U3A, as it is more commonly known, runs about 30 classes a week covering everything from table tennis to oil painting, language sessions, and exercise.

The organisation started in France in 1973, and has been in Horsham for about 30 years. There are now 250 organisations in Australia with 85,000 members.

Horsham president Bob McIlvena said the group played an integral in getting the Wimmera’s older residents out of their homes and involved in the community.

“The organisation started when a group of university professors were discussing how a terrible lot of the population were more or less in God’s waiting room,” he said.

“They were sitting at home doing nothing.

“Top medical people in the world have proven that in the third age, people live longer if they are both mentally and physically active.

“The first age of your life is your childhood and schooling, and then your family and working life is the second age. Your retirement is the third age.

“You can join U3A in your late 50s. Our members range in age from 63 to 96.”

The university started in Horsham in 1988 with four members. 

It now was 320 members.

The group runs many classes from its base at Horsham’s railway station, but classes also run at other venues.

Mr McIlvena said university volunteers ensured there was a wide variety of classes on offer – including a complaints class.

“We have a session called Grumpy Old Wrinklies where people can come along and complain about whatever they want,” he said.

“It could be the weather, the constant accounts and bills to pay – anything that is giving you the gripes, we go through it.”

Publicity officer Geoff Baker said membership had been steady for years, but more people were always welcome.

“The disappointing thing for me is that, when I tell people I’m a member of U3A, they say ‘What’s that?’,” he said. 

“We try to get the awareness out there. 

“You could almost live here with everything we have on. Bob and I have heard people say you could put a mattress in and you would be set.”

Mr Baker said the club was grateful to receive a Horsham Sports and Community Club grant this month for $1100 to upgrade the audio visual systems used in its classes.

“We thank them so much for their help and hope they might be able to help us out again in the future,” he said.

Mr Baker encouraged anyone to give the university a try.

“People come on gophers, with walking frames, in taxis – it doesn’t matter,” he said.

“It gives people a reason to get up in the morning and that’s the important thing.”

Mr McIlvena said people could call the U3A office on 5382 6654 or email info@horshamu3a.org.au.