Our minds were stretching as much as our bodies as we returned to play on Feb 14th, as we focussed on a fast and funny half court game. It has been great to be back, and also to welcome some new players!

We are always happy to welcome more - Lifeball is a walking pace ballgame, suited to any level of skill, and we play weekly at the Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre at 10am Mondays.It is great fun, and great exercise.

To keep track of each week’s numbers, players are asked to let Marlene know on 0407240943 if they will be away. 

​Julie McNeill

The best laid plans….our scheduled, and much anticipated-return to play on January 17th was delayed as Omicron took hold of the virus numbers.

We now have a revised start date of Monday 14th February, which will hopefully give players time to organise booster shots.

New and continuing players are asked to contact Marlene Pitts on 0407240943 or Julie McNeill on 0407823031 if there is any uncertainty-we have had a few hiccups this past fortnight but are now back on track-thank you, everyone!

Lifeball is a walking pace ballgame, suited to any level of skill, played weekly at the Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre at 10am each Monday. It is great fun, and great exercise..

Players both new and returning are reminded to complete enrolment before beginning-forms can be left at Redb4 bookshop.
​
Julie McNeill

From signing in...

to warm ups... (slide show)

then... 'Let the game begin!'.... (slide show)

And of course... a group photo.... (instead of saying cheese.... say 'Lifeball'!)

Post script:  Unfortunately Julie McNeill, who writes the newsletter reports and sends in photos for the website wasn't present on the day I visited, hoping to include her in the photographs.  Next year, Julie!  Thank you so much or being the group's newsletter correspondent!  Thanks also to the wonderful Life Ball group for allowing me take this 'photo shoot' of such a happy session.

Bev Lee
Media Team 

Our Christmas celebration was a great success, with the Recreation Centre taking on a party atmosphere, and the caterers doing a fast and efficient Christmas lunch for us after our game. It was great to be able to relax and review what has been an interesting and challenging year for us all - our thanks to Marlene and Jan, especially, for organising lunch, and to everyone for games, jokes and cleaning up!

We will return to playing on Monday 17th January at 10am. New and continuing players can contact convenor Marlene Pitts on 0407240943 for further information. Lifeball is a walking pace ballgame, played weekly at the Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre, and suited to any level of skill, with a lot of laughs along the way!

​Julie McNeill

With the return of indoor community sport on 21st October we were finally able to dust ourselves off, mentally and physically, and return to the court. Much laughter was heard as we stretched unused muscles, and tried to focus attention on where the ball was!

It was great to see such a good turnout and we hope to sharpen our skills in the weeks left before Christmas. As always, new players are welcome to come and join us- Lifeball is a walking pace game suitable for any skill level, and is tremendous fun. We play at 10am Mondays at the Indoor Recreation Centre-for further information please contact convenor Marlene Pitts on 0407240943.
 
Players are reminded that they must be double vaxed as per general U3A policy.

​Julie McNeill

​Sadly, even with the easing of regional restrictions after lockdown this month, we were still unable to return to the court. Hopefully the return of indoor community sport outlined in the roadmap will go ahead as planned, and we will manage to get a few games in before Christmas!
 
With a (covidsafe) picnic to celebrate a milestone birthday for one of our players, we have kept our spirits up. Anyone needing to confirm the return to playing, or to talk about joining, can contact convenor Marlene Pitts on 0407240943.
 
We anticipate returning on Monday 25th October, 10am at Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre.  As the roadmap gives a date of 26th October, however, members are asked to check beforehand with Marlene.
 
Julie McNeill

In and out of lockdown we went for the month, with players showing remarkable determination to keep attending and enjoying the game!  While we are temporarily on hold with the latest lockdown, we will be straight back on the court once allowed.  We welcome new players, who can check with convenor Marlene Pitts on 0407240943 to confirm dates.

Playing on Monday mornings at the Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre, Lifeball offers a little bit of competition and a lot of laughs, and is a great way to increase fitness.

​Julie McNeill

The month started well, with a good turnout of players despite the frosty mornings, some lively games, and an enjoyable morning tea for a member moving interstate. Unfortunately Covid restrictions have now kept us off the court, but we will hope for a speedy return.

Lifeball is a walking pace ball game, and a fun, safe and active way to keep fit with lots of laughs. We welcome new players-please check in with convenor Marlene Pitts on 0407240943, with games played Mondays 10-11am at the Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre.

​Julie McNeill

​Once again we juggled the requirements of lockdown and QR codes to manage some enjoyable half and full court games. It was great to see the numbers returning, and players enjoyed the chance to warm up on some very frosty mornings.
 
Lifeball is a walking pace ball game, and a fun, safe and active way to keep fit, with lots of laughs. We welcome new players, and convenor Marlene Pitts is available on 0407240943.

New players are asked to check dates with Marlene for July, as several members will be escaping-COVID and lockdowns permitting-for some northern sun.

​Julie McNeill

Mother’s Day and other family commitments lead to some reduced numbers earlier in the
month, and the group responded by playing some fast and furious half court games, which
seemed to take a lot more concentration than usual!

We were very happy to see a return of many members and enjoyed going back to our usual full
court game, and the chance to stand back occasionally and watch play at the other end of the
court.

Anyone interested in playing is welcome to come and watch a game on Mondays at 10am. It’s a
fun, safe and active way to keep fit-no previous skill or experience needed! Convenor Marlene
Pitts 0407240943 is happy to talk through any questions.

​Julie McNeill

Lifeballers this month worked on their game skills under the watchful eye of experienced player, umpire and roving Lifeball ambassador,Rupe Cheetham. We were pleased to hear Rupe’s support and encouragement,and also happy to find our skills are competitive with other clubs. Hopefully as we improve, there will be a return to some Fun and Friendship days with other regional clubs, where we can compete in mixed teams.

We have welcomed a couple of new players and look forward to maintaining numbers through the quieter winter months. Remember, if you can walk, you can play Lifeball- it’s a fun,safe and active way of keeping fit, with a lot of laughter thrown in.

Anyone interested is welcome to come and watch a game on Mondays at 10am.Convenors Marlene Pitts 0407240943, and Julie McNeill 0407823031 are also happy to talk through any questions.

​Julie McNeill

​​Lifeball
Mondays, weekly, 10am-11.30am
Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre, Ackerley Ave

​After a year off the courts, Lifeball has returned with renewed energy and new convenors. Thanks go to previous convenor  Max Powell and other players for holding it all together while we did our time in lockdown.
 
There is a lot of laughter on and off the court as we refresh our game strategies. Lifeball is a game for anyone who has ever enjoyed team sport, and for those who have never played any sport at all. If you can walk, you can play--the game is designed as a fun, but safe and active way of keeping fit, and is great for concentration.

We’d love to see some new players,and anyone interested is welcome to come and watch a game on Mondays at 10am.  Convenors, Marlene Pitts 0407240943 and Julie McNeill 0407823031 are also happy to talk through any questions.  All you need are safe, non slip shoes, so give it a go!
 
Julie McNeill
 

Lifeball is a game adapted from basketball which is suitable for all ages and abilities and has regular and enthusiastic participants.  For those who think that competitive sport is now beyond you this is the game for you. 

Lifeball sessions recommenced in mid January, however it is not too late to join in.  Monday mornings from 10am to 11.30 am, Benalla Leisure Centre, Ackerley Avenue.

Max Powell  0423 525 565

On Friday 20 March Max Powell and other organisers of Lifeball decided that Lifeball would not go ahead as from Monday 23rd March - with an interim return date set for Monday 20 April (the Monday after the Easter break).  This will be reviewed and confirmed closer to the date.

With changes in regulations changing rapidly, just a day later, on Saturday 21st March, the Executive of U3A's Committee of Management announced the cancellation of all courses and activities until the end of Semester 1, when the decision will be reviewed.    

This video of U3A Benalla Life ball players in action was taken five or so years ago, however it is a wonderful way of finding out a little more about Lifeball and deciding whether you might give it a try!   Come along to the Indoor Recreation Centre, Ackerley Avenue on Mondays between 9.45 to 11.30 pm, including most public holidays such as Labour Day.  For more information contact Convenor Max Powell on 0423 525 565.

​The Lifeball members are having our Xmas Dinner on the 9th December at the Benalla Golf Club.

We have in the last two weeks picked up two new members, which brings our membership to over twenty three. All are welcome at Lifeball which is played at the Benalla Recreational Centre every Monday at 9.45 am.

Our last game for the Xmas break will be on the 16th December and our first game back will be on the 13th January.

Max Powell

Benalla Lifeball recently had a Fun and Friendship Day--as the pictures show we had an excellent day.  Thirty people turned up from the North East of Victoria and southern NSW.  We had a great time and the food was delicious.

We will also be going to the Wangaratta Fun and Friendship Day in October.

Max Powell    
Ph 0423525565    
maxgp68@gmail.com

Lifeball is coming back to life, literally, now the weather is improving, and people are returning from holidays elsewhere.  This morning we actually had 13 players.....that hasn’t happened for some time, as we ended up playing with as few as 8 on several occasions.  Playing half court is taxing, but very funny, so having a full team was just great today, and everyone commented on having a really good time.

We have a Fun and Friendship day coming up in October, at Wangaratta, which will be beaut. We mix with other players from Albury, Deniliquin, Rutherglen, and Myrtleford, and the more we play away, the wider our circle of friends expand.  And the lunch our host teams provide is always wonderful, so it all makes for an excellent day away.

If you want to check us out for yourself, come to the Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre at 9.45am on Mondays and find out why we love our game so much!!

Marg Merriman

Lifeball numbers have been down somewhat recently.  People have been ill (me included), or are travelling to where the climate is more accommodating, so we have been playing half court....a bit more like “keeping off” really, with hilarious results.  It is such good fun, and a real workout.  It could be that with half a court, the game would be simpler - not so - it requires more energy and thinking more cleverly to achieve any result at all.  So by cuppa time, everyone is pleased to have a break.  It is such a stimulating game, and such good fun, whether the whole court is utilised, or just half, it doesn’t matter.  It is always such fun, and we all love it!!
​
Marg Merriman

Lifeball continues on its merry way, and we are building towards our annual Fun and Friendship Day, on May 27.  Our visiting teams will be coming from Deniliquin, Albury, Wangaratta, Rutherglen, Myrtleford, Mansfield and us.  Eildon would have been invited as well, but unfortunately they have folded, which is sad.  But when people make the effort to keep things rolling along nicely, and there is no cooperation from the team, I guess folding is the only option, and makes me very sad.

We thought we could possibly change the name from Lifeball to Laughball, because the games has us all laughing at the most inopportune times!!!

And we will be able to christen our brand new tops, with thanks to Max Powell, who organised them on  our behalf.  They are rather smart, and we think we will look super in our new regalia!!

Why don’t you come and see us playing, any Monday at the Indoor Recreation Centre, at 10am. It is such an easy game, as running will be penalised, as will bouncing the ball, and the rules are all to reward safety on the court!!

Great fun!!  Talk to Marg, on 5762 2967 or 0438 509 121, or Max 0423 525 565, or Gerry.

Marg Merriman

Lifeball has been somewhat “heated” recently, such that it has been necessary to turn on air conditioning to help us cope with the continuing heat!

Our teams haven’t had full numbers either, but because we are so adaptable that is all fine, and we cope with flying colours.  There are contingencies for dealing with smaller numbers, so it makes the game so much easier to play.

We still play at 10am, after a recent discussion as to whether we would change times, so the status quo was acceptable to just about everyone.  Our beloved Val has returned from Sth Africa (again!!!!) and has lost none of her infectious enthusiasm, which makes us all laugh all the time!  If only she  would try to throw more goals!!
 
We have been invited to a Fun and  Friendship day at Albury on May 1, which will be beaut, as Albury hasn’t hosted one for the past two years.  And we are hosting our own Day on May 27, and invitations will be sent to Deniliquin, Albury, Rutherglen, Wangaratta, Mansfield, Eildon, Myrtleford, and of course, ourselves, so probably around 50 people will attend!!  It takes much organisation, but we have an extremely co-operative group of players, who help whenever and wherever they are needed, so the day always works like clockwork.

If you want to know more, contact me at  - margaret.merriman@yahoo.com.au  or 03 5762 2967 and I will gladly sell us to you, or come along every Monday morning at 10am to watch (and even play) if you wish, at the stadium!  

Extra dates - Wednesday May 1 - Albury Fun and Friendship Day at the Lauren Jackson Stadium in Albury, admission $7 as usual.

Monday 27th May, our own Fun and Friendship Day, at the Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre in Ackerly Avenue.  More details later.

​Margaret Merriman

Although the weather was very hot in January, February has been a  lot kinder for playing Lifeball.  I would still like to see a few more new members and I am looking at a couple of options to try to make this happen.  If there is anyone who would like to try Lifeball, come to the Indoor Recreation Centre any Monday morning at 10.00am (we are no longer starting at 9.30am) and have a go.  Basically if you can walk, you can play Lifeball.  On a positive note, our members are still very much enjoying playing the game and enjoying the social aspect this brings.  Marg Merriman is missing in action with a knee problem at the moment and she is hoping to return to the game sooner rather than later.
​  
Marlene Pitts

This is the possibly our last newsletter for the year, seeing Christmas is on our doorstep.
We have changed our start time during the summer weather to 9.30am, probably only till Easter, because the hall becomes too uncomfortable for playing.

So - to everyone who plays, or hopes to play at some stage - we begin at 9.30am!!

We complete our year with our breakup game on December 10, followed by lunch at the Golf Club.  If partners wish to attend, they will be required to pay the cost of the meal, but numbers have to be finalised very soon.

Our games will recommence, after a Christmas recess, on January 14, again at 9.30 am.  This is because so many players are eager to resume as early as possible, and don’t wish to have an extended holiday break.  Which is wonderful, of course, and shows the level of commitment to our great game!  

We had a beaut time when we played recently in Rutherglen.  Both Colleen and Brian were there, and we were delighted they could make the effort, as Colleen is battling cancer, and is undergoing treatment for that, while Brian is trying ever so hard to overcome his knee problems, and possibly will never play again.  But he has not lost his power of speech or sense of humour and will be available to assist with umpiring training if needed.  We certainly send them both our love and prayers for better health in the New Year, so they can continue working with Lifeballers all over the place, as they have done so selflessly during past years.

So, we look forward to 2019, still wondering where 2018 went!..........
​
Marg Merriman   5762 2967

With several folk missing in September, we had to play half court, which initially can be very confusing, but that being said, it is quite hilarious.  Sometimes we demand there must be 2 (or 3 or 4) throws in a section before the ball can go to the next section before a goal can be scored. Thus the confusion is compounded, so the laughs come thick and fast under slightly compromised circumstances.  It is also a great workout, and although running is completely banned, we can still move quite quickly to proceed the ball to the next area.  It really is Laughball!!!

On October 24, we have been invited to Rutherglen for their annual Fun and Friendship day. There is only 1 court available, but because of some slick organisation, the teams are on and off the court quickly.

Unfortunately, this year we were unable to play at either Wangaratta or Albury due to their respective difficulties, which we hope will be corrected for next year.  We were all very disappointed because the days at both venues are such good fun.  Never mind...next year, we hope!!

Already we are nearly in December.....we find it quite amazing the year has flown past so quickly!

Our beloved Gwen, who can no longer play due to health problems, still turns up every Monday morning, and does a great job of umpiring, and keeping us toeing the line according to the rule book, and we are so grateful to her!  We love her dearly!!! Thanks Gwen!

We also learned that the Great White Chief in Albury, Colleen, has been diagnosed with breat cancer, and we collectively and individually, wish her every prayer that she will be able to deal with this wretched affliction.  Get better, our friend!!!

Marg Merriman

Editor's note:  Technical difficulties meant that Marg's report didn't appear in the October newsletter... however we added it online, and it will appear in the November newsletter.