City Council Approves Annual Grant to BERA

On Monday 12 September, The Neighbourhood Services Committee of the City Council approved the annual administration grants for Adult Education Associations in Dundee. Broughty Ferry Education Association (BERA) were awarded £3000.

This will help Broughty Ferry Education and Recreation Association (BERA) to continue to develop good quality evening classes at Grove Academy and Forthill Primary School.

Link to BERA's website
Link to BERA's Facebook Page

BERA New Eight Week Programme of Evening Classes for Summer Term 2016

BERA have just launched their new eight week programme of evening classes in Broughty Ferry for the 'summer' term. These will commence in week beginning Monday 18 April 2016. 

Paper copies of the programme are available from Broughty Ferry Library and all the other usual outlets

Read the programme online at http://ow.ly/10ut9j

BERA Grant from the Council Approved

At a meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee of the Council on Monday evening 14 September, the Committee agreed a grant of £3000 to Broughty Ferry Education and Recreation Association (BERA) for 2015/16.

I was pleased to take the opportunity to address the Committee and make a short statement in support of the continuing work of BERA and their contribution to promoting adult learning in Broughty Ferry. I also reminded the Committee that, while most welcome, much if not all of this of grant would return to the Council in rental payments for school premises.

The following extracts from the Committee Report clarify the grant and the valued service that the BERA volunteers contribute to our community:

"This contribution towards the running costs of the organisation (BERA) will enable them to continue to provide a wide ranging evening learning provision in local community areas, which is very well attended.

3.0 FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS 3.1 The grants can be met from the Department’s 2015/16 Revenue Grants Budget (Adult Learning Support Fund). 

4.1 Broughty Ferry Education and Recreation Association is a voluntary Adult Education Association. The volunteers work in partnership with Dundee City Council to provide evening education, recreation and leisure opportunities for the residents of Broughty Ferry and the wider environs. 2014/2015. .... The group are running three evening sessions across two venues, Grove and Forthill Schools, not only does this organisation provide learning opportunities it also promotes community access to Schools."

Enrolment Night for Evening Classes at Grove Academy Monday 31st August 2015 from 6.30 pm

Enrolment for BERA's new programme of classes (read or download a copy here) will take place at Grove Academy on Monday 31st August 2015 from 6:30pm.

If you are unable to attend on Enrolment Night you can make an application by post using the Enrolment form.

The new 10-week programme starts Monday 7 September 2015.

Half-term dates Monday 12 October to Friday 23 October 2015.


There will be no classes on Tuesday 17th November 2015.

Spanish classes will not take place on Tuesday 15th, Thursday 17th or Tuesday 22nd September. Tutors will make arrangements with students to make up these times.

Notes:

• Payment by cheque or cash preferred (exact money please at time of enrolment).
• Fees cannot be refunded unless a class is cancelled.
• Classes will only run if there is a minimum of 12 students.
• Classes will be held at Grove Academy unless otherwise stated.
• To enrol by post, to keep up with any changes, or for further information please contact us through the website, please do not contact the school.
• There is disabled access to all classes.
• Enrolment for new and existing students is also possible during the first two weeks of the new term.

Open Night about Evening Classes at Grove Academy 7.30 - 8.30 pm on Monday 24 August 2015

Don't miss the open night at Grove Academy from 7.30 - 8.30 pm on Monday 24 August 2015.

Prospective students can meet the class tutors. 

This should ensure everyone has a chance to find out more about what each of the evening classes involves.

Further information will be available on social media. 

An enrolment evening follows on Monday 31 August 2015 from 6.30 pm.

Read or download BERA's programme of Evening Classes for Autumn Term 2015

Evening Classes at Grove Academy in Broughty Ferry September to December 2015

Earlier today, Broughty Ferry Education and Recreation Association published an electronic copy of their programme of evening classes for the Autumn Term 2015 (September to December).

Read or download BERA's programme of Evening Classes for Autumn Term 2015

Paper copies of the programme will also be available in the Broughty Ferry Library and other public areas, as well as on the Facebook page (www.facebook.com/beragrove) and on the website from mid-August.

For more information or to find out about enrolling by post, visit beradundee.org.uk or email info@beradundee.org.uk

BERA Launch Programme of Evening Classes in Broughty Ferry Autumn Term 2015

BERA, a registered charity and voluntary organisation in Broughty Ferry, has been delivering adult evening classes for around 30 years.

Their 2015-16 autumn session starts on September 7 2015 and runs for 10 weeks (with a break for the October school holidays).

Most classes will be at Grove Academy, with zumba, mature movers (an activity class aimed at older people) and ballroom dancing taking place at Forthill Primary.

Other classes will include old favourites like languages, bridge, yoga and meditation, needlecraft and there will be some new opportunities including jewellery, acting and bakery.

There is a strict minimum of 12 enrolments required per class. This is to avoid any rise in fees, which currently compare favourably with those of other providers.

There will be an open night at Grove Academy from 7.30-8.30pm on August 20, where prospective students can meet members of the BERA committee and the tutors, giving everyone a chance to find out what the classes involve.

Further information will be available on social media. An enrolment evening follows on August 31 from 6.30pm.

Read or download BERA's programme of Evening Classes

Paper copies of the programme will also be available in the Broughty Ferry Library and other public areas, as well as on the Facebook page (www.facebook.com/beragrove) and on the website from mid-August.

For more information or to find out about enrolling by post, visit beradundee.org.uk or email info@beradundee.org.uk

Enrolment for BERA Evening Classes in Broughty Ferry Autumn Term 2015

Broughty Ferry Education and Recreation Association (BERA) is a not for profit charity providing evening classes for adults in Grove Academy. 

BERA have recently announced that Enrolment night will be at Grove Academy on Monday evening 31st August 2015 and classes for the Autumn Term will commence in week beginning Monday 7th September 2015. 

Postal enrolling will also be available.

I will post more details about their programme of classes when these are available.

Update Tuesday 18 August 2015
Link to more recent posting about the BERA programme of evening classes for the Autumn Term 2015

BERA Evening Class Enrolment Night - Monday 8 September 2014 at Grove Academy from 6:30pm

Enrolment night for BERA Evening Classes is Monday 8 September at Grove Academy from 6:30pm.

Broughty Ferry Education and Recreation Association (BERA) recently launched their Programme of evening classes in Broughty Ferry, which will run during the Autumn Term starting in week beginning Monday 15 September 2014.

The classes  are organised on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings and take place in Grove Academy. 

Enrolment night is Monday 8 September at Grove Academy from 6:30pm.

Read or Download BERA's programme of classes on the link below or pick up a paper copy of the programme from Broughty Ferry Library.


Link to BERA Programme of Evening Classes for Autumn Term 2014

BERA Launch their Programme of Evening Classes for Autumn Term 2014

Earlier this week Broughty Ferry Education and Recreation Association (BERA) launched their Programme of evening classes in Broughty Ferry, which will run during the Autumn Term - September to December 2014 starting in week beginning Monday 15 September 2014.

The classes  are organised on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings and take place in Grove Academy. 

As well as many classes that have run in previous years, there are new subjects on the programme this year including:
Make the most of tablets, kindle, skype and websites on Monday and Thursday evenings.

Enrolment night in Monday 8 September at Grove Academy from 6:30pm.

Read Download BERA's programme of classes on the link below or pick up a paper copy of the programme from Broughty Ferry Library.

Link to BERA Programme of Evening Classes for Autumn Term 2014

Broughty Ferry Education and Recreation Association Awarded Grant by the Policy and Resources Committee

At the Policy and Resources Committee last night, the Committee approved a well deserved grant of £3000 to Broughty Ferry Education and Recreation Association (BERA) towards the costs of running their lively programme of evening classes at Grove Academy. 

BERA is a charity registered in Scotland and for over thirty years it has organised evening classes in The Ferry. It is run by a committee of volunteers. No other area of Dundee has had such an enduring Adult Education Association; I think we are lucky to have such a dedicated local organisation with helpful support from the Council's Community Learning and Development staff.

Link to BERA's programme of evening classes for September - November 2013

BERA Launch their Programme of Evening Classes for the Autumn Term 2013

Broughty Ferry Education and Recreation Association (BERA) have just launched their programme of Evening Classes for September to November 2013.

Once again BERA's autumn programme includes some firm favourites such as Zumba and Spanish and some entirely new classes such as the Great Broughty Bake Off. 

A printed copy of BERA's programme of classes can be obtained from a number of outlets in Broughty Ferry including the Library. In addition, the programme is available online to read or download.

All classes run from week beginning Monday 9 September.

Potential adult students can either book their place in a class by sending off a postal application or by attending the Enrolment night at Grove Academy on Monday 26 August 2013 beginning at 6:30 pm.

Link to BERA website    Find them on Facebook

Carry on learning.

25 Evening Classes to Choose from in Bferry - Enrolment Monday 27 August 2012 6:30pm Grove Academy

Broughty Ferry Education and Recreation Association have recently published their popular programme of evening classes for the autumn. On offer this year are 25 classes which range from Zumba to Bridge, Yoga to Guitar, Spanish to Italian, Woodwork to Floral Art, French to ESOL, Local History to Creative Sewing and Cookery to Ballroom Dancing.

The programme of classes will run on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Grove Academy but with the Zumba, Body Fit, and Ballroom Dancing classes at Forthill Primary School.

All the classes will start in week beginning Monday 3 September 2012.


No classes between 8 and 19 October 2012.


Enrolment night is on Monday 27 August at Grove Academy beginning at 6:30pm.

Further information. 
Pick up a leaflet from the Issue Desk at Broughty Ferry Library or take a peek online.


Please DO NOT telephone the school. 

You can e-mail BERA at info@beradundee.org.uk
BERA website http://www.beradundee.org.uk

Discover Learning in the Community - But Not in Broughty Ferry

The latest newsletter from the Council's Adult Learning Team is called discover learning in the community but unfortunately there's not any Adult Learning in this newsletter to be discovered in Broughty Ferry. While every other electoral area in Dundee gets a mention and a sprinkling of classes, the Ferry has been left out.
This seems unfair on adults in Broughty Ferry who may also be interested in classes in local history, psychology, computing for beginners, a Jobshop and help your children learn which all run in other areas of Dundee.
While I appreciate that the same department does provide some financial support for the evening class programme run by Broughty Ferry Education and Recreation Association (BERA), the Discover Learning programme from the council is mainly daytime classes and it's here that there are some gaps in The Ferry.
I have written to the head of Community Learning in the City Council to ask whether this can be addressed for the next programme starting in the Autumn. Additionally, I think classes that are organised in The Ferry should be publicised in the Council's quarterly newsletter.

Enrolment Night for BERA Evening Classes from 7pm on Monday 29 August at Grove Academy

Enrolment night for Broughty Ferry Education and Recreation Association (BERA) evening classes will be on from 7 pm on Monday 29 August at Grove Academy.

New classes this autumn include:

ZUMBA
'The ZUMBA® program is a Latin-inspired, dance-fitness class that incorporates Latin and international music and dance movements, creating a dynamic, exciting, exhilarating and effective fitness system. It is a class for dancers and non-dancers.’

Exploring the Internet
The class will cover some aspects of using internet sites, including some of the following: Shop/trade safely on line – Tesco, etc; plan a holiday; visit price comparison and money saving sites; consult CAB, DVLA, public utilities and your local council; look for jobs; use of Yahoo for email and Google for information. NB This is not a class for complete beginners to computing. 

Art Appreciation
A fun, informal and informative course on artistic styles and movements in the development of western art history. May include a gallery visit.

Stich and Bitch
Give tired textiles a new lease of life - upcycle and refurbish into bags, cushions, accessories, patchwork etc.

Pilates
Pilates is a complete exercise method that builds strength without excess bulk, creating a sleek, toned body, changing the way it looks and feels. Improve your body shape, posture, flexibility; reduce stress; find relief from aches and pains.

Drawing and Painting
Gain basic skills before moving on to draw and paint still life studies, or brush up on prior skills. Use still-life set-ups provided, or bring your own objects/materials to set up.

For full details of their new programme of classes for the Autumn click on this link.

Classes will run during the Autumn Term for ten weeks starting in week beginning Monday 5 September 2011 and concluding in week beginning 24 November 2011. There will be no classes between 10 and 20 October.

For further details, please do NOT telephone the school, consult the BERA website.

BERA Announce new Classes for the Autumn

Broughty Ferry Education and Recreation Association (BERA) have recently announced some new classes to run in their regular programme of evening classes at Grove Academy during the autumn.

These extra classes include:

ZUMBA
'The ZUMBA® program is a Latin-inspired, dance-fitness class that incorporates Latin and international music and dance movements, creating a dynamic, exciting, exhilarating and effective fitness system. It is a class for dancers and non-dancers.’

Exploring the Internet
The class will cover some aspects of using internet sites, including some of the following: Shop/trade safely on line – Tesco, etc; plan a holiday; visit price comparison and money saving sites; consult CAB, DVLA, public utilities and your local council; look for jobs; use of Yahoo for email and Google for information. NB This is not a class for complete beginners to computing. 

Art Appreciation
A fun, informal and informative course on artistic styles and movements in the development of western art history. May include a gallery visit.

Stich and Bitch
Give tired textiles a new lease of life - upcycle and refurbish into bags, cushions, accessories, patchwork etc.

Pilates
Pilates is a complete exercise method that builds strength without excess bulk, creating a sleek, toned body, changing the way it looks and feels. Improve your body shape, posture, flexibility; reduce stress; find relief from aches and pains.

Drawing and Painting
Gain basic skills before moving on to draw and paint still life studies, or brush up on prior skills. Use still-life set-ups provided, or bring your own objects/materials to set up.

For full details of their new programme of classes for the Autumn click on this link.

Enrolment for this classes running in the Autumn will be on Mon 29 August from 7pm at Grove Academy.

Classes will run during the Autumn Term for ten weeks starting in week beginning Monday 5 September 2011 and concluding in week beginning 24 November 2011. There will be no classes between 10 and 20 October.

For further details, please do not telephone the school, consult the BERA website.

BERA to Receive Grant From City Council

Yesterday evening the Education, Arts and Communities Committee,at their final meeting, decided to award the Broughty Ferry Education and Recreation Association (BERA) a grant of £2,850 towards the costs of their running adult education classes at Grove Academy. This grant recognises the many hours of unpaid work undertaken by BERA committee members organising a diverse and successful programme of adult education classes for folk in The Ferry. 


The BERA annual accounts indicate that they have already paid over £4,800 to the City Council and Dundee College to rent classrooms, halls and swimming pools for their classes in 2010/11.

BERA 30th Annual General Meeting

Last night I attended the Annual General Meeting of the Broughty Ferry Educational and Recreation Association (BERA). 

The Chairperson of BERA, Ron Moodie, reported on the programme of evening classes in the Ferry which the association has run over the past year. BERA have in fact been running a evening classes in the Ferry for 30 years. Their longevity as a organisation indicates both enduring community support for their classes as well as the determination and persistence of a relatively small group of volunteers to keep their organisation going. Their close association with Grove Academy, where they run most of their classes, was emphasised last night when their AGM was held in the staff room, and Head Teacher, John Hunter, attended to say his farewells as he is retiring at the end of the Summer Term.

Looking forward, BERA anticipates making use of the sports hall at the old Grove which will be available for community use from the Autumn as part of the 'new' Eastern Primary School. They are also reviewing their approach to enrolment.

Well done BERA.

Evening Class Enrolment at Grove Academy Monday 6 September 7pm

On Monday evening 6 September it's enrollment night for evening classes at Grove Academy. Between 7pm - 8.30pm, Broughty residents can sign up for an evening class organised by Broughty Ferry Education and Recreation Association (BERA). Classes will commence on Monday 13th, Tuesday 14th and Thursday 16th September 2010 and run for ten weeks. There will be no classes between 4 October and 15 October.
BERA's programme for the Autumn includes many new classes such as:
Ashtanga Yoga - a more dynamic form of traditional yoga in which the sequence flows from one posture into the next, using the breath to help ease into positions;
Self Defence For All - a traditional karate style which is suitable for anyone who has not done martial arts before and also people who are not 100% fit (no high kicking);
Local History - the history of Dundee and Angus from AD80 to 1940 and will mix lectures with field trips and other group activities and
Jewellery Workshop - learn how to translate some of your favourite objects into personal jewelery.
and many old favorites such as Bridge, Cooking and Woodwork.

Please note that classes will only run if there is a minimum of 10 students registered by the end of enrolment session on 6 September 2010.

Concessionary fees are available for many classes. Full-time students, senior citizens (60+) and other benefit recipients should show proof of entitlement.

There is no provision for telephone reservations.

There is disabled access to all classes.

Further information is available on the BERA website
or email info@beradundee.org.uk

Adult Learners' Achievements Recognised at Civic Reception

Earlier this evening I attended a Civic Reception in the Council Chambers to recognise and celebrate the learning achievements of adult learners in Dundee. This event was part of the European wide Adult Learners' Week.

Among the adult learners whose achievements were honoured were 'The Menolej Experience'. In the picture, above right, the men can be seen leading the singing of some popular songs from wartime Britain. This group of men, who meet at the Mitchell Street Centre, have drawn together and published an impressive volume of their reminiscences of life during World War Two. They have also been nominated for national recognition at the Scottish wide awards ceremony to be held in Dumfries on Thursday evening.

The Committee of Broughty Ferry Education & Recreation Association (BERA) were also given an honourable mention for their work organising an annual programme of adult learning classes at Grove Academy.

There was also special mention for the Adult Learning staff of the Leisure and Communities Department who support and facilitate the learning groups whose learning achievements were celebrated tonight.