At 80 years young, Viv Bushel is a fantastic example of the importance of exercising those little grey cells.
The Victoria Park resident is a veteran of Cardiff Council’s neighbourhood learning programme and believes it’s never too late to learn.
“It’s always good to learn something new or pick up a new skill”, said the learner who attends the Severn Road neighbourhood learning centre.
“Learning keeps me alive! I’m 80 years old and I go to portraiture, water-colour and drawing classes. I also dance and keep active.
“I’ve tried a computer course and I’ve also done some German classes. I have a new granddaughter who lives in Germany so I’ll be able to say a few words in German to her – mostly Nein, Nein!
“Of course there is the social aspect of attending classes as well. You meet new people of a similar mind, who like similar things. It’s no good sitting at home in a corner. Learning keeps me healthy and mentally alert, come and join me.”
There is a huge variety of courses on offer at a number of neighbourhood learning centres throughout the city. From languages to computers and IT, gardening and photography to book keeping and Tai Chi, there’s also plenty on offer for learners looking to pick up a new skill to progress their careers, or develop a new hobby or refresh old skills.
Margaret Latham also attends the Severn Road Centre and has followed a course to improve her English language skills.
Margaret said: “I come from Uganda and want to learn to write and speak better English. I enjoy my classes because I enjoy mixing with different people in the group. I’m now going to computer classes and take part in FAN (Friends and Neighbours Group) at Severn Road every Wednesday lunchtime. Now I feel more at home.”
Cardiff Council’s Neighbourhood Learning magazine ‘On Course’ is out now providing information on the courses available for adults across the city. The magazine includes details of Neighbourhood Learning Centres throughout Cardiff and term dates.
Enrolment is taking place now. To download a copy of the magazine visit www.cardiff.gov.uk/neighbourhoodlearning
Executive Member for Education and Lifelong Learning, Cllr Freda Salway, said: “Viv and Margaret’s stories are very inspiring and I hope the success and enjoyment they obviously have experienced from attending their courses will encourage others to take the leap and enrol in one of our neighbourhood learning courses.
“It might be that you want to refresh some skills you already have, or learn a completely new skill or hobby. There really is something for everyone and as Viv says, learning keeps you alive!”
