Wendy Smith, who retired in 2008 following a career spanning more than 20 years as a teacher/librarian, received the top individual gong during Tamworth Regional Council’s 2014 Seniors’ Week Awards at Tamworth Town Hall yesterday afternoon.

Mrs Smith, the program co-ordinator for Tamworth Regional University of the Third Age (U3A), said she was “absolutely gobsmacked” to receive the prestigious award.

“It is so enjoyable to be involved. We have a very collaborative committee and it is a very supportive group of people where no one is in it for themselves,” Mrs Smith said.

Tamworth Regional U3A is part of the worldwide movement which aims to improve the life of members by demonstrating that intellectual and physical capacity can be maintained well into the third age.

In the five years since it formed, it has gained more than 250 members and averages two activities per day.

Taking out the group award was Tamworth Stroke Support Group, while Cornerstone Kitchen was highly commended. The Nundle Seniors’ Week Awards will be presented this morning at Nundle Public School, Manilla’s awards will be held tomorrow at Manilla Town Hall and the Barraba presentation on Thursday at The Lodge in Fitzroy St.