U3A is a voluntary non-profit association that presents low cost educational opportunities through a program of weekly classes arranged on a term or semester basis on a wide range of subjects.

At The Stables class presenters – all volunteers - were on hand to discuss the needs and answer questions about the courses being offered.

Program coordinator, Janet Duffy, said  there are a variety of new offerings for 2017 and that the local organisation punches above its weight compared to branches in larger regional centres, thanks to the versatility of its volunteers.

“We have a number of new courses for this year including; Busin’ About Mystery Tours; Mosaics; Wonders of Ancient Egypt; End of the Romanov Dynasty; Who put the “great” in Great Britain?; Spain; Human Biology; Ageing and Retirement; Very Basic Computer Introduction; Documentary Potpourri; Language in Literature; and Slow Boat to China,” she said.

“So it’s looking like it will be a good year.

“One of the things we’re really proud of is that for a small region we actually offer more courses than Bathurst and Orange.

“Also the fact that the people that run them are all volunteers offering their services.

“We’ve got 40 courses but 31 presenters – people have got an interest and they want to share it with other people.”

Anyone who missed the Enrollment Day can still join.

A four term yearly membership is $25 and you can take as many courses as you like, with a sliding scale taking off $5 as the terms progress.

Membership fees cover administration, postage costs and insurance.

There is no charge for the residents of Aged Care Facilities.

Enquiries to 6372 9731.