Federal Member for Calare Andrew Gee attended and it was also pleasing to see foundation committee member Barbara Brewer there with her husband, Ian.

Members were entertained with Christmas carols performed by the U3A Singing for Pleasure and Recorders groups, and a large display of art and craft works completed by members during the year.

Membership has grown to 550 this year and members have enjoyed a wide range of classes, from craft to geocaching to book clubs and everything in between. In all, there are 40 courses each week during term.

THE program of courses for term one, 2018 is on the Bathurst U3A website and included in the latest newsletter. New courses include lapidary, armchair travel, drama and first-aid and health for seniors.

There are also a few changes to times and venues, and members should check this out on the website or in the newsletter.

As has been the case for some years now, term one will include the very popular and stimulating Monday Morning Show. This is a series of talks on a variety of topics, each presented by an expert in the relevant field.

The talks are organised by Bathurst U3A, but are also open to the general public. The venue will be the meeting room at Bathurst Regional Library. The first Monday Morning Show will be on February 5, 2018.

The topics presented during the term will include The Politics and Promises of the NBN; Australian Native Bees - Our Unseen Treasures; At Home with Lyon, Curtin and Chifley; Migrant and Refugee Settlement in the Central West; Life Upon The Wicked Stage; Planning for Retirement; A Window into Hearing; and Producing the Book Building Bathurst.

All the topics are unrelated and presented by knowledgeable speakers.

These mornings are always informative and entertaining.

THE 2018 Information and Enrolment Day will be held on Wednesday, January 17 from 10am till noon at the Bathurst Senior Citizens’ Centre at 176 Russell Street. This is always a busy, bustling morning, with U3A committee members and tutors available to provide information and answer questions.

Enrolment can also be done online at the website bathurstu3a.com. However, members always enjoy the contacts and conversations on Enrolment Day.

There is plenty of easy parking at the Senior Citizens’ Centre.

BATHURST U3A president Lindsay Cox recently addressed a monthly meeting of the Bathurst Combined Pensioners and Superannuants.

Lindsay spoke about the formation and history of Bathurst U3A, and outlined the range of courses and the benefits of participation in U3A.

There is an obvious shared demographic between the two organisations and the morning was really worthwhile.

U3A membership is open to anyone over 50, and the annual membership costs just $30. For this small cost, members can participate in as many classes as they can fit in.

Some of the classes, including yoga, tai chi, aquarobics, stretch and flex, revitalise, table tennis and lawn bowls, emphasise getting physical, while some, including philosophy, chess, mah jong, creative writing and other writing groups, cryptic crosswords, various book clubs and the language courses, are a bit more cerebral in their focus.

Other classes, including bonsai, music appreciation, the art and various craft courses and the music groups such as singing for pleasure and recorder playing, offer another experience again.

All the U3A classes offer the opportunity for friendship and socialising, and this is a very significant aspect of U3A.

With 40 courses on offer, there is something for everyone.

Of course, U3A would not function without the wonderful contribution of our voluntary tutors who donate their time and expertise to make the classes happen.

Venue providers are also an essential element in the mix, and U3A committee members and participants are grateful to our tutors and venue providers for their wonderful contribution to U3A.

With 2017 drawing to a close, the Bathurst U3A committee would like to extend Christmas and new year best wishes to all Western Advocate readers.

For more information about Bathurst U3A, visit bathurstu3a.com or contact the Bathurst U3A president Lindsay Cox on 0429 916 618.