International Women's Week at Wolverhampton Adult Education Service
Released: 6 March 2007
Visitors to this year’s International Women’s Week event at Wolverhampton Adult Education Service will be able to meet and see the work of an artist who has attended its classes for a quarter of a decade.
The theme for the event on Thursday, March 8, is ‘learning to save a life’. Women from Wolverhampton and the surrounding area are invited to come along to the Foyer Building in the centre of Wolverhampton from 10am until 8.30pm and take part in any of the many activities available.
The day includes discussions, tai-chi, belly dancing, reflexology, food tasting, personal safety and breast cancer awareness sessions, and will be rounded off with an exhibition of work by Beryl Andrews.
Beryl, who was one of the first women to work as a draughtsperson for the Navy and Armed Forces during the Second World War, has attended millinery, picture framing, fashion, stage décor and fine art courses with the service. She says that much of the work displayed in the exhibition has been produced while attending classes at Wolverhampton Adult Education Service over 25 years.
Visitors to the International Women’s Week event can take part in any of the following activities:
- 10am - Guests can share their story about how learning has ‘saved’, changed or improved their life.
- 11am until 1.30pm - Visitors can try a workshop in tai-chi, belly dancing, reflexology and much more.
- 1.30pm until 2.30pm - Lunch with a difference; visitors can sample foods from around the world while being informed about issues relating to women, food and culture.
- 2.30pm until 4.30pm - Visitors can quite literally learn to save a life with personal safety and breast cancer awareness sessions.
- 4.30pm until 5pm - There will be an opportunity to relax and reflect on the day with an afternoon tea party.
- 6.30pm until 8.30pm - Be inspired by Beryl Andrews whose work will be on display.
Beryl began her education at St Agnes, a private school in Willenhall and recalls being taught by the Miss Hartill sisters.
She then moved on to Bilston High School where her art teacher recognised that she had a flair for art and design and encouraged her to pursue a career in art.
In 1937, aged 17, Beryl attended Wolverhampton School of Art, which was based at the city art gallery, before going to the Birmingham School of Art. Unfortunately her stay was abruptly ended with the onset of the Second World War.
Although Beryl’s real interests were fine art, fashion and stage design, her art training was utilised as part of the war effort, to draw up plans and maps for the Navy and Armed Forces.
Beryl was one of the first women to work alongside men in the drawing office undertaking this important and specialist type of work.
After the war, Beryl continued to be employed as a draughtswoman, but was able to express her creative side through her involvement with Willenhall Operatic Society where she helped to design and produce many of the costumes, hats and props used in the performances.
Beryl remains committed to the operatic society and has been its president since 2005.
The exhibition of Beryl’s work will also be open for all to visit up until Thursday March 15, between 9am and 8.30pm, Monday to Thursday, and 9am to 4.30pm on Fridays, at the Foyer Building.
For more information about the International Women’s Week event please contact Sian, Val or Dana at Wolverhampton Adult Education Service on 01902 558164 or email them at enquiries@aes.wolverhampton.gov.uk.
Issued by the press office.