Update 16/10/2020: this pilot program has been withdrawn due to lack of numbers.   

Do you have an unfinished object or two you would like to finish which ‘just isn't happening’ or you are ‘finding slow going’?   We've introduced a monthly afternoon tea-break time 'Unfinished Objects' discussion group using Zoom. 

The plan is to work on our project throughout the month, ideally commencing work on our unfinished object (or project) at 1pm on the date of the monthly Monday afternoon meeting. At 2.20pm we would take a break, pour ourselves a cup of tea or coffee, click on the link to our Zoom meeting, then join like-minded others to share news of our projects from 2.30 to 3.15 pm.  After leaving the meeting we would return to work on our projects for an hour or so before packing up for the day! 

​If you would like to join in our next Unfinished Objects on Monday 12 October from 2.30 to 3.15 pm – here’s the link to Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/77973642602?pwd=RE1mem5sMUZ4MXFDSzZIZ0VHbHFpUT09
Meeting ID: 779 7364 2602
Passcode: sVwM6y

Phone Bev on 0478 607 838 or email bevlee47@gmail.com if you would like to be involved in the trial sessions. 

​All welcome! 

Photos:  Bev Lee and Heather Wallace

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.

​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:

1. Download the “Zoom” app to your device. View at https://youtu.be/fMUxzrgZvZQ
2. Join one or both monthly meetings on: 
3. 3rd Friday afternoon 2-3 pm (beginning 15 May; link #1 below) and/or 
4. 1st Wed morning 10.30-11.30 am (Beginning 3rd June; link #2 below).
5. Topics will be generated by discussion group participants - current interest is Forensic Psychology
6. Format
   1. 15 minutes - outline of key themes/research/concepts of the chosen topic.
   2. 24 minutes - group discussion.
7. No need to book in - simply join by activating the meeting link. 
8. Curiosity mandatory ... no other pre-requisites.

 
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.

​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.

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.

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

• smart phones
• tablets
• iPads
• laptops

​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

​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.   

​