Mrs Smith-Hill is a charming German woman who moved to Australia in 1995, now retired she spends her spare time teaching with the University of the Third Age.

The worldwide organisation is targeted at elderly people and aims to create a network for socialising and lifelong learning.

Elke, still very much young at heart, says she could never sell or give away any of her little bears but takes a lot of joy in teaching the art.

As a young girl she was never any good at craft or art, but after moving to Australia she had a change of heart and decided to learn a new skill.

“I had no sewing background and I thought I would just try and do it,” she said.

“I think my first teddy bear looked like a cross between a dragon and a crocodile but I loved it.

“This is how I came to making so many.”

Mrs Smith-Hill and a friend decided to get some expert advice and attended at least 10 teddy bear making classes before venturing off on their own.

She went on to win many prestigious awards for her unique creations, including the Sydney Royal Easter Show smallest bear competition; her tiny 1cm teddy took out the prize.

In the third and fourth term of the U3A year Elke will be offering her own classes, to be held in her home surrounded by her teddy creations.

“The main thing I wanted to do was to give something to other people that I very much enjoyed,” she said.

“Creating something for yourself is fun, no matter what it looks like.

“Every teddy bear maker loves their own creation.

“It is important that people know only a bear with a mistake is a character.

“Straight eyes, straight ears, everything perfect it doesn’t have an appeal.

“The more mistakes the cuter they are.”

U3A is a world-wide organisation that is run by volunteer members.

They provide activities, courses and groups for people who are retired or no longer in full time employment.

These courses reflect the interests and skills of the members.

New members are always welcome at the U3A.

There are many opportunities to share your knowledge and interests by volunteering to lead a group.

Membership is $20 a year, the first course is $10 per term, the second is $5 and additional courses are free.

For more course details and information please visit the website - www.miltonulladullau3a.org.au, call the secretary on 4455 3279 or pick up a brochure from the library or the U3A Harry Higgs room in Milton.