We are now heading toward the last weeks of our U3A program for 2022 and already planning for 2023.  Terry Case has put Tudor History aside and looking forward to some sessions on Australian History.  Claire Rudolph has already booked the U3A Meeting Room on the first Tuesday afternoon for The Sky’s the Limit, a course for aviation enthusiasts, whilst Jane Rushworth has some new ideas in the Psychology basket. 

We continue to investigate the possibility of a Ukulele class for some keen music lovers and a Photography class.  The trialling of some new online short course programs in 2023 is being looked at and the piloting of a semester-length book group for the men in Benalla U3A is being explored. 

The Program Committee is open to ideas or suggestions of courses and activities that members would be interested in, so don’t be nervous about suggesting new groups you would be keen to be part of.

At this time of the year, we also offer ‘taster’ opportunities.  Over the coming weeks, why not bring a friend along to one of the groups you are in or try a new one yourself to see if you like it.

Geraldine McCorkell,
​Programs Coordinator

Spring is here, bringing with it agricultural shows, festivals, jumble sales, art shows, concerts, exhibitions, luncheons, swooping magpies and daffodils!

It’s the time of the year when we invite friends interested in joining U3A to ‘taste’ our courses and activities.  Why not bring a friend along to one of the groups you are in or try a new one yourself to see if you like it. If you know anyone who is thinking of joining U3A next year, please let them know about this. People attending taster sessions just need to speak to the convenor beforehand and put their names on the attendance roll when they arrive, they don’t need to formally enrol.

October is Seniors Month. U3A Benalla’s Seniors’ Month activities include the launching of our new pamphlet at a street stall encouraging new members to join and the ‘taster’ opportunities mentioned above. Our Be Connected-funded ‘Try One Thing’ event is being held during Seniors Week, following Meet and Mingle on Wednesday 21 October at 11.45 am.   Jenny Sawyer will be guest speaker at a light lunch which is free to U3A members.

‘Building Back Better in a Post Covid environment' is the theme of this year’s U3A Network Victoria conference, which returns after a long break.  It is being held in Bendigo from the 2-4 October and our Vice-President, Anne Nelson, will be representing U3A Benalla. 

The Benalla Agricultural Show returns on Friday 14th and Saturday 15th October this year, with U3A Benalla one of this year’s sponsors in the Handicrafts section.

The Benalla Festival is back in November 2022. We are hoping to have an information stand at the Day in the Gardens Market, on Sunday 6 November.  If you would be happy to help set up and pack up on the day, we’d love to hear from you!

Our Singing for Fun, Recorder and Patchwork groups are currently working towards our annual ‘Meet and Mingle’ Concert, Quilt Exhibition and Morning Tea to be held in the Auditorium on Wednesday 16 November from 10 am to 12 noon.  All welcome!

Finally, Wine Appreciation convenor Nicole McFarlane has investigated and submitted possible venues for the U3A Benalla Christmas Luncheon, traditionally held in the 4th week of November.  More details in upcoming newsletters.  

There certainly is a lot to look forward to!

Our new course, The Sky’s the Limit, is for those with an interest in gliding, flying, the history of aviation, with past lives involving aircraft in some way, has been held over to the beginning of the year!

Sessions will include guest speakers with backgrounds in aviation and stories to tell, the occasional excursion and more. 

Class members will play an active role in suggesting & deciding upon monthly session topics/expeditions.  
  
Interested?  For information, contact Claire at [email protected].