U3A (University of the Third Age) fare on Tuesday afternoons includes the popular Read and Share book clubs. One group, led by Allison Aspden, meets on the third Tuesday of each month and the other, led by Denise Payne, on the fourth Tuesday.
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Generally, both groups discuss the same books at different times of the year, which allows some sharing of books. The books for reading and sharing are chosen by the groups at the beginning of each year, and the selection includes members’ suggestions.
Fiction and non-fiction are included. Books are obtained from the library, local bookstores and by sourcing them online, including Kindle and other electronic readers.
The participants enjoy the analysis of plots, settings and characters. Writing styles, structure and historical and social issues also form a large part of discussions. Recent books reviewed include Stan Grant’s Talking To My Country and All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr, a Pulitzer Prize winner set during the Second World War.
The Boat by Nam Le is another topical offering sure to provide plenty of discussion.
Many participants have been attending the meetings for several years and enduring friendships have been formed. Social catch-ups before and after the meetings are a feature of Read and Share, and indeed all U3A programs.
Did the butler do it?
“I WAS sitting in my office when a tall blond walked past the window. I knew she was tall because my office is on the first floor.”
This style of private-eye fiction is passé nowadays and modern crime fiction is more serious and a lot more sophisticated.
Bathurst U3A has two Crime Fiction groups, meeting on the first and second Tuesdays each month, and in a light-hearted way they take their crime seriously!
Co-ordinators Libby Tink and Jenny Walker include the best of Australian, British, American and Scandinavian crime fiction in the book of the month studies. The groups hold an end-of-year meeting to suggest books for the following year’s reading and Libby and Jenny select books from the suggestions made, ensuring a range of authors and styles.
Discussions are always lively, and everyone has an opportunity to give their opinions.
Plot, characters and writing styles are always a talking point, and social and moral issues often arise, such as in novels set during the Second World War.
The group meets for coffee afterwards. Many participants have been involved since the classes started more than eight years ago, and solid friendships have been formed and maintained.
Extending terms
BATHURST U3A terms currently extend for just six weeks. While some courses, such as the four book club courses, meet throughout the year, it is not always possible to extend all courses, depending on factors such as tutor and venue availability.
The U3A committee is exploring ways of extending term times where possible.
Bathurst U3A offers over 40 courses for people aged over 50.
There is a wide range of programs for the mind, body and spirit. For an annual fee of just $30, members can participate in any number of courses.
For further information about Bathurst U3A, visit bathurstu3a.com or contact the secretary Sue Lasky on 6331 6968.
