Local Work of the Workers' Educational Association in the early 20th Century in England : The Establishment and Activities of the Association for the Advancement of the Higher Education of the Working Class in Reading

Abstract

Albert Mansbridge, who was a member of Co-operative Society, founded WEA in 1903. The objective of the WEA was to promote higher education of working-class men and women primarily by an associated effort on the part of Co-operative Societies, Trade Unions, and University Extension Authorities. This paper aims to reveal on the local activities of the WEA Reading Branch. The Reading Branch was founded by the effort of Childs, principal of University College, Reading, H. T. Pugh, secretary of the Reading Education Committee, and Reading Co-operative Society. Any working class organizations represented within Reading district could become affiliated to the Reading Branch on payment of an annual fee. The Reading Branch was administrated by the Council which consisted of representatives of the affiliated working-class bodies. The Reading Branch received support from University College, Reading and Reading Education Committee. The Reading Branch planned and provided lectures, classes, and tutorial classes. The contents of these courses were 'liberal studies', such as history and literature. A number of working-class men and women in Reading district were able to gain the opportunity for higher education by the Reading Branch