If you’re over 50 and anywhere within Bega Shire you can, between now and December 15, try two sessions of any of the more than 40 courses U3A offers, without having to first join U3A.

Just check the program, which you’ll find online at u3asapphire.wikispaces.com, choose the subjects that interest you, then call Lindy Fisher on 0478 152 877, and she will organise everything for you.

 According to Fleur Dwyer, President of Sapphire Coast U3A, this is a great opportunity to try out courses, meet members of the U3A community, and maybe discover that joining U3A should be on your New Year’s Resolution list for 2018.

“Our courses are run by our members for our members, using the skills, knowledge and interests that they have developed through formal and informal education, long life and work experience,” Ms Dwyer said.

“The result is a program of courses that spans physical activities like adventure walking and line dancing; mind/body activities like yoga and Chi Kung; languages like French, Italian and Spanish; brain challenging games like Mahjong, Scrabble, Bolivia, 500 and Rummikub; courses to hone critical analytical and discussion skills like Critiquing Cinema, reading groups, and Taboo Topics; courses to hone computer skills; more academic subjects like Philosophy, Linguistics and Critical Thinking; creative writing and writing life stories; and for the gourmets, wine appreciation and gourmet food and travel.

 “Research shows that the key to quality of life in retirement is keeping the brain and the body active,” Ms Dwyer said. “U3A aims to help our members do that by providing opportunities to keep learning throughout their retirement years, without tests or assignments or pressure of any kind.”