On Wednesday 18 March, Benalla U3A asked Convenors to make a decision on future programs. U3A Easy Walks Convenors, Wendy Sturgess and Margaret Walshe have decided to postpone scheduled Easy Walks due to the COVID 19 Pandemic.

This is a precautionary measure as we cannot ensure we can fully comply with the recommended protocols.  It has meant the postponement of two previously advertised walks– the first on April 1 along One Mile Creek, Wangaratta, the second on May 6 to see Beechworth’s Mayday Hills and Lake Sambell in autumn splendour.

We hope this will be a short term situation and walks can resume on our interesting walking tracks. Take care and stay safe.

​Wendy Sturgess and Margaret Walshe
​Thursday 19 March 2020

Please note - on March 21st the Executive of the Committee of Management announced the cancellation of  all courses and activities until the end of Semester 1, when the decision will be reviewed.  

Beechworth offers magnificent old Avenues and a large number of Parks and Gardens with plantings which began in the 1860’s, many protected by heritage regulations.  The morning walk will take us through this area by the town and Lake Sambell.  The afternoon walk will be around the precinct of Mayday Hills, the main building dates back to 1867.  The gardens cover an area of 27 acres; they were planted in the late 19th century as a botanical setting of exotic trees and shrubs donated by the Royal Botanical Gardens in Melbourne; set against a backdrop of magnificent native trees.  The National Trust (Victoria) has classified over 200 Mayday Hills trees as significant. For a list of these trees go to explore beechworth/treescape

Wendy Sturgess and Margaret Walshe

Fifteen intrepid walkers arrived in light rain at the Yarrawonga Weir on 4 March to walk over the Weir then downstream of the Murray River to Gorman Park NSW. We heard and sighted numerous water and land birds; several curious kangaroos and the marvelled at the spectacular bark on the ancient gum trees.

As steady rain had set in, we lunched under cover by Lake Mulwala and made the unanimous decision to cancel the afternoon walk due to inclement weather. Not to be deterred, we proceeded to Rich Glen Cafe for coffee and cake plus the purchased of olive oil and other products. Not entirely a day we had planned but we all welcomed the substantial rain.

Margaret Walshe

Photographs:  Wendy Sturgess and Margaret Walshe

Coming up on Wednesday 1st April, the group will walk the One Mile Creek Trail from the City of Wangaratta towards the King Valley.  The walk will start at the Scout Park in Vincent Road and follow the One Mile Creek towards the King Valley for 6 to 8 kilometres.  Meet at 10 am in the Seniors Community Centre Car Park.

For further information, contact Wendy Sturgess on 0403226649 .  Please let Wendy know at least three days beforehand (29 March) if you will be attending. 

Wendy Sturgess