The Local - Mt VictoriaA popular education network for retirees is continuing to grow and offer members the chance to improve their minds as well as socialise with others. Jane O’Loughlin found out more.
Perhaps you have noticed the hundreds of seniors spilling out of the Embassy on a Tuesday or Friday morning at around noon, discussing economic trends, obscure science or the latest treatment for illness?
The crowds are testament to the success of the U3A or ‘University of the Third Age’ group in Wellington.
Dr Ganesh Ahirao discusses economics at a U3A session. Photo : Peter Kennedy.
The group, established in Pōneke for more than 30 years, helps keep the brains of retired (or semi-retired) people stimulated, as well as providing a valuable social network for older Wellingtonians.
President Bruce Levick and newsletter editor Janet Tyson are two volunteers on the Wellington committee that keeps the organisation running.
They say it is growing strongly, and has now reached 1450 members, largely through word-of-mouth.
For a modest annual fee of $50, members get access to talks by a wide range of experts, including some well-known academics and professionals.
The calibre of speakers is usually high, and sometimes the topics can be unexpectedly interesting.
For example, Levick says one speaker, who was a last minute replacement, gave an ‘absolutely riveting’ talk about dragonflies – “people have carried on talking about that one for years.”
This being Wellington, the audience tend to be well educated and often well qualified themselves.
Tyson recalls one talk by a former ambassador to the Ukraine. “In the audience were two other former New Zealand ambassadors to the Ukraine!”
But if talks don’t tickle your fancy, membership also offers access to 29 diverse interest groups including books, cryptic crosswords, handcrafts, antiques and philosophy.
For an added cost, there’s also special trips and events, such as excursions to Mana Island, and a memorable trip to the Fielding stockyards.
Although some people have asked, they don’t stream the talks online, preferring to get people to attend in person.
June’s talks include ecological overshoot, how the New Zealand environment has been depicted in art over time, and reflections from retiring Ombudsman Sir Peter Boshier.
Certainly plenty for to keep Wellington’s seniors talking.
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