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On Wednesday 22nd of July 16 members met in the Gardens near the Art Gallery for lunch, chats & laughter. We were blessed with a beautiful sunny winter’s day. It was agreed we need to do it again, so are looking forward to meeting together in the gardens on a Wine Appreciation day (4th Wednesday) after the Stage 3 reductions announced on Sunday 2 August are lifted. Dorothy Webber Photos: Bev Lee and Heather Wallace
It has been wonderful to observe the way in which a group of convenors and committee members took on the challenge to learn how to use Zoom during the Covid break. From early ‘play’ with lots of rehearsals emerged an advertised session on Zoom for convenors; liaison with U3A Network Victoria and subsequent involvement with a regional mentor; now regular Zoom classes in Demystifying Psychology; Investment and Sustainability and regular Committee meetings. Learning to use zoom has involved a learning experience for most if not all of the members involved. All in the space of a few months! Congratulations to all involved. At a recent Zoom Committee Meeting it was decided that it is now time for all U3A participants to take the opportunity to catch up with one another, so it is proposed to have lunch with our U3A friends in the gardens next to the Art Gallery on WEDNESDAY 22 JULY at 12.00 noon. U3A members are asked to ‘BYO’ lunch, tea/coffee/beverages, chair, cushion, rug if cold and make the most of this wonderful opportunity to discuss what we have been doing during our time away from attending U3A activities. This will depend on numbers that can gather, and of course, the WEATHER. If you are looking to be part of this activity, please contact Heather Wallace on 0418 353 244, if possible by Sunday July 19th.  Ken Whan was a man for the people. He had a very full life working with many groups both on Council and in industry, but he never forgot the community itself, being there to offer advice and general support when needed. He was very approachable, had a listening ear and provided encouragement where necessary.
Ken was an active member of U3A, with a sense of humour and a hint of cynicism. His input into the activities he attended was always welcome. Ken served on the Benalla Shire Council (and was Shire President from 1991-1994), and Delatite Shire (and was Delatite Mayor in 2000). As a Councillor, Ken believed in Local Government and the need to develop more accessible lines of communication between residents and council. Not only was Ken involved in U3A he had many and varied interests in Benalla and was associated with the Benalla Library, Friends of BPACC, Friends of the Art Gallery and Warby Ranges Landcare. His list of achievements was also very impressive – being a member of the United Dairy Farmers Vic (1961-985); Save Mokoan Committee; Elder and chairman of Benalla Uniting Church Parish; Historical Society Secretary; Mens Probus member. These are only a few of his achievements over the years. Ken was one of the very few Councillors who worked with the then Management of Winton Motor Raceway when they approached the State Government for the rezoning of the Planning Amendment for the Raceway and surrounds, ensuring the future of the circuit and the benefits that it brings to the Benalla Rural City. Ken will be greatly missed by the Benalla community and especially by the long list of friends and acquaintances he has been associated with over the years. Ken had time for everyone – we will miss his friendly smile and quick wit. Our condolences to Val, who has supported him for many years, and the Whan family. RIP Ken. It was extremely sad to hear that Godfrey Marple passed away on Wednesday 13 May. Memories of Godfrey are reflected in these photographs from U3A Benalla's website collection from 2015 to 2019. They reflect Godfrey's involvement and enjoyment of U3A, his love for his wife and soulmate Carole and his lifelong dedication to the wool industry.
Godfrey, in partnership with Carole, clearly enjoyed convening Art Appreciation for a number of years, continuing to attend after handing over the convenor role to Neville Gibb and Meg Dillon at the end of 2017. Godfrey was also a long standing member of Terry Case's Politics and Current Affairs class. When Carole decided to join Writing Workshop in 2015, Godfrey 'sat in', then quickly decided to join himself. The sharing of stories about their working lives in the rural sector by Godfrey, David Palmer and Ian Burkinshaw sparked the flame that resulted in David being encouraged to offer the 'Stock and Land' course in 2018. You can find some of the stories Godfrey shared at Godfrey's Stories. Until relatively recently Godfrey was a judge at the Benalla Agricultural Show and still clearly treasured times spent working with sheep and wool. Godfrey drew on his networks in the wool industry in arranging an excursion for the Stock and Land group to the Toland Merino Stud, a highlight for all participants. Godfrey will be sadly missed. Carole, please know that you have our love and support at this sad time. Beverley Lee Convenor, Writing Workshop 2015-2019 Class member, Stock and Land 2018-2019 Media Team Demystifying Psychology – An Invitation to all U3A Members
Starting on Friday 15th May, Demystifying Psychology will host twice monthly “zoom” internet discussion Groups on the 3rd Friday from 2 to 3 pm and the 1st Wednesday from 10.30 to 11.30 am. The discussion groups will continue until we receive notification that groups such as ours may recommence. All U3A members are welcome. The purpose of the Demystifying Psychology discussion group is to enjoy informative, relaxed chats and to share ideas. You can bring a topic, join a topic, or just listen. Have a look at U3A Benalla website for some pre-covid19 background - https://u3abenalla.weebly.com/demystifying-psychology How to participate:
NOTE - help to download Zoom is available: PC users - general inquiries - call Jane 0437 621 57 Apple users - call Jenny Sawyer (Tech Savvy Convener) 0409 545 18 (Thanks Jenny :)) 1 Use this link/password/meeting ID for every Third Friday PM discussion group Join Zoom Meeting https://us04web.zoom.us/j/77011313324?pwd=eU5FUWNxQjNoQUhranJFNEQxSlFndz09 Meeting ID: 770 1131 3324 Password: 6Fq8Ce 2 Use this link/password/meeting ID for every First Wednesday AM discussion group Join Zoom Meeting https://us04web.zoom.us/j/72159430694?pwd=WkVwUXI3ckJvWlc3dW1ZZm5mZzRhUT09 Meeting ID: 721 5943 0694 Password: 4MysKx For more information, contact Jane Rushworth 0437 621 575 janerushworth2101@gmail.com Convenors - please continue to send in reports if you have made alternative arrangements for your groups to continue (eg writing groups) or if you have things to report on (for example, an overview of what is happening in ‘Investments’; events occurring when ‘Exploring the Universe’, and so on.)
Members – please send in your thoughts, ideas, stories – for example Terry Case has suggested historical book recommendations for ‘Armchair History’, or short pieces on politics/current affairs (see Terry’s contribution in ‘Politics); Heather has suggested sending in items on how technology is helping you cope during social distancing (see A Message from the Newsletter Editor on page 2) – or photos of you in your study during social distancing and isolation; or of patchwork projects you have finished, and more. Please send items to newsletter@u3abenalla.com by 25th April, May, June. For more information contact Heather 0418 353 244 or Bev 0478 607 838 Because of the situation with the Corona virus and the latest spatial requirements, the Committee has decided to shut down Benalla U3A.
We will review this decision at the end of Semester 1. This decision includes all off-site Groups. We hope that when we resume you are all fit and healthy. Stay safe. Dorothy Webber President 21 March 2020  Are you free on Sunday the 15th March 2020 at 1:30pm? If so, organize a group of family, friends, work colleagues or fellow Club Members because the Swanpool Country Women's Association are holding a Fundraiser for Fire Relief.
Come along, enjoy the beautiful Swanpool Hall and Cinema and have a laugh watching "Shaun the Sheep", knowing that the Funds raised will support the Benalla Uniting Church Emergency Fencing Team(northeast response) and Blaze Aid, then enjoy a scrumptious CWA Afternoon Tea. Tickets $15 adults/$5 children including a CWA afternoon tea Raffle to be drawn at the conclusion of the film 1st Prize: 2 x Tickets General Admission Supercars Championship Winton 400 (June 4-7, 2020) 2nd Prize: Handmade Quilt 3rd Prize: Tupperware 4th Prize: Swanpool Store Hamper Enquiries to Rosslyn Heaney 0400 682 261 Swanpool CWA Pamela O'Connor U3A Benalla's Annual General Meeting will be held at Meet & Mingle on Wednesday 18 March from 10am to 12 noon. Give a thought to joining the Committee. It is important to have new people with new ideas to keep our U3A growing in the future.
A nomination form for Executive and General Member positions is available for download below. Completed forms are to be returned to the Secretary, U3A Benalla Inc. P O Box 674, Benalla, 3672 or RedB4 Bookshop (next to Hide’s Bakery) by Wednesday 11th March 2020. The Good Things Foundation have once again supported our Be Connected program with a grant. This will fund a Social Evening and Meal to be held on Wednesday February 26th following the Be Connected class. All members are welcome. Be Connected Social Evening and Meal A great chance for new and old members to meet! Wednesday February 26 at 5 pm - following the Be Connected Class. Pizza and Salads plus Cake - Bring Your Own drinks & glasses All Members Welcome RSVP Sunday February 23rd 0412263071 or president@u3abenalla.com Benalla U3A’s Summer School Program is now in its third year! In December 2017, Dorothy Webber piloted a summer program with a session dedicated to Trivial Pursuit, and a second session ‘Morning Memories’ where stories and photographs were shared. In January 2019 by the first ‘Tech Savvy Be Connected’ summer school program was offered by Jenny Sawyer and Margaret Jenkins. In 2020, three summer school activities are being held in the U3A meeting room over the January break:
Community Singing Friday 10th, 17th and 24th January - 10.30am - 11.45am Due to a kind offer by Brian Greed, Singing for Fun are running three Community Singing mornings in January. Singing for Fun members and other members of U3A are invited to attend. Each session will have a break for morning tea and is expected to finish about 11.45 am. Contact: Margaret Jenkins 5762 6944 Patchwork Thursday 9th and 23rd January - 10am-4pm The Patchwork Group is continuing its tradition of holding day long sessions in January, increasing the number this year from one to two. Contact: Dorothy Webber 5762 2116 or 0412 263 071 Tech Savvy Be Connected Tuesday 7th, 14th and 21st January – 10am-11am Whether or not you attended previous sessions last semester, you are welcome to bring your portable devices to our summer school to extend your computing knowledge and skills. Contact: Margaret Jenkins 5762 6944 Jenny Sawyer 0409 545 182 Life Ball Recommences Monday 13th January 9.45 to 11.30am Life Ball is also returning in mid-January at the Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre in Ackerly Avenue. Weekly sessions recommence from Monday 13th January. Contact: Max Powell 0423 525 565 Congratulations to U3A member Pat Treleaven on winning the Open Section of Benalla Festival’s Writing Festival Competition for the second time. Pat’s writing skills are evident in the delightful newsletter reports she writes for the Recorder Group each month.  Pat is pictured here reading her 'Fiesta of Festivities' winning entry to a large audience at the Benalla Library during the Benalla Festival.
Congratulations, Pat. Originally published on 29 November - updated on 20 December There are summer school units, course tweaks, a name change, some developments of related courses and more in the new timetable - and of course, some new courses for your consideration! For example... A Different History of Germany Neville Gibb ‘A Different History of Germany’, will range from the Hanoverian Monarchy to the present day. We will have all kinds of diversions and will jump from century to century when required. People should be prepared for lots of discussions. Much new information is available on past events. Later in the course we will concentrate on the German Democratic Republic. 'A Taste of Art' Broken River Painters - course convenor Carole Perry Broken River Painters are offering this course to U3A members interested in taking up or renewing their interest in drawing and painting. The course will operate as an art workshop in a relaxed atmosphere with mentoring and support from artists of the Broken River Painters. No experience is necessary, however more experienced artists are welcome to enrol. No materials or equipment are required, but feel free to bring along pencils, charcoal, paints and brushes for watercolour, oils and acrylics and pastels. As Broken River Painters participate in many art shows and markets in the north-east, as well as exhibiting paintings in the Benalla Hospital, there is an opportunity to eventually exhibit work. Be Connected* Drop In Margaret Jenkins and Bill Parris The U3A room (with NBN Wi Fi) and rostered 'Be Connected' mentors will be available to assist U3A members who would like some help with their device. There will usually be a 'theme' for the session; members will be encouraged to use Be Connected* modules and the course will evolve according to needs. Days: 1st & 3rd Monday Time: 10:00 am to 12:00 noon Place: U3A Meeting Room Contact: Margaret Jenkins 57627944 and Bill Parris 0417 329 278 *Be Connected is an Australian Government initiative targeting people over 55 years comprising online learning modules which help to make the most out of being online. Coin Collectors Alex Adkins People over the years have bags, boxes or tins of old coins of pre-decimal and decimal currency. If this is an interest or hobby of yours and you would like to discuss the significance of coins and notes with different designs that commemorate the events and people that create a history of Australia, consider joining our new Coil Collectors group. Meet others who have been putting coins aside and have not yet sorted or catalogued their collection. Discuss, view, swap and/or buy coins to complete various sets. We aim to get more enjoyment from our collections and look forward to seeing your coins and sharing stories. As this is a lunchtime meeting, bring some nourishment along - tea and coffee will be available. Demystifying Psychology Jane Rushworth A five-session light-hearted course introducing psychology in everyday life and some of the theories that attempt to explain how and why we do things. The course will include personality types and preferred coping styles; theories and practices applied to drug treatment, raising children, family violence, and other topics as suggested by participants. The course will also include social psychology, the concepts of obedience, power, group dynamics and states of mind. We'll then discuss how we experience the various theories as they play out in daily life. German - Conversation Janet Martens and Pauline Bailey This informal group is suitable for those who attended German in 2019 and for those who already have an understanding of the language. Fluent speakers are encouraged to join. Tech Savvy Apple Devices - Intermediate Jenny Sawyer Tech Savvy Apple (Intermediate) is for people who have completed the Tech Savvy Beginners Course and wish to further their understanding and skills on their iPads. The course content will in the main be driven by the participants; whereby they can suggest explorations of different functions they wish to learn about and master. The News - Fact or Fiction?
Brian Harker An adjunct to the Politics and Current Affairs course, ‘The News - Fact or Fiction’ provides a structured round table forum for selected stories and issues which are hitting the headlines which affect our lives and the society in which we live. Sessions will include an analysis of the contents and letters pages of different media outlets to see how various issues have been reported by different organisations; discussion of one of these topics in more detail; and a pre-alerted topic to be explored. Attention to all members with portable computing devices
During the summer break, there will be continuing Tech Savvy Be Connected sessions. Whether or not you attended previous sessions last semester, you are welcome to bring your portable devices to extend your computing knowledge and skills. We are running three sessions in January on Tuesday mornings at the U3A room. Dates - JANUARY Tuesday 7th, 14th, 21st Time - 10:00am - 11:00am Margaret Jenkins Phone 5762 6944 Jenny Sawyer Phone 0409 545 182 This year's U3A Christmas breakup, held at the renovated Goorambat Hotel on Wenesday 27 November, was an enjoyable catchup for all of us. The loud buzz of conversation lulled for the duration of the meal: lamb roast and cheesecake, washed down with wine or beer.
Benalla Bus Lines transported the group there and back, our obliging driver giving those who hadn't yet seen the local Church Mural and Silo Art a chance to enjoy them. Paul, treasurer of the local Community Group, outlined the history of the successful planning and fundraising for the Silo Art and Church Mural. Thanks Heather and Keith Rogers for arranging this event (and sorting out the wee hitches!), and to Dorothy Webber, our President, for another successful year, with 60 new U3A members joining. Bev Thornell An important message for Members who are attending the Christmas Lunch,
Due to circumstances beyond our control, the bus to the Goorambat Railway Hotel is now leaving from the Benalla Bus Depot at 12.30pm for a 1.00pm lunch. U3A Members who are driving their own cars, the lunch is now commencing at 1.00pm We sent out an email with this message - if you know a person who is attending who is not confident with their email, could you please give them a call to make sure they know? Thanks! Media Team Margaret Jacob, a member of Chat n Chew and the Wine Appreciation group for a number of years, passed away recently. Dorothy fondly remembers Margaret as she regularly drove her and Stella to these activities.
Margaret’s Funeral Service is next Wednesday, November 6th at 2pm at the Uniting Church. An invitation has been extended by the family for U3A members to attend. Vacancies exist for 2020 for convenors of
Do you have a skill or interest which could contribute to the life of U3A? Contact Program Coordinator Terry Case 0427 621 700. to discuss your ideas.
Writing in the September Newsletter that coin collecting has been an interest/hobby of mine for a long time, I invited anyone with a similar interest to contact me with the view of forming an interest group within U3A. Since then I have had a positive response and six of us met to discuss the possibilities on the 8th October. A Course Proposal was completed and submitted. The Committee is quite happy for us to meet as a Coin Collecting Group and has given us the meeting time from 12.15 pm to 1.45 pm on the first Wednesday of each month at the U3A rooms.
The first meeting will be held on Wednesday 6th November with a second meeting following on 4th December. I am pleased that some keen interest has been shown by people who have been putting coins aside and like me have not yet sorted or catalogued their collection. I am looking forward to seeing your coins and sharing our stories. As this is a lunchtime meeting, bring some nourishment along and tea and coffee will be available. To register your interest or answer any queries please phone me, Alex Adkins, 0427 820 287, or come along on the day. Alex Adkins Helen Margaret Mitchell died on 17 October 2019, aged 89 years, following a long period of ill health. A service to celebrate the life and times of Helen was held at the Uniting Church, Benalla on Thursday, 24 October 2019. This celebration of Helen’s life was attended by foundation, early and current members of U3A Benalla.
Helen Mitchell was the inaugural U3A Benalla President in 1996 and held this position for 1997, continuing her involvement and interest in our U3A for almost two decades. In 2002, she chaired the U3A Benalla Health and Well-being in Later Life seminar with the aim of working with allied health professionals and other organisations. Attended by 120 participants and service providers, the outcome resulted in extending the opportunity for members. Successful ongoing U3A Benalla programs such as, Singing for Fun, with the initial sessions held in the Mitchell home, Lifeball and Easy Walks were added to the program. U3A members were also invited to attend appropriate established programs at Community Health, Aquatic Centre and other groups. Helen enriched the lives of her community with her diverse interests including ongoing education; public health issues; local government; music and the arts, holding several senior positions. U3A Benalla extends sympathy to Helen’s husband, Graham and to their family. Congratulations are in order to Rupe and Gwen Cheetham on their 60th Wedding Anniversary. What a milestone. Best wishes to a lovely couple.
It’s 'Taster Time'! It is possible to attend many courses and activities during October and November as a 'taster'. If you know anyone who is thinking of joining U3A next year, please let them know about this. They need to speak with the convenor first & put their names of the roll on the day, but do not need to join until next year.
It's also the time when new course ideas floated during the year begin to firm up. Keen coin collector Alex Adkins would like to gauge interest in organising an ongoing Coin Collectors group. Other course ideas for 2020 include Hot Topics, first piloted in 2018; Pitman Shorthand for past users of Pitman Shorthand (this is being run very successfully at U3A Melbourne); an Art group in partnership with Broken River Painters at their studio in the Migrant Camp precinct; greater links between our Tech Savvy Family History Projects group and the Benalla Family Research Group and a group which discusses current television series, such as Hand Maid's Tale; Poldark; Sea Change. Hot off the press - a new course 'Demystifying Psychology' with Jane Rushworth! Some courses have decided on a name change - with E-Books becoming ......; some courses are advertising for new convenors - Collectors and Chat n Chew - and may go in to recess until one can be found. Courses only offered in Semester I may be reinstated. Watch out for details of new programs to be offered in 2020 in upcoming newsletters and on the web site. Please contact our Program Coordinator, Terry Case (0427 621 700) if you have ideas for new courses or any other queries. |
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Developed and maintained by members, this website showcases U3A Benalla & District.
Photographs - acknowledgment to U3A members; Benalla Art Gallery website;
Weebly 'Free' images;Travel Victoria and State Library of Victoria |
