Starts 15 October, 9.30 - 11.30 am, 8 Wednesdays, $66
In this course you will learn drawing fundamentals that will strengthen and complement your existing skill base. The aim is to grow both your knowledge and confidence and to assist in developing your individual style. Beginners are welcome, with the small class sizes allowing for some individual tuition. Nina is a working artist with substantial technical knowledge. She has taught drawing for over 12 years. Please bring A3 paper (at least 130gsm), 2B, 4B and 6B graphite pencils, a rubber, medium charcoal pencil, soft white charcoal pencil and a small bottle of Indian ink. Some additional media may be required as the class progresses and you become more adventurous!

Monday 24 November, 10 - 12 noon, $8
Dame Ngaio Marsh enjoyed international acclaim as a writer of detective fiction and wide recognition for her work in the New Zealand theatre. In this illustrated talk art historian Julie King explores a less known aspect of her life. Marsh possessed a strong visual sense that she owed to her early training as a painter, which contributed to the vivid descriptions of places and settings in her novels. We will explore Marsh's artistic beginnings, her landscape paintings, which are rarely seen, and consider ways in which her work as a painter may have contributed to her writing. It is intended that this talk will be followed by a visit to the Ngaio Marsh House in Christchurch.

Starts 17 October, 10 am - 12 noon, 8 Fridays, $91
Nina is an artist/portraitist and an experienced tutor - to view her work visit her website: http://www.ninacook.co.nz. Artists of all levels are very welcome. Please bring an A3 drawing pad, some sheets of watercolour paper, 4B and 6B graphic pencils, a medium charcoal pencil and white charcoal pencil, plus any preferred drawing/painting media. Model fee included.

Starts 3 November, 10.30 am - 12 noon, 3 Mondays, $19
Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo Buonarroti and Albrecht Durer are three High Renaissance Artists who met Castiglione's description of 'the Renaissance Man' published in 'The Courtier' in 1516: 'A man of Universal learning and all round intellectual and physical abilities who was skilled in the liberal arts and self-defence but would rather make a point with an epigram than a rapier... A man whole and complete.' We will look at the work of these Renaissance men who influenced art and society for the next five centuries. Diane Swain was formerly an HOD for Art & Art History at Marian College and an Education Officer for The Christchurch Art Gallery where she still guides and occasionally teaches.

Starts 1 November, 10 - 12.30 pm, 2 Saturdays, $20
This course introduces early Antarctic exploration and its link to New Zealand which played an important role at that time. Pressing scientific questions demanded collaboration between different countries. Of greater public interest, however, was the touch of adventure. World War 1 brought Antarctic science to a halt, with the exception of the epic Endurance expedition, led by Ernest Shackleton, in which a New Zealand captain played a crucial part. This course will shed light on all these aspects and much more. Dr Ursula Rack is an Adjunct Fellow at Gateway Antarctica, University of Canterbury, and has training and experience in environmental and social history.

Saturday 18 October, 1 - 4 pm, $12
Come along to hear fascinating insights into Christchurch's transport systems in years gone by. John Shanks, Tramway Historian and a founder of the Tramway Historical Society, will talk about the trams and the public transport system. Clare Simpson, cycling historian and enthusiast will describe how cycling took the city by storm in the 1880s. Geoff Rice, Adjunct Professor at the University of Canterbury will speak about 'Victoria Square as Christchurch's early transport hub'. His study of Victoria Square will be published later this year. This seminar is being offered as part of the Heritage Week programme of events.

Starts 6 November, 1 - 2.30 pm, 4 Thursdays, $24
Between 1861 and 1865, the United States experienced a devastating Civil War. What led up to the conflict? In this course, we will examine the economic, social, cultural and political roots of the growing regional divide, focussing on the years 1820 to 1860. We will also consider the ideology of slavery and the lives of slaves. Over the years, the interpretation of the antebellum period has been almost as hotly contested as the war itself and we shall consider some of the contrasting perspectives. Dr Marla Hughes studied history at the University of Maryland where she also lectured; she has been a tutor in history at the University of Canterbury for several years.

Saturday 1 November, 1 - 4.30 pm, $14
The twenty-first century began with, officially at least, a great deal of promise. Thirty years of armed conflict in the north came to an apparent end and the south of Ireland appeared to be entering a period of dynamic economic growth. By the end of the first decade of the century, however, things were less bright. The Celtic Tiger economy, in reality more a big bubble economy, burst, and dissatisfaction with the new political dispensation in the north burst through the surface. This one-afternoon course critically examines the northern 'settlement', the southern economy and likely outcomes over the next decade.

Saturday 8 November, 1 - 4 pm, gold coin donation
The extremely violent groups now active in Iraq are the ultimate beneficiaries of a chaotic environment. Iraq's descent into chaos means it has become an ideal place for the terrorist groups which now pose a global threat, and has a great deal to do with the occupation of Iraq in 2003 and the decisions made post-occupation. No End in Sight, an award winning documentary, provides one of the best coverages of the chain of events post March 2003 that caused the chaos. After the documentary there will be time for comments, questions and discussion led by Karim Pourhamzavi, a post-graduate student in political science and sociology at the University of Canterbury.

Saturday 22 November, 1 - 4 pm, $12
How do the atrocities currently occurring in Syria and Iraq differ from the 'terrorist' attacks of 9/11? Some media have shifted from framing the atrocities as terrorism, and now use such phrases as 'sectarian conflict' or a 'Shi'ah and Sunni' conflict. This course seeks to highlight the ideology behind the extremist groups and to explain how first, their doctrine differs from the other Islamic schools and second, to explain why the ongoing conflict in Syria and Iraq is not a sectarian war. Karim Pourhamzavi is a post-graduate student in political science and sociology at the University of Canterbury.

Starts 29 October, 1.30 - 2.30 pm, 5 Wednesdays, gold coin donation

• 29 Oct The role of the Third Sector in Housing - Garry Moore, former mayor of Christchurch, now working in the Third Sector

• 5 Nov To be confirmed

• 12 Nov Transitioning to the future - not recovering to the past: Public health services in our new city - Andrew Dickerson, Elected Board Member, Canterbury District Health Board

• 19 Nov The Transport Chapter of 'An Accessible City - proposed developments' - Chris Kissling, Emeritus Professor of Transport Studies, Lincoln University

• 26 Nov Come and join us for a Question and Answer session at the Future Christchurch showcase in the Re:Start Mall

Starts 20 October, 11 - 12 noon, 8 Mondays, $32
Have fun and improve your fitness while moving to music. The exercise bit is driven by the legs which will be moving in simple patterns. The dancing comes as you optionally add arms, shoulders, ribs and hips to help express the music. You will be led through short, simple sequences (2 - 8 counts) and will be taught assuming no prior knowledge. Suitable for all ages and abilities - each person can adjust for their own ability to coordinate and move. Judith has been teaching dance to adults for over 15 years and has a background in jazz, belly, and Egyptian folkloric dance.

Starts 16 October, 1.30 - 2.30 pm, 8 Thursdays, $32
Have fun and improve your fitness while moving to music. The 'exercise' bit is driven by the legs which will be moving in simple patterns. The 'dancing' comes as you optionally add arms, shoulders, ribs and hips to help express the music. You will be led through short, simple sequences (2 - 8 counts) and will be taught assuming no prior knowledge. Suitable for all ages and abilities - each person can adjust for their own ability to coordinate and move. Judith has been teaching dance to adults for over 15 years and has a background in jazz, belly, and Egyptian folkloric dance.

Starts 22 October, 11.45 am - 1.15 pm, 8 Wednesdays, $48
Israeli Folk Dancing is ideal for improving ones general well-being. It is good exercise for physical fitness and pleasurable, because of the lovely music and learning to move with it. As one concentrates and tries to remember the different movements, it shuts out the rest of the day, which is both relaxing and counters stress. There are different styles from different parts of the world, some vigorous and some gentle and graceful, but all dances are written for joyful occasions. Val has been dancing and teaching Israeli Folk Dancing for twenty two years and the pleasure hasn't faded. No partners required.

Friday 31 October, 7.30 - 9 pm, gold coin donation
Why are so many ordinary people throughout the Pacific Rim putting so much time and energy into educating the public and pressuring their governments to disengage from the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (also known as TPP/TPPA)? This seminar will help to explain how the TPPA would affect your everyday life; from your access to the internet, the cost of your health care and medicines; and the rate of your wages, to how it will straight-jacket governments' ability to make laws that protect the environment and mitigate climate change.

Starts 14 October, 10 - 11 am, 4 Tuesdays, $16
Are you challenged by painful joints or old injuries? Finding exercising is off-putting? Enjoy learning to tune into your body while helping to enhance your exercise experience. These friendly, light-hearted classes begin with professionally guided warm-ups and end with cool-down stretches. You will develop safe Nordic Walking skills with Frances Young who has 20 years experience within the specialist field of motivational therapy, counselling and pain management. Whilst Nordic walking you are likely to gently improve any cardio vascular walking exercise by as much as 11 percent. Quality Nordic Walking poles will be provided - just come along wearing trainers.

Starts 18 November, 10 - 11 am, 4 Tuesdays, $16
Are you challenged by painful joints or old injuries? Finding exercising is off-putting? Enjoy learning to tune into your body while helping to enhance your exercise experience. These friendly, light-hearted classes begin with professionally guided warm-ups and end with cool-down stretches. You will develop safe Nordic Walking skills with Frances Young who has 20 years experience within the specialist field of motivational therapy, counselling and pain management. Whilst Nordic walking you are likely to gently improve any cardio vascular walking exercise by as much as 11 percent. Quality Nordic Walking poles will be provided - just come along wearing trainers.

Starts 20 October, 7 - 9 pm, 5 Mondays, $41
Difficulties with sleep are increasingly common, and can have a big impact on how well we feel and function. Reasons can be diverse and complex, and there is no one size to fit all. In this course we will explore several aspects that can support or get in the way of healthy sleep. Participants will be invited to reflect on their own patterns, and supported in discovering practical and workable solutions. Veronika has worked as a counsellor and social worker in a range of health related settings. She developed an interest in healthy sleep through her work, and has facilitated workshops on this for several years.

Starts 14 October, 2 - 3 pm, 9 Tuesdays, $36
Tai Chi was developed from Qigong, which has always maintained the aim of health and well-being. Thousands of forms of Qigong have developed over the last 5000 years in China. Qigong uses easy-to-learn movements to guide the mind to draw in and replenish Qi. The movements increase flexibility, balance and co-ordination, the Qi heals and energises, and the whole activity brings deep relaxation and a calm and focussed mind. Gabrielle Euteneuer has been studying, living and teaching Taoism including Qigong, Tai Chi, and Taoist Yoga for more than 30 years. This is also a falls prevention programme. All welcome.

Starts 22 October, 6 - 7.30 pm, 6 Wednesdays, $40
This practical course will teach you about the basics of organic gardening including the following topics: soil life, compost, worms, Bokashi and liquid fertilisers; permaculture; pests and diseases; raised beds, square foot gardens; crop rotation, companion planting and intercropping; community gardening and community building. Come prepared to get your hands dirty! Lily White has been gardening organically for 40 years and has done formal training at Christchurch Polytechnic. For the past 18 years she has been running the 'Kids Edible Gardening' programme. Her specialty topic is garden design.

Starts 15 October, 10 am - 12 noon, 8 Wednesdays, $64
In this course students study the short story genre by reading to each other the stories they write and, through discussion, consider the many aspects and varieties of the form. The course is intended for people who have already found pleasure in writing and want to build on and extend existing skills. Helen Hogan is a writer and teacher.

Starts 30 October, 10.30 am - 12 noon, 5 Thursdays, $30
This course is a chance to examine Mark Twain's often-misunderstood novel Huckleberry Finn which Ernest Hemingway called the true beginning of American literature. Grant Pheloung has a PhD from Auburn University in Alabama where he taught in the 'Great Books' programme.

If you enjoy reading and want to join an existing book group or start up your own, the FWEA Book Discussion Scheme is the place to start! We lend out sets of more than 800 titles, from non-fiction to the latest page-turners. Groups read the same book and receive discussion notes to help get the conversation going. $60 for 10 books a year; student and half-programmes also available ($45/$30). Website www.bds.org.nz Email: bds@bds.org.nz or phone us on 365 6210.

D-I-Y Play Reading group meets Thursdays 10 am - 12 noon. Phone Wendy 352 7119 for more info.

An eight-week introductory course in Maori language and customs is being offered by Risingholme Community Centre in three different locations in Term 4 2014. This evening course (6.30 - 8.30 pm) has a strong focus on speaking and understanding spoken Te Reo Maori. It is aimed at providing beginners with knowledge of basic greetings to more complex sentences. The class will also provide an opportunity for the more advanced to support the beginners and practise and increase their skill in speaking, listening and understanding. Waiata (songs), tikanga (culture), karakia (prayers) and mihi (introductions) will be covered together with oral/aural and reading/writing skills. The evening courses start on Tuesday 14 October at Christchurch Girls' High, Wednesday 15 October at Riccarton High School or Thursday 16 October at Shirley Boys' High School. For further information contact Risingholme Community Centre, phone 332 7359; email: info@risingholme.org.nz or go online to: risingholme.org.nz

Starts 13 October, 1 - 2.30 pm, 3 Mondays and 1 Tuesday 28 October, $24
Based on his recent book, Roger Buckton discusses the musical heritage of Europeans in New Zealand with a focus on the Bohemians who settled in Puhoi from 1863. Liberally illustrated with original pictures and musical examples, the series traces the amazing story of the Bohemians and their life in New Zealand amidst a dominant British culture which was itself coming to terms with pioneering life. Twenty five years ago Roger Buckton moved to Puhoi and discovered the fascinating world of kiwi-style Bohemian music. Since then he has recorded and researched the songs and music - and learned to play the Bohemian bagpipe - the dudelsack. Roger is an associate-professor at the University of Canterbury.

Starts 21 October , 12 - 1 pm, 5 Tuesdays, $21
When you think of Italy, surely good food and music come to mind. Learn to sing beautiful Italian songs, both modern and classics, and learn the language at the same time. Claudia is Italian and grew up with a love for her culture and its music. She has conducted and sung in choirs and has been familiar with the stage throughout her life. She would love to share her passion of Italian music with you. From artists such as Andrea Boccelli, Gianni Morandi and many others, let your heart sing and for an hour be transported to ITALIA. Ciao!

Starts 16 October, 12 noon - 1 pm, 8 Thursdays, $37
Learn the basics of vocal production and sing a selection of different types of songs, both unison and two-part, if a balance of voices is available. David is Musical Director of Schola Cantorum and a choral tutor for primary schools around the Canterbury region. He is a member of the NBR (National Business Review) New Zealand Opera chorus and appears regularly as a soloist around Canterbury and New Zealand. A firm believer in the health and fitness benefits of singing well, David is firmly committed to helping all singers achieve their full potential.

Starts 13 October 1 - 2.30 pm, 6 Mondays, $37
For students with some familiarity with the ukulele, (or having completed the Beginners course). Moving on with more songs and covering various styles of music such as Folk, Latin, Dixie Blues, Swing, Jazz standards.

Starts 13 October, 1 - 2 pm, 8 Mondays, $24, enrol at the WEA, held at St Faith's, 46 Hawke St
These exercise classes teach gentle movements, with low cardio stress. A little bit of brain gym is included and we try to incorporate some balance and breathing instruction. The classes are lots of fun as we sing along to the music, with a big focus on safety. Loose clothing and sensible supporting shoes are essential. The class is divided into mostly seated and a little standing, (though all exercises can be done sitting). Katrina has been a group fitness instructor for the past four years, mainly working with community based classes.

Starts 13 October, 1 - 2 pm, at the Union Parish Hall, cnr Collingwood & Union Sts, 8 Mondays, $24, enrol at the WEA
Tai Chi was developed from Qigong, which has always maintained the aim of health and well-being. Thousands of forms of Qigong have developed over the last 5000 years in China. Qigong uses easy-to-learn movements to guide the mind to draw in and replenish Qi. The movements increase flexibility, balance and co-ordination, the Qi heals and energises, and the whole activity brings deep relaxation and a calm and focussed mind. Gabrielle Euteneuer has been studying, living and teaching Taoism including Qigong, Tai Chi, and Taoist Yoga for more than 30 years. This is also a falls prevention programme. All welcome. The final two classes will be taught by Geraldine Parkes at the St Faith's Hall, 2.30 - 3.30 pm.

Starts 14 October, 1 - 2 pm, 6 Tuesdays, $19, enrol at the WEA, held at St Faith's, 46 Hawke St
Sing-a-long; learn to tune a ukulele; learn basic chords and strums; learn common patterns and songs. Some ukuleles supplied. Kerry McCammon has been teaching and performing for over 30 years. He has toured extensively throughout NZ, England and Japan as part of the Natural Magic Theatre Company. A qualified High School and ESOL teacher, Kerry has found the ukulele to be the ideal instrument to facilitate all kinds of group singing and celebration.

Saturday 29 November, 9 am - 12.30 pm, $14
Can children's self-control be increased and does this change the outcome of their lives? Yes! Compelling evidence shows that children with higher self-control become adults who have better mental and physical health, have increased financial security, do better academically and are less likely to abuse substances or commit crimes. Evidence based information provided in this half day class could change the future of the children in your life. It is relevant for adults interacting with children from infancy to teens. Cathie is a professional life coach. She is enthusiastic about sharing information that can make a difference in people's lives.

Friday 21 November, 9 am - 4 pm, $30
This one day course is for people who want to build greater personal strength in their lives. It will introduce the foundations of positive psychology - gratitude, character strengths, optimism and hope, and meaning. Participants will be able to assess their own 'happiness' and begin to identify the stepping stones that will assist in getting to where they wish to be. Ron is a professional coach and writes a regular column for www.grownups.co.nz

Saturday 22 November, 9 am - 4 pm, $30
A one day workshop for people for wish to make plans for the next stage in their lives, whether they are planning to retire or have already done so - planning for house and home needs, health needs, work (both paid and unpaid) options, networks and relationships, and achieving greater balance. This course will not include financial planning. Ron is a professional retirement coach and writes a regular column on retirement issues for www.grownups.co.nz

Starts 11 November, 1 - 2.30 pm, 4 Tuesdays, $24
Learn practical, evidence-based strategies to help you make progress towards your goals. Gain knowledge of how willpower works, so you can increase your willpower and make better use of what you have. The scientific research that this class is based on, has helped people with their willpower challenges in a diverse range of fields including stopping smoking, getting out of debt, improving family relationships, sticking to an exercise programme, and starting a business. Cathie is a professional life coach who works predominantly with clients on creating healthy lifestyles. She loves helping people reach their goals and is keen to spread the knowledge that has now been discovered about willpower. Willpower Part 2 will be offered in the Term 1 2015 programme.

Starts 22 October, 10 am - 12 noon, 5 Wednesdays, $40
This course considers multiple modern ethical topics via philosophical analysis and discussion. This will include: Human/animal rights, legalisation/decriminalisation, medical ethics, legal ethics, control/censorship, blame/responsibility, and fate/desert. Michael Couch is completing his PhD in the Philosophy of Education and has a background in History and Classical Studies. He has been tutoring since 2004.

Tuesdays, 10 am - 12 noon, $2 donation per session.
This fun and challenging game continues every Tuesday. If you have your own set please bring it along, otherwise just come along and join a bunch of friendly people having fun. Beginners welcome.

Starts 16 October, 10.30 - 11.30 am, 8 Thursdays, $32

• 16 Oct The Ukraine: How history shapes the present, again - Charles Drace

• 23 Oct Mongolia Living - Bob and Joanne Gumbrell

• 30 Oct Servas: an exciting way of meeting people in their own homes, while travelling the world - Derek Carver

• 6 Nov Bohemia and Beyond - Denis Guyan

• 13 Nov Eastern Europe - Brenda Crocker

• 20 Nov Six Days in New York - Richard Chandler

• 27 Nov To be confirmed

• 4 Dec Poland - Sonja Scott

Monthly trips on 3rd Saturday.
An established group to encourage outdoor activity and the enjoyment of natural history and the beauty of the countryside. Phone Barbara, 355 2040.

Meets at St Margaret's, 94 Farrington Avenue. Fridays 10-11.30 am. $4 per session.
A variety of tutors speak on a wide range of topics.

Meets Saturday mornings at previously arranged painting places.
Programme displayed at WEA Centre or by mail. Phone Judith 337 5235 or Jeanie 381 8119.