Third Age classes come home

By Ed Merrison
KNOX University of the Third Age (U3A) is returning to Ferntree Gully.
The branch, one of the biggest U3A resources in Victoria, was situated at 17 different locations in the last university term.
But it is set to resume residence at Parkhills on Park Boulevard, Ferntree Gully.
Classes had been administered from a temporary base in Millers Homestead in Boronia.
U3A vice-president Kath Brown said she looked forward to a more centralised existence, with only three other venues being required to host about 100 classes per week this term.
“Everyone is very excited about the new building, which is twice as large as the old Parkhills (building), with loads of potential for both U3A and any other organisation who may want to use it after hours,” she said.
Purpose-designed by Knox City Council for U3A, the new-look premises houses a new, bigger library, with new furniture, as well as a bigger office, hall and kitchen.
“They’ve really made a brilliant job of fitting out. The kitchen is just wonderful and the office is too,” she said.
The building was due to be ready for occupation on Friday, 28 April, although final touches are expected to keep the committee and volunteers busy up a while longer, ahead of the start of term-two on Monday, 22 May.
New classes for this term include Thai-Chinese cooking, financial self-help, comparing religions and their teachings, cooking for one, and card embroidery.
About 70 teachers will be offering their services as part of a volunteer workforce of about 150 people, including committee members, office workers and a data-processing group.
It is hoped the collective effort will help the group surge to a new membership high of more than a thousand after last year experienced a minor drop to about 850.
Ms Brown said she wanted U3A’s home to become a community hub, and said the door at Parkhills was always open.
“We’ll greet new members with open arms. The welcome mat is out at the new building,” she said.
Registration for new classes takes place on Monday, 15 May.
Anyone wishing to join Knox U3A or inquire about classes can request a newsletter on 9752 2737 or phone the course coordinator on 9752 2618.