​At our May meeting we were entertained by David Palmer who gave us an interesting overview of his casual stroll through Southern France.  Thank you, David.

We concluded our afternoon with a DVD of the Flinders Ranges.

On Tuesday 7th June Neville Gibb will talk to us about his travels in Berlin, and we look forward to his presentation.

Regrettably, this will be our last session, not only for this Semester, but for the 2022 year. Unfortunately, Covid has made inroads into the travel scene and we deem it necessary to go into indefinite recess.

I offer my sincere thanks to all those who have supported Armchair Traveller over my term as Convenor, and will now go into retirement.
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Ray O’Shannessy

Bill Parris was our presenter for the April meeting.  He gave a fascinating presentation on a visit to India in 2012. 

Bill highly recommends our reading Jane's pictorial journal entries of their 'Colours of Rajasthan' tour, November 17 to December 12, 2012.  Enjoy!

Part 1 - From Mumbai to Jodhpur
Part 2 - Jodphur to Jsaialmer
Part 3 - From Jsaialmer to Bikaner
Part 4 - Bikaner to Pushkar
Part 5 - My Most Amazing Birthday - November 29th 2012
Part 6 - Ranthambore National Park to Agra
Part 7 - Agra to Delhi 

The gathering on Tuesday March 1st saw and heard Brian Vial and Andrea Stevenson give a very colourful presentation of their 2010 Expedition Cruise to ten different coastal destinations in Papua New Guinea. 

Thanks to both Brian and Andi for this outstanding presentation.   ​

​On Tuesday April 5th we will hear again from Bill Paris on some of his European experiences. May 3rd: David Palmer – ‘A stroll through Southern France’. June 7th:  Neville Gibb—'An overview of Berlin’.
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Ray O’Shannessy

At our February gathering a very encouraging number of our members heard Alan Monger’s enlightening tale of his (and his daughter’s) visit to the Galapagos islands and the amazing wildlife.  

​At the coming March meeting, (Tuesday 1st March at 2 p.m.), Brian Vial and Andrea Stevenson will give a presentation on their 2010 Expedition Cruise to the coastal areas of Papua New Guinea. They will highlight the active volcanoes of Rabaul, Watam, a river village, the busy city of Madang, Ferguson island geysers, Tufi fjords, Milne Bay and much much more.

The balance of this Semester is also fully booked.

Looking forward to seeing you.
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Ray O’Shannessy

Coming into the new year I have been able to organise programs for the first Semester.

Feb 1st meeting will see an interesting and informative presentation, by Alan Monger, of the wildlife which is abundant in the Galapagos Islands in the mid Pacific.

March 1st meeting will be presented by Brian Vial showing his 2010 Expedition Cruise to ten different coastal locations in P.N.G. This will embrace a vision of the Rabaul volcanoes; The river village of Watom; Madang; the geysers of Ferguson Island; Tifi fjords;and much, much, more.

April 5th meeting.   Bill Parris will be in charge and take us through more of his extensive travels.

May 3rd meeting.   David Palmer will take us for a stroll around Southern France.

May 9th is my 90th birthday and maybe…just maybe???  there is somebody prepared to carry on as Convenor.   We’ll see!
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Ray O’Shannessy

The final meeting for the year was held at the Centre on Tuesday 7th December.  We were entertained by Brian Greed’s exceptional video of a long past trip (1998) of Europe.

In the tea-break our five attendees pondered the future of our group and it was decided unanimously that the group needed “new blood”. In addition to new viewers, we also need new presenters.

Whether or not we go into recess will depend on interest shown on Enrolment Day on Wednesday 12th January.   I will be in attendance at the Seniors Centre venue on that day and will be pleased to talk to anyone who is interested.
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Ray O’Shannessy

Tuesday 7th December at 2 pm will be the final meeting for this year and the presenter will be Brian Greed showing us some of his European and British travels.    I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all presenters for their contributions during the year, and for all attendees for their presence.
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Don’t forget to register for the forthcoming year’s program.
 
Ray O’Shannessy

The date for our November session coincides with the Melbourne Cup, so all true-blue Aussies have to give way! That brings us to the December gathering which will be on Tuesday 7th December when our presenter will be Brian Greed. Look forward to seeing you all then.
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Ray O’Shannessy

After a COVID break we will get back into action at our usual venue on Tuesday 5th October at 2 pm.  The presenter will be Brian Greed.  Keep well.

Ray O'Shannessy

Our September gathering will be held at 2pm on Tuesday 7th September (COVID providing) when Brian Greed's DVDs of his trips to Europe and Britain will be shown.

Our August get-together was very well attended.   Neville Gibb gave an outstanding viewing and account of a trip to India.   Rather than showing landscapes and buildings Neville concentrated on the lifestyles and culture of Indian citizens from among the lower classes.    A real eye-opener Neville!   Much appreciated by all.

Ray O’Shannessy

Members of the group convened on Tuesday 6th July and Bill Paris gave a detailed talk of his travels to Taiwan and South Korea in 2014.  An abundance of rain and an abundance of culinary delights. Thanks Bill, your talk was much appreciated.

​A map of Korea is included below, along with Jane's notes on the Korea trip, which can be downloaded as a pdf file.

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The next gathering will be on Tuesday 3rd August when Neville Gibb will give an account of a trip to India. I am still looking for volunteers for future talks. If you can help, please contact me on 57 62 1559.

Ray O'Shannessy

Thank you to Kieran Smith for his absorbing presentation on his 1970s trip from London to Kathmandu. Very well received Kieran!

Due to the Covid 19 issue, there will be no meeting or presentation this month. Next months presentation has not yet been finalised. I have a couple in reserve but am always looking for more. Can you help?

Keep well in lockdown.
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Ray O’Shannessy

Wendy Sturgess...and Ted!

The first session was held on Tuesday 2nd March at 2pm in the U3A Meeting Room in the Seniors Building.  Brian Greed showed videos on some of his past overseas travels.   A big welcome was extended to all, especially the new members.  

Looking ahead to early April, in a session titled 'Travels with Ted', Wendy Sturgess will be presenting on her train trips around America and Europe and on some of the historic train trips she has taken in Australia.   Wendy will also be bringing along photo books she has developed recording her trips using the 'Find Penguins' travel blog program.  

Ray O'Shannessy

An opportunity to share your traveller tales with others and to hear theirs, however inspiring or hair-raising.   The first session of Armchair Traveller for 2021 will be held on Tuesday 2 March from 2 to 4 pm in the U3A meeting room.   

If you would like to present a session on a particularly memorable trip for which you have photos and other resources to share (perhaps even using a video or power point presentation), please contact Ray on 5762 1559.


Ray O’Shannessy 

The continuance of this group is dependent on contributions by members.   I realise that due to Covid there will have been no recent travelling but just the same we are looking for contributions which are always of interest, and the travel may have been taken some years ago.

I, personally, have no recent travels of interest and would appreciate the co-operation of attendees.

Furthermore, I have no talent with technology and it is an absolute must that I receive assistance with the presentation of Videos etc.

I trust that next year will be a more fulfilling year and wish you all the very best.

​Ray O'Shannessy

'Walking the Camino - backpacks and blisters do matter', written by David for Writing Workshop's theme 'Travellers' Tales' a year or so ago, may also be of interest!

Last month Neville Gibb gave an interesting talk on his father’s experience as a prisoner of war in Changhi during World War 2.  

​On March 3rd David Palmer will be our guest to speak on Walking the Camino Trek in Spain and on April 7th we will hear from Wendy Sturgess of her train travels in Europe.

​A big thank you to these contributors.

I am always on the look-out for other presenters and will certainly appreciate volunteers.

Ray O’Shannessy

I’m pleased to note that there are 18 registrants for the coming 2020 year.

The February session will be held on Tuesday 4th at 2 pm. Our host will be Neville Gibb who will speak on one of his many overseas tours. 

​The March session is reserved for David Palmer whose topic is Walking the Camino trail in Spain.  Following that I will be looking for contributors from our group and would appreciate anybody who can help out.  Best wishes for a satisfying year.  


Ray O'Shannessy

A selection of the beautiful photographs which accompanied Margaret's presentation on Norway in early December.  

Due to our session date falling on Melbourne Cup Day there is nothing to report for November. Tuesday December 3rd will be our last meeting for the year and will be hosted by Margaret Jenkins who will give a presentation on a trip to Norway.  

I take this opportunity to thank all members for their continued attendance and their presentations in 2019 and advise that I will be seeking further contributions for 2020. Please give the idea some consideration.  

Best wishes to all for the festive season.
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Ray O’Shannessy

​Thanks to Bill Paris for his excellent talk on his recent trip to Rumania, Bucharest, etc at our October meeting. 

We are having a break in November for Cup Day but will be back with Margaret Jenkins in December.  Margaret will be showing slides of her trip to Norway.
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Ray O’Shannessy

Our guest speaker for September was Brian Greed who showed a video of his travels in Europe and Britain. Thanks to Brian for coming in at short notice.

On October 1st we will be entertained by Bill Parris. November is a “no go” because our date falls on Melbourne Cup day, and December 3rd we will welcome Margaret Jenkins, with a viewing on Norway.

Ray O’Shannessy

Our August session was conducted by John Ellis who graciously shared with us his good fortune of having won a holiday to North America.

This comprised of scenes of San Francisco, New York, Statue of Liberty, Las Vegas, Grand Canyon and Los Angeles. All very interesting!

August - John Ellis's Photo Gallery/Slide shows   Wouldn't we love to win a holiday as John did!  Thank you, John for providing the images for members to enjoy at their leisure.

1 - Disney Land Slide Show

2 - Los Angeles Slide Show

3 - San Francisco Slide Show

4- Las Vegas Slide Show

5 - New York Slide Show

6 - The Grand Canyon Slide Show