Our current season started on Monday 15th January 2024 - Contact us or find out how to JOIN online.


You can see our new programme on our PROGRAMME Page and keep an eye on our EVENTS Page for Tasters and any extra public events too. You can also join our MAILING LIST to find out more.


Explore Lifelong Learning provides a stimulating, entertaining and varied programme of expert led learning created to challenge your mind and deliver unique experiences. As well as expanding their minds, our members also expand their social circles through attending our dependable and reliable programme of events.


Your one stop learning shop!


Explore all the different pages on our website for lots more details, or contact us if you have any enquiries.

 You can read more about sessions coming up on our Programme page. 

 

If you're new to Explore and would like to try your FREE taster session, please email the office here  to arrange it.

 

  Try Explore FREE

Contact us now to arrange a free Taster Session or Book for our next Taster Event



Explore FREE taster event


22nd April 2024 - 10.30 to 12.00

Brunswick Methodist Church, Newcastle upon Tyne


New to Explore? 


Come and find out about our programme and organisation, by joining our members to enjoy a session by one of our expert tutors.


All welcome.  


Face-to-Face, Online and Blended - Flexible sessions to suit your lifestyle


Our current programme includes a combination of different sessions, offering fun, social, accessible and flexible delivery methods for busy learners. Read more on our Programme page and find out how to Join.


Our programme is as wide ranging as ever though with many of our favourite tutors as well as new faces to get to know.

Explore lifelong learning 2021 Zoomocene adult education

Check out our video to find out more about the Explore experience:



And even more about Explore on our blog:

Programme for our new season ...

What else is coming up...


Get in touch


About Explore : by our members and tutors

'Lifelong learning is fundamental to our endless curiosity to know and share knowledge. The Explore programme is unique, enriching, life-giving.'



Max Adams, author of 'The King in the North : The Life and Times of Oswald of Northumbria', Royal Literary Fund Consultant Fellow, Explore Tutor

Photo credit Kona McPhee

'We must look after our minds as well as our bodies. Explore encourages me to accept new information and gently pushes my brain back into thinking mode.'



Harry Rose, Explore member

Explore lifelong learning 2016 Harry Rose adult education

'Explore is the backbone of my week – it amuses, intrigues, challenges and inspires - a thoroughly sociable way to broaden my horizons.'

Angela Young, Explore member
Explore lifelong learning 2016 Angela Young adult education

'I need structure, stimulation and social contact during the week. Explore provides all three in a distinctive and attractive setting.'

Maria Goulding, Explore tutor and member
Explore lifelong learning 2016 Maria Goulding adult education

Patrons

Michael Chaplin



Explore is honoured to introduce our newest patron - Michael Chaplin - dramatist, screenwriter and writer of non-fiction books about the North-East.



Michael said 'I am beguiled by the idea of ‘self improvement’, which my parents Sid and Rene Chaplin undertook throughout their lives........ I think Explore is the latest manifestation of this great ambition, more important than ever with the state shamefully in retreat in so many ways, and I offer it my full support and encouragement!'

Explore lifelong learning 2018 Michael Chaplin adult education

John Grundy

The local historian and author, John Grundy, has agreed to become a patron of Explore.  



John said  'When I look at Explore - the level of commitment, the range of opportunities, the quality of teachers, the gorgeous and slightly bohemian setting in which it is based – I feel really delighted and proud to be considered one of its patrons.'

Explore lifelong learning 2017 John Grundy adult education

Lee Hall

Lee Hall, the Newcastle born writer of Billy Elliot and The Pitmen Painters is a patron of Explore. 



Lee said ‘I am thrilled to be a patron of Explore.  ...I can see that Explore makes it possible to share knowledge in a way we once expected the State to provide. Newcastle has always been a place where people have seized the initiative to share their learning from the debating clubs in the taverns of the Eighteenth Century to institutions like the Lit and Phil. 



So Explore is in a long and important tradition. It's a really exciting programme and I look forward to it going from strength to strength.’

Explore lifelong learning 2018 Lee Hall adult education

Read more from our patrons on the About Explore page.


National Lottery Community Fund grant!


Explore is delighted to announce that we have recently secured a grant from the National Lottery Community Fund to support restarting face to face sessions during the autumn season - if prevailing conditions allow.

Explore lifelong learning 2021 community fund logo adult education

Corbyn visits Explore





Jeremy Corbyn MP visited Explore on Monday 3rd October 2016 on the first morning of our new season for 2016-17.  Our VIP visitor said hello to members who were enjoying art tutor Peter Quinn's lecture on the 'body in art'.



Jeremy was interested in and impressed by our innovative, member run, professionally delivered programme. 

Explore Lifelong Learning 2016 Jeremy Corbyn & Dorothy Stainsby  with Explore banner adult education
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