By Jamie Salter
Table tennis, language lessons and wine appreciation don’t have much in common but they can all be found at the same place thanks to the members of Emerald U3A.
U3A connects seniors with their local community to form lifelong friendships, learn new skills, and enjoy retirement together.
Emerald U3A marketing manager Heather Bishop said U3A helped her transition to retirement.
“I wasn’t born in the town and when you’re retiring everybody has an adjustment period to get used to the fact that we’ve got to plan a decent life for ourselves whereas before, you had the purpose to make money to get the things you want in life,” she said.
“Joining the U3A Emerald was a way to make friends with a dynamic group and I found they were my kind of people.
“All the classes are reliant on a community member stepping up and leading a class.”
Italian language class teachers Delores and Aldo Bellemo have been teaching for 14 years.
“We love the students – they’re so interested and nice and that’s why we keep doing it but unfortunately due to Covid-19 our numbers have dwindled,” Mrs Bellemo said.
“We used to have about 16 members now we have about seven and it would be good to have more people.”
They said in the past, the class has been a great way to learn a new skill, with the opportunity to visit Brunetti’s in the city and speak Italian while ordering, as well as an overseas trip to Italy and a Christmas feast at the Bellemo’s house.
“They love the language, they love the culture and that’s the type of students we love to have,” Mr Bellemo said.
Table Tennis group leader Ray Schmidt said U3A was formed on three pillars – getting exercise to keep the body fit, keeping the mind active and socialisation.
“We play table tennis which is the activity part and we do a lot of socialising at the cafe afterwards,” Mr Schmidt said.
“We had a new member come in and everyone took her under their wings and accommodates her, it’s an absolutely fantastic environment and everyone enjoys it so much.
“At our age people get lonely and they’re not getting that work environment anymore, so that’s why U3A is so important.”
Emerald U3A is always open to new members and is encouraging more men to get involved.
