Want to watch the best in world cinema, documentary, independent film, animation and classic movies?

Want to come to talks and discussions with guests such as working filmmakers, film experts and historians?

Based at Omega Centre since January, Portsmouth Film Society (PFS) offers a wonderfully different way to get involved in film and cinema. Apart from regular screenings and talks, we are planning a season of film screenings to coincide with Black History Month (October 2010). We celebrate world and transnational cinema and our aim is to reach new members, especially within the ethnic minorities of the local community. We are always on the lookout for new members and want to highlight important calendar events in the local community through the screening of special seasons of films, and to develop the use of cinema in relation to community-based partnerships with other local organisations. The WEA is partner of PFS, and PFS is member of BFFS (British Federation of Film Societies) and PRENO (Portsmouth Race Equality Network Organisation). PFS also preparing sunday matinees in Kings Theatre after Christmas. For more information about Portsmouth Film Society, please contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

A group of Adult Learners at Omega Centre in Southsea have successfully completed a stunning art collection courtesy of the Portsmouth Transformation Fund. Inspired by the sacred art history from Hindu and Buddhist religious traditions, the ‘Mandala’ collection will now be displayed for all to see at the Adult Education venue.

A Victorian Building in the heart of Portsmouth is not the first place you would expect to see people working on spiritual art from Asian religions, but adult learners at Omega Centre have been devoting their classes for the past six weeks to the art of ‘Mandala’.

A Sanskrit word meaning ‘circle’, Mandala has been a constant inspiration for professional artist Andrew McConnach, who both teaches classes and has a studio at Omega Centre.

‘Many years ago, I was living in Wales and painting trees,’ explains Andrew, who attended the Central St Martins College of Art in London.

‘When the winter months brought weather that was far too cold to sit outside and paint, I started sketching the inside of tree trunks and from those concentric circles, my love of Mandala evolved.’

Often used for meditation, protection and healing in many world cultures throughout history, Andrew has used Mandala-making as a basis for others to explore their own designs. He has worked with students from numerous schools, colleges and education centres, some of who found it helpful to support emotional and behavioural difficulties. After running a twelve week course with students at the venue, Omega Centre was given a grant by the Portsmouth Transformation Fund that was used to pay for the use of one its art classrooms for s further six weeks and canvasses on which students could work.

‘We were tasked with creating a collection that could be used in a display for the Centre and the students have worked really hard to create an eye-catching variety of pieces,’ says Andrew.

‘Even though I enjoyed art at school, I hadn’t done anything since because I was led to believe I wasn’t any good at it,’ says student Deborah Sibson, 50 from Copnor. ‘I took these art classes in order to take some time out for myself and I find them so relaxing. I have received support, encouragement and am so proud of the work I have done.’

Another student, Stephanie Heasman, 51 from Hilsea, is astounded by what she has achieved.

‘I did a CSE in art at school and always did creative things with the children I both had and fostered. Recently, my health has been a concern and I have suffered from depression. This class is not only therapeutic, but it gets me out of the house and socializing with some lovely people. I also find the Omega Centre extremely easy to access and use.’

‘We are delighted with the work that has been produced and are very grateful to the Portsmouth Transformation Fund for their support,’ says Karen Barrett, Course Manager at Omega Centre. ‘We shall be hanging the work with great pride in the venue.’

As part of the UK's largest and longest running education campaign, ‘Adult Learners' Week’, the Workers Educational Association or WEA has organised a special week of taster courses so that the people of Portsmouth can join thousands of adults across the country in ‘giving learning a go’.

Now in its 19th year and celebrated in 50 countries across the world, Adult Learners' Week aims to inspire adults to take up new activities and promote the benefits of all kinds of learning, whether it be for fun or leading to a qualification.

At the forefront of Portsmouth’s participation in this year’s week-long festival, is Omega Centre in Southsea. Run by the WEA, the centre is offering a wide variety of short courses and taster sessions ranging from practical skills including an introduction to learning French and Step Up to Maths course to leisure pursuits such a short course in Silk Painting.

‘A lot of people can be intimidated with the idea that adult education involves going back to a school environment they may not have enjoyed or benefited from in the past,’

says Pam Lander Brinkley who has been teaching French in the city for over twenty years and will be running the Taster Sessions for Omega Centre.

‘Adult Learners’ Week is a great opportunity for people to experience an informal, relaxed approach to education and overcome any anxiety they might have in learning a new skill.’

Omega Centre will be opening up its state of the art IT suites for courses such as how to trace Family History using the internet and Drop-in IT Workshops where people can learn more about online shopping, Ebay and Facebook.

On Friday 21st May, the centre will also be taking part in ‘Silver Surfers’ Day’, the biggest national campaign to promote use of digital technologies by older people.

Susan Richardson, the centre’s resident Belly Dancing Tutor will be launching the first class in a short course of the Egyptian dance specifically designed for the family.

‘Mums and daughters of all ages, from 7 years old, will learn the basic dance moves including dancing with a veil,’ she says. ‘The course is a fun way for everyone to learn to move their bodies in an entirely new way in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. No previous dance experience is required and it is a fabulous way to exercise.’

Karen Barrett, the Course Manager at Omega Centre who is organising the centre’s Adult Learners’ Week is looking forward to a busy week of activity.

‘After last year’s Adult Learners Week, 53% of the people who attended an event and 70% of people who called the Careers Advice helpline took up some kind of learning activity,’ she says. ‘Our aim at Omega Centre is to provide opportunity for those who may not otherwise have any access to learning.’

Adult Learner’s Week at Omega Centre, Omega Street, Southsea runs from Monday 17th to Friday 21st May. For more information either visit the centre for a brochure, call 023 9229 1346, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

A remarkable woman from Portsmouth is experiencing the delight of being able to read and write for the very first time at 61 years old thanks to the work of the Worker’s Educational Association, or WEA, at Omega Centre in Southsea.

Janet Fowler’s memories of going to school in the 1950s are not happy ones. The combination of changing schools on a regular basis and having what would now be recognised as learning difficulties meant that she was put at the back of the classroom, neglected and never had the opportunity to learn the basic skills or reading, writing and maths.

 

‘I was so unhappy and when I looked at the other children, it made me angry I couldn’t be like them,’ recalls Janet. ‘I left school as soon as I could and at 14 years old my parents put me in a convent. I think they believed it was the best thing for me.’

For 39 years, Janet entered a daily routine that never ever changed. As well as attending mass and carrying out domestic chores, she learnt how to use a sewing machine and started work making pinafore dresses. She later worked in the kitchens cooking for all the other residents at the convent.

In her early years, Janet also remembers painful episodes of physical abuse that were used to keep her girls like her in line.

‘I was only visited by my mother and father,’

she said, but in 2001 a family friend arranged for her to be released from the convent and into the community, initially moving into Russets Hostel in Portsmouth and then to her own flat in Portman Terrace, Southsea.

This September, Janet began a literacy course at Omega Centre in Southsea and in just a couple of months has learnt how to build up letters, recognise words and read sentences.

‘I want to read and I know I can do it,’ she explains with pride. ‘I learn enough at the classes to be able to practice and my aim is to be able to read the paper. I can even do word searches now!’

Sue Weekes, Janet’s tutor at the Omega Centre, has been astounded by her progress.

‘Janet is easy to teach because she listens, is receptive to learning and has a very good memory. She is progressing at a phenomenal rate for an adult learner, completing all the early stage groundwork and establishing a firm foundation on which to build. You can tell she really wants to achieve.’

As well as involving her in group work, Sue provides Janet with an individually tailored programme that she can carry out on her own and with one on one help.

‘Janet is learning to read the same way that is taught in Primary Schools, but she has the enthusiasm and determination of an adult which can really accelerate achievement. The rest of the group adore and support her which shows she has always had high level of social skills and a wonderful personality. It is shameful this was not allowed to blossom in a school setting.’

Now living with a carer in Fratton and having regular contact with her sister who she never saw for 40 years, Janet can already list accomplishments such as being able to read train timetables, understand advertisements and making new friends at Omega Centre.

‘Janet is the perfect example of what we strive to achieve,’

says Amanda Burgess, Development Worker for Skills for Life at Omega Centre.

The WEA provides opportunities for those who may not have excelled in their early years, but still have a desire and ambition to learn.

One of Portsmouth’s leading Adult Education Centres is welcoming a new addition to their course programme this September so that local people will have the opportunity to learn one of the most famous ancient dances from the Middle East.

 

The Worker's Educational Association (WEA) is proud to be welcoming new tutor ‘Shunnareh’ (aka Susan Richardson) to its Omega Centre in the heart of Portsmouth to teach belly dancing classes to its learners. 

‘Belly dancing is fantastic activity for men and women,’ says Shunnareh, who lives in Waterlooville. ‘Whatever your age, shape or size, the dance can be adjusted to suit any level of agility or fitness and is excellent for flexibility, stamina and self-confidence.’

Shunnareh, who discovered belly dancing whilst studying Archaeology in Egypt, is somewhat of a local celebrity, having spent the past six years performing for parties, charity events, shows and restaurants including a two year residency at Levant Restaurant in Gunwharf Quays. This is the first time she has run a course in Portsmouth that is open to the general public.

‘I am delighted to be working at Omega Centre,’ says Shunnareh. ‘The new facilities that have been added in its refurbishment make it suitable for dancing and its location means anyone in Portsmouth can easily get there.’

A 10 week course of classes from 6.30pm to 8pm starts on Thursday 24th September at Omega Centre on Omega Street. For more information, contact Omega Centre on 023 9229 1346 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Needlecraft & Knitting - Monday
Explore the world of Digital Photography - Tuesday
Eat healthily, shop wisely! - Tuesday
Spanish for Improvers - Wednesday
Mod-Rock and Paper-Mache sculptures - Thursday
Greeting Cards and Gift Making - Friday
Using a Webcam - Friday
Job Seeking Skills - Friday
Bargain Hunting on the Internet - Starting in June

For all new courses visit our courses section.

ADULT LITERACY

If you need to read or write in English then this is the course for you. In our fun, friendly, relaxed atmosphere you'll be able to improve your reading and writing ability. We will help you work towards a nationally recognised qualification in literacy that will make a huge difference to your life and work. These are basic English courses designed to meet your individual needs such as letter writing, reading, spelling and punctuation. Courses are designed for adults who have not yet achieved grade C GCSE or above. You work towards national qualifications in literacy. The course includes initial and ongoing assessment. Learners are entered for external tests when their skills are at an appropriate level.

ADULT NUMERACY

Are you struggling to help your children with their homework, job hunting or looking for a promotion?  Our maths for adults course will help you tackle the gaps in your maths knowledge that may be holding you back. Our understanding tutors want you to get the best out of the course and will discuss with you individually how you can achieve this.  Even if you didn't get a qualification the first time around you can be confident we can help you now. These are basic maths courses designed to meet your individual needs. Courses are designed for adults who have not yet achieved grade C or above at GCSE.  You will work towards a numeracy qualification.

Although we have been running courses since the start of term in September, Omega Centre was officially opened on 14 October by The Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, Councillor Richard Jensen.

Around 70 people came to the event including WEA staff and volunteers, colleagues from Portsmouth City Council, ex-pupils and partner organisations. WEA staff and volunteers led tours of the recently revamped building.  The Omega Printmakers were on hand to demonstrate the Centre’s rare 1892 Albion Platen Press, and WEA staff showed off Omega’s technical capabilities on interactive whiteboards in the classrooms. Guests also had the opportunity to see a range of learners’ work, from digital animations to batik and glass paintings.

WEA tutor Amanda Burgess spent weeks researching Omega Centre’s history for the launch and many people took interest in the building’s journey from Victorian schoolhouse to 21st Century arts and education centre.

There were three short speeches before the unveiling of a commemorative plaque to mark the reopening of the Centre.  Lynn Smith, Deputy President of the WEA and Steve Glennon, Head of Adult Learning at Portsmouth City Council both said the Centre was a shining example of the strength of working in partnership.  The Lord Mayor said Omega was a community resource which went beyond education and praised all the partners for giving the building a new lease of life.

The plaque, which is to be mounted in Omega Centre’s reception area, is a tribute to the Jeffery-Machins whose bequest to the WEA enabled much of the building’s redevelopment. You can see an electronic version here.

So, after a lot of work by all those involved in Omega Centre, we can officially say ‘welcome’!  Remember, this is your Centre. Whether you’re thinking about trying a course, are a theatre group looking for rehearsal space or a company interested in a corporate partnership, get in touch and find out more.

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