The WEA's centenary book The Learning Never Ends was launched in the Long Gallery at Stormont on 19th May. The volume is a collection of personal reminiscences and appreciations from past staff, affiliated organisations, tutors and especially learners.

The WEA is about people. It is an organisation where the learner is central. So showcasing the voices of those most intimately associated with the WEA and its activities at all levels seemed the most appropriate tribute to the organisation as it marks 100 years of activity. Over its lifetime the WEA has been privileged to work with thousands of individuals and community groups and these stories provide an insight to the real transformative power that learning has.

The volume also contains articles reflecting on the innovative leadership role of the WEA in the areas of the creative arts, older people's learning, women's studies, community relations, trade union learning and adult learning generally. These pieces were written by the CEOs of the Community Relations Council, the N.I. Arts Council, the Women's Resource and Development Agency and the Educational Guidance Service for Adults, the Education Officer of the ICTU and the former Director of Corporate Affairs at Age Concern.

We were delighted that Sue Ramsey MLA (former Chair of the Employment and Learning Committee) was able to help us launch the book. We were very grateful for her kind words on the work and impact of the WEA in community education and are following up her advice to ensure that all MLAs have a copy of the book to open their eyes to what community-based learning can achieve for individuals and communities.

Some of the contributers to the book shared their stories at the launch and are pictured on the left flanking WEA Chair Ann Osborne and WEA Director Colin Neilands. They were learners Francie Ferris, Dolly Misra and Barbara Millar, Amanda Marshall from Ballybeen Women's Centre and WEA tutor Hilary Caithness. It was Dolly's story which gave us the title for the volume, so we were particularly delighted to have her involvement in the event.

The production of the volume was made possible by the generous support of various friends of the WEA, organisations which have supported us and worked with us over many years. The book was designed and printed through Three Creative who have been key to the quality of our publications for many years. The productions costs were met by sponsorship from NIPSA, Ulster Teachers Union, John Bush (our stationary suppliers), OCNNI, Unity Trust Bank and in particular from J.L. Grant (our internal auditors and longtime friends). We were delighted that some representatives were able to attend our launch.