U3A Ararat branch president Lynne Wilson said she had been delighted with the engagement level during the first term of 2021.

"We've been very happy with how things have gone," she said.

"We were able to hold all our classes. Participation is almost the same as it was before COVID."

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U3A Ararat offered a diverse range of courses in term one, including Knitting and Crochet, Gardening Appreciation and Maintenance, Bushwalking, Pilates / Yoga, and Be Connected, which helped participants improve their digital literacy.

Ms Wilson said she had been encouraged by the popularity of some of the events.

"I suggested perhaps we have a dine-out night which we had at Sicilians," she said.

"I thought we might have eight or 10 people turn up. We had 43 people there. It was very successful.

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"It was the same for Cuppa, Cake, and Chat where we had 20 people turn up.

"So there's a real need for people to turn up and start socialising again."

The strong membership numbers have enabled U3A Ararat to expand its offerings for term two.

"In term two we're going to have Tai Chi; a bit of a fun course for with experiments, for people who can work with their grandchildren, called 'Mad About Science'; we've got some poetry readings; we'll also be holding Sewing once a fortnight." Ms Wilson said.

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"We've also got a couple of excursions. We're going to the Great Stupa, we're also offering to go to Melbourne to the National Gallery of Victoria for an exhibition on French Impressionism paintings from the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston."

For more information, visit u3aararat.org.au or email u3aararat1@gmail.com.

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