Our report this month is tinged with a note of sadness but more especially a feeling of pride that this dedicated group can boast of a great history of achievement and fellowship.
Nineteen years ago in 1996 before the Benalla U3A began, an enthusiastic group of like-minded people decided to form an Investment group to research and hone their skills studying the Australian share market.
It began its activities under the auspices of “The National Seniors” movement and met in the old Presbyterian Hall under the leadership of Mr Graham Mitchell. The group comprised 10 foundation members of whom 7 are still regularly in attendance at the meetings. Graham has continued in the role of convenor of the group for the entire period of 19 years and the numbers remain at 10 with the later addition of 2 new members.
At the commencement of activities the use of computers was not general within the group which depended on data gained from investment journals and other sources. Over the years members have become a highly skilled group using sophisticated computer programmes in their research. In more recent times the group has been regularly invited to be a contestant in the “Shares Race” competition under the name “U3A Benites” conducted by the Sunday Age newspaper enjoying and achieving some success by winning the competition on several occasions. At its most recent meeting we were pleased to welcome a visitor, who on one occasion ran 2nd to our group and travelled from Melbourne especially to meet our members.
The group believes its continued success can be attributed to the leadership of Graham Mitchell, A unique meeting format and good fellowship.
Unfortunately the Investment group has reached the stage when it must close down its activities owing to the seniority of most of the members who are in their 80s and 90s and one key member is moving from Benalla.
Happily the formal closure of our meetings will in no way change the bonds of friendship and fellowship so deeply forged over the last 19 years.
Nineteen years ago in 1996 before the Benalla U3A began, an enthusiastic group of like-minded people decided to form an Investment group to research and hone their skills studying the Australian share market.
It began its activities under the auspices of “The National Seniors” movement and met in the old Presbyterian Hall under the leadership of Mr Graham Mitchell. The group comprised 10 foundation members of whom 7 are still regularly in attendance at the meetings. Graham has continued in the role of convenor of the group for the entire period of 19 years and the numbers remain at 10 with the later addition of 2 new members.
At the commencement of activities the use of computers was not general within the group which depended on data gained from investment journals and other sources. Over the years members have become a highly skilled group using sophisticated computer programmes in their research. In more recent times the group has been regularly invited to be a contestant in the “Shares Race” competition under the name “U3A Benites” conducted by the Sunday Age newspaper enjoying and achieving some success by winning the competition on several occasions. At its most recent meeting we were pleased to welcome a visitor, who on one occasion ran 2nd to our group and travelled from Melbourne especially to meet our members.
The group believes its continued success can be attributed to the leadership of Graham Mitchell, A unique meeting format and good fellowship.
Unfortunately the Investment group has reached the stage when it must close down its activities owing to the seniority of most of the members who are in their 80s and 90s and one key member is moving from Benalla.
Happily the formal closure of our meetings will in no way change the bonds of friendship and fellowship so deeply forged over the last 19 years.
