ONE of the first branches of the Worker's Educational Association (WEA) is celebrating its 100 year anniversary.

The Halstead branch of the WEA was founded in 1916 with 24 members and evening lectures were held in the Halstead Cooperative Society Rooms, part of the building that is now home to Scenarios.

The branch was soon thriving and by 1924 it was running a two year course given by J.R.M. Butler, a Cambridge Fellow, and uncle of well-known R.A. (RAB) Butler.

Since those early days Halstead WEA has run many high quality courses on a wide variety of subjects and continues to do so. Recent courses have included Discovering Timber Framed Buildings, Wildlife and Conservation and The History of the Universe.

To celebrate their centenary Halstead WEA are holding a special event which includes a talk on life in Essex in 1916 given by WEA tutor and historian Ted Woodgate, a slideshow of old and new Halstead shown by local historian Malcolm Root, and a time line of activities and memorabilia from the last 100 years as well as offering soft drinks, wine and a birthday cake.

This event will take place on May 21 at the Halstead United Reformed Church, between 10am and 4pm. Admission is free and all are welcome.

For more information, and to book a place, please call 01787 476036.

The WEA is one of the UK's largest voluntary provider of adult education, founded in 1903.