Alison E
I am 72, married to John, 1 child married, 3 granddaughters, living in USA. I love to encourage them by my learning. Retired after teaching young children. I love life.
Location Bristol UK
Activity
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Alison E made a comment
Back to week one when I could be on week 4. My brain is being disfunctional, memory hiding away, must talk to my older cousin to see if she can fill in some details on our grandmother and perhaps further back. As it gets colder I have lost my enthusiasm for life and excitement for learning. Seeing GP tomorrow so perhaps that will help.
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Alison E replied to Linda Landamore
@DavidLindop Hi Linda and David, I hope there is room for 3 in the boat. I only have knowledge up to grand parent stage and no written documentation other than my own. This course will get us started in the right direction and there are lots of tips and info from fellow students as well. On we go!!!
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Alison E made a comment
Another introduction from me. I no longer have any older generations to talk to about family history, I don’t remember any of the relatives talking about their families so this is a new interest for me. I wish I had asked questions while they were alive but I have cousins to talk to who are a few years older as is my brother who is interested in the subject....
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Alison E made a comment
Hello Graham, thank you for being one of the Educators on this course, I am looking forward to learning from you.
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Alison E made a comment
Help Tahitia, thank you for being our Lead Educator for the course. Usually I race on with courses but I think I will be taking my time with this and taking notes so I can absorb the information properly.
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Alison E made a comment
Thank you for the Welcome I am looking forward to learning about all the topics you are talking about. It all sounds very exciting to me. Off we go everyone!!
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Alison E made a comment
Helpful summary, thanks.
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Alison E made a comment
Thank you for all the extra reading to further my understanding.
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Alison E made a comment
This has been a wonderful course with so much information to learn and digest. Thank you Future Learn and the European University Institute with all the tutor participants. I have also learnt from student comments, thank you.
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Surely the UK will still be part of the European Capital of Culture. We are leaving the European Union, not Europe. Not all European countries belong to the EU. Stay hopeful.
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Alison E made a comment
I think of Europe as a collection of individual countries with their own heritage, including the darker elements and this is more important than a collective European identity. The individual cultural heritage needs to be celebrated in it’s diversity and can also be celebrated as part of European history and heritage.
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A really brave initiative to start and then to create the camping area plus going to other cities to have projects there. Wonderful that crowd funding was achieved to support financially as well. That is great to be told about, thank you.
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Alison E made a comment
I like the way the initiative has been extended in cities to include nearby areas and help regenerate lower income places.
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The festivals in Mali and Ghana sound wonderful and have obviously contributed to the cultural heritage in those areas
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Alison E made a comment
I love festivals, especially small ones. They are an opportunity for people from all over the city to get together and enjoy themselves. Locally we have annual ones where people show their art/craft in their own homes.
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Alison E made a comment
Huge amounts of money are spent on new structures in countries hosting events like the Olympics and I think is valid if the money earned from these events is used not just for those directly compensated eg hotels but also for local communities and projects.
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Perhaps more could be done to renovate the old buildings to preserve the heritage if that was viable.
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Alison E made a comment
Power to the people in Cairo and Penang.
There could be a problem facing Bristol if the council wants to give permanent permission to the Zoo to use part of an open grassland area called The Downs for parking. There has been use of a part for parking for several years but it was supposed be be only as a temporary measure. Ha.
It is not a heritage building... -
Alison E made a comment
Again a fight between government against the people. This time the heritage was not rediscovered heritage but a decision to build barracks to replace the old.
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KerrieAnn thank you for sharing how difficult it is for communities, not just in Australia, when government makes decisions which can irrevocably damage those communities. I am sure we all feel desperately sad for those who must leave Sirius especially when luxury apartments are to built.
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Alison E made a comment
In many circumstances there needs to be more compassion education and provision of opportunities for the local population. If the church or local authority had space to provide local children with somewhere to kick a football they would not need to use the church door. Surely the people who have lived in that area, perhaps for generations, need to be...
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Alison E made a comment
It is to Naples benefit that the historic centre was not demolished. It was only when the economic advantages of tourism were being realised that heritage became more valuable. Certainly European cities have been enhanced by the knowledge of all we can learn from history.
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The Elif Batuman article was really interesting and gave a sense of the difficulty that both slides of the history v transport must have felt. This especially in an area of so much historical discovery but also so much congestion that needed to be solved and this despite the political debates. Yes the transport links were held up and I felt a deep sense of...
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Alison E made a comment
As the house has no particular heritage apart from being Hitler’s birthplace and a place where his modern day supporters gather to extol his virtues I would say pull it down but give the owner compensation or let it be a museum of history of the Jews.
I found this hard as in Bristol there is debate about buildings bearing the name of Colston who acquired his... -
Alison E made a comment
A growth of 1 million to 14 million people must have have brought about huge changes to the area around Istanbul. I believe heritage can be threatened by urban development but if handled carefully it is always an opportunity for local inhabitants and tourism as long as it also brings economic and cultural benefit.
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Alison E made a comment
I wonder if in the process of restoring Hamburg’s port warehouses they will use some for low cost housing (apartments.)
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Alison E made a comment
Fascinating second week, thank you to everyone learners and teachers alike. third week will be great. X
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Alison E made a comment
Yes I believe there is an economic benefit in cultural heritage but as we saw from Carthage this is not happening.
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Alison E made a comment
Well I learnt something today about my own city of Bristol. I had no idea there is a Norman walled city walk!! Hmmm not well advertised or perhaps I have not tried to discover all the heritage of my own city! It’s time I started to look beyond the visible structures and think more about cultural heritage.
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Alison E made a comment
Is the ‘Tunis urbanism workshop and the association for the safeguarding of the Tunis medina’ started in 1967, still functioning in any way. It sounded like a wonderful group?
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Alison E made a comment
The Palestine heritage work in Hebron sounds fascinating especially as it includes the work a municipality would do. Wonderful
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Alison E made a comment
A tough one you’ve given us!! So, Communication, use the newspaper that initially reported what was going on to ask people what is needed, any ideas. Get children interested, use the schools, get people interested talking and listening. Perhaps the two groups mentioned before could hold open meetings and tell folk the ideas they have to get things started. Let...
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Alison E made a comment
It was a sad story of Carthage but a bright ending. The building of a cathedral could not have helped initially. The fundamentalist zeal of missionaries was, as we realise now, often detrimental to cultural heritage. All through I was thinking of the damage that financial gain has contributed to the destruction of Carthage. Thankfully the press acted...
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Alison E made a comment
All sectors can contribute to the success of any heritage governance. Transport is always a major factor both in city and countryside. This has, for many years been a problem for visitors to the Stonehenge site in UK with arguments over public versus private transport and the local congested roads plus damage to the stones and larger site area. Education is...
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Alison E made a comment
I agree with others from UK in this discussion. I do worry that money from central to local governments and groups like English Heritage is decreasing but there are many grants from foundations and organisations available to draw on which the National Trust relies on. Membership of groups such as NT and EH is increasing but without grant money and the National...
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Alison E made a comment
When international groups plan to intervene I believe they need first to talk to the relevant groups in the areas and more importantly, Listen to what they say. It must be hard to balance what UNESCO regarded as vital in the Dresden Elbe Valley with the reason Dresden felt they needed the bridge rather than a tunnel. Cultural Heritage versus modern needs must...
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Alison E made a comment
I have difficulty with the use of the word actors in this context. Interesting, but I guess they are playing a part in the governance just as they would on stage.
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Alison E replied to Pamela Hanger
I agree Pamela. It is good to have the organisations who can negotiate and bring concerns to the relevant governmental, ministries
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Alison E made a comment
Very interesting first week thank you. It has increased my interest in the tangible history but, probably more importantly, helped my ability to value and respect the intangible, the cultural heritage of those people that I want to know more about.
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Alison E made a comment
Heritage bring me a connection to the past, the history of buildings, events in that history and.the people who have lived here for generations, That heritage informs who we are today, we can learn from it whether successes or disasters. If that history is hidden we cannot learn from it. now we have new exciting heritage to build on that past.
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Alison E made a comment
Reading the transcript made this easier to understand. Berlin sounds as though it may still struggle to unite it’s cultural heritage and I can understand this after all the events of it’s past. One would hope that through the Humboldt forum and exhibitions there will develop a type of unity. Surely it is ok to have the separate heritage as well to show how the...
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Alison E made a comment
Bristol UK has a heritage of old buildings and cultures, not always happy, such as slave trading through the port. There is now a multinational cultural heritage which enlivens and allows for sharing of traditions and learning from each other.
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Alison E replied to Sarah Williams
I agree wholeheartedly with all you have said, I have no need to make any other comment. Thank you Sarah
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Alison E made a comment
Did anyone else in UK watch the program last night called ‘Raiders of the Lost Past?’ It was fascinating in it’s descriptions of artifacts, some dating to 40,000 years ago eg Lion Man some of whose pieces were first discovered in the 1930s in caves in Germany. Well worth watching if anyone is able to on catch up tv, Internet BBC 4.
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Alison E made a comment
While urbanisation will be inevitable perhaps more needs to be done to support the present rural communities. In some areas they become so popular with tourists city people buy holiday home and consequently young people cannot afford the housing and move away. If that was stopped and small businesses supported it may help to reduce some of the trend towards...
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Alison E made a comment
When there is international need for protection or restoring in some way, as in the case of Palmyra, there can be funds that anyone can send to if they wish. The people and governments of that area need to lead the care of this heritage as it is from their country. Others should follow and aid after being requested to do so.
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Alison E replied to Rebeca Leon
That’s a hard question @SarahWilliams. If people have made a choice to try and protect their artefacts they will have know the possible consequences. It is always innocent civilians who are hurt and killed in these situations isn’t it and they need to be protected I believe.
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Alison E replied to Sarah Williams
I did not know about Khaled al-Assad and his colleagues. How brave they were and how badly treated with their hideous deaths. Thank you for sharing that information. It shows how valuable people are as they protect their heritage.
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Alison E made a comment
In the quiz I put all the list as part of heritage, factors especially because of the industrial revolution and how we are now able to see how the working and objects from that time. Even now with the changes with technology being used in factories, these are now and will be part of the industrial heritage. The changes factories have brought led to cultural...
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I was just about to make my comment and I read yours Amelie and I had also put factories as heritage. I agree with you, thank you. Back to my post now!!
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Thank you for the poem, it’s a good reminder to us in Britain at the moment.
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Alison E made a comment
Building and objects from generations back still have relevance and beauty which needs to be preserved. In current times there are some new buildings and objects which, when the present becomes the past, will be, thankfully, admired and respected because of the cultural heritage policies of today. It is also important that cultural traditions are enabled and...
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Alison E replied to Pamela Hanger
I’ve not spent time in Lincoln but it sound the sort of place that I would enjoy visiting, especially at Christmas.
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Alison E made a comment
I believe that as we begin to live in more multi cultural societies we can learn about other cultures and meld together, learning from and joining in each other.
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Alison E made a comment
People, traditions, music, art, dance
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Alison E made a comment
Primarily I had thought of heritage as buildings, arts and traditions. I had not thought of it as actually being the people who keep these traditions whether musical, artistic, religious/spiritual. Thinking of tribes, 1st nations it is the combination of the traditions, cultures and the people who have passed these down for generations who need to stay alive...
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Alison E made a comment
It’s great to have such knowledgeable people collaborating on this course. I am looking forward to learning a great deal from you. Thank you.
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Alison E made a comment
I live in Bristol UK, a multi cultural city with a mix of beautiful old structures like St Mary Redcliffe much admired by Queen Elizabeth 1st to modern structures post WW2 after much destruction in the city and the river Avon running though with a beautiful harbour side. The Avon Gorge Suspension bridge is a wonderful sight to see designed by Isambard Kingdom...
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Alison E replied to Cassandra P
Hi Cassandra, I visited Philly for a few days this summer and found it a wonderful city, Liberty Bell, Chinese festival etc. I hope to go back some day to spend more time there.
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Alison E made a comment
Hello, I am looking forward to learning more about cultural heritage both here in UK and around the world. I am a life long learner and find the future learn courses really educational and fascinating.
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Alison E made a comment
I find the body scan really helpful. At first I felt light headed, I do tend to live in my head a lot! I have tried doing the meditation by myself, no audio, starting at the top of my head and ending at the feet and feel more grounded that way. Interesting that during this time my thoughts were on, is it ok to do it this way, am I doing the wrong thing. It has...
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Alison E made a comment
A fascinating course, I have learnt a great deal. Thank you Claire for all your input and for the comments from fellow students which have made each day really interesting. I have often had doubts about the House of Lords and have been impressed by the work of their Select Committees. I would find benefit in a further course about H of L. The advantages and...
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I missed that Andrew, thanks for the info. Sounds as though Matt Hancock had a less than comfortable time. @AndrewDay
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Alison E made a comment
Many stages to pass before a Bill becomes law, phew. I imagine before the law can take effect and finance found to support those in the Homeless community, that things probably become worse. Hopefully through this Bill being passed it will eventually help to turn around the lives of many rough sleepers.
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@CharlesCrawfurd Charles, would you explain why you feel it is pointless? I imagine the committee felt otherwise and, with the support of the charities, were able to add to the Bill through their scrutiny.
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Alison E replied to Charles Crawfurd
@ClaireBogue Thank you Claire for bringing this to our attention and Barry for sharing your knowledge. Good to see the list of PMB that made it through. Perhaps equally important is to bring to the attention of all MPs the particular concern that has initiated the MP to introduce the Bill, even if it eventually fails to get through.
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@AndrewDay Hi Andrew, Yes I agree with you. I do know that the Hacked Off group are planning to challenge that decision by the Goverment
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Alison E made a comment
I am particularly pleased to see the emphasis on the public taking responsibility for their health.
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Alison E made a comment
Surely if there is to be sustainability in the NHS beyond the present tenure this needs the department of health to convene a larger group than a select committee. Then experts from all areas, medical, social care, finance, perhaps even drug companies plus both Houses can have access to develop a long term strategy that can be really effective. I don’t know if...
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Alison E made a comment
An interesting group, I’m glad to see a mix of people not all too involved with the NHS. I think that’ s important.
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Alison E made a comment
I chose Baroness Hollins, Crossbench, Baroness Gardner Con, Lord Bradley Lab and Lord Willis Lib Dem. They all had interests related to the subject but not actually involved in thr NHS through their work so hopefully have views and suggestions from seeing the subject from the outside.
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Alison E made a comment
From watching select committees on Parliament tv, I am always impressed by the members questioning in turn to build up the evidence that they require. What a difference at PM’s question time.
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Alison E made a comment
I’d like to ask Jeremy Hunt why he encouraged people to go to pharmacies for assistance before going to GPS or A&Es and then stated taking funding from smaller pharmacies.
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Yes Chris, I agree with you. I was very surprised to hear the statement on the news and From what Sir Bradley Wiggins said the next day he was surprised as well.
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I am happy to remain in ignorance. I joined the course to find out about the workings of the select committees not the individuals involved. Ido have my own views and I choose to remain silent about them
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I don’t know who you mean.
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Alison E made a comment
I was really glad to read the support statements for each candidate as I had no idea they are in the public domain. Interesting reading.
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Thank you Maeve for your comments which I was pleased to read. It’s a contentious subject and I appreciate your balanced views. Having lived in USA for a number of years before returning to UK I would prefer to keep an unelected House which can use their collective expertise to advance the political knowledge of the Elected House. Reform is definitely needed.
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Alison E made a comment
As it took 60 years to follow up the Haldane Report I can now see why nothing as yet been done to move forward with the Leveson Inquiry Part 2!!
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Alison E made a comment
I had not realised until today that the membership of SC’s was determined by the size of each political party. I would have hoped for a more balanced approach.
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Alison E made a comment
Even though the word ‘listening’ did not come up in the video, I believe that has to be one of the most important aspects for members of a Select Committee. They listen to witnesses, to evidence and most importantly to each other. Then they consider what they have heard, can ask relevant questions and obtain the necessary information to inform their...
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Alison E made a comment
Hello everyone, Having watched several select committees on BBC Parliament, I hope to find out more about how they are organised and all the work they do.
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Alison E replied to Jennifer Powell
@JenniferPowell I have just completed Beyond the Ballot and learnt a great deal, while enjoying it very much. I would recommend the course.
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Alison E replied to Joan Smith
I agree Jane.
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Thank you, Shirley and Mark
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Alison E made a comment
Thank you to all concerned in the making of this course. I have learnt a lot. I am reminded of the struggles of the past and how we have not succeeded yet in equality in many areas. Many women around the world are far worse off than we are and many young girls and boys suffer horrific abuse. There is still much to do and we can all carry the flag of the...
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Alison E made a comment
There is often the phrase History Repeating Itselfas a negative comment. It is essential to remember the past, take on board the positive aspects and learn from the negatives.
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I would not want to be on an all women list. I find it condescending to women. I understand the reason behind it, but a woman needs her show her worth against men and other women.
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Alison E made a comment
To encourage people into politics I believe there needs to be school classes to explain politics and how to engage in the political process. It’s great that Parliament is providing opportunities, are they widely advertised? In schools encourage debating, learning to put your point across and how to be respectful to those who have opposing views. Learning to...
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Alison E replied to Davina Sosnowski
The comments from Davina and Kim are so right and there is much that needs to be done to change society, especially the views of some women who feel less than men. They probably need to develop confidence and let go of years of ingrained, invisible indoctrination
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Alison E replied to Joan Smith
Girls are still fed the “beauty” images. Magazines for them are filled with beauty tips, as are most women’s magazines. I liked the bare face campaign but I don’t think it lasted long.
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Alison E made a comment
I was in college in the late 60’s and teaching in the 70’s and yet knew nothing about Grunwick and the amazing Jayaben Desai. I was totally unaware of these important events going on absorbed in my work, friends and little else. Then I lived in USA for several years ( not much news there apart from relating to America.) Even feminism passed me by until the mid...
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Likewise Kim
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You are so right Kim, up until now in the course, I was focusing on the equality side but we also need to respect and encourage our differences. It’s growing into out own potential, accepting our strengths and talents and celebrating our uniqueness. It’s important to have the equality in order to have the strong base for us to be different. Now that’s a...
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Alison E made a comment
I have realised how far we have come BUT how far we still have to go. Many men feel it is still their job to protect women but this has been used in the past to stop women from having certain jobs such as house decorating because they were more susceptible to lead poisoning. (the open door council and lead paint.)
We have not yet achieved true equality and... -
Alison E replied to Mike Charlesworth Finch
Your first sentence was correct but go further, Mike, into the work that she did on behalf of women, her passionate speeches and ability to thrive despite opposition of other male members and you may change you attitude to her. She won her seat in Parliament, she worked hard on behalf of women and that is what I would want from an M.P. Name calling is unhelpful.
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Alison E made a comment
Are women in all countries now able to vote? I must check with the internet unless someone can tell me please.
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Alison E made a comment
Well women found activities both political and in general society in which to become involved between the wars. It must have been a very uncertain time and an upheaval for all concerned with women having made huge steps forward with work situations and then being expected to give them up. Yet the men returning from fighting expected to have jobs waiting for...
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Spot on Patricia, they were ahead of the game.
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Alison E made a comment
It's interesting to note in the aims of the NUWSS after 1918 that one was the right of equal pay for women and men in similar jobs. This campaign continues all these years later and is drawing s lot of attention at the moment which we must encourage.
