​Brad also explained that the Flexible Learning Centre would like to mark our farewell, offering their services as baristas in providing a coffee morning.  The only group still to use W4 was the Politics class.  The farewell event was soon organised with Terry Case, and towards the end of the final Politics class in W4 Michelle Ramage, Brad Hearn, and students served coffee accompanied by pikelets and biscuits cooked at the centre by participants in their program.

​Michelle spoke about the Flexible Learning Centre, then two students spoke of their appreciation of the support they have received at the Flexible Learning Centre and their hopes for the future. Terry Case followed on, wishing the students well for the future and thanking the FLC for providing a fitting celebration to mark the end of our time in W4.

A few days later, the packing began, the moving trucks arrived, and W4 was emptied out ready for refurbishment by the expanding Flexible Learning Centre.

​As reports in this newsletter suggest, our new meeting room in Fawckner Drive is now in use and, resilient beings that we are, we are already enjoying our time there.   But we will always have fond memories of W4!  

Bev Lee

Jim was a most valuable member of the Benalla U3A Group. He joined several study groups within the organisation. Very interested in politics he joined the U3A Politics group. From all accounts and unsurprisingly he was a major contributor to discussions. Jim had an amazingly large memory of the past historical records of modern history and political history. Of equal amazement was his extraordinary capacity to recall historical quotes of prominent people of the past, events of the past and the issues of the day. Indeed, if there was any doubt on issues people would say “Let’s ask Jim”. Of course, he was nearly always right.

Jim loved a drop of quality wine and was a keen member of our Wine Appreciation Group. A favourite expression of his was “Let’s lower the level of a bottle or two of red wine”. He always had a few members to help with this pleasant task.

Jim's interest in a range of activities manifested itself through his involvement with the Benalla Hospital Flora Stall at the monthly Benalla Market. He was an original member of the U3A Astronomy Group; he was involved with the Sustainability Group; for a while ran the Film Appreciation Group. Jim had an extensive collection of video tapes of classic film of by-gone days and, of course, modern CDs. Again, his amazing capacity to recall facts was revealed when discussing films from yesteryear. He was involved with the Friends of the Benalla Library and contributed to the establishment of our new Library at the old Civic Centre.

People’s lives were enhanced and intellectually elevated by having the pleasure of Jim for company in any group of which he was a member.

Vale Jim Casey - a very special person.

​
​Keith Rogers

(Tech Savvy Beginners - this was sent by Dorothy from her iPad.)