HUNDREDS of elderly people proved there is no age limit on learning as they packed out a church hall to find out about new courses.
The University of the Third Age is an international movement in which retired people lead courses across a diverse range of subjects for other pensioners.
Groups in Redbridge, Barkingside and Theydon Bois are already full, and more than 100 people were turned away from the Memorial Hall in South Woodford when they found the seats already taken at the launch of the Wanstead and Woodford branch.
Karen Laverock, 44, is the chairwoman of the new branch, as well as its youngest member.
She gave up work as an IT consultant in the city two years ago and became involved with the university after seeing a meeting advertised.
I didn’t know what it was when I turned up,” she said. “But I thought it sounded like an excellent idea and decided I would help set up the new branch.
“I was nominated as chairman because I’m the only one who can use the computer.
“We knew we’d get quite a lot of interest, but we were overwhelmed with people at the sign up session.
“We’ll be running everything from Spanish classes to computer classes – I’ll be teaching those and I’ve already signed up 50 people. It’s incredible.
New member Sue Joiner, 62, of Crealock Grove in Woodford Green, said: “The existing branches of the U3A are all full so I was delighted to hear about this one.
“I’ve registered for a local walks group, but I’ll also be teaching Rummikub while my husband will be teaching bridge.
“It was absolutely swamped today, but I think it would be nice if we could get even more people signed up.”
With so much demand, organisers are planning a second registration session back at the Memorial Hall in the High Road at 10am on Tuesday (January 17).
Mrs Laverock said: “This just shows that there is a real desire among older people to keep on learning.
“Everyone on the committee is a volunteer and it only costs £18 a year to be a member. So it really is tremendous value.”
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