1. There is a QR code at the Benalla Senior’s Centre which must be used when entering the Benalla Senior’s Centre. There will be a manual sign in sheet for those members who require it. The Convenor or a person designated by the Convenor will act as Sign in Marshall to ensure all U3A Members are signed in.      
2. Attendance Records. An Attendance record for each class will be located on the Table outside the U3A room or other venue being used by U3A Benalla. Every person entering the U3A room or other venue will be ticked off on this attendance record. U3A Benalla will hold in another location the phone number and address of all members attending groups or classes. If a person is not currently enrolled for this particular group or class, they are to write their name and phone number legibly on the attendance sheet.
3. Members when attending U3A Benalla groups, classes or functions are required to keep 1.5 meters apart at all times.
4. Maximum group size for U3A members when attending U3A Benalla groups, classes or functions is 10, at a density of not more than 1 person per 4 square meters of floor space. Each group of 10 must stay the same and cannot change or mingle.
5. Members when attending U3A Benalla groups, classes or functions are required to wear a face mask when indoors if this is currently mandated by the Victorian State Government.
6. Hand sanitizer will be provided at the entrance to the U3A Benalla room and any other venue being used by U3A. Members of U3A Benalla are requested to use the hand sanitizer when entering the room.
7. Hand wipes will be provided for Convenors or their assistants to wipe down furniture such as chairs, tables and door handles after each class held in the U3A Benalla room or other venue being used by U3A Benalla.  
8. Any member of U3A Benalla who is feeling unwell is asked not to attend a class or group to which they belong, but instead get tested for COVID 19 after phoning Benalla Health to make an appointment.

 
Dorothy Webber, President
30 July 2021  

Message to all U3A members
 
Due to this afternoon's lockdown announcement we are cancelling all groups and activities, other than those conducted by Zoom, for the next five days.

Hopefully this restriction does not have to be extended.

Keep safe.
 
Dorothy
President

​Thursday 15 July 2021

Please note:  Our COVID Plan has been updated and is available on the Convenors' page.

Demystifying Psychology – A five session semester long course with a first session common to the Semester I course, but with different content in sessions 2 to 5 to enable last semester's students to rejoin the class.  The first session is on Friday 16 July, 1 to 3pm, at Seniors’ building Fawckner Drive. The timetable and topics are on the U3A Demystifying Psychology website page. Queries and/or enroll by contacting Jane on 0437 621 575 or janerushworth2101@gmail.com
 
Other Course News

A Taste of Art – ‘A Taste of Art’ is taking a winter break in July and August while the Broken River Painters busily prepare for their major exhibition of work Swanpool during the SCRAP art festival.  A Taste of Art will recommence in September.  New members are also welcome!  Contact Carole Perry on 5762 2373 or 0438 111 057.

Coin Collectors – Coin Collectors’ new convenor Doug Smith is keen to contact members from the pilot program in 2019 and the Co-vid disrupted class of 2020 to discover if a later time slot on a Monday might suit them.  Coin Collectors currently meets from 10 to 12 on the third Monday, a time which clashes with both Lifeball and Exercises for Fun.  Coin Collectors could meet later in the day on the third Monday, possibly between 1.30 and 3.30 pm, if this suited members.  Please contact Doug Smith on 0417 527 171.

Garden Appreciation – will be taking their annual winter break in August.

German is taking a semester break during July, resuming on Tuesday 10 August. Anyone with an understanding of the German language is welcome to join then. Contact Pauline if you are interested.

Tech Savvy Beginners (Android) will resume in August with more sessions and a changed time slot.  The class will now meet on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Thursday morning from 10 am to 12 noon in the U3A Meeting Room.  Classes will commence on Thursday 5 August.  New students are welcome to join. For more information, please call convenor Robyn Lukey on 0403 164 931. 

​Interesting to hear from a Wine Appreciation group member that Warrabilla Wines has introduced beautiful locally made red gum tables for wine tastings - no standing at the bar these days!

Unlike most years, there are no new courses/activities in Semester II this year.  However, it is possible to enrol in units which interest you in Semester II.     Please let the convenor know about your interest in enrolling in their unit and add your name to the new roll if it is not already included – newly listed names will be added to the printed roll at the end of July.   If you did not attend a course chosen in Semester I your name will be taken off the roll for Semester II.

Demystifying Psychology – a five session semester length course - is opening its enrolments for Semester II with an introductory session for new students on Friday 16 July, and will then continue with new content enabling current students to rejoin.  For more information, check the Demystifying Psychology report. 

There are also some seasonal adjustments and mid year breaks to note–
A Taste of Art will be taking a break in July and August, resuming in September
Birdwatching takes its winter break in June, July and August – resuming in September.
Garden Appreciation will be taking it’s traditional annual break again in August. 

If Covid restrictions remain in place, it is likely that Demystifying Psychology, Investment, Sustainability, and Family Research will move to Zoom; Easy Walks and MidWeek Walks will adapt to changes in restriction levels;  and As Time Goes By, Creative Writing, Film as Literature, German and Music Appreciation will return to sharing content through email, the website or other innovative means.  

Convenors will make contact with their groups, and details will be included in upcoming newsletters. 

Convenors and all course/activity class members are reminded of the importance of signing in to each session and recording attendance on class rolls.  Even though we might seem to be a bit remote from a Covid-19 outbreak this could change in an instant.

​Bev Lee and Len Jeffers

It was with regret many of the participants of Helen’s book groups learned of her passing after a long illness.

Helen organized the original  CAE Bookgroup for U3A. This later became the E-Book Group as we adapted to kindles and other devices and said goodbye to heavy boxes of books from CAE. Last year it refreshed with a name change to Page Turners.

Helen led our groups with her wit and wise words. Her insightful comments were most welcome and encouraged participants to read books they may not have chosen for themselves.

​All who knew Helen will miss her but be glad they had the good fortune to get to know her.

Stephen, please know that you have our love and support at this sad time.   
​  
Meg Dillon

John Avery loved classical music and shared this love with U3A members who attended his Music Appreciation class.  These photos were taken with class members, who had a tradition of sharing Frieda's Christmas cake with a class of select wine!

​​U3A Benalla member Judith Borthwick worked with John Avery at Dookie Agricultural College for many years and later edited the U3A Benalla Newsletter during much of John’s incumbency as U3A Benalla’s President.  Judith searched the old newsletter files on her computer for a photo and article she remembered being sent to the Ensign at the time of John receiving his Life Membership award in 2012.  She was delighted to find them and be able to share them in this newsletter.  As Judith commented, John’s excitement and pleasure in receiving the award is clearly evident in the photograph.

“At U3A’s annual Christmas function held at Whitfield on 28th November (2012), a delighted and surprised John Avery was presented with a Life Membership Award and an Outstanding Service Certificate for his outstanding service in fostering the aims and objectives of U3A in Benalla Rural City.

In congratulating John, President Geraldine McCorkell stated that this award is not given lightly, John is the first person to receive such an award in the club’s 20-year existence, and it is well deserved.

John was president of U3A Benalla for seven years and it is due his tireless efforts that the club has grown and is in a sound financial position.  John still continues to be a member of the U3A executive and serves on several committees.”
 
 
If you would like to contribute your reflections to an article on John’s contribution to U3A Benalla, please forward them to Newsletter Editor at newsletter@u3abenalla.com.

President - Dorothy Webber
Vice President – Margaret Jenkins
Secretary – Geraldine McCorkell
Treasurer – Neville Gibb
Membership Officer – Len Jeffers
Publicity Officer – Wendy Sturgess
Newsletter Editor – Heather Wallace
Welfare Officer – Lorraine Knox
Terry Case
Julie McNeill
Anne Nelson
Corrie Witlox

Standing: Neville, Lorraine, Margaret, Len, Wendy, Corrie, Heather;
​Sitting: Julie, Anne, Dorothy, Geraldine.  Apology - Terry Case.  

​Alex, 

Thank you so much for inspiring and establishing the Coin Collectors group at U3A Benalla.  Your understanding of coin collections and collectors and the way in which you have engaged and followed through with group members, have resulted in an ongoing group of keen coin collectors.  Your personal coin collection and passion for coin collecting proved inspirational!  We wish you and Annette well in your return to Echuca, where you both grew up,  Perhaps you might set up a Coin Collectors group there.  You will be missed.   

Bev Lee, Programs Committee

COVID Safe Plan for U3A Benalla Version 2
 

1. Members when attending U3A Benalla groups, classes or functions, are required to keep 1.5 meters apart at all times.
2. Members when attending U3A Benalla groups, classes or functions are required to be at a density of not more than 1 person per 2 square meters of floor space.
3. Members when attending U3A Benalla groups, classes or functions are required to wear a face mask when indoors providing this is currently mandated by the Victorian State Government.
4. Hand sanitizer is to be provided at the entrance to the Seniors Community Centre building, to the U3A Benalla room and any other venue being used by U3A.  Members of U3A Benalla are requested to use the hand sanitizer when entering the room.
5. Hand wipes will be provided for Convenors or their assistants to wipe down furniture such as chairs, tables and door handles after each class held in the U3A Benalla room or other venue being used by U3A Benalla.  
6. Attendance Records. An Attendance record for each class is to be located on the Table outside the U3A room or other venue being used by U3A Benalla. Every person entering the U3A room or other venue is to be ticked off on this attendance record. U3A Benalla will hold in another location the phone number and address of all members attending groups or classes.
7. When entering the Seniors Community Centre Building:  There is a QR code for the building at the entrance and on the display board next to the door to the U3A Meeting Room.  If possible, please use this code, otherwise provide details on the form on the table next to the QR Code and hand sanitizer at the entrance to the building in addition to ticking the attendance record.  
8. If a person is not currently enrolled for this particular group or class, they are to write their name and phone number legibly on the attendance sheet.
9. Any member of U3A Benalla who is feeling unwell is asked not to attend a class or group to which they belong, but instead get tested for COVID 19 after phoning Benalla Health to make an appointment.
10. Close contact of members in the U3A Benalla room or other venue being used by U3A Benalla is to be avoided in accordance with COVID restrictions. 

 
Dorothy Webber and Margaret Jenkins,  Monday  1 March  2021​

Update:  Following the introduction of a Covid Stage 4 Lockdown from the 13 to the 17th March, the planned Meet and Mingle in the Benalla Gardens on the 17th March has been cancelled.

Original notice which was also in February's newsletter:  With numbers for Meet and Mingle's first session likely to exceed the social distancing capacity of the U3A Meeting Room, we have decided to begin the year with another relaxing session under the beautiful trees near the Art Gallery.  We will meet between 10 and 11.30 am. 

‘Bring Your Own’ morning tea, tea/coffee/beverages, chair, cushion  and make the most of this wonderful opportunity to meet and mingle!  
​
We look forward to seeing you there.

Bill Parris
Meet and Mingle Convenor

U3A Benalla and District’s Annual General Meeting will be held at Meet and Mingle on Wednesday March 17th at 10 am.  I would like to thank retiring members Bill Parris and Pat Gardner for the highly valued work they have done on the Committee for a number of years. 

Positions are now vacant for two members.  If you are interested in stepping up and joining the committee, the President’s report from 2020 and the 2021 Executive/Committee Nomination Form can be found on the ‘About/Our U3A’ page of the website.

There will be more information in the next newsletter. 

Dorothy Webber,
​President

​Enrolment days were held at the Benalla Town Hall in January, however it is not too late to enrol.

New Members in 2021   Membership fees are $30 per person or $60 per couple with a newsletter e-mailed monthly.  There is a surcharge of $10 pa for newsletters sent by mail.  A  Membership Application/ Renewal Form can be downloaded from the Join Us page or collected with program documents from the RedB4 Bookshop in Bridge Street (next to Hide's Bakery).

Members who were enrolled in 2020:  Due to the disrupted 2020 and problems with 2021 accommodation,  Membership Fees for existing members have been suspended for 2021.  You will still pay a fee of $10 if you require a posted monthly newsletter.  An individualised Membership Renewal Form was emailed or posted to existing members.  Please print your form, make any corrections to your details, then add your program selections.   If you can’t locate your individualised form,  complete a regular Membership Form for 2021. 
 
Completing enrolments

• ​Post completed enrolment form, with any payment attached, to: U3A Benalla and District, PO Box 674, Benalla 3671
• Leave forms at RedB4 Bookshop in Bridge Street (next to Hide’s Bakery) with payment attached.
• Forms without payments can be scanned and emailed to Len Jeffers (len.benalla@gmail.com) or delivered to 108 Thomas St. Benalla.

Remember, late enquiries are always welcome. Enrolment documents can be downloaded from the Join Us page on this website during the year. Contact our Secretary Geraldine on 5762 2134 or 0408 522 662 or secretary@u3abenalla.com for questions and further information. .

With renovations continuing at the Seniors Community Centre, Enrolment Days were held this year at the Benalla Town Hall.  Numbers were down in terms of attendance, however many enrolment forms had already been received via ReadB4 books; post, email or delivery to Len's home, 

​It was wonderful to chat to new and existing members who had questions, to catch up with other convenors and to hear updates from President, Dorothy Webber.  Although Covid-safe regulations meant that members couldn't mingle at morning tea this year, many members could be found catching up with friends at local cafes after enrolling.  

Bev Lee

The following most informative article was written for the Benalla Ensign by Margaret Jenkins for Age Friendly Benalla.  Margaret is also Research/Grants Officer on the U3A Benalla & District's Committee of Management. 

“Mr Dom Testoni, CEO of Benalla Rural City Council has announced that Benalla Rural City Council are spending $130,000 to upgrade of the interior of the Benalla Senior’s Centre located in Fawckner Drive Benalla. The funding is from two sources: namely Drought relief funds as well as Federal Government funding.

The Benalla Senior’s Centre is a multipurpose facility which houses activities of the Benalla Senior Citizens, the Benalla Bridge Club and U3A Benalla.

The entire air conditioning unit is being replaced with a new system which has environmentally friendly refrigerant gas. The air conditioning machinery will be in the same place and use the same duct work. The work is to be completed mid January 2021 and will cost $70,000.

The switch board at the Benalla Senior’s Centre is being converted with a backup generator system, so that if the power goes out, the Benalla Senior’s Centre can be used as a Refuge point for Benalla.

The switch board of the Benalla Town Hall is being similarly converted with a generator backup so that it also can be used as a Refuge when required.

Internally in the Benalla Senior’s Centre building there are a series of alterations planned with the Stage in the main auditorium to be removed. This will allow for the building of a new office for the Benalla Senior Citizens. An area adjacent to this will become storage for the bowling mats used by the Benalla Seniors.

The Benalla Bridge club is to have slightly increased storage as their area will incorporate the area occupied previously by the steps to the former stage as well as their current storage facility.
U3A Benalla have been offered the use of the former Benalla Senior’ Office as a second meeting room.

Upgrades to the main kitchen area will see a new dish washer and the incorporation of the stove from the other small kitchen.  It is anticipated that a standalone glass double fronted refrigerator will allow storage for all groups using the centre.

These internal upgrades are estimated to cost about $60,000. The builder for the project has been selected and expects that the internal work will be completed by Monday 8 February 2020.
U3A Benalla expects to resume classes on Monday 15 February 2020 in their current U3A room. 

Due to the building works, Registration Day for U3A Benalla will be held on Monday 18 January 2021 and Wednesday 20 January 2021 from 9.30am to 11.30am in the Benalla Town Hall.
​
Further information regarding Registration Day can be obtained from Mrs Dorothy Webber on 5762 2116.”  ​

• Members when attending U3A Benalla groups, classes or functions  are required to keep 1.5 meters apart at all times.
• Members when attending U3A Benalla groups, classes or functions are required to be at a density of not more than 1 person per 2 square meters of floor space.
• Members when attending U3A Benalla groups, classes or functions are required to wear a face mask when indoors providing this is currently mandated by the Victorian State Government.
• Hand sanitizer is to be provided at the entrance to the U3A Benalla room and any other venue being used by U3A Benalla. Members of U3A Benalla are requested to use the hand sanitizer when entering the U3A room or other venue being used by U3A.  
• Hand wipes will be provided for Convenors or their assistants to wipe down furniture such as chairs, tables and door handles after each class held in the U3A Benalla room or other venue being used by U3A.  
• Attendance Records. An Attendance record for each class is to be located on the Table outside the U3A room or other venue being used by U3A. Every person entering the U3A room or other venue is to be ticked off on this attendance record. U3A Benalla will hold in another location the phone number and address of all members attending groups or classes.
• If a person is not currently enrolled for this particular group or class, they are to write their name and phone number legibly on the attendance sheet.
• Any member of U3A Benalla who is feeling unwell is asked not to attend a class or group to which they belong, but instead get tested for COVID 19 after phoning Benalla Health to make an appointment.
• Close contact of members in the U3A Benalla room or other venue being used by U3A is to be avoided due to COVID restrictions.   

​Dorothy Webber and Margaret Jenkins

Enrolment days will be held at Benalla Town Hall on Monday 18th January – 9.30am to 11.00am and Wednesday 20th January – 9.30am to 11.00am.      Due to the disruption of classes in 2020 during the Covid-19 Virus lockdown, the U3A Committee agreed that there will be no additional payment in 2021 for members who enrolled and paid in 2020.      However, if you received your Newsletter by mail, there will be a cost of $10 payable to cover cost of postage.
​
New members enrolling in 2021 will pay the $30 fee, plus $10 to cover postage if they wish to receive the Newsletter by mail.
​   
Membership forms were e-mailed to existing members late last week.    Please check the enrolment form is correct to ensure that your details are current.      Put a cross against the classes you are interested in participating and return to U3A on enrolment days, RedB4 Bookshop or mail to U3A Benalla, P O Box 674, Benalla 3671.

Only enrol in preferred courses that you will be attending.    In the past members have ticked the box of a number of activities but only attended two or three during the semester.      Due to Co-vid restrictions on the number of people who can be in one room at the same time, there will be a limit on number of class participants.  Please ensure you do wish to do the course that you have ticked and make sure your completed enrolment forms are returned as soon as possible. If you change your mind about a course please let the convenor know so that someone on the waiting list can be contacted.  
 
Due to room availability some courses may not commence until halfway through February or the first week in March, or may be held in alternative locations.      Your Committee are working hard to ensure that you have the best venue for the number of participants in your activity.

Once enrolments have been received your Convenor will be in contact with you to confirm your enrolment and advise when the course will begin.  
 
Due to Covid restrictions there will be no serving of tea and coffee at Enrolment Day this year.    Bring your own bottle of water and make sure you are wearing a mask whilst in the Town Hall precinct. 
 
Attached to the January Newsletter and on the Join Us page of the web site you will find a blank Membership Application/Renewal Enrolment form, Program Guide, Full Timetable with Dates. 

The newly released U3A Benalla and District Covid-Safe Plan is included in he January Newsletter and in a post on this page.  Please read this plan carefully and comply with its requirements at all times.


Committee of Management

Hope you enjoy the slide shows!

Happy Festive Season from the Newsletter/Website team.

​​Members of U3A Benalla were saddened to hear of the passing of Gwen Cheetham on Tuesday 17th November 2020.

Gwen was involved with the Singing for Fun and Harmony groups for 14 years. She was part of our concerts as well as our regular sessions held three Thursday mornings each month. We all enjoyed her company and with her pure soprano voice she was a very dependable member of the group.

Life ball was another group in which Gwen participated for several years. When she decided that she was finding the pace of the game a bit much, Gwen became an excellent umpire. It was well known that you couldn’t get away with much if Gwen was umpiring.

Rupe was involved with Astronomy or Exploring the Universe and Gwen supported Rupe by often sending one of her favourite slices or cakes to Astronomy for the group’s supper.

Rupe and Gwen kept in close contact with their adult family and grandchildren and had lots of visits from the family. 

Gwen’s other interest was her garden which she kept in immaculate condition. She was also an excellent cook and this fact was commented on by several family members at her funeral on 24th November at the Benalla lawn cemetery.

Thank you, Gwen for some excellent memories. We will miss you.

​Our sympathy is extended to Rupe.