Kiama’s University for the Third Age (U3A) is holding enrollment days for the first term of 2023 on 30-31 January, with more than 16 courses to choose from.

“U3A is ideal if you are looking to keep intellectually and socially active, make new friends and pursue new ideas,” says Jamberoo’s Gloria Jeffrey, a member of the U3A committee.

“There is something for everybody: academic, social, physical, and recreational.”

The Monday talks (free to U3A members, 2-4pm at North Kiama Neighbourhood Centre) are very, very popular, Gloria says, and this term will cover subjects such as COVID, Dealing with Chronic Pain, A Tourist’s View of China, How to Start a Zoo, What Milk is That, Our Place in the Galaxy, What is Art? and Geology of the Kiama Region.

Courses run for either four or eight two-hour sessions, so there is time to have tea, coffee and a chat.

The list of courses this term includes:

• Yoga for the Mind and Body
• three different Tai Chi courses
• What’s in the News
• Poetry Appreciation
• Living in Medieval Times
• learn to tap dance with Twinkle Toes
• Table Tennis
• Mah Jong
• Philosophy for Beginners
• Arm-chair Travel Tips and Experiences
• Music Appreciation
• (limit 60)
• Writers Club (limit 20)
• Heredity 102 – Genetics and Your Health.

There is also a monthly readers/book club.

“There are minimum numbers for each course,” says Gloria, “as we need to cover our costs for hall rental, insurance and other items. The maximum number is capped at 60 people per session, but up until COVID we were getting around 60-75 people for our Monday talks.”

The Kiama U3A committee is made up of hard-working volunteers.

“When I retired after working fulltime as a clinical nurse consultant in palliative care, it was 3 years before my husband Ken retired and I was at a bit of a loss for what to do,” says Gloria.

“So I came along to U3A and it was actually the making of me (that was 20 years ago). Then Ken joined and now he enjoys giving some talks and courses. We’ve met some wonderful friends through the network.”

When does the 3rd age start?

“At around 55,” says Gloria.

“And we also have people attend who are well in their 90s.”

Last year U3A members also undertook guided excursions to the Port Kembla Steelworks and HARS, the Historic Aviation Museum in Albion Park.

It costs just $25 per annum to join, and the cost for an eight week course is $20 and $10 for a four week course.

Term 1 starts in the week beginning 6 Febuary.

Full details of the program at kiama.u3anet.org.au

Enrolment days:

30 and 31 January, 2pm-4pm

North Kiama Neighbourhood Centre, Meehan Dr

Email: [email protected]