Burton and South Derbyshire College’s (BSDC) Never Too Late To Learn (NTLTL) is a general interest course for mature learners, which has been running successfully since 2001.
In its 25th year, Burton and South Derbyshire College’s Never Too Late To Learn course for mature learners has various celebration plans in store to mark the occasion, including a history walk of Georgian Derby, led by local historian Danielle Burton, and an afternoon tea at Langan’s Tea Rooms on Guild Street, Burton upon Trent.
The NTLTL course – which moved to the new venue of Burton Library, just off High Street, in September 2025 – is very relaxed and friendly, and includes social time over coffee and biscuits, crafts, discussions, and diverse talks by top-class speakers. A typical day features three speakers, two in the morning and one in the afternoon, on topics ranging from history to poetry to the environment to literature.
Learners have commented that the course is a great way to keep the brain active, make new friends, and combat loneliness, with them enjoying lots of lively conversation and laughter. Some learners have been attending for a number of years, as the course’s content is different each term and appeals to anyone who enjoys a stimulating and informative day amongst like-minded people.
There are also two companion courses – Look Closer, which runs like a book club during the morning, with history lectures during the afternoon, and Practically Anything, which covers more practical subjects such as art, poetry workshops, creative writing, and crafts.
Never Too Late To Learn runs on Wednesdays between 9:15am and 3pm, and learners can join at any point and start paying from then. If you are interested in the course, please contact Course Leader, Robin Wood for more information by emailing rockinrobin123@hotmail.co.uk.