A Wright History Manifesto*

*[in homage to Filippo Marinetti**]

**[not, to be honest. an homage I thought I’d ever make, but in the light of last term’s Shock of the New and next term’s imminent offerings….]

Surveying the horizon, 1970s-stylee

As you know, we are constantly reviewing and re-evaluating what we do here at Wrightington Towers, in the light of what you tell us you value, your general suggestions, and what is possible in practical terms. Although we’ve often talked about the fruits of this constant reviewing - both here and in online conversations - it’s a long time since our first “mission statement”, when we were tentatively starting our adventures as Wright History. Our Christmas break allowed us time and headspace to step back, take stock, and think hard about how we would like to continue and develop, whether it might be what you want, and how that might be possible if so. We hope that you agree that the resultant “manifesto” here reflects what you have told us you value about what we do, and trust that you will let us know if not!

You, being interested and interesting in a convivial environment

aka Boccaccio, Decameron, tr. Laurent de Premierfait (mid C15), f.001r

Oxford, Bodleian Library MS. Douce 213: https://digital.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/objects/abf539db-6a16-4a69-bc16-9edea59c7cde/

We feel privileged to be in a field which appeals to interested and interesting people - many of whom have direct experience of relevant places and cultures. We want to provide a space in which that experience can be shared as we feel that it should be.

We can see the rationale behind the current focus within mainstream adult education on skills and employability, and understand the political and economic constraints within which adult education providers have to operate. But we are sad that other types of adult education, which are equally important, are being somewhat eclipsed in the process.

Learning for pleasure (which is probably the most appropriate generic description of what we do) has, alas, become something of a neglected Cinderella in the mainstream sector - not least because it’s harder to extract tangible metrics in terms of outcome on a balance sheet. But of course balance sheets aren’t the only fruit. We’re touched by how many of you have told us that what we’ve been doing was a sanity-saving lifeline during lockdown, and that it continues to help your general emotional well-being. How wonderful to be able to contribute - in however small a way - to that!

Us, thrilled to see intellectual engagement and friendships being forged

We can’t do much about national policies or funding, but what we can do is continue to develop a space for like-minded people, and hope that said people find it as rewarding as we do. As I’ve often said in sessions, one of the things which Robert and I find especially pleasing and exciting is the sense of community we’ve all created in such a short time. It’s simply wonderful to see the emerging intellectual and personal connections.

Us, researching, number-crunching, and soul-searching

aka G M Woodward, Mr and Mrs Bull looking over their accounts, 1802

This image: Oxford, Bodleian Library Curzon b.3(159): https://digital.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/objects/bbbd5c09-330b-4c9d-9a6a-55560adc7eb2/

Alas, however, there is one balance sheet which we cannot ignore.

As some of you know, we’ve been doing much research, number-crunching, and soul-searching for some time now. As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, we’ve had to concede - most reluctantly - that we can’t continue working as we are at our current prices.

Senders of council tax, broadband, utility bills etc, at Wrightington Towers’ door*

*[Note to self. Time to book Robert a haircut]

aka Isaac Cruikshank, The budget or: John Bull frightned out of his [money] wits, 1797

Image here: Yale Center for British Art, Paul Mellon Collection, B1981.25.1198; https://collections.britishart.yale.edu/catalog/tms:45410

It made perfect sense to peg our freelance courses to a similar price to WEA’s when we started out. We knew, of course, that the actual cost of WEA courses is significantly more than their registration fees imply, but we hoped to make it work. Alas it didn’t, and the minimal rise we introduced for our courses from last September wasn’t sufficient to allow us to claw back into the black as we’d hoped.

I may be wrong, but despite extensive research, I’ve not found anyone else doing quite what we do,* which would give us a steer as to feasible pricing structures.

*[Please let me know if you know of someone who is - it would be lovely to get in touch with them, perhaps with a view to working together!]

Robert: “This bread is great, isn’t it? Do you want the fancy tart too? Or just the bread?”

*[Note to self. Robert’s haircut really is overdue]

aka Jan Steen, The Baker Arent Oostwaard and his Wife, Catharina Keizerswaard, 1658

Amsterdam, The Rijksmuseum: http://hdl.handle.net/10934/RM0001.COLLECT.5496

So in the absence of benchmarks from others doing something similar, we’ve reached the squeamish question which every fledgling business eventually reaches - namely, what is one’s “product” actually worth?

Our new pricing is at the lower end of independent tutors I’ve found who are offering just the courses (i.e. not also what might be summed up as “the Joanna stuff”). We hope that you agree that it still offers good value for money.

Alexander Rodchenko, Books (Please)! In All Branches of Knowledge, 1924

This image: https://www.theguardian.com/arts/gallery/2008/jan/31/art.photography

So. Here endeth the Wright History Manifesto.

Are we on the right lines…? Do please let us know, either via comments below, email, or telling us in upcoming sessions!