The Workers of the Workers' Educational Association

Basil Eckert & Lina Cocca
'Home Handypersons Skills' - 1981

In this photo we see a man named Basil Eckert instructing this woman, Lina Cocca, as he demonstrates tap washer replacement. This image was captured during 1981 in a class titled ‘Home Handypersons Skills’. Eckert before his time at the WEA was a builder and was responsible for the development of the Mitcham Public Library. At this time, Eckert was not feeling confident with the idea of teaching a class – even though he was more than qualified through his knowledge of this subject. He was subsequently convinced to tutor the class, and successfully did so with admiration from his students.  

Basil Eckert’s experience of career change is inspiring to others, and reminded us here at the WEA of another story that was published in our book ‘A Touch of Class- How the WEA changed my life’, edited by David Schuppan and Caroline Cleland. It regards a man named Chris Temby who successfully manufactured his career with the WEA.

Chris Temby was a tutor for the WEA for many years, teaching Technical Analysis for the Stock Market, he recalls his time with us as opportune.

In his retirement, Chris was able to dedicate his time to a topic that had always interested him – the Australian stock market. He discovered there were no Australian books on the subject. Chris asked himself – “Was this a door?” He had the time to write a manuscript for a book draft, and before he knew it, a Melbourne publisher with a specialty in stock market books had accepted the document. As a result of Chris’ interest in the WEA and its courses, he would always scan the Course Guide delivered by the Messenger several times each year. This was when he noticed ‘that there was a single, lonely stock market-related course, as part of the Investment and Money program’. He asked himself once again - ‘Is there a door here waiting to be opened?’

 

Indeed there was. An opportunity had presented itself for Chris, as one of the tutors for this course was calling it a day and the WEA was looking for a replacement course. In the next four years, Chris, together with his wife Heather, expanded the number of stock market courses to four and has lectured over 1,000 students.

Chris remembers his time with the WEA fondly, “there is a satisfaction in being a part of the WEA… in responding to the challenge of an open door and doing something completely new.”

The WEA has provided opportunities for many South Australians, from employment as tutors to education in short courses. The power and motivation of knowledge is truly outstanding.

Do you have a story similar to Chis’ account? Or if you have any questions or comments, please feel free to post below!