By Jan Peacock

Nestling behind the hustle and bustle of the university 5 mile stretch, Union Chapel Fallowfield's 0 & A programme reaches out to the community far and wide. From Pilates to political affairs discussion groups and piano classes, from African drumming and dancing to art classes, from Spanish lessons to singing practice, UCF offers a seemingly inexhaustible range of adult classes, lectures and work shops to suit all tastes.

Having discovered this oasis of inspirational learning a year ago, in my semi retirement I am enjoying not only the benefits of Pilates and the joy of learning water colour skills but also the camaraderie of like minded people within friendly classes and the encouragement of highly motivated teachers.

In a quiet, well maintained and relaxed environment entirely conducive to the wide variety of the courses it offers, classes at UCF are a source of fun and inspiration. I have found a new sense of purpose and am actively looking forward to the time when I can attend more courses and learn new skills, discover latent talents and enjoy the benefits ofTai Chi, which I knew very little about before attending a set of 'taster' sessions on fitness and well being recently run at the chapel. The large kitchen area with tea and coffee making facilities means you can enjoy a drink with a packed lunch should you attend classes throughout the day and there is always somebody around to chat with.

UCF extends a warm welcome to all keen to take up a new interest or

resurrect an old one and if you're not sure if a class is for you, just turn up and give it a go! I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who works so hard behind the scenes at UCF for offering the community such a varied range of opportunities and activities that open the door to the fun of sharing ideas and achieving and also afford the chance to go on a voyage of self discovery.

                                                                                                            Jan Peacock