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.
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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

Enrolment days will be held at Benalla Town Hall on Monday 18th January – 9.30am to 11.00am and Wednesday 20th January – 9.30am to 11.00am.      Due to the disruption of classes in 2020 during the Covid-19 Virus lockdown, the U3A Committee agreed that there will be no additional payment in 2021 for members who enrolled and paid in 2020.      However, if you received your Newsletter by mail, there will be a cost of $10 payable to cover cost of postage.
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New members enrolling in 2021 will pay the $30 fee, plus $10 to cover postage if they wish to receive the Newsletter by mail.
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Membership forms were e-mailed to existing members late last week.    Please check the enrolment form is correct to ensure that your details are current.      Put a cross against the classes you are interested in participating and return to U3A on enrolment days, RedB4 Bookshop or mail to U3A Benalla, P O Box 674, Benalla 3671.

Only enrol in preferred courses that you will be attending.    In the past members have ticked the box of a number of activities but only attended two or three during the semester.      Due to Co-vid restrictions on the number of people who can be in one room at the same time, there will be a limit on number of class participants.  Please ensure you do wish to do the course that you have ticked and make sure your completed enrolment forms are returned as soon as possible. If you change your mind about a course please let the convenor know so that someone on the waiting list can be contacted.  
 
Due to room availability some courses may not commence until halfway through February or the first week in March, or may be held in alternative locations.      Your Committee are working hard to ensure that you have the best venue for the number of participants in your activity.

Once enrolments have been received your Convenor will be in contact with you to confirm your enrolment and advise when the course will begin.  
 
Due to Covid restrictions there will be no serving of tea and coffee at Enrolment Day this year.    Bring your own bottle of water and make sure you are wearing a mask whilst in the Town Hall precinct. 
 
Attached to the January Newsletter and on the Join Us page of the web site you will find a blank Membership Application/Renewal Enrolment form, Program Guide, Full Timetable with Dates. 

The newly released U3A Benalla and District Covid-Safe Plan is included in he January Newsletter and in a post on this page.  Please read this plan carefully and comply with its requirements at all times.


Committee of Management

​​Members of U3A Benalla were saddened to hear of the passing of Gwen Cheetham on Tuesday 17th November 2020.

Gwen was involved with the Singing for Fun and Harmony groups for 14 years. She was part of our concerts as well as our regular sessions held three Thursday mornings each month. We all enjoyed her company and with her pure soprano voice she was a very dependable member of the group.

Life ball was another group in which Gwen participated for several years. When she decided that she was finding the pace of the game a bit much, Gwen became an excellent umpire. It was well known that you couldn’t get away with much if Gwen was umpiring.

Rupe was involved with Astronomy or Exploring the Universe and Gwen supported Rupe by often sending one of her favourite slices or cakes to Astronomy for the group’s supper.

Rupe and Gwen kept in close contact with their adult family and grandchildren and had lots of visits from the family. 

Gwen’s other interest was her garden which she kept in immaculate condition. She was also an excellent cook and this fact was commented on by several family members at her funeral on 24th November at the Benalla lawn cemetery.

Thank you, Gwen for some excellent memories. We will miss you.

​Our sympathy is extended to Rupe.

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. 
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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.
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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.
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