Ideas for new groups for 2018 are beginning to firm up, with suggestions coming from members and from the program committee You may have seen this notice in the newsletter:
Recorder Group If you are interested in being part of a recorder group next year please contact or phone Terry D on 0419 343 129. Terry Dillon John Avery is now at home recovering from a dog bite which became infected. A visit to Wangaratta hospital, a hospital in Melbourne and a pacemaker later he is now resting and recuperating. We wish you well John!
Terry Dillon The 2017 Network Victoria Conference ‘Communities Learning Together’, held recently at the Rendezvous Hotel in Melbourne, featured high quality presentations on ‘U3A and the Community’ (Day 1 - September 4) and ‘The Power of Your Community’ (Day 2 - September 5) . In planning the conference, convenor Elsie Mutton had clearly asked people she had been impressed in her role as Network Victoria’s President to speak. Presenters spoke tellingly about the power of the community and of community partnerships; the need to have excellent relationships with local councils; the benefits of seeking upgraded shared accommodation and of working with competitors; the benefits and strategies of drawing upon ABS statistics in advocating for our U3A’s, and strategies for improved promotion/marketing of U3A in our community. Many of the themes resonated with U3A Benalla’s experiences over the past year in working with the council to achieve upgraded shared accommodation at the Benalla Senior Citizens Community Centre. While the 2017 Network Victoria conference did not incorporate coverage of program and practice issues so valued two years ago, it was definitely thought provoking in terms of reflecting on the ‘big picture’ and well worth attending. Bev Lee Members of the U3A Music Appreciation group were saddened recently to hear of the death of Don Jukes.
A jeweller who ran a business in the main street for many years, Don was an early advocate of adult education in Benalla and a very committed member of the U3A Music Appreciation group. In latter years Don became the carer of his wife, Lois, who shared his love of classical music. Don’s devotion to Lois was exemplified in the care he took in negotiating ramps and other obstacles to bring her to W4 in her wheelchair each fortnight, enabling them to continue to share and enjoy classical music sessions together and with us. A highly respected man and member of local service groups, Don’s funeral filled the Uniting Church to overflowing. We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Lois. U3A Music Appreciation Class It was with mixed feelings that many of us farewelled W4. It had been home to our courses for many years. Members had shared learning experiences there as well as meeting and sustaining new friendships. We had come to enjoy sharing what had been ‘The Centre’ with the young people and teachers of the Benalla Flexible Learning Centre. The building had effectively become a community learning hub offering programs for young people and older people. Brad Hearn from the Flexible Learning Centre called in after the final session of Armchair History to say farewell and spoke of the way in which students at the Flexible Learning Centre had benefitted from seeing older people coming to W4 so keen to keep learning Brad also explained that the Flexible Learning Centre would like to mark our farewell, offering their services as baristas in providing a coffee morning. The only group still to use W4 was the Politics class. The farewell event was soon organised with Terry Case, and towards the end of the final Politics class in W4 Michelle Ramage, Brad Hearn, and students served coffee accompanied by pikelets and biscuits cooked at the centre by participants in their program. Michelle spoke about the Flexible Learning Centre, then two students spoke of their appreciation of the support they have received at the Flexible Learning Centre and their hopes for the future. Terry Case followed on, wishing the students well for the future and thanking the FLC for providing a fitting celebration to mark the end of our time in W4. A few days later, the packing began, the moving trucks arrived, and W4 was emptied out ready for refurbishment by the expanding Flexible Learning Centre.
As reports in this newsletter suggest, our new meeting room in Fawckner Drive is now in use and, resilient beings that we are, we are already enjoying our time there. But we will always have fond memories of W4! Bev Lee Jim was a most valuable member of the Benalla U3A Group. He joined several study groups within the organisation. Very interested in politics he joined the U3A Politics group. From all accounts and unsurprisingly he was a major contributor to discussions. Jim had an amazingly large memory of the past historical records of modern history and political history. Of equal amazement was his extraordinary capacity to recall historical quotes of prominent people of the past, events of the past and the issues of the day. Indeed, if there was any doubt on issues people would say “Let’s ask Jim”. Of course, he was nearly always right.
Jim loved a drop of quality wine and was a keen member of our Wine Appreciation Group. A favourite expression of his was “Let’s lower the level of a bottle or two of red wine”. He always had a few members to help with this pleasant task. Jim's interest in a range of activities manifested itself through his involvement with the Benalla Hospital Flora Stall at the monthly Benalla Market. He was an original member of the U3A Astronomy Group; he was involved with the Sustainability Group; for a while ran the Film Appreciation Group. Jim had an extensive collection of video tapes of classic film of by-gone days and, of course, modern CDs. Again, his amazing capacity to recall facts was revealed when discussing films from yesteryear. He was involved with the Friends of the Benalla Library and contributed to the establishment of our new Library at the old Civic Centre. People’s lives were enhanced and intellectually elevated by having the pleasure of Jim for company in any group of which he was a member. Vale Jim Casey - a very special person. Keith Rogers Ian Burkinshaw 26.5.25 to 25.5.17 91 yrs. 364 days
One of five children, Ian grew up in central Victoria to a farming family. Ian enjoyed life. Piano lessons with Mrs Southcombe (his future wife Dulcie's mother) were torture especially when two year old Dulcie cried! In the early 1950s Dulcie and Ian were married. Three children followed, Roslyn, Heather & John. Ian took a farm manager's position at ‘Gilgai’ Nagambie. From Nagambie they moved to Lima South and farmed. From Lima South they moved to Benalla where Ian worked in a stock and station agency and then in real estate. Upon retirement in 1987 Ian embraced the computer. Joining U3A he was educated in investments. Stocks and shares were the order of the day. Ian convened the U3A cyclists’ group for many years and in 2016 shared stories of his life during Writing Workshop. Ian was a life member of the Agriculture Society and contributed in many ways to the welfare of the community. Hoisting the Flag on Australia Day, reciting the ANZAC oath, on various committees, Ian was ready to help. Ian had an interesting life. A child of the Depression, Ian at 8 years old flew with Kingsford Smith and in 1943 as a young man undertook a very large droving job with his father from Carisbrook near Castlemaine to the Angliss Meatworks at the Newmarket saleyards ‘probably one of the last big droving jobs into the metropolitan area’. Ian was recruited into ‘dad's army’ (the Home Guard) during World War II. Ian’s ancestry is Yorkshire in England, but he was Aussie to the core. Albert Facey's book A Fortunate Life is how Ian thought about his own life. Farewell Ian, we are fortunate for having known you. R.I.P. Jackie Houghton U3A members Margaret Walshe and Margaret Jenkins recently attended an Advance Care Planning seminar involving members of the Palliative Care team from Benalla Health. They reported back that the session was excellent and are recommending that we consider adding it as a special session, perhaps as a third session in a 'Legal Matters' series (the first two sessions, to be presented by John Barry, have already been timetabled). Margaret Walshe explained that a video had been shown developed by Chris Thorne and Lisa Guppy from Benalla's Primary Care Partnership. Marg highly recommends this for all to see and has sent us the link so that members can view the video. Bob Borschmann died on Friday March 24 whilst watching his much loved Bulldogs in their first 2017 game. Bob was a much loved foundation member of U3A Benalla, having joined in 1988. He remained an active member for the five years before it ceased to function in 1993 due to lack of numbers (about 10 members) and of accommodation. He immediately rejoined U3A Benalla when it was restarted in 1996. He participated in a number of programs which then were resumed, including ‘Investment’ and ‘Politics’. His crowning achievement was yet to come in 2006 when he helped his wife, Joyce, to establish the long-running and very successful ‘Singing for Fun’ program, joined later by the ‘Harmony Group’ program. Both are still continuing with solid support today, A key contribution was made by Bob several years later when he persuaded the Rotary Club of Benalla to fund the purchase of a quality electronic piano still used at singing sessions each fortnight. Bob had endured many bouts of ill health for about 30 years, but never let it get in the way of his friendly and cheerful manner. He continued his warm relationship with many U3A members, as well as other organisatons including Rotary. Bright and cheery to the end reaching 88, an age he never expected. His long life enriched us all. John Avery
I would like to thank all the U3A members who rang, visited, sent cards and flowers, picked me up to take me into Benalla when needed and some who also cooked for us when I came home from hospital. I count myself very fortunate to have such good friends in U3A who cared enough to do all these wonderful things. I am now on my way to full recovery and will be taking part in the usual run of U3A activities at the beginning of March. Just a reminder for everyone who receives a Bowel Cancer Test Kit in the mail to please do it and send it off!! With grateful thanks
Geraldine McCorkell Details of the 2017 Benalla International Women’s Day event have now been finalized.
The Event will be on Tuesday the 7th March 2017 commencing at 7:00pm at the Lakeside Community Centre The guest speaker will be Dr Ann O’Neil who is regarded as a very inspirational speaker. Gaye Paterson from the ABC will be moderator. Tickets:are $30.00 each which includes entry, a light supper with tea and coffee. Drinks will be available from the bar at bar prices. Tickets will be available shortly from the Friends of the Library Bookshop next to Hide’s Bakery in Bridge Street. Alternatively table bookings in groups of ten can be made through Pamela O'Connor who will arrange to deliver the ten tickets to you and collect the total payment. Please give Pamela O'Connor a call if you have any questions - Tele: 03 57 682400 Mob: 0409 223 974
Many U3A Benalla and District members were spotted at the Opening Ceremony of the World Gliding Championships in the Botanical Gardens yesterday. Watching as the teams came into the arena behind their flags and were introduced to the crowd was quite, as young people say, 'awesome', Congratulations to all involved in the World Gliding Championships! To keep you in the mood, this link was posted on Facebook by the Ensign...
There's a buzz in Benalla as international teams arrive for the World Gliding Championships. There will be an Opening Ceremony in the Botanical Gardens on Sunday 8th January at 5 pm.
U3A member Joy Shirley is a scoring official at the championships and sent this message: "If you are interested in following the action on the web, check out the website at http://www.wgc2017.com/ By selecting Live! then Tracking, there will be a display of where the gliders are, by class. There will be a delay of around 15 minutes for most of each race, with the delay reducing towards the end of the course. Lots of other information is also available of course, including interviews with pilots in the Australian team etc." Thanks, Joy! Shepparton U3A Annual Bus Trip – Tasmania 2017
A message to U3A Benalla members from Goulburn Valley U3A's President Greg Barnes: “Every year U3A in Shepparton (GVU3A) has an annual bus trip to somewhere far away. The numbers for next year's trip to Tasmania are not as high as anticipated so we thought we could invite the good folk from U3A Benalla. Some trip details are below and Kevin Jordan (one of the trip organisers) will send more information to those that are interested. The cost of the nine day trip to Tasmania for a double shared room will be $2,050 if 25 to 29 people go, $2,000 if 30 to 34 go, $1,950 if 35 to 39 go and $1,900 if 40 or more go. A single room will cost $450 extra. We leave Fords' bus depot in Shepparton on Wednesday April 5 2017 and arrive back on Thursday April 13. Cabins on the ferry will have their own toilet and shower. To secure your place a $200 deposit is required by the end of February 2017. Deposits can be made either electronically into the GVU3A Trip Account: BSB 633 108 Account Number 1298 96049.” Greg Barnes 0438 569 611 A message from Marg Merriman sent to us on 6 December. Please spread the news!
'The new start date for Lifeball 2017 will be on MONDAY 16th JANUARY - which also coincides with Registration Day at the Hub - but, as everyone said, waiting till February is just too long to wait from a December breakup. So it will be an earlier start from other years, and we are all happy about that. Marg' CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON GRACEBROOK VINEYARD, KING VALLEY Wednesday 23rd November 2016 Wine tasting on arrival 2 course Lunch followed by Coffee/tea Cost/head: $40 for the meal and $10 for the bus Bus leaves at 11.00 am from Benalla Bus Lines Please return completed form together with your payment - either:
Payment to be received by Wednesday 16th November. Attention: U3A ‘Singing For Fun’ group.
The Benalla Bushwalking Club and U3A walkers were saddened by the death of Terry Sydes. Terry has been important in the promotion of bushwalking, skiing, canoeing and bike riding. For many years he was on the Board of Bushwalking Victoria, which required a drive to Melbourne, often returning home late at night. He was an educator, giving instruction in navigation and map reading and led camps and walks to encourage all ages. His connection with U3A was through Margaret Walshe. During the 1990’s Margaret asked if he would be willing to lead mid-week walks for members, to promote fitness. He agreed, and led popular walks for many years, until this activity was carried on by Margaret, Heather Sloan, Vaughan Cowan, and others. A real asset to Benalla, he will be sadly missed. Vaughan Cowan
U3A members Meg and Terry Dillon have both offered new programs later in the year, timed to fit in with their return from their much loved lives as 'grey gypsies'.
Opera – Come over to the dark side! Murder and mayhem; lost love and death! Yes, Opera takes the dark themes and weaves beautiful music around the fanciful stories. Join us to listen to four popular operas. You will recognise some of the music and get to see and hear some of the great performances on recent DVDs. This program will be held on 2nd and 4th Wednesday evenings 21 Warana Court, starting at 7pm. Dates: October 12 and 26; November 9 and 23. Presenter: Meg Dillon Maximum participants 10. Enrolment: Contact Meg on 5762 6558 prior to July 25 and after September 1st to enrol. 'Google Apps' 'Google Apps' is an extremely versatile application, incorporating many free features including Chrome (web browser), email, contacts, docs (word processor), sheets (spreadsheet), calendar, photos, sites (create and maintain your own website). This course is applicable to Windows, iOS and Android users. Participants will be required to have their own tablet, phone or laptop, should be competent in basic use of their device and have a gMail account. Notes on creating a gMail account will be sent to participants on enrolment. * There have been two changes in days & dates to reduce a clash with Let's Talk Books. Days: Weekly - 1st Wed*, 2nd Tues; 3rd Wed; 4th Tues. Dates: September 21 & 27; October 5*, 11, 19 & 25; November 2*, 8, 16, 22, (29) Time/Venue: 2.30 to 3.30 pm in W4 (NB - Tech Savvy Drop In sessions will be held from 1.30 and 2.15 pm on these days) Presenter: Terry Dillon Enrolment: Contact Terry’s mobile 0419 343129; email [email protected], or add your name to the list on the W4 notice board. Classes are often down at this time of the year - so it's fun to see what people are getting up to on their travels. Claire Rudolph and Margaret Jenkins shared blogs of their recent trips at Tech Savvy Drop In today. The BlogSpot blog of Claire Rudolph's return trip across the Nullabor towing gliders for delivery, http://nullabororbust.blogspot.com.au, is a great read. Claire showed us a very funny video on it of her singing with her codriver, to the music of 'on the road again', words she and her friend had composed to sing along the way. Hopefully we'll be able to access it to add to this web post. Margaret Jenkins' blog of her trip with her grandchildren to Canberra provides a very happy record of a transgenerational holiday. It also has a blog post featuring photos of Benalla's Wall to Wall art. Margaret has previously worked on a Weebly blog, however this time used Wordpress very effectively in single column format.
A large contingent recently gathered at the Moorngag Cemetery to farewell Jan and support her family. Jan was a pharmacist, initially one of the few women qualified for such work. An ex colleague spoke of her professionalism and how pleasant it was to work with her. Jan enjoyed volunteering in a number of organizations and will be missed by her many friends. James certainly has our sympathy and support. Terry Case It is with great sadness that we say farewell to our wonderful member Jan Casey. An alto with a great knowledge and love of music, Jan took charge of our morning tea sessions and was always there with a smile and a willingness to do extra jobs. Jan will be sadly missed. Joyce Borschmann, Singing for Fun I was recently informed that Denzil Mortimer had died. Denzil was mentioned at the July Meet & Mingle when a 50s news reel featured his onetime doubles partner. A talented tennis player, Denzil was known to many of you as a Science Teacher at the High School and more recently as our Music Appreciation tutor. Terry Case
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News updateThis page is for 'general' news - some will be 'just in' news notices of changes to timetables or news of meetings; other items will be celebratory, some will be sad, there will be some longer news items on topics of interest. ContributionsContributions and suggestions can be sent via the 'Contact Us' form or by emailing or telephoning the web manager on 5762 8171.
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