LOVING LEARNING: Students Anne Weale and Allan Wickham with Orange U3A secretary Cecily Butcher and president Jean Penrose. Mrs Weale and Mr Wickham signed up to study with U3A this year. Photo: NADINE MORTON 0122nmu3a2
LEARNING about new technologies to keep in touch with family was the driving force behind one woman’s decision to join the Orange University of the Third Age (U3A).
U3A held its annual enrolment day yesterday with great success.
Anne Weale was one of many who signed up to study Understanding Social Media and the popular iPad Users Group.
Mrs Weale said she wanted to be able to keep in touch with family members through her iPad.
“I have an iPad and I have a daughter in Perth and I’ve just become a grandmother,” she said.
“It’s the day-in day-out contact of taking photos and being able to see it straight away.”
This is the first time Mrs Weale has signed up to study with the U3A and she is looking forward to the experience.
“[I hope] to explore what other things can be done [with an iPad]. I just hope to learn about the other applications and what it can do for me,” she said.
Other new courses at Orange U3A this year are German History and Conversation, and Japanese Cooking.
U3A president Jean Penrose says they have had an excellent response to this year’s program.
Courses and interests covered include cryptic crosswords, armchair travel, cooking and history.
“It’s all about getting people connected with people again,” she said.
Mrs Penrose said U3A courses were available for people aged over 50 who were retired or semi-retired. It is not too late to sign up for U3A courses this year, with an open day from 10am to noon at the Senior Citizens Centre on Wednesday January 30.
Mrs Penrose says it is a great opportunity to talk to course leaders, ask questions and sign up.
Courses available: Armchair travel, Greeting card making, Early German history and conversation, Exploring pencil drawing, Croquet, French, Watercolours for fun, Music appreciation, Art appreciation, Lively discussion group, Decoding cryptic crosswords, Card and board games, Creative Writing, Japanese cooking and conversation.
nadine.morton@fairaxmedia.com.au