WALLAN U3A community group held its annual registration day at Wallan Neighbourhood House last Friday morning.
The University for the Third Age (U3A) is a learning group organised by retirees for retirees and at Wallan the timetable offers writing, trivia, craft, Italian language, games, and pilates. Its newest class is Fun Singing.
Wallan President and Fun Singing tutor John Lanphier said: “We already have 10 or so registered in our group, more are welcome. Some of the songs we will sing are Imagine [by John Lennon], Let Me Be There [by Olivia Newton-John], Sweet Caroline [by Neil Diamond] and Love is in the Air [by John Paul Young].”
Mr Lanphier is thrilled to be organising community performances for the new group, and their first is at an aged care residence in Kilmore on Thursday, March 26. Otherwise, the bell rings for practice each Tuesday at Wallan Neighbourhood House, 42 Bentinck Street at 3pm.
Ballroom dancing is back and male tutor Theo Smit invites beginners to join.
U3A secretary Brenda Nicholas said: “We need more men in this class; the women would like a male partner. There is nothing to be afraid of, we are all learning.”
“I’m still learning,” said Mr Smit.
“Really, the dancing is 50 per cent. The rest is friendships. I’ve taught ballroom dancing for 16 years, I’m 82 now. I gave it up when I got married and then resumed. I’ve been teaching part-time ever since.”
On what makes a good male dance partner Mr Smit said: “Someone who respects women, loves to exercise and likes to socialise.”
Dancing is excellent for balance and with a male and female tutor to learn from students can learn to Tango, Rock ‘n’ Roll or a waltz. Registrations are taken throughout the year for dancing held each Tuesday also at the Wallan Neighbourhood House from 1pm to 3pm.
Just like the Fun Singing class the cost is included in the annual membership; $35 for an individual, or $60 per couple.
What’s exciting is that Wallan, and Kilmore and District U3A have an associate membership arrangement whereby the groups share their timetables with each other to introduce more options to meet diverse socialisation and learning preferences of its members.
For more information, email secretary@u3awallan.org.au