Hello Everyone
 
Benalla Council have informed U3A Benalla that a maximum of 20 people are allowed into the Benalla Senior’s Centre at one time from Monday 13th September 2021.

​Our COVID Safe Plan Version 5 has been lodged with the Council.
 
This means that the majority of our classes can recommence from tomorrow with the exception of Exercises for Fun.

We will have Meet and Mingle on Wednesday 15th September as recent numbers have been less than 20 people.
 
The Hub Committee at Cooinda have informed U3A Benalla that a maximum of 10 people are allowed in the Hub at one time at the moment.

Therefore, unfortunately, U3A Benalla groups will be unable to meet at the Hub at present.
 
Dorothy Webber (President)

Program Changes

Program changes caused by changing pandemic regulations are updated regularly on the front page of the website.   At the time of publication all groups and activities, other than those conducted by Zoom or the sharing of work by email, have been cancelled for the duration of the lockdown.  Hopefully this restriction does not have to be extended.   Our Covid Safe Plan is continually being revised.

Monday Games has been discontinued, while The News Fact or Fiction will return to meeting at the Seniors Community Centre on the 3rd Tuesday of the month.

At this stage, all other courses and activities will stay the same when we open again.

New Courses and Activities for 2022

Do you have an idea for a new course or activity?  If so, talk to a committee member who will raise it for you at the next executive meeting.  If you would like some help developing a program proposal, contact Bev Lee on 5762 8171 or bevlee47@gmail.com.  One idea which we’d like to follow up is a Ukelele group – could you, or do you know anyone who could, teach Ukelele? 

Learn how to Join or Host Zoom Meetings
​
Would you like to learn how to join or host Zoom meetings?  We’ve added some ‘self help’ resources to the website -  https://u3abenalla.weebly.com/using-zoom.html - offer individual mentoring and are planning to offer a Zoom short course of two sessions in future.  Interested?  Call Margaret on 5762 6944 or fill in the on line form on the website - https://u3abenalla.weebly.com/news/are-you-interested-in-learning-how-to-attend-zoom-meetings.

Online Energy Saving Workshop

Members keen to save on electricity and gas bills and members on Centrelink Pensioner or DVA Veteran Concession Payment (or card) interested in accessing the $250 Power Saving Bonus are invited to a free 30-45 minute online workshop on Monday 27 September at 1pm.
​
The workshop is being offered by the Independent Energy Info Hub and Council of the Ageing (COTA), in partnership with Victorian Government, to support older people to control their energy bills and apply for the $250 Power Saving Bonus.   

To express interest in attending, RSVP Beverley Lee on 0478607838 or bevlee47@gmail.com by 20 September. 
   
You will then receive an email invitation with a link to use to join the meeting on your chosen device at home.  If the Seniors building is open, we will also screen the meeting to people who would like to attend in a group setting. ​

​We are closed, then open, then closed again... then open, again!  ​

With the relaxation of restrictions in regional areas on Monday 9 August from 11.59pm, classes in the U3A Meeting Room will resume at 2pm on Tuesday 10 August with Tech Talks, while classes at the Hub will recommence with the Harmony Group on Thursday 12 August at 10am.  All relevant guidelines are to be followed.  Outdoor activities which can be run in separated groups each of 10 people (including convenor) can recommence from Wednesday 11 August.  Facemasks are mandatory indoors and outdoors.

Our Covid Plan is continuously being revised - click here to read Version 4. Remember, it is most important to sign in to all venues with the QR Code using the Services Victoria App.  A Sign in sheet is also available.  

Dorothy

Would you like to learn how to use, or refresh your skills in using, Zoom?  We are looking at offering a number of options, including 

• providing online resources for you to work on at home followed by at least one 'practice' zoom meeting with a mentor
• a Zoom ‘mini’ course of two small group sessions at U3A plus two practice zoom meetings at home. 
• a refresher session for people who have used Zoom in the past, but feel 'rusty'.

Interested in finding out more?  Call Bev on 0478 607 838 or fill in the on-line application below:.  

Check out these links to the ‘Victoria Together’ website at https://www.together.vic.gov.au/ for engaging resources grouped under the following categories: 
​ (click on the category to go to the resources)

Art
Children
Dance
Design
Film & Literature
Fitness & Wellbeing
​Games
Music
Nature & Wildlife
Science & Technology
Sport
Theatre

U3A Member Nina was introduced to this site by her daughter, thinks it's fantastic, and highly recommends it.  We do, too.  Enjoy!

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