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!..........
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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.

Lifeball propels itself along with laughter and walking along with a ball.  What could be easier??
Numbers have been down somewhat, due to health problems and migrating to warmer climes for our winter. Except, the way we play, we create our own micro-climate, especially if we play half court, which is pretty hilarious!!  We usually have a 12 person team but can play with as few as 6 if necessary.  If that is the case, there is no need to play full court, so we play half court, and dictate how many throws must be made before the ball can progress to the next stage.

It sounds very complicated, but once we are aware of the adaptations, it is quite easy to follow.
Because these adaptions can be organised at a moment's notice, the number of players we have is irrelevant really.  We simply organise to play, whatever the number.

And playing half court gives us all a real workout, keeping both the body and the brain working in unison, such that we all feel very satisfied with our day's work.

May we live forever!!!!!!!
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Marg Merriman   5762 2967

Lifeball continues along its merry way, although things have quietened down somewhat now it's winter.

The worst part about setting up the court at this time of year is handling the metal goalposts on a freezing cold morning!!!

But once we start moving around the court, it doesn't take long to thaw out.  A couple of times we have gone out into the carpark to do our warm ups, in the winter sun, and it has been lovely.

Some days ago, we only had 8 players, so we played half-court, and it was just hilarious.  This is why we would like to change the name from Lifeball to Laughball.  The game begins from outside the goal line, and moves into the middle zone, before going back to the goal zone, where only one goaler can score.  Plus having 2 throws in each zone before the ball can move on, is a real challenge, causing much confusion and hilarity, and it really is a great workout for everyone. Everyone was very warmed up at the end, and said how beaut is was to have a change of playing in a more restricted area.  And the cuppa at the end of the game gave everyone the opportunity to express their thoughts on playing half court.

Last Monday, we had just the 12 players for a team, but I feel our numbers will drop from now till around August, with players being ill, and moving away to warmer climes throughout the cold of our winter.

Do pop in and see why we laugh so much.  Every Monday morning we commence playing at 10am, in the Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre, just diagonally across from the railway station.
Just come to watch and have a game if you feel inclined.   You will be made welcome!!!
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Marg Merriman   5762 2967

We had our Fun and Friendship Day on May 7, with teams arriving from Albury, Wangaratta, Eildon, Rutherglen, Myrtleford, Mansfield and, of course, us - around 50 all up.

The games were played with much laughter and exuberance, and when we stopped for lunch, all players said how much pleasure they had in their games.

Lunch was brilliant - something we do really well - with soups, sandwiches, slices, cream cakes and everything in between. We had too much food this year, so anyone who wanted took a small plate and filled it with whatever they chose, and paid $5 for the privilege, the collected amount was donated to a local charity.

The sad news however was the resignation of our coach Rupert Cheetham, who has been there for us since we began 14 years ago, and who has guided and coached us with enthusiasm and attention to rules and regulations since the inception.  His guidance will be greatly missed!
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Marg Merriman 5762 2967  Mob 0438 509 121

We are having a lovely time at Lifeball at present.  We have some new players, and the return of one after surgery.  The beauty of this game is you can only walk - running gets you penalised!! - so every player is relieved that speed is penalised also.  We can be as slow as we choose, but no player wants to be that slow!!

We are preparing for our annual Fun and Friendship Day at the Sports Centre in Ackerly Avenue on May 7
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We will have teams from Deniliquin, Albury, Wangaratta, Myrtleford, Rutherglen, Mansfield, Eildon, and of course, ourselves.  We start at around 10am, have an absolutely lovely lunch, and finish around 2pm.  It is a super day, and the developing friendships amongst players is a great side issue to the game.

Last week we played at Myrtleford, and had a wonderful day.  We always enjoy visiting there, as they are all so hospitable, and the drive is always so lovely as well. They turn on their famous soups for lunch, and because Brian and Colleen were unable to attend, Rupert had a cream cake to make up for the piece Brian would have had had he been there!  

We are anticipating around 50 for our day, and I really recommend that you pop in to see how our game is played, and the enthusiasm with which we play it!

If you want to know more, contact me, I am only too happy to discuss our fun game.

On 7th May as part of our Fun and Friendship Day activity Lifeball will be unveiling their new Banner.   An invitation is extended to all U3A members to be part of this event.
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Marg Merriman   5762 2967

Lifeball this year began midway through January, because all the players wanted to recommence our season early, such was the enthusiasm remaining from last year!!
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We began with two more new players, and another new player joined just this week, so our weekly numbers are hovering between 15-18 players - a very satisfying increase on last year.  Two players regularly come from Mansfield, occasionally more, but the Mansfield girls are such a welcome addition, as they add to the jollity and laughter of each game.  We would like to call this wonderful game "LAUGHBALL", as this is how we spend the bulk of our time when playing - laughing!!

Our Fun and Friendship day this year will be on 16th April.  We decided March was still too hot in our hall to comfortably play for a day, so this year we decided to move to a later time.  We will be inviting Mansfield, Eildon, Rutherglen, Myrtleford, Albury, Wangaratta and Deniliquin to join us for a day of Lifeball, Fun, Food, and Friendship.  We cater for our guests for morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea, before teams return to their home clubs.

Despite the game being "non-competitive", it is usually very competitive, but can be difficult, as any physical contact between players is deemed a "barge", and the ball goes to the opposition.
The game is primarily very safe, and every aspect of the game is directed towards that end - safety.  That's why it's a walking game, no running, and no going backwards....it is too unsafe!
However, as the years have passed, the skill levels have increased, and some players have refined these levels brilliantly.

But, for us, the game is just great fun, as well as increasing our fitness, mobility and balance.
Come along any Monday morning at 9.30 (at least in the summer, we will revert to 10am when the weather cools significantly) to the Recreation Centre in Arundel St, and gauge for yourself how great is our game.  You will be made very welcome, as all our newcomers will attest!

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Marg Merriman   5762 2967

Margaret Merriman has advised that the group has decided to start at 9.30 am during the summer months, which sounds a good idea!   For some of you this may be late notice - we do apologise.  If you need to clarify this, please call Marg on 5762 2967.