I had one of the best laughs ever at a pottery class. We were all bent assiduously over our wheels creating misshapen masterpieces when one of our number momentarily lost concentration. The effect was similar to what happens when you lift an electric beater out of a cake mixture without turning it off first. The wet clay ricocheted around the room, showering everyone with a gooey stipple. There was a momentary silence before the group shrieked in unison and the perpetrator went redder than a sun-dried tomato. But the laughter that followed relieved more stress than a week at Champneys.

The golden rule if you're going to stay the course during the cold winter nights is to pick something you want to do, not something you think you should do. And don't let lack of experience or talent put you off. Lots of people have discovered their hidden gifts by following a whim.

Those enrolling in evening classes to benefit their careers will have to be more focused in their course choice. But increase the chance of seeing a programme through by selecting one that best matches your personal circumstances.

For example, if you travel regularly for work or find it difficult to arrange childcare cover, distance learning is probably a better option than a taught course.

Those studying while working also need to be realistic about the time involved. Four nights a week at college may look manageable initially. But a few months down the line it can seem like a life sentence with no time for anything apart from work, sleep and study.

In these days of flexible learning, the term "evening classes" is really a misnomer as many providers now offer courses at other times of the day. Nor do you necessarily have to travel to a specific college campus any more as many now offer outreach programmes. Check with your local third-level college for details.

Community and VEC colleges continue to provide the backbone of evening classes all over the State. Colleges normally produce individual brochures (available now) detailing what's on offer, so if you haven't had one through your door, ask at your nearest community/VEC school. Local libraries also provide information on courses in their areas.