U3A Benalla and District Inc.
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April - "...a kaleidoscope of characters and neighbourhood experiences that enriched our 'growing up' years'.."

22/4/2023

 
Our journey in April was populated by friends and neighbours offering a wonderful kaleidoscope of characters and neighborhood experiences that enriched our ‘growing up’ years. There was a commonality across rural and urban landscapes significantly impacting on who we are today.

Prior to experiencing this landscape, Bev introduced an engaging memoir titled, ‘Finding Memories of a Distant Home Through Milo Toast’.   We shared entertaining memories of ‘what a difference’ Milo made, particularly in how it was consumed, cold or hot, freely offered or surreptitiously sneaked, in powdered form or in solid balls. For most of us, Milo was an unforgettable early gastronomical delight.  

Under the heading of ‘precious objects’, Heather recounted the journey of a precious crystal cabinet, which holds special personal memories, particularly of her father. Neville, under the theme of ‘failure’, philosophically and rhetorically delved into the experience successfully leaving us unresolved as to its nature and its weight against a high benchmark for success. Within the same theme, Carmyl described an academic journey where ‘failure’ was a catalyst for a re-focused energy. Ultimately proving a winner
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Ray invited us to imagine the unappealing nature of Easter in Ballarat for a child who had not yet found his ‘family’. On the other hand, Barry took us on a ‘first class’ Easter journey to the Mallee and revealed the special significance of family time at Easter. Finally, Bev enchanted us with stories of the Molyullah Easter weekend populated by participants, past and present. Via the theme of Anzac Day, Graham shared his anticipation of standing beside his grandfather, father and brother, at least in spirit and memory, this Anzac Day.

Then populating our galaxy of ‘Friends and Neighbors’ were Carmyl’s ‘Bet and Jess’, both unexpected visitors and subsequently long-term friends, and Carmyl’s mum, who was not to be reckoned with if you preferred pineapple over custard and stewed apple. Heather acknowledged that it was the kids who often made the first friendships with new arrivals and reminded us of shared television watching in the main street of our towns and suburbs. Barry recounted the early history of Lalor, his family involvement and the unfortunate history of supply shortages and administrative mismanagement. Trish reminded us of spinning wheels, prizes and a family tragedy that reinforced the value of precious neighbours.  Phil transported us to the close knit and ‘wonderful’ little village of Bishops Itchington and a personal validation of his own integrity. Graeme introduced us to London and Auntie Beatie, sea worm grasping and meeting ‘the Mob’. Finally, Phiona introduced us to the delightful, petite and quiet Misses Brooks and then led us to experience a series of locations and next door friends, teaching Phiona the value of accepting differences in culture, religion and lifestyles. Thank you all.

Coming up on May 16 - ‘Learning from History’   “History is a marvellous thing. We cannot change it, we can only learn from it.  Tell us about significant life lessons you have you learnt from one or two incidents in your past?” Alternative topic:  Shaped by Childhood Describe a formative experience from your childhood, and how it helped shape the person you grew up to be. It could be a treasured family ritual, an early friendship, an influential teacher or your first experience of losing a loved one.   Think about an experience or person that’s influenced you and share this with us.

Graham Jensen

A short framework for sharing memoir/s you have been reading

17/4/2023

 
We have a new 'show and tell' segment, 'Memoir', a space to share news of memoirs we have been reading, whether in book, short story, or article.  We have a longer framework for in depth analysis of a memoir, however for our new segment, this shorter framework (with example) is suggested for a‘report’ to class, if ever you feel moved...
  • Title/subtitle/  'Finding memories of a distant home through Milo toast'
  • Book/Article/other - Article (online)
  • Author/ Rachel Heng
  • Publisher - LitHub - March 28, 2023 - https://lithub.com/finding-memories-of-a-distant-home-through-milo-toast/  or Download pdf
  • Subtitle/’lens’ or focus/ - in this case is really spelt out in the title of the article...
  • Highlight – (how has this memoir related to something in/about your life; etc).  "I loved Milo, and have surreptitious yet quirkily treasured memories of going to the cupboard and spooning out Milo for direct consumption.  It also developed my appreciation of the history of Milo, as I never realised it was available throughout the world, also that it had socio/political implications."  

​Bev Lee
    Our Stories
    Our Stories - by Topic

    'As Time Goes By' - Memoir Writing

    A memoir captures a meaningful slice of life—a memory, a lesson, or an experience that stands out.

    In our sessions, members come together to share short, reflective stories (up to 500 words) inspired by a new theme each month.

    As Time Goes By is not a writing skills class, nor is it about creating a full autobiography.

    ​It’s a space for those who want to record the stories that future generations might never think to ask about—a place to remember and share treasured moments in a welcoming, supportive environment with others who are also telling their stories.

    Convenor & Contact details

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    Beverley Lee
    0478 607 838
    Thank you to our outgoing Newsletter Correspondent - Graham Jensen ...
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    "Thank you Graham for writing such wonderful reports of our sessions over the past two years!"

    Meeting Times

    3rd Monday 2 - 4 pm
    ​U3A Meeting Room

    Resources

    2025 ATGB - Course Introduction
    'As Time Goes By' Topic List for 2025 
    'Tips for Writing your 500 Words Story' (ABC Open)  
    Writing a story in 500 words - approaching the topics 'Failure'  and 'Heart Break'    (ABC Open)
    Memoir Review - Frameworks for Analysis
    Master list of  500 word story topics from 2015 to end of 2020
    Icebreakers - List from inception in 2021 to end 2023 (PDF)

    Links

    Australian Writers' Centre

    Victorian Writers' Centre - Writers' Victoria

    ​Wheeler Centre

    The Memoir Writing Club - On Line Courses

    Past topics 

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    2018 Topic List
    '23 Words'
    'A Friendship Tested' //
    'AI'
    'A Love Letter To Travel'
    'As Time Goes By'
    'A Turning Point'
    Australian Writers Centre
    'Car Stories' //
    ChatGPT
    Course Description
    'Easter'
    'Experiences Of The Unexplained'
    'Fish Out Of Water'
    'For Better For Worse' //
    'Good Vibrations'
    'Grandparents' //
    'Heartbreak'
    'Home Libraries'
    'I Broke It'
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    'If Only'
    'I Quit!' //
    Life Matters 'Life In 500 Words'
    'Lost And Found' //
    Making Comments
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    'My Gap Year'
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    'My Other Life'
    'New In Town'
    'One Moment
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    Right Here
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    'Stand Up Comedy'
    'The (Season) I ...'
    This ... Life
    This Year'
    'What Happened In Vegas'

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    '1945'
We acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we meet and pay our respects to their elders - past, present and emerging.
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U3A Benalla & District Flier 2025
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Semester 1 Program Guide 2025
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​Photographs - U3A members; Benalla Art Gallery website; ​Weebly 'Free' images;Travel Victoria and State Library of Victoria
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