No age limit to learning
SANDTON - The University of the Third Age had their monthly meeting at the Rosebank Union Church with guest speaker, Vincent Carruthers.
The Rosebank Union Church hall was filled with individuals who were eager to learn about the Magaliesberg Biosphere Reserve on 19 April. However, this was no ordinary lecture as the attendees were not fresh out of school but rather retired and semi-retired ‘third agers’ who meet on a regular basis to learn.
The guest speaker was Vincent Carruthers and he put together a well-prepared presentation, which included a slide show. “The four most important parts of the Magaliesberg are the biodiversity, history, geology and water of the region,” he said.
Carruthers gave a detailed explanation of the biodiversity and nature of the area and used sources such as rock art, maps and paintings to emphasise his presentation.
In light of Earth Day on 22 April, Carruthers brought up a pertinent point when he said, “We, as humans, are consuming the biosphere too quickly.”
Some of the attendees took notes, others brought their knitting along while an elderly woman chose to invite her grandson. The most obvious part of this particular lecture was that there was no talking, note-throwing, moving or laughing. The eagerness to learn and an appreciation for the gift of education was exceptionally obvious. As the guest speaker switched through slides, nothing could be heard but the silence that comes with the overwhelming desire to latch onto the gift of insight.
One of the university members, Maureen Spiro, said they are always looking for individuals who are experts in a specific subject matter to offer lessons. Spiro explained that their lessons are not limited to any particular topic. They are eager to learn anything from a foreign language to painting to poetry. Furthermore, this university is open to all members of the public.
Details: maureen@tieweavers.co.za; 011 883 1494.
