U3A Benalla and District Inc.
  • Home
  • Benalla
    • Benalla
    • Benalla District
    • Who, What and Where? - Benalla Rural City
  • About
    • Our U3A
    • President's Page
    • Executive Committee
    • Convenors >
      • Convenors
      • Convenors A - Z 2022
    • Program Suggestions
    • Newsletter
    • Website
  • Groups
    • Groups A - Z
    • Recent Groups >
      • Armchair History
      • German - Beginners
      • Meditation
      • Russian Literature
      • Hot Topics/The News - Fact or Fiction?
    • Archived Groups >
      • A - M >
        • A Different View Of German History
        • Armchair Traveller
        • Booker Reading Group
        • Bushwalking - Mid-week Walks
        • Comparative Religion
        • Facebook for Mentors
        • Google Apps/TS Plus
        • History - An Introduction to Western Civilization
        • History - Moments in Australian History
        • Investment I (1996 -2015)
        • Legal Matters (Short Course)
        • Making the Most of the Internet
      • O - Z >
        • On Target - Learning to Shop Online
        • Opera
        • 'Over There'
        • Rail and Tourism
        • Tech Savvy Apple Devices - Intermediate
        • Tech Savvy Community Projects
        • Travel Group
        • Zoom Short Course
  • A-Col
    • A - COL
    • 'A Taste of Art'
    • Art Appreciation
    • Australian History
    • 'As Time Goes By' >
      • Home
      • 'Precious Objects'
      • 'Failure'
      • Our Stories - by topic
    • 'Be Connected'
    • Birdwatching
    • Brain Games
    • Bushwalking - Easy Walks
    • Cards '500'
    • Chat n' Chew
    • Coin Collectors
    • Collectors
  • Col-G
    • COM - G
    • Community Singing
    • Creative Writing
    • Demystifying Psychology
    • Enjoying the Internet
    • Exercises for Fun
    • Exploring the Universe
    • Family Research - Advanced >
      • Home
      • Family Stories
    • Family Research - Beginners
    • Film Discussion Group
    • Garden Appreciation
    • Garden Team
    • German >
      • German Home
      • Lessons
  • I - R
    • I - R
    • 'In the Lap of the Gods'
    • Investment
    • Jane Austen Book Club
    • Let's Talk Books
    • Lifeball
    • Meet and Mingle
    • Music Appreciation
    • Page Turners
    • Patchwork and Craft
    • Photography
    • Play Reading
    • Politics & Current Affairs
    • Recorder Group
  • S - Z
    • S -Z
    • Singing for Fun
    • Sky's the Limit
    • Stock and Land
    • Sustainability
    • Tech Advice
    • Tech Savvy Apple - 'Pages'
    • Tech Savvy Beginners - Android
    • Tech Talks
    • Ukes4Fun
    • Wine Appreciation
    • Wise Guys Book Group
  • Join
    • Join Us
    • Membership Application/Renewal Form
    • Program Guide 2023
    • Timetable - Month Overview
    • Full Timetable with Dates
    • New Courses 2023
    • Venues and Maps
  • News
    • News - General
    • March Newsletter
    • Calendar 2022
    • Monthly Calendar
    • Website & Facebook
  • FB
  • Gallery
    • Gallery 2022
    • Gallery 2021
    • Gallery 2020
    • Gallery 2019
    • Gallery 2018
    • Gallery 2017
    • Gallery 2016 >
      • + Christmas Lunch 2016
    • Gallery 2015 >
      • Christmas Lunch 2015
    • Gallery 2014
    • Lifeball Video
  • Links
    • Resources and References
    • U3A Network Victoria
    • Seniors Online Victoria
    • U3A Albury Wodonga
    • U3A Beechworth (Indigo U3A)
    • U3A Bright
    • U3A Wangaratta
    • U3A Goulburn Valley
  • Contact

A festive year end!

30/1/2023

 
​In December we rested on our well pruned, weeded and mulched laurels with a festive gathering at Marcus and Kirsten's place.
Picture
Our first Garden Team session for the year will be at Rupe’s on Monday 13th February from 2 to 4 pm.  I’ll send the address details in an email later, especially to our newcomer, Karen. 
​
Elspeth Maconachie

Celebrating a year's work well done!

26/11/2022

 
Great work done by a keen team. Started in drizzle but ended in sunshine at Bill's in late October.

At Rupe's in November there were some rainspots to dodge, but again the team worked well.
​
It's always a pleasure to have cheery company and lovely next day to survey the progress on tasks which had been starting to look daunting.
Picture
Elspeth Maconachie

'The team made an impression on the jungle at Elspeth's...'

28/10/2022

 
The team made an impression on the jungle at Elspeth's, but it's looking robust again because the mower broke down with heavy demands made on the rare sunny, dryish days since.  Shirlie's kind offerings bedded in and the pup both admired and laughed at.

Thanks crew - a pleasant degustation followed as usual.

We hope to finish the year at Bill's on cup eve Monday,  Rupe's on November 14th and Marcus and Kirsten's on Dec 12th.

Elspeth

"A willing team whipped out weeds"...

27/9/2022

 
A willing team whipped out weeds while admiring the range of native plants out the front.
The driveway and vegetable areas were also given attention and some carried home welcome products from Ray's impressive seedling nursery which will make healthy additions in vegetable patches. 

​Elspeth

August - 'It's rather soggy underfoot...'

28/8/2022

 
Energy and enthusiasm helped us to be productive in Shirlie's pretty garden and we were rewarded with a sumptuous spread at afternoon tea. 
 
It's rather soggy underfoot but let's hope we can dodge showers on Monday 29th August at Ray's.

​Elspeth

July - 'an energetic and very useful turn up at Tulip Street'

30/7/2022

 
It was an energetic and very useful turn up at Tulip St in July and we look forward to Shirlie's cake when we meet at Ray's on August 8th.  If it's really tasty, we'll reward her with a session at her place on the 29th.

Elspeth

It's third time lucky on July 11th!

30/6/2022

 
Call us softies if you like, but in the steely chill, we called off both our June sessions and are hoping it’s third time lucky when we try again on July 11th to head for 6 Tulip Street to weed and prune.
​
Elspeth Maconachie

A timely working bee in April, much pruning and weeding in May

30/5/2022

 
Our April working bee at Vicki's was timely with her being busy with the recent move and I think we all felt pleased with the sprucing.
​
At our May at session Kathy's there was much pruning and weeding in pleasant autumn sunshine. I also want it noted that there were no rock cakes among the delicious afternoon tea!  The late May session at Terry's was postponed due to the first harsh burst of wintry conditions. 

We received a message to the group explaining Frank and Val's move to Melbourne. We were glad to hear from them and wish them well.

Elspeth Maconachie 

Rupe...left a bit of weeding just to keep us in practice!

1/4/2022

 
​Rupe had obviously been working hard but left the group with a bit of weeding just to keep us in practice.
Picture
On April 11th we'll be in Vicki's new garden at 10 Senator Drive and in May we have 2nd & 5th Mondays so think if you're ready to host one.

Elspeth Maconachie

'Kirsten and Marcus didn't drive us very hard...'

27/2/2022

 
It was good to have nearly all the team back and to enjoy the company of new addition, Jim. 

Given quite hot conditions, Kirsten and Marcus didn't drive us very hard and there was plenty of rehydration and conviviality around the table.

Next month, on the Monday holiday, we'll put in our efforts in Rupe's garden despite two apologies. 
​
Elspeth Maconachie

Garden Team... afternoon tea evidence of meetings!

3/8/2021

 
​We have received intelligence, in the form of a photo received in an email from Frank, of  Garden Team enjoying one of their hard earned and renowned afternoon teas. 
Picture
It appears that the group has continued to meet whenever restrictions have eased to allow this.

Media Team

Hosts have been encouraged by the progress in their gardens

30/4/2021

 
It has been lovely to be joined by a new band of garden enthusiasts and it will be interesting to see one of the new gardens when we gather at Ray's, 29 Riverview, on May 10th. I know the hosts have found the progress in their gardens most encouraging.
​
Elspeth Maconachie

"Cheerful energy" and "a well deserved afternoon tea"

3/4/2021

 
There was plenty of cheerful energy brought to Shirlie's garden which provided a lush green backdrop to a well deserved afternoon tea. 

Ray joined us again and Vicki and Deborah were new recruits who compensated for several apologies from travellers Jane, Bill, Kirsten and Marcus, and Frank (who we hope feels fit again).

On our fifth Monday, March 29th, we will be at Terry's place and on April 12th we will gather at 29 Arundel St (northern end).
​
Elspeth Maconachie

Our enthusiastic band of gardeners to gather once again!

5/2/2021

 
A band of enthusiastic gardeners gathers once a month for an afternoon at each member’s garden in rotation. The working bee uses each member’s skills and abilities to achieve about six hours effect in an hour and a half.   We meet on the 2nd and 5th Mondays from 2 to 4 pm. 

Our first meeting is on Monday 8th February at Rupe Cheetham’s, 61 Benson Street.  There’s lots of pruning and potting to do.  BYO favourite gear and something for afternoon tea.  Rupe will provide coffee and tea. 

Elspeth Maconachie  0418 621 764 

Forced into smaller work units, we are keeping up the work!

30/4/2020

 
"March 30th (email to Garden Team members)

It's a pity that we won't be beavering away in Kathy's garden this afternoon but I hope you will feel inspired by the showers and that if we all get on our knees to weed at 2pm today there will be a communal energy felt. (or have I been doing a bit much tai chi lately?)

Almost half of your donations back in September are quite well established here now and part of the nice reminder gardens can offer.

Stay safe and strong.

Elspeth"
Garden team continues to work on a variety of projects while they're split into smaller work units.  It has  been good to catch up with reports and photos providing proof of dedication!
Picture
Picture
“Member of Garden Team at work this afternoon“  
"Shared proof of Frank's dedication"
Picture
"Afternoon tea as always! Many thanks to Kirstin & Marcus for the delicious apple pie!"

'Our break for the long weekend has grown fearfully long...'

2/4/2020

 
Our break for the long weekend has grown fearfully long but please remember that gardening is good for mood as well as weed control.

Stay safe.
​
Elspeth Maconachie

'A good effort ....well rewarded with an ample spread...'

25/2/2020

 
We put in a good effort with minimal grumbling about the humidity and were well rewarded with an ample spread on a cool verandah. It was lovely to add Ellen to our task force.
​
We will take a long weekend break and gather at Kathy’s on the fifth Monday in March, the 30th.
​
Elspeth Maconachie

November - 'Shirlie's lush and colourful garden'

30/11/2019

 
Shears and snippers trimmed and tidied in Shirlie's lush and colourful garden.   We'll finish our year back at Deslie's patch in December.  
​
Elspeth Maconachie

Willing workers making remarkable progress

25/10/2019

 
Willing workers arrived on Sept 30th with generous armfuls to populate my sparse new garden on Goomalibee Road and made remarkable progress.

Next we visited Kirsten and Marcus on Oct 14th where the team was just as numerous and helpful and the post-weeding feast just as delicious (and the coffee far better)   
​We look forward to another productive session at Shirlie's on Nov 11th and plan to finish the year with Deslie on Dec 9th.
​
Elspeth Maconachie

An early September cancellation - 'a day of bone-chilling wind'

25/9/2019

 
We cancelled in early September and I'm sure we'll be luckier on September 30th when we meet at Goomalibee Rd - it was a day of bone-chilling wind and a popular decision.
​
Elspeth Maconachie

'A sunny patch for pruning followed by a convivial afternoon tea'

1/9/2019

 
,A sunny patch gave enough time for pruning and weeding in the front garden before a convivial and tasty afternoon tea at Frank & Val's.

Having gathered on the 5th, we've held off until September and our first session will be at 476 Goomalibee Rd on the 9th. As it's a new venture and a rather blank canvas there'll be room for planning and perhaps planting (if you have cuttings of geranium, salvia or suchlike hardy critters) and if you can stand the racket we have leaves to shred - even a few river gums to plant . 
Then there's a fifth September Monday to consider so perhaps we can settle the rest of the year's venues (four if we continue into December). 
​
Elspeth Maconachie

July - "useful pruning & weeding at new recruit Terry's garden!"

31/7/2019

 
Much useful pruning and weeding was done at new recruit, Terry's garden, earlier this month.
​
Our fifth Monday may be a first Monday of the following month, and that may necessitate holding off our usual second Monday session. If that's confusing you, please look out for a clarifying email from Elspeth and if you still can't work it out try joining the Brain Games gang - we use both hemispheres to work out problems (see above).
​
Elspeth Maconachie

June - 'We promise to let Bill take it easy...'

9/7/2019

 
Deslie's enthusiasm for the group's activity may see similar groups spring up in Gippsland and the Riverina.  I think she'll be able to update them on good progress at her patch on our latest gathering.

We promise to (try to) let Bill take it easy if he's back in time for our next garden, at 6 Tulip St Violet Town, on July 8th, when Terry opts in on a regular basis.
​
Elspeth Maconachie

May - 'the trailer load shows how productive the team can be'

3/6/2019

 
Picture
The trailer load shows how productive the team can be but perhaps the highlight was the knot-tying demonstration from Marcus - impressively rapid and effective!

We need to decide whether our next gathering, at Deslie's, is on the allotted Monday (long weekend) or is better put back to the third Monday.

Elspeth Maconachie

April - 'We worked well at Kathy's Garden'

2/5/2019

 
We worked well at Kathy's garden among a generous scatter of birdbaths, which I hope won't be quite as desperately needed from now on. 

By publication we'll have been to Mitchell St and be almost at Gray St.

*special note of thanks from the goat to Kathy, who brought a bag of some of her tastiest weeds to Brain Games next day!
​
Elspeth Maconachie
<<Previous

    About the Garden Team

    A band of enthusiastic gardeners gathers once a month for an afternoon at each member’s  garden in rotation.  The working bee uses each members  skills and abilities to achieve about six hours effect in an hour and a half.  Then we rest on our laurels with tea provided by the host and a home-baked and/or healthy plate from the visitors.  We head home a little fitter and inspired, often with a new cutting or garden tip.

    Meeting Times

    2nd and 5th Mondays
    2 to 4 pm
    Meet at members'  gardens by turn. 
    (If the 2nd Monday is a public holiday, the garden team often meets on an alternate day.  Information about changes is included in the newsletter)

    Convenor and contact details

    Elspeth Maconachie
    0418 621 764

    Archives

    January 2023
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    February 2022
    August 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    February 2021
    April 2020
    February 2020
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    March 2019
    December 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    February 2018
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    November 2016
    October 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015

We acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we meet and pay our respects to their elders - past, present and emerging.
Picture
News
​Newsletter
Facebook Page
​
Program Suggestions
​CO-VID Safety

U3A Benalla & District Flier 2023
​Membership Application/Renewal Form 
​
Program Guide 2023
Semester 1 Timetable with Dates 2023
Semester 1 Timetable Month Overview 2023
Developed and maintained by members, this website showcases U3A Benalla & District. 
​Photographs - U3A members; Benalla Art Gallery website; ​Weebly 'Free' images;Travel Victoria and State Library of Victoria