We have lots of information on the website but a good way to stay up to date with Explore events (including new programme and public events) is to join our mailing list - you can do that HERE.  We're always happy to explain more so you contact us to find out more too.

Joining Explore is a really quick and easy process - we just need a completed membership form and your payment arranged.  If you're a new joiner it's always good to email us so we can look out for your membership coming through, but you can complete everything online via our Join Page (we also have offline versions if you'd prefer that) 

We can talk you through anything you're unsure of so just get in touch with any questions about becoming a member and we'll be happy to help.

Yes, if you've missed our dedicated Taster Event at the start of each season you'd be very welcome to attend a session as a Taster at any point throughout the Season. Just get in touch and we can advice which sessions are coming up and give you all the details you need to visit.

No, you can attend both. Explore membership covers everything in the programme, so you attend any remote sessions and/or F2F sessions depending on what suits you best. Whilst some people prefer one format or the other, most of our members attend a mixture of Face-to-Face and Zoom sessions throughout the year. 

There's lots to enjoy every season here at Explore, but we also know that our members often juggle family, caring, hobbies and work commitments - that's why we offer flexible options! 

- Can't commit to a full year? Don't worry, we offer termly membership so you can see how things fit together. 

-Not sure what your diary looks like next month, next week, tomorrow... Most sessions are drop-in so there's no need to book in advance. Members can just turn up to whatever tickles their fancy on the day! 

- Lots of running around already? We offer a combination of face-to-face and remote sessions so you can get out and about when it suits you or learn from home when that's more convenient too.

- So much to learn and enjoy - how will I fit it all in? The joy of Explore is you can enjoy of a broad range of subjects and styles all within one programme so you can dip your toe in to subjects without feeling overwhelmed. Yes, we're a one-stop-learning-shop... but you can dip in and out and enjoy as much or as little as feel like, from wherever works best for you.  

We do not have separate course options as our organisation works on the basis of membership, however you'll often find a termly membership at Explore isn't much more expensive than single courses elsewhere... plus you can try all sorts of other sessions and subjects too! Many of our members have favourite subjects or courses in mind, but really enjoy the added variety and serendipitous discoveries they find within our programme. 

Most of our members join for a full year from Season 1, but if you've missed that don't worry - we also offer Termly membership for each Season so you can join from the start of the next coming season. If we're part-way through a season please still get in touch and we can discuss the best option for you at the time. 

Each year Season 1 starts late Sept/Oct, Season 2 starts January and Season 3 starts March/April) We also have a complimentary member-led Season 4 through the summer.

Absolutely, most of our members attend independently and we're a welcoming bunch so you'll always find a friendly smile and a wave here. There's no need to find someone else to come with - just turn up and enjoy being part of Explore.

The majority of Face-to-Face sessions are held at Brunswick Methodist Church in Newcastle upon Tyne city centre and the venue is fully wheelchair accessible, with step-free access available to both the main hall and smaller rooms. We do occasionally use other venues (such as Newcastle Arts Centre, Great North Museum etc) but we endevour always to use fully accessible spaces.

Carer/PAs are welcome to attend for free and we are always happy to offer additional assistance should you ever need it.

You can find more information about accessibility HERE but if there is anything you are unsure of our would like to discuss further please contact us in the office.

In addition to Face-to-Face sessions we also offer sessions remotely (via Zoom) and Blended sessions (a combination of both) which has worked well for members wanting to enjoy the programme more flexibly.

For the majority of sessions you can just turn up and enjoy the class without any advance preparation, but as you might expect literature courses often require advance reading to understand the discussion/teaching. Occasionally other tutors might provide some suggested reading/viewing ahead of a  class but that needn't put you off as it is generally 'supplementary' rather than 'required'. 

We circulate a weekly bulletin with resources you might need in advance but for most sessions there's nothing to do in advance except turn up!

We offer Termly memberships for anyone not wishing to join for the full year and we have established links with two organisations that can help with payments. The NE Credit Union offers credit options to allow payment by installments - the agreement would be directly between NE Credit Union and yourself and you can find more details further down the Join page. Alternatively you can apply for a grant from the Siew-Yue Killingley Memorial Trust, which supports learners in the North East wishing to study arts, humanities, literature & music - you can read more on our Join page or on the SY Killingley Trust website.

You can always contact us in the office to discuss any other issues, questions or next steps - just get in touch and we'll be happy to help.