Lynne Mowbray | The Clarence River University of the Third Age (CRU3A) held a pre-Christmas cocktail party at the Boardroom, Yamba Shores Tavern on Thursday last week. Around 60 members dressed up for themed event “GRay Mardi Gras” and enjoyed an afternoon of fun to celebrate and say thank you to the near 600 CRU3A members, for embracing the concept of ‘lifetime learning’. CRU3A President Laura Kay O’Brien said that the group hadn’t held a Christmas party for two years and so, as they were all over 50, they came up with the idea to have a ‘GRay Mardi Gras’. “We started our club in 2001 and last year we had 600 members, the highest number of members so far,” Laura said. “CRU3A currently have 560 members from all around the Clarence Valley. “We’ve got 32 groups which cover a variety of interests and activities; film and music appreciation, rummyKub, oriental Mah Jong, art groups, we’ve got bush walking, back to basic camping and the men’s and women’s shed. “One of the groups ‘Let’s all Sing’, come together and practise on Thursday’s and then travel around and sing at nursing homes around the area. “We’ve got two book groups already and the demand is so great, that we’re starting another one, next year. “It’s all about learning for life – university of the third age; it’s about people volunteering and sharing their skills and expertise with other people. “The group is built on fun and friendship and you have to be 50 to join. “Classes only cost about $2,” she said. For more information go to their website: www.cru3a.u3anet.org.au