A UNIVERSITY in the original sense of the word, the University of the Third Age (U3A) facilitates higher learning to deliver a low-cost avenue for stimulation and educational fun and friendship on a term-by-term basis.
Retired or semi-retired people can and are adding something new to their schedules thanks to the U3A, an international self-help movement, run by retirees for retirees with more than 100 U3As across Victoria creating classes, activities and some have outings that are all operating under COVID-safe plans mandated by the Victorian Government.
Occasionally there is a small charge to cover materials and tutors’ expenses, otherwise most courses are free. Membership fees vary, and usually incur an initial joining cost of $5 per person.
Whittlesea U3A has lots to offer people with programs that run seven days a week and most classes will begin in the first week of February. Its enrolment day was held in December, and there were more than 100 classes for members to choose from, including craft, dance, exercise, games, health and wellbeing, art, e-writing and computers.
Course coordinator Natalie Lim said: “Our exercise and line dancing classes are always popular [beginners, intermediate and advanced]. Last year we had over 100 members enrolled in them by the end of the year”.
The line dancing timetable also features two line dancing socials and these are held not too far away at the Epping Memorial Hall for a nominal cost.
“During summer and spring, we have a group that travel around on trains,” Ms Lim said.
“We already have over 670 members signed up, but there are still many classes with vacancies.”
New memberships are $70.
To view the timetable, visit www.whittleseau3a.org.au
