Monday 25 February 2013

A look to the past, to an influential staff member


Victor Eugene Cromer, was one of WEA’s founding members. Joining us in 1917 as acting Secretary (CEO) and later appointed as Position of Generals. The five short years Cromer spent at the WEA were integral to the development of the then, new organisation.

Cromer is remembered for his strong opinions and beliefs, which often caused controversy. For example, Cromer was very supportive of the introduction of ‘un-scientific’ courses at the WEA, a subject that was scandalous in the early 1900’s. Cromer stood by his beliefs on the matter and this has been said to be an integral component to the successful progression of the WEA.

Described as a ‘Christian Mystic’, he believed that WWII was caused by the astronomic movements of the planets that ultimately affected ‘Kiser’. His strong conviction took him to attend the Second International Communist Conferences where he announced that the ‘World Revolution’ would begin in Adelaide.

His work with the WEA is regarded as extremely progressive. Cromer spent five years in influential roles until retired from the WEA and continued on to Sydney where he became a ‘Spiritual Healer’. His time in Sydney also saw the collaboration with Walter Burley Griffin, the landscape architect and designer of Canberra.

He married his wife in Paris and had three children when working at the WEA, and his son was a shop keeper in the Barossa.

Victor Eugene Cromer has been described as a tremendously dedicated individual, a socialist and a memorable person.

Monday 18 February 2013

Forty years on...






Lynette tutoring a Stress Management Class in the 80's




















Lynette in 2007                                                    























Lynette M Miller (featured above) is a wonderful example of not only the impact WEA can have on one’s life, but the impact one individual can have on WEA.

Lynette’s journey with the WEA started in the 1970’s when she enrolled in her first course, Bookkeeping. This first course would mark the beginning of a forty year relationship with the WEA, one that continues to this day.   

After her initial course in Bookkeeping Lynette participated in numerous courses, including crocheting and belly dancing (we wish we had a photo).

 It was in the mid 80’s when an advertisement requesting tutors for new courses at the WEA caught her eye.  Lynette’s decided to apply for the Stress Management Course as she thought ‘having three children in less than two years and being self-employed seemed to qualify me for coping with stress’.

Taking on the role as tutor for the Stress Management course highlighted Lynette’s passion for teaching life skills to adults, as well as her need for constant personal development. Her efforts saw her nominated as an Outstanding Adult Educator in 1995. Working as a tutor at WEA also led her to write a book First Steps to Managing Stress, published in 1999.

When WEA required additional staff, Lynette jumped on board in the enrolment team, seeing her face a computer screen for the very first time!

Lynette’s thirst for knowledge in a variety of areas is evident in the courses she has completed over the years. Some of these courses include; philosophy, wine tasting, Indian and Thai cooking, and even participating in WEA travel tours all around the world.

Lynette tries to do at least one or two courses a year and when asked what was next on her WEA agenda she replied ‘jewellery!’

We have been very lucky to have Lynette involved with WEA over such a long period of time and are grateful for her continuous support and presence within our community.

Monday 11 February 2013

A New Chapter for the WEA



Featured in this image from the WEA archives, is Alison Patridge. Alison was the first person with a disability to work in the Disability Service at the WEA. The funding for this section began in 1987 and has been a successful component of the WEA ever since.
 
Alison Patridge
 
This photo below was taken in the River Murray in 1987. Larry Kern was the primary director of the ‘Integrated Tour Organisation’ that ran outdoor tours that included both disabled and able persons. The content shown in this image is a canoe tour through the River Murray.

River Murray 1987