Bid to bring learning to fore in York 800 festivities (From York Press)

Bid to bring learning to fore in York 800 festivities

8:01am Thursday 2nd February 2012 in Education news By Mike Laycock, Chief reporter

ADULT learners are being urged to get involved in the York 800 celebrations.

Almost 60 events are already scheduled this year to mark the 800th anniversary of York being granted a Royal Charter by King John in 1212, which allowed the city to take charge of its financial affairs, trade freely and create a council led by a mayor.

Planned activities include the staging of the York Mystery Plays in the Museum Gardens, a chocolate festival, a football gala, a brass band showcase, an archaeological dig near the Mansion House, a medieval festival, a traditional dance festival and a festival of the rivers featuring a flotilla of boats on the River Ouse.

Now National Adult Learners Week, which lasts from May 12 to May 19, is also set to be given a York 800 twist.

Co-ordinated by a small working group from members of the city’s Informal Learning Partnership, the week is set to have three key themes.

One theme will be Learning At Work Day, a chance for people to link with another organisation or individuals to do a job swap or job shadowing, so they can learn more about how they operate and perhaps share their experiences.

There are also plans for York 800 Adult Learners Awards, intended to be a celebration of the achievements of the range of adult learners across the city. Organisers are looking for nominations for adults older than 20.

There will also be an Inspirations Visual Arts Exhibition, focusing on York Stories, an archive of audio and video stories which is being created featuring people with a special story to tell about the city.

The organisers say they would welcome other ideas for events and activities.

Anyone with suggestions should email gill.cooper@york.gov.uk