AN EARLY START...The morning begins with the Singing for Pleasure class on Wednesdays, run by Graham Brewer. Photo: Cassidy Parker
The Goulburn Valley’s branch of the University of the Third Age holds a long list of classes. The Adviser sat in on their Wednesday morning painting and singing classes, and the monthly committee meeting to learn more about the organisation helping to keep our community connected and learning. To find out more and get involved, visit their website at https://www.gvu3a.com.au/
AN EARLY START…The morning begins with the Singing for Pleasure class on Wednesdays, run by Graham Brewer. Photo: Cassidy ParkerWORKING TOGETHER… Glenice Anwyl and Meredith Arnold, working side by side on their current paintings. The classes are self-guided, with paintings taking anywhere from hours to weeks to finish.GET CREATIVE…Jan Mellor, with her recreation of a Van Gogh. Jan joined U3A in Lakes Entrance but decided to continue learning when she moved to the Shepparton area, and currently takes Art, Craft and Drawing classes at the Shepparton U3A. Photo: Cassidy ParkerGETTING INVOLVED…Lynn Cornall is a new adddition to the GVU3A’s approximately 400 current members. “I didn’t realise just how much was available – it’s truly amazing.” Having a love for painting as a hobby, she decided late last year to join the U3A to for an opportunity to pick it back up, “It’s a commitment to sit down and paint,” said Lynn. She has plans to pick up the Photography, Finance and Scribble class in the near future. “I was just blown away when I came here at how many courses were available.” Photo: Cassidy ParkerALL ARE WELCOME…U3A is an organisation run almost entirely by volunteers. A retired accountant, the Treasurer Ian Hatton (pictured here) said the U3A “didn’t take long to snap me up.” Ian explained the variety of lectures the University hosts each year, including voices from across different walks of life, such as St. Johns Ambulance, asylum seekers, the Royal Flying Doctors and the Shepparton Art Museum. Ian explained that “part of what we want to do is get involved in multicultural stuff.” In March, Goulburn Valley U3A is looking forward to a speech from Ken Muston. Photo: Cassidy ParkerPASSION PROJECT…Jeanette Fry, leader of the Art Group, has loved painting her whole life. She has been involved in Shepparton’s artistic community, previously being a member of the Shepparton Artists Society, and hanging her works in galleries across the region. She got involved in U3A last year when she began attending singing classes. Photo: Cassidy ParkerWORKING TOGETHER…Glenice Anwyl and Meredith Arnold, working side by side on their current paintings. The classes are self-guided, with paintings taking anywhere from hours to weeks to finish. Photo: Cassidy Parker.IN DISCUSSION… Pictured from left is Secretary Elizabeth Lee and President Rita Bloomfield, in discussion at the monthly Committee meeting. A retired local teacher, Rita has been associated with U3A for almost six years and has been the President for three non-consecutive years. “I’ve been really, really lucky to have great people on the committee,” she said of her fellow members. “For a lot of people, good friendships have been made,” said Rita, emphasising the genuine connections found within the walls of U3A. “What I really love about U3A is that it’s a community within a community.” Photo: Cassidy Parker
