By Cheryl Folley
Beaudesert U3A is gearing up to take expressions of interest in two new language courses planned for 2022.
Scenic Rim linguist Mark White will visit Beaudesert every week to conduct group classes in German and ESL (English as a second language) when U3A regular courses begin again at the end of January.
Residents are invited to discuss the courses at the U3A annual Open Day to be held at The Club (RSL) function room, William Street, from 10 am to noon on Friday, 21 January.
The Open Day will also include demonstrations by two groups – mosaics and line dancing – who will be welcoming non-members to “try before you buy” under the Scenic Rim Regional Council’s program, Be Healthy and Active. Mosaic members have lined up examples of their work, including some quirky decorated frypans which were an end-of-year project last November, and line dancers will be performing during the morning.
U3A president Andy Fechner said both courses had been very popular when offered under the same program last year, with a number of people opting to continue as members at the end of their 10-week trial period.
He said many of U3A’s other regular courses would be represented at the Open Day, with tutors happy to answer questions.
“There will be a garden stall with members of our biggest group in attendance, and our keen artists will have a display of their work,” he said.
Other activities represented would include Travel and Adventure Group (TAG), trivia puzzling, cards and mahjong, croquet, Nordic walking and aqua-aerobics.
Mr Fechner said that U3A in Beaudesert, although nominally a group for seniors, was also open to residents below the accepted retirement age who were interested in learning a particular skill, although the group could not accept NDIS nominations as it is purely a volunteer organisation.
“Apart from social interaction with the opportunity to learn new skills and make new friends, U3A also offers members one of the most important things of all, a sense of purpose,” he said. “And if you want to indulge a passion or share a skill, there is a chance to become a volunteer tutor / facilitator or committee member.
“We are always open to starting a new course activity or subject, and will organise a venue where you can share skills with other like-minded members,” he said.
Entry to the Open Day will conform with State government rules – ie, anyone attending must show proof of Covid vaccination or approved medical exemption, and masks need to be worn. Free tea and coffee will be provided.
