Educational courses and talks on Humanism

2011 and 2012

In 2011 Farnham Humanists provided a course on Humanism for Farnham U3A (University of the third Age) led by Jim Herrick and run by Sue Shaw. We believe it was the first in the country. By popular demand, it was repeated in 2012, this time led by David Savage. The sessions included lively discussions about what Humanism is; Humanism past and present; Humanism and religion, science and the arts; altruism and morality including people’s ethical dilemmas; Humanism in society and internationally; famous humanists and finding meaning in life. Attendees said they also enjoyed hearing about personal experiences and views.

2010

Talk to Farnborough U3A – Following a request from Ivor Manley of Farnborough U3A, in 2010 Jennie Johnson gave a talk titled “The Humanist Viewpoint” at an all day Multi Faith Study event  Farnborough U3A October 2010 . She addressed Humanist beliefs and, as requested, connections between Humanist institutions and religious ones. Other speakers were Shafiq Shahir from the Basingstoke Mosque on The Muslim Faith, Nabil Mustapha on The Baha’i Faith, Jane Clark on Judaism, Pandit Chandra Niraula from the Gurka Community in Farnborough on The Hindu Faith and Reverend Rachel Bennetts from the Church of the Good Shepherd on The Christian Faith.

2009

Talks to Farnborough Technical College.  Following a request in 2009 from a counselling lecturer, Jim Herrick and Jennie Johnson provided talks to a couple of student groups about Humanist beliefs.

Following a request from the Surrey SACRE,  Jennie Johnson provided a talk in February 2009 on ”   What it means to be a Humanist in Surrey today