A ‘MOMENTOUS’ milestone – Rugby’s home of lifelong learning is celebrating 100 years of inspiring adults to learn for pleasure.
The Percival Guildhouse has survived the Great Depression, the Second World War, the pandemic and financial crises to reach its centenary.
The St Matthew’s Street venue is unique in Warwickshire, and one of the few centres of its kind in the country offering a mix of courses to stimulate minds and keep bodies active.
Centenary celebrations include a major show of students’ art at the neighbouring Rugby Art Gallery and Museum in June, a writing competition for secondary schools launching this month, a series of fun events for students including country-themed cultural evenings, and a centenary summer tea party.
The actual anniversary – September 29 – will be marked by a special event at Rugby School.
Centenary Committee Chairman David Dove said: “We want to put a smile on people’s faces and share this happy moment with our loyal students and supporters and the whole of Rugby.
“This is a momentous milestone and our thanks go to generations of volunteers who have made it possible.”
The centre was founded in 1925 by The Old Rugbeians – former Rugby School pupils – who wanted to honour the memory of past Head Master and adult education pioneer Dr John Percival.
The location presented itself when antiquarian Matthew Holbeche Bloxam’s house came onto the market.
The charity-run venture, described as the ‘Thinking Shop of Rugby’ in 1925, has developed over time to reflect the interests of its students who today enjoy courses ranging from many forms of art, crafts, yoga and other wellbeing pursuits, to languages, history, creative writing and more.
The Guildhouse has faced closure more than once, most notably in the late 1970s when all municipal funding was withdrawn.
A crisis meeting of students decided to go it alone, after which the venue prospered until the pandemic struck in 2020. Prolonged closure and then student fears about mixing in public spaces resulted in the halving of enrolments, forcing trustees to fund ongoing deficits from reserves.
Closure loomed again late last year as reserves depleted – but the doors have stayed open thanks to the securing of long-term loans at the beginning of this year.
Organisers how hope to restore enrolment numbers and introduce the Guildhouse to a new generation of students.
