Brian Groombridge

Personal Data:

Born 24 April 1926 in West Ham, east London, UK

Died 6 July 2015 (Aged 89)

Education:

He studied philosophy and psychology, and history in Christ’s College, Cambridge, his degree was interrupted when he volunteered for the RAF, and he graduated in 1948.

Employment:

From 1951, he ran centers in Letchworth, Hertfordshire, and Rugby, Warwickshire, for the democratic Educational Centers Association.

University and local education authority courses rubbed shoulders with Workers’ Educational Association groups, arts and crafts and drama, according to student demand.

In 1957, Edward Hutchinson, director of NIAE, invited Brian to research Education and Retirement (1960)

From 1960, he was a freelance writer and presenter of educational programs for BBC radio and ABC television

From 1964, as its deputy director, he increased the involvement of the National Institute of Adult Education (now, the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education) in broadcasting.

From 1968, Brain became head of education programs for schools and adults at the Independent Broadcasting Authority

In 1976, as a professor of adult education at the University of London; an education seminar with Finnish television;

1988, he joined in Birkbeck University of London, and retired as professor emeritus in 1991.

Awards and Honors:

The University of Helsinki awarded him an honorary degree.

In 1990, Knight of the White Rose of Finland.

In 1992, the Open University also awarded him an honorary degree

Membership-Professional Organizations:

National Institute of Adult Education

Educational Program Services of the Independent Broadcasting Authority

Educational Centers Association

The Seafarers Education Service

The Cooperative Union and the Research Institute for Consumer Affairs

Publications:

In 1962, Education and Retirement

Better Government for Older People

Television and the People: a program for democratic participation, Brian Groombridge, Penguin,1972

Professional Interest Areas:

Adult Continuing Education

Broadcasting

Major Contribution to Adult Education:

In 1981, with Peter Laslett in Cambridge and Eric Midwinter of the Center for Policy on Ageing, they embarked on establishing the University of the Third Age (U3A) in Britain. All U3A are autonomous: the following year Brian co-founded and chaired a group in the capital, U3A in London.

Additional Resources:

Before he retired, he contributed to the European Space Agency’s understanding of the potential uses of satellite technology for adult education.

He continues to impact on public policy—most recently through work on a government study on mental well-being.

After retirement he has continued to write, to organize and to campaign for the rights of adults, bringing flair and distinction to everything he does.

Articles:

Better Government for Older People

Education and Retirement 

Photo Gallery:

Interesting Fact:

References:

https://www.theguardian.com/education/2015/jul/31/brian-groombridge

https://www.halloffame.outreach.ou.edu/2009/groombridge.html