University of the Third Age thriving in Bingara

-Submitted by Ros Moulton

For those who are not familiar with Bingara U3A, Universities of the Third Age, or U3As as they are more often called, are voluntary, nonprofit organisations which aim to offer older people low-cost educational opportunities which operate in a pleasant, supportive social setting. There are no formal entry requirements, no examinations and no awards. U3As are basically groups built on the premise that collectively older people have the skills and knowledge to provide learning/social opportunities for themselves.

Most U3As offer a program of weekly classes conducted in daylight hours and arranged on a term or semester basis. A wide range of subjects are generally offered, depending on the interests of members and the availability of suitable group leaders and tutors.

Bingara U3A has been going since 2018 and at the moment has over 40 members. Every week it offers two exercise classes and each term it offers a couple of events per month.

Bingara U3A has just published its list of activities for the first term of 2023.

“We have some interesting and fun events for the start of this year” said Secretary, Ros Moulton but “firstly thanks to all of you who attended U3A activities in Bingara last year. Some of our activities included Armchair Travel, Bingara’s History, Power of Attorney and Power of Guardianship, Silk Scarf Dyeing, Olive Pickling, An Introduction to Dowsing and of course our two weekly exercise classes”.

“Our first event” continued Ros, “has already happened on February 2nd when I presented a session on recognising computer and phone scams and what steps you can take to stay safe from them. We have three events in March – a session on how to organise your email and a repeat of a very popular session from 2020 when we had an astronomer from Armidale helping us interpret the night sky. Later in March, we are going in our armchairs to Norfolk Island.”

Bingara U3A also runs two exercise classes every week. These are Pilates on Saturday morning and Balance ‘n’ Bones on Monday morning. Pilates has been running for well over 15 years, initially through Bingara Adult Ed and now through Bingara U3A.

Pilates aims to enhance physical strength, flexibility and coordination as well as reduce stress, improve mental focus and foster an improved sense of well being. Although many of the group have been doing Pilates for a number of years, Bingara U3A is happy to welcome new participants. “Although I did some Pilates routines at home during the Covid lockdowns” said one Pilates regular, “it is so much easier and more fun to be doing it as part of a group and the coffee afterwards is even better!” Pilates runs at the Gwydir Health Hub in Maitland Street at 10am on Saturday.

Balance ‘n’ Bones is an exercise programme for mobile, mature aged participants at various fitness levels. It is a fun workout aimed to increase flexibility, balance, coordination and bone strength. One BnB regular commented “BnB is great for balance, coordination and lots of fun. Lots of those forgotten body parts are discovered. A wonderful start to the week.” Another said “I have noticed my balance is improving and coordination is a lot better and I enjoy the session and have a good feeling when finished.” Balance ‘n’ Bones runs in St Mary’s Hall in Riddell St at 8am on Monday.

Bingara U3A asks that if you are interested in attending any of these activities or just want more information on what Bingara U3A does, please contact them on bingarau3a@gmail.com. Also, if you would like to become a member of Bingara U3A, please pick up a membership form from the Visitor Information Centre or ask for one by email. It only costs $20 for the year.

Ros concluded “If you or someone you know has a particular skill or interest which they would be happy to share with others, we would love to hear from you!”