With the Christmas and New Year celebrations now safely behind us, it is time to settle down and plan for the year ahead. Self-improvement, it seems, is always top of the list: be it physical, financial, or educational.

The improvement or acquisition of knowledge and skills is always a smart move, particularly during the winter months when the weather puts the many pleasures of outdoor living on hold.

As always, Government's Community Education and Development Programme offers an ever-expanding and diverse programme of opportunities for all ages at reasonable prices, and some courses are even free. "Golden agers", a perfumed term for the over 65s, pay nothing at all where enrolment allows, except for computer courses, while primary, middle and senior secondary school students are also offered a similar deal.

Classes are available in centres Islandwide, making it easy for anyone to attend ? but with just today and tomorrow left to register without incurring a late fee penalty, there is no time to waste in signing up.

Unfortunately, space limitations do not permit detailing every course on offer at each centre, but the following is a brief overview of some highlights, and in particular new courses.: Classes are available Monday through Saturday, mainly in in the evening. For keep fitters who can't spare time at day's end, there is lunchtime walking. Everything from computers to Customs clearance is on offer here. Ballroom dancing, salsa, tai-chi-chuan, self-defence and yoga are among the physical activity classes, while the craft-minded will find flower arranging for churches, quilting, and beginners' sewing of interest. The 'Historic Buildings in Ever-Changing Bermuda' course is particularly apt in view of rampant, modern development around the Island. New courses here are: CPR/first aid for pediatrics; PADI Open Water Dive Programme; and Training the Tour Guide ? a free, introductory course for those aiming to introduce the Island's attractions to our visitors. There's even relief in sight for owners of naughty pooches, thanks to dog obedience/behaviour modification classes. For those with an urge to shoot, archery is a safe alternative!Offering classes and mini-workshops Monday to Saturday, mainly in the evening. These centres really do have something for all tastes. Barbering, African drumming, weight conditioning, office administration and secretarial procedures, international cuisine, investing, belly dancing, pilates, entrepreneurship, creative writing, and interior decorating and designare just some of them. New courses this year are: basic survival skills, crochet, Alzheimer's education, beauty with the ultimate flare, creative writing project, Latin dancing and salsa (beginners), PADI open water diving programme.Classes here are Monday to Thursday, and Saturday. Again, the variety is good and includes stained glass (advanced), therapeutic recreation for seniors, caring for seniors in their own home (free), ballroom dancing, gourmet cooking, landscaping with roses, basic marine engine operators, supervisory management, photography, welding, boxing and advanced cake decorating. New this year is Improv Theatre for Beginners ? a fun and easy way to expand one's creativity, collaborate with others, and gain more self-confidence through games and exercises similar to those seen on the popular TV programme, 'Whose Line Is It Anyway?'Classes are held Monday through Thursday and Saturday. Free classes are: caring for seniors and Highland dancing. Dog training, ballroom dancing, yoga, Bermudian Specialty Cuisine, Boxing and cooking around the world and wines are among the regular courses on offer. New this semester are: African Diaspora Heritage Trail, Job Search Skills, Improv Theatre for Beginners, and Understanding the Mortgage Process.

All three centres offer computer courses.An imaginative selection of courses especially designed with our young citizens in mind. Sport, recreational subjects, and skills for the future are on offer. They include Anger management (boys only), art for children, bowling for fun, computer exploration for ages six to 17, beginners' golf, boxing training, basketball, and French for fun.

New courses include: automotive detailing, Improv Club, PADI open water diver programme for youth, Performing arts: Shout-out (for DJs, rappers and poets), and salsa for middle/senior students. There's also beginners' sign language, Spanish for children, study skills, martial arts, Highland dancing, and disc jockeying the art and history of dj-ing (hip hop style), as well as an introduction to electricity. These courses take place at various locations around the Island.

Free books giving details all classes are available at all Post Offices. Classes begin the week of January 16 unless otherwise stated, and end the week of March 6, with half-term breaks in January and February.

Apart from the free classes, students registering for two courses get the third one free when all three registrations are for the same person. Note: this offer ends on tomorrow. After 4.45 p.m. on Friday, a $5 late fee applies to all registrations.

For further information on the courses/registration please contact the following offices:

Warwick Community Education School: 236-0829 during working hours or fax 236-1980.

St. George's Southside Community Education Centre: 297-0007 during working hours or fax 297-0386.

Hamilton and CedarBridge Community Education Centre: 292-7735 during working hours or fax 292-7786.