For students, educators, and members of the public who appreciate the depth of academic insight coupled with festive spirit, the University of Gloucestershire has launched a new event. The Winter Wisdom series invites everyone to explore the season’s traditions through a range of talks and workshops delivered across the university’s four campuses between 8 and 11 December 2025.
This initiative is part of the university’s broader strategy to make expert knowledge accessible to all. By opening up a selection of disciplines—from feminist theory to wildlife biology and legal studies—the event demonstrates the variety of expertise cultivated at the University of Gloucestershire and its commitment to community engagement.
Why Attend the Winter Wisdom Festive Lecture Series?
There are several reasons to register for the free public lectures. First, the programme showcases the breadth of subjects offered by the university. Whether you’re a current or prospective student, you will hear from leading faculty on topics that can enrich your academic journey. Second, the event provides a platform for meaningful discussion around cultural practices that define the winter season and the social roles they reinforce. Finally, the interactive workshops give hands‑on experience that can help participants develop skills relevant to academic research or creative production.
1. Academic Depth Meets Festive Culture
Academic discussion can often feel removed from everyday life. Winter Wisdom counters that by framing scholarly inquiry around familiar holiday themes. For example:
- Feminist Perspectives on Christmas – Dr Eleanor Tiplady Higgs examines gender representations in Christmas narratives, connecting Mary’s symbolic role to contemporary debates surrounding motherhood and the workplace.
- Wildlife Stories Around the Holiday – Professor Anne Goodenough unpacks ecological and mythological narratives that explain why we adore roosters, reindeer, and other winter icons.
- The Law Behind Home Alone – Legal scholar Catherine Crampton uses the classic film to illustrate self‑defence and negligence principles, turning a family favourite into a case study in law.
2. Practical Workshops for Creative Exploration
Beyond lectures, the series also offers workshops where attendees design and produce their own memorabilia:
- Print Your Own Christmas Cards and Wrapping Paper – Helen Williams guides participants through digital design and printing techniques, creating customised festive symbols.
- Rethinking New Year’s Resolutions – Illustrator Kimberly Hall encourages a creative and reflective approach to setting goals, illustrating how to incorporate artistic expression into personal planning.
These sessions are free but require pre‑booking to ensure adequate resources for each group.
How to Book Your Spot
To attend any of the Winter Wisdom events, follow these steps:
- Visit the dedicated page for Winter Wisdom on the University of Gloucestershire website.
- Select the event that interests you. Each has a description, location, and booking form available.
- Complete the online booking form. A confirmation email will be sent once your registration is processed.
- Arrive on the day at the specified campus. All workshops and talks are held from 18:00 to 19:30.
Because places are limited, early booking is advisable.
Who Can Attend?
The series is open to:
- School and college groups seeking educational enrichment.
- Members of the public who wish to deepen their cultural understanding.
- University staff looking for community engagement opportunities.
- Current students wanting to explore interdisciplinary links beyond their study path.
By inviting a broad audience, the university strengthens its ties with the local community and demonstrates the relevance of higher education to everyday life.
What Makes the University of Gloucestershire Stand Out?
With campuses across the vibrant region of Gloucestershire, the university is recognised for its strong research outputs and inclusive teaching. The Winter Wisdom series reflects several of the university’s key commitments:
- Academic Excellence: Faculty from a range of disciplines lend their expertise to public discussion.
- Community Engagement: The event invites the public, reinforcing the university’s role as a civic resource.
- Innovative Outreach: By integrating creative workshops, the university showcases applied learning beyond traditional classroom settings.
- Support for Lifelong Learning: Each session offers a free opportunity for individuals of all ages to gain new knowledge and skills.
Plan Your Winter Wisdom Experience
Below is a quick reference schedule and location details for each campus, making it easy to plan your visit.
| Date | Talk / Workshop | Speaker / Host | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 Dec | Is Christmas a Feminist Issue? | Dr Eleanor Tiplady Higgs | Park Campus, 18:00–19:30 |
| 9 Dec | Winter Wildlife at Christmas | Professor Anne Goodenough | Francis Close Hall Campus, 18:00–19:30 |
| 9 Dec | Soaring, Luminous, Mysterious: Gothic Vision in Architecture | Dr Yvette Putra | Francis Close Hall Campus, 18:00–19:30 |
| 10 Dec | What Nobody Tells You About New Year’s Resolutions | Kimberly Hall | Oxstalls Campus, 18:00–19:30 |
| 10 Dec | Home Alone and the Law: Traps Tested | Catherine Crampton | Oxstalls Campus, 18:00–19:30 |
| 11 Dec | The Art of Christmas: Design and Print | Helen Williams | City Campus, 18:00–19:30 |
Next Steps
Ready to join the conversation? Explore the full programme now and secure your place before seats fill.
Whether you’re a student, teacher, local resident, or simply curious about the academic angle of holiday traditions, Winter Wisdom offers a unique, free opportunity to engage with the University of Gloucestershire’s expert community.
For more details on academic courses, research projects, or future public events, visit the university’s main website or email the Press Office at [email protected].
We encourage you to share your experience with us in the comments below or by contacting the event page. Your feedback helps shape future community engagement initiatives.
