Spinning Spider Tales
Canterbury WEA

Canterbury WEA

Spinning Spider Tales

Explore the cultural influence of spiders across two engaging talks with Simon Pollard.

course

59 Gloucester Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch, Canterbury, 8013  –  View on map

Tue, 10 Nov 2026
12:30 – 2:00 pm

Every Tuesday

2 weeks

Tue, 17 Nov 2026

$19.00 per class

EN

Age 16+

Tue, 10 Nov 2026
12:30 – 2:00 pm

Tue, 17 Nov 2026
12:30 – 2:00 pm

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Explore the cultural influence of spiders across two engaging talks with Simon Pollard.

Spiders have influenced folklore, children’s literature and popular culture for centuries. It’s ironic that the hero of one of the most loved children’s books, Charlotte’s Web, is a spider — one of our most feared animals.

Across two engaging talks, Simon will explore the cultural influence of spiders and the stories, symbols and associations that surround them. Along the way, we’ll discover more about the spiders who live among us and mean us no harm, and consider why these small, fascinating creatures have inspired both fear and affection.

After this course, you will never again see the word “spinster” without thinking of spiders! Come along and gain a new appreciation for these remarkable beings.

Simon is an award-winning writer in both New Zealand and the United States, and a two-time winner of the LIANZ non-fiction book of the year award. His latest book (published by Te Papa Press), is The Incredible Insects of Aotearoa.

The price shown includes the Life Membership discount.

Information, logo and images are sourced from the Canterbury WEA website.

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