Fred has visited Russia many times and has lived there. He has travelled to most parts of European Russia and once to the far east of Russia. He returned from a two month trip to Moscow and Alma Ata in July 2006. His wife is Russian and he has met many interesting Russians. History is one of Fred’s hobbies so he has studied something of the history of the largest land empire that has ever existed. Fred holds several formal qualifications in areas unrelated to Russia but which have assisted his learning about the Russian Empire.

Hilary has degrees in Medieval History and in French. She worked in music administration and stumbled into teaching via U3A.

David wears many hats including geologist, geophysicist and groundwater specialist. Not so well known are his long-standing interests in railways, history and music. He owns and plays a cello far older than he is. He has combined several of these hats in his courses for U3A and in his books Walk into History, Step into History in Tasmanian Reserves, The Rock which makes Tasmania and Water – Facts, Issues and Problems.

Margaret is a painter, photographer, potter and print-maker. She studied at the School of Art, Hobart, from 1974-78 and was awarded the Diploma of Arts (Visual) in 1978. In 1988 she was awarded a TAFE Certificate in Ceramics from Rosny College. She lived for 19 years at Tea Tree where painting with acrylics, water colour and mixed media was a consuming passion. Margaret is a keen bushwalker which is reflected in the subject matter of her paintings. She conducted a drawing and painting class at her home in 1981 and carried on that tradition in later years with Adult Education painting and drawing classes. She was listed in `Tasmanian Artists of 20th Century' edited by Sue Backhouse and `A Dictionary of Women Artists of Australia' by Max Germaine. She has exhibited in selected exhibitions at the Art Society of Tasmania for many years and she has also exhibited with the Australian Society of Miniature Art, Tasmania. Her work is represented in Private Collections in Tasmania, NSW, ACT and PNG.

Alison has been dancing literally for as long as she can remember - she has collected teaching qualifications and taken part in displays and keeps in touch with teachers all over Australia.

Philippa has taught music in Australia and overseas and is a Marking Examiner for the Tasmanian Secondary Assessment Board. As a pianist she enjoys ensemble playing and accompanying.

Barry was a primary school teacher and principal in Tasmania for forty years. He has an interest in history, particularly Australian. He has been a tutor at Clarence and other U3As since 1998.

Gradon worked as Principal Plant Research Scientist in the State Department of Agriculture.

John has been involved in the army, police, local government and now – Blessed Retirement! He is a history buff.

Michael taught history at University of Tasmania from 1960-1996. His most recent publication (in 2006) is An Imperial Disaster – the Wreck of George the Third.

Lorraine is a retired New Zealand physiotherapist who began studying and then practising yoga because of the stress of working full-time whilst rearing six children on her own.

Bob graduated from the University of Tasmania in 1953 and is an ex-school teacher and retired accountant. He considers himself a student of history – not a historian – and is fascinated by medieval history.

Fred has had many years of experience as an interpreter. This course is of as much help to him as hopefully it is to the students.

Having taught maths in High Schools for over 39 years, Noela is passionate about making maths more understandable and enjoyable.

Having been a keen sailor, Noela has long had an interest in lighthouses. She welcomed this opportunity to increase her knowledge and share it with others.

Krista is a dance addict who just can't give it up. She has been dancing in one form or another for at least 60 years.

Once a geologist always a geologist but now interested in things environmental and in the teaching of scientific thought. Peter dabbles in literature, religions, arts and is a `Seeker after Truth’.

Chris was a radio broadcaster for 12 years and has sung roles in opera, oratorio and on ABC radio.

Born and raised in Bristol, Peter studied at Hull University and Queen's University, Belfast, before working for two years at Makerere University in Uganda and then in 1971 joining the University of Tasmania, where he taught and conducted research in social psychology and the psychology of health until taking early retirement at the end of 2004. His recreational interests include choral singing and watercolour painting.