LOCALS around Indigo Shire have a chance to check out courses and activities run by Indigo U3A (University of the Third Age) next week.

The organisation’s open week is part of Indigo Shire’s Seniors Festival.

U3A president Neil Townsend said doors are being opened for everyone to come along and join scheduled classes.

“People can also see why we have so much fun here and they can sit in or join in with our classes," he said.

“There’s an online schedule listed in our website and Facebook page, and we would just like interested people to let us know they are coming along so we can make sure there's enough paint or whatever is needed in a class.

“We have a great range of courses and up to about 19 offered with lots of ad hoc ones too.”

Mr Townsend said classes are offered five and sometimes six days a week.

“We have also been given a five-year lease from the Council for our premises here at the Old Railway Station," he said.

“This gives a sense of purpose and an opportunity now to have more activities on site.”

Mr Towsend said the group has 163 members with an aim to increase numbers to 200.

“Once upon a time many people thought of U3A as an organisation just for retired people," he said.

“It's not and is for anyone who wants to join.

“People may be in their 40s or early 50s and don't work full time or have spare time and would like to be involved."

He said among the great range of many courses are travel, philosophy, book club, scribblers and lots of art classes.

“There's so much available, and the more people join in, the more we can do," he said.

“People may come with experiences or talents that we do not have and are willing to share and that's what it's all about."

For more information about next week’s open week from October 21 to 27 at the Old Railway Station at 3B Harper Ave, Beechworth visit the Indigo U3A webpage at www.indigou3a.org.au, email indigo.u3a@gmail.com or phone 0492 830 612.