Keep on Learning

Hobbies and interests
Posted 26 June 2020
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Keep on Learning

As a freelance travel writer for 15 years, Sylvie is now the proud author of 10 books and mountains of memories spent adventuring worldwide.

It was these adventures that inspired her growing collection of novels, anthologies and short stories that follow the theme of travel, war or the modern world.As a writer for the Saturday supplement in the Financial Times, she had the opportunity to travel and write about many destinations. 

Since retiring to Foxhall Court in Banbury, Sylvie has joined the jigsaw group and enjoys piecing puzzles together with neighbours in the communal lounge.

She says: “Since moving to Foxhall Court four years ago, I have made many friends who I enjoy doing jigsaw puzzles with over my morning coffee, when in the past I would have just sat at my computer.”

There is a warm and welcoming community spirit at each of our developments with neighbours regularly coming together to catch up over coffee. Our homeowners are invited to take part in social activities as and when they wish, organised by each other or the House and Estate Managers. Many also lead their own active and independent lifestyles focussed around their hobbies and interests. As a writer from an early age, Sylvie has always had a curious and exploratory mindset. 

Speaking about how she likes to spend her spare time, she says: “I was keen to continue learning, so I became a member of the University of the Third Age (U3A). The U3A has groups all over the country, and in Banbury we have a very lively one. There’s everything from art and music appreciation groups, to local history and conversation in different languages. I’m part of a philosophy group, which I find is excellent for keeping the mind active. I meet with the group every month where we contribute our own thoughts and opinions. The topics of classes depend on your local U3A group, but I highly recommend it to others.” 

Your brain still has an astonishing ability to learn at any age. This extra time at the moment is a wonderful opportunity to discover something you enjoy or reignite a passion for a subject. 

The U3A offers a range of different courses for all interests including creative writing, photography and mindfulness, and the courses vary depending on your location. For more information about the courses offered near you, please visit www.u3a.org.uk.

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