian H.
CHAOS banner ' displayed at 1981 re-union at CH
Bet Jack has still got the huge, red n black banner - confused duty -MI6 photographer who did ask if we were a fascist group - why should they be allowed to nick the best colours, made him smile
It is Geoff Bratley Kendle whom I will seek to contact. I was mistaken it seems in calling him the Chairperson rather then the Secretary.
I thought it was Dai Griffiths who was the chair/sec, but that was some time ago.Is Dave Harbord still around and involved?
The following is taken from a reply I have received from Geoff Bratley-Kendle.
"Coleg Harlech Association of Old Students (CHAOS) is still going but the emphasis as with a lot of organisations formed when such places as Coleg Harlech were thriving is "old".
We organise an annual reunion and in the absense of the Coleg it has been held in the Noddfa Country House just opposite the Golf Club. Around 20-30 attend with partners and we organise all meals and entertainment etc. We have a guest speaker (this yer it will be Dai Micheal), an ex member of staff at the Coleg who will speak about George Davison who had the original Coleg building constructed as his home (Wern Fawr).
We visit sites of interest in the vicinity. Two years ago we were fortunate to visit Yr Ysgwrn - the home of Hedd Wyn - in the company of his nephew Gerald. This was just before the place was altered to become a more "commercial" tourist attraction but still well worth visiting. Last year following a talk on the early years of LLoyd George a contingent went to the museum near Criccieth. This year I have suggested the Electric Mountain then the Hotel where the 1953 Everest Expedition stayed.
The week will end with dinner out, For the last 2 years at the Harlech Bistro.
This year we arrive on Monday Sept 23 and depart on Friday Sept 27. By now all places will have been filled.
I am the Secretary and Dai Griffiths from Swansea is the Chairperson. Rest assured - although the buildings of Coleg Harlech have been sold and are in other hands - CHAOS remains in existence and those of us who remain intend it to carry on."
Thanks very much for that information Harry. Can you do me a favour and pass on to Geoff B my new email address (mrgbriggsy@gmail.com) with a request to be put on the CHAOS mailing list. It would also be helpful if I had the contact details for Geoff and Dai. Cheers, Graham Briggs (class of 1971/73).
Graham. I have forwarded you comment to Geoff. Hopefully he will contact you. I think he attended 1968/70.
Was shocked to see that Coleg Harlech was closed and in such a state.It's almost 50 years since I went there as a student(70-72) Two years unlike anything in my previous experience. Now it's gone. Been living in New York for donkey's years and lost touch but remember the people mentioned in your blog. Cheers, Sam Davis.
Hi Sam, we must have been at CH at the same time. I was there in 1971/73. I lived in the ball I for the first year, got married in the summer of 72,and lived in the village with my wife Barbara for the second year.
I recall Alan Jenkins who I shared a room with in my first year. Also recall Tony Butler and Vaughan Colley.
Cheers, Graham Briggs.
From Green Huts to Grand Hotel to beached Great Hulk in 50-ywars. In 68 John Sutherland, professional fund-raiser, alroundgoodguy and unstated honourary student said funds raised ensuredcolleg was good for 100-years
In 69 Sir Edmund Boyle could be put-up in style and came to tell us as head-honcho at Penguin Books that the gapp between paperbacks and hardbacks would remain the same a. This of corse was the yearthe OUopened its doors to begin the threat to continued existence of CH, along with further education clleges emulating the CH diploma with access courses . Ian H.
CHers who went into further education must have been convi ced they were continuing in the spirit which caused CH when setting-up Acces courses (mea culpa) It has to be THE supreme irony that every good idea carries the germ of its own destruction. Ian H.
Sam Davis, you the Leicester guy gun-mugged in New York restaurant when fetching a bottle from its wine store? Ian H
https//:hitime.co.uk help site go viral Ian H.
Have just read about the closure of the College and am distraught. I was there in the early 70s and that place set me on the road from being chucked out of school to being a retired lecturer to a PhD to his name. I'm so very sad to see it gone.
Can anyone put me in touch with CHAOS? Bob Love
Bob : I have forwarded your comment to Geoff Bratley-Kendle who was the Secretary of CHAOS. If you can send me your email details via this thread I will pass it on to him and then delete it from my comment box. This item is 10 years old, so it is seldom viewed by others nowadays.
Hi Bob, I'm Graham Briggs and I was at Coleg Harlech from 1971 - 1973. In my first year I lived in the block, but got wed in the summer and my wife Barbara and I lived in the village for my second year. I was mates with Dave Harboard and Vaughan Colley.
Hi Graham. Thanks for such a swift response! You must have been a year or two before my time. Memory has become vague but I must have been there from about 1974.
Hi Bob, I was part of a group under Dave Wiltshire and Allan Parfit.
Hi. I had Allan for IR and Jim Yuill for Economics. They both taught me so much. Jim, I know went to France to live. Any idea about Allan or Dave now?
Hi, not sure about Allan P, but I think Dave A still lives in Harlech.
To Bob Love. I removed your e-mail address as I promised. I understand that Geoff Batley-Kendle has used it to contact you. As others have also commented on matters, I will leave it up to you if you would like to publish your e-mail details once more. This thread has been very popular over time, with 40 comments to date. My equivalent life changing experience to yours was studying at Ruskin College from 1960 to 1962. I still have a local friend who also studied at Ruskin from 1959 to 1961. Then we both studied at Hull University from 1960 to 1963. Next we were colleagues at Sheffield University Extramural Department for over 20 years, mainly on day-release courses for Trade Unionists. Geoff Bratley-Kendle was in first the Derbyshire Miners' Day Class I ever taught in 1966-67. If we can now get Labour elected, it will give me avenue to press for building on our pasts.
I was at CH 197-75. Does anyone know anything of Ernie Alders, I was his best mand at CH in 1975? I would like to receive news of CHAOS if possible, my email is George-owen@outlook.com. Allan Parfitt now lives in Rhyl. Thanks George
Hello George, I have forwarded your comment by e-mail to Geoff Bratley-Kendle who is refered to by me in the comment above yours. He should either e-mail you a response or send me a response by which I can do this.
Hello George. Geoff Bratley-Kendle will e-mail you directly about CHAOS. This blog item of mine on life-long learning may also be of interest - http://threescoreyearsandten.blogspot.com/2020/03/adult-education-and-life-long-learning.html
David Lloyd here Coleg Harlech 72- 74 looking for students from same period. lloyddavidjohn@gmail.com
interested in reunions
Graham Briggs here. I was at CH 1971-73 and lived in the block for the first year, got married in the summer break to Barbara, and lived in the village for my second year.
I was mainly under Alan Parffit, and Dave Wiltshire. Good mates with Dave Harbourd.
Get in touch if you want to.
I've just come across this interesting blog space and many follow on comments. I was at CH 78 / 80 and feel like you that its present status as a wreck in the hands of who knows who, is a sad and awful loss. There is a petition to the Welsh Government in circulation currently asking WG to hold a debate on the future purpose of the site. This at least raises profile, and some hope. We need 5000 signatures by next February. Currently there are 1300. So please sign and share with 5 other people if you can. You can find the petition on either of the two active Coleg Harlech Face book sites. Coleg Harlech WEA or Coleg Harlech the Diploma years.
On the above comment. Labour's front bench spokesperson on Adult Education in the Commons is Toby Perkins the MP for Chesterfield. You can also push him on the issue.
Hi, was so impressed with the comments re Coleg Harlech. I attended 1988-1990 then went to Keele University gaining a joint honours degree in History & Psychology, followed by a 20 year career in the Criminal Justice System. Now retired! Dave Wiltshire & Neil Evans were my history tutors. Mike ? (name escapes me at present!) psychology tutor. 2 of the best years of my life. Visited Harlech early 2020. Devastated to see the coleg so neglected. Be good to hear from anyone who attended at the same time as myself.
Joy Morgan Re the above
Hi Joy Morgan. My equivalent was studying at Ruskin College from 1960 to 1962 then I obtained a Politics and Philosophy Degree at Hull University (1962-65). From 1966 to 1979 I taught at the Sheffield Unversity Extramural Departments on Day Release Courses. Numbers of my students moved on to full time studies at Ruskin, Coleg Harlech and the Northern College. Around 1968 I taught on a Summer School at Coleg Harlech, then after a spell as an MP from 1987 to 2005 I addressed the Coleg Harlech Association of Old Students (CHAOS).
I 'ran through brick walls for fun' prior to Coleg Harlech 1968/1970 : 'Green huts to Grand Hotel'.
I beg the chosen, Coleg Harlech Old Students Existing Now, to tell everyone known to them to tell everyone known to them of healworldmineuniversegobyc.com.
I burnt all bridges and boats to a comfy career in Education on the last day of 1979 to pursue what has turned out to be an overly long project which the website makes clear needs all assistance to go viral.
Universe & Nature of Matter Written Anew put together to gain credence for claim of realised propulsion unit for 6-dof spacecraft, and basis for new international industry to fund build of ten
Ian T Hinchey 3/2/21
I was a student 81-83 studying IR and Psychology. My career had been interrupted at my marriage and I needed an extra qualification to get into University for my work. It was rather a fraught time, I thought but I was in a terrific group and it provided opportunities for so many to develop and prosper. I was a member of ASTMS as was my husband who I met there. He was a year ahead and also a member of ASTMS and hoped to become on the executive. I grew fed up with qualifying for jobs I had done for years owing to change in certification and decided to give it up and study my lifelong interest in art and literature. He had spent 25 years as an actor and singer in Canada and New York so joined me and we each did a BA at Reading Uni doing a joint honours in Modern European Literature and Fine Art. After my in-laws died we packed up and bought a quinta in Portugal, taught English and Psychology, Art music to make ends meet whilst we learned viniculture from our neighbours. Our proudest moments were when we produced our first 2000 L of red wine and 200 L of organic olive oil.
Coleg Harlech was life-changing for both of us.
I was at CH 1971/73. After CH got a job with British Rail, then onto a factory job, became a trade union convener of shop stewards, became a union officer, and retired from that after 20 years. Happily retired now.
GB.
Thanks for two "unknown" comments.
COLEG HARLECH REBUILT
E = MC^2) = (E = 5MC^2) !?
4 kilograms of matter must be added to every 1 kilogram of matter in the universe for Einstein's General Theory of Relativity to work outside the Solar System.
Einstein did not know that there were structures outside our Solar System when he posed his GR to The Prussian Academy of Science in 1915.
And the result is an "Emperor's New Clothes " '96% believed missing, believed invisible, believed undetectable' universe.
healworldmineuniversegobyc.com
a revelation to many, inasmuch as it offers a sane alternative to the confidence trick Einstein perpetrated in 1905 with his "happiest thought", that "acceleration and gravity were one and the same" and that e=mc^2 was a valid equation.
paypalme/hitimecoukgmailcom
is where you pay £10 for the read, or not, as you wish, which takes Newton, Einstein, Hubble and The Experts apart, and as an excercise in credibility for my claim to have devised a 6-dof spacecraft propulsion unit, ten of which craft will be funded by an innovative product, which will repair to eventually save our planet.
Your helping to send this content viral will ensure the eventual re-establishment of Coleg Harlech.
Ian T Hinchey 1968/70
Beyond me.
Me too !!
......and the connection to Coleg Harlech is...?
Mr Barnes I did not know that content was subject to your judgement, and one apparently based on lack of understanding: in this case, the precis of my websites content submitted 29 March
I attempted to take you beyond your 'beyond me'comment regarding my March 29, 5.24am submission with a brief (unpretentious?) manifesto, for want of a better term, informing my website's content.
I noticed too late that predictive text had altered 'helluvabeating' to 'hello again beating'
I am sure Geoff might be willing to enlighten you overall.
Please give my regards to Mr Bratley-Kendall when you next communicate.
Ian T Hinchey CH 1968/70
Apologies
Computer problems
Limits comments
Censored content may be read by CHOSEN at uTube Ian T Hinchey
PS 'running through brick-walls for fun' Caerdiff aphorism for 'enjoying playing first-class Welsh Rugby ITH
Placing Einstein into dustbin of history, to show a competence that will save planet by 10 fully manoeuvrable spacecraft placing sunshields to cool oceans, will prevent the increasingly more powerful unnatural weather events within 3/4 years.
Mr Barnes
'After e=mc2 axed?' - 12 dimensional universe understood by all in 1 minute' '(Utube entry - 4minutes)
1 small step for man, 4 giant leaps for matter.
1 step taken on planet Earth steps over 1 yard/metre in one second.
In that 1 second the yard of good earth simultaneously travels 1) a quarter-mile westward; 2) 18 miles toward/away from the Sun; 3) 133 miles around Sagittarius A Star, SuperMassive Black Hole at centre of our Milky Way Galaxy; 4) 144 miles toward The Great Attractor having the Shapley galaxy supercluster beyond.
4 different directions at 4 increasing speeds/distances.
All at exactly the same second of time.
It is impossible to draw, cartoon, or c.i.g something doing 4 things at once.
4 continua , revealing 4 different dimensions.
Each with their own parameters of activities., the familiar dimensions of length, breadth and height.
4 x 3 dimensions.
One simple observation allowing everyone to understand in 1 minute a 12 dimensionsal universe -no mean feat, I hope you will agree?
Only 1 more than Professor Michio Kaku's String Theory's optimal 11 dimensions - I hope the ease of understanding 12 dimensions will help String Theory along?
Einstein's singular spacetime continuum is already placed in the dustbin of history
'Ax(e)ing e=mc2' (Utube- 18minutes) precedes ''After e=mc axed?'
I attempt to attract the World to healworldmineuniversegobyC.com, the World's biggest and most necessary begging letter.
I need the assistance of World media to bring the means available to quickly save our planet to the attention of 8 billion people and to gain the percentage of sensibly aware needed to achieve success.
Please tell your readers, everyone you know and ask them kindly to tell everyone they know to tell..... x8 connects the '8 degrees of separation'.
Sincerely
Ian T Hinchey = Utube channel
healworldmineuniversegobyC.com
Hello Ian ; hopefully those who are onto your wavelength will contact you directly concerning your analysis.
Ian Hinchey 1968/70
@1Raceyofix1home 50 odd brief tweets
@1Racetofix1home
Hello Ian. Unfortuneately there are serious limits to my technical skills and I am unable to access the links you provide. Although I will keep trying. I have had an extra set of problems with my blog after moving to the use of a new computer. But some problems are slowly being overcome. It has not helped that covid placed us in virtual isolation. My son and grandchildren from London should eventully sort matters out for me.
Ian. I have read your recently edited item https://www.healworldmineuniversegobyc.com/ which anyone seeing our exchanges can fruitfully turn to.
Just heard that Graham Allen has died also that John Atkin - student 1972/74 has also died - sad news
Graham Allen and John Atkin posting was by me David Lloyd 72-74 student
Graham - 'Whaddya mean? I'm tall for a Welshman!' - Allen.
(The only known time Graham ever plagiarised Dylan Thomas, But only for self-deprecating comic effect)
I did find myself now and again, oddly, wondering whether or not his welcome ice-breaker for those apprehensive of the great educational adventure yet to be lived through (the de-anglicising of forcing unwelcome carnal knowlege by being given the greater force the Welsh 'double-ff added) had become an established routine over the years?
He loved brand new power of Word : the right amount of words; all in the right place; no rubble.
Poetry! Of course!
A power Graham sought himself. Alone, of course. The loneliness of the 'brand new Word' seeker.
Still owes a gang of us a pint or three for moving him and Joan into the bungalow, just before Christmas '68 . The removal van could not get near so it was a long carry to the steps, and the rugby team was put to the heavy stuff.
But that's The Welsh for you.
Even so.
It was good to know you Graham Allen, Word Seeker
Ian Hinchey 1968/70
Any news or info on Graham?
Funeral for Graham Allen took place today at St James' funeral parlour Swansea
Through Coleg Harlech, the academic year 1994-95, my life was changed.
I met Kerryann, and we both passed through that brilliant place and ended up studying the same subject at University of Swansea. We made it through those three years, gaining our degrees and even trying to learn to rollerblade on the seafront at Swansea Bay.
We married, had 3 children and we still live in Wales, in the Vale of Glamorgan. There's so much happened in the years since those days in Harlech. I met Allan Parfitt, which was an accidental happening at The Museum of Welsh Life, St. Fagans, Cardiff. It was a pleasure to see him - he helped me to broaden my horizons, was funny, talented, a natural teacher and a gently spoken man.
The college library was an amazing place to study, and the students with whom I made connections were great. At that time in my life I was lost and I remember Joe England's welcome remarks in the theatre. 'If you let it, Coleg Harlech will change your life.' He was spot-on. It did.
My education was ruined by the break-up of my parents marriage in the few years prior to 1980 and my dad left in February of that year. Hearing the words of Joe England gave me hope that I had not had before.
It is a real shame about the financial crisis that enveloped the college and even worse is the closure and vandalism that has taken place since.
Thinking back - seeing the place for what it was and what it will always remain in my life history is nostalgic, but more than that, I can see where my life began anew.
David Butcher (class of 1994-1995)
ELEGY For The Ten Circles of Hotel
Requiescat in pace Emptied Bricks.
Emptied bared-soul'schangeling's anomic
Bless'd sojurn fiercely feared, justly revered.
Stumblebumbling psyche-crumbling dread clears.
When ev'ry rugmap's been pulled from und'r us
Self-reassembling's truly full wond'ous
IH (68/70)
FUTILE EXCERCISE
Knew it was futile tasking 200
News orgs worldwide to publicly thunder
'Science's been wrong for 100 years"
By wracking some fundamental old saws
As proof means exist to heal/save World.
10000 sad tweets all I can hurl
(£10=10craft in 4 years)
https://paypal.me/hitimecoukgmailcom https://healworldmineuniversegobyC.com
Coleg harlech student 87/89. Like to contact a George jones from Levenshulme Manchester.
Honed innovations
Tools invading Mankind's evolution
If you have ever wanted to go play
On new worlds in galaxies far away
1 way's at hitime dot co dot uk
Seconds convince of intended byways
To Evolution's braved new world highway
Grasp 10 builds in 4 years, reach to go play
Ian H. (1968 _ 1970)
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