Exploring Writing Children's Books is also new!
For more information - go to our 'Join Us' page, or click on the course pages from the top menu to find out more about particular courses!

​Car Torque is for people with an interest in cars.   Introduced for the first time in February 2025, it will be a broad forum and not over technical.  It will  not only be about cars.  It will be about all things associated with motoring, including but not limited to new road rules, road safety, car maintenance, trends in fuel types, car models and manufactures.

Members and guests will be invited to bring their unique or special car along to our U3A venue for bragging rights, to allow others to hear about their car's story and to soak up the visual enjoyment.

Maybe you would like to also share what's in your garage! 

Car Torque will aim to bring car buffs together to educate and indulge in all things cars and to share the interests, knowledge and enjoyment they have given to their owners.
 
​Convenor:  Doug Smith 0417 527 171; Thursdays 2 to 4 pm  Room 1

"If you can't draw it, you can't paint it", is a saying often heard with regard to painting flowers. So, we begin with drawing techniques and Watercolour colour mixing to grow the skills toward our future masterpieces. Composition and dimension will be discussed, demonstrated and practiced. Watercolour techniques will be developed and practiced as the course progresses. 

Materials are supplied at the beginning of this course, but there may be a need to purchase paper or other specific personal preferences later--you are welcome to bring along your own pencils, brushes etc.  A pot for water and a white china plate are the only materials needed to be supplied by the participants.

Convenor:  Margaret Zaal 0438 295 060   
2nd and 4th Wednesdays 10 am to 12 midday
Auditorium - tables near kitchen areas

​Golf croquet is a stellar choice for seniors. It's low impact so its easy on the joints, but still involves enough movement to keep you active. It allows for social interaction--playing in a group can help foster friendships and stave off loneliness.The strategic nature of the game keeps your brain sharp, honing focus and mental agility. Best of all, spending time outdoors boosts mood and general well-being. It's the perfect mix of exercise, mental stimulation, and social interaction.

Over four weeks participants will learn:

• The basic mallet skills of croqueting, positioning and hoop running.
• The outline of the croquet court and direction of play.
• Some basic rules of Golf Croquet.
• Tactics involved to select the most appropriate shot to hoop or stymie opponents.

Morning tea will be provided after each session. No cost involved.

​Convenor:  Judy Amery   0427 037 140; Commencing Tuesday 25 February for 4 weeks 9 to 11 am at the Benalla Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, Ackerly Avenue.

The Collaborative Children's Book Group is a 10-session program designed to bring together novice authors and illustrators to create and develop children s books. Each session is 2 hours long, featuring a mix of activities, discussions  

​Do you feel confident to talk about your French experiences, share recipes, food and stories from France in French? The goal is to continue to develop competence speaking French whilst having fun. A basic understanding of French is required--it is not a beginners' course. Whether your experience comes from school, university and/or travel, you'll find a welcoming environment to enhance your conversation skills.

​Convenor - Carole Ruta 0418 223 464; 1st Saturday 2.30 to 4.30 pm   Room 1

​Have you ever wanted to learn Mahjong?  This is a guided course at your rate of learning. 

Convenor:  Kaye Blore 0433 209 396; Monday mornings 10 to 12, Room 2.

Train Buffs is a course for members who love trains, from engines to train travel over time.  

​It aims to provide the opportunity for like-minded people to reminisce about, follow up interests and develop further knowledge relating to trains and train travel over time.  . 
​ 
Monthly sessions will involve classroom-based sessions and excursions

Convenors/Time and Place:   
Athol Graham 0419 113 105 and Anne Nelson 0438 447 379.
3rd Friday from 2 to 4 pm; U3A Meeting Room 1.

The Program Committee will begin meeting before long to plan the timetable for 2025.  I am very keen to hear about courses in the ‘ideas stage’ or early stages of development.  
A number of new courses have already been submitted and discussed with me, including 

Drawing and Painting with Water Colours – Convenor:  Margaret Zaal
Course description:    The course will be once a month for a duration of 2 hours.   The Convenor is a Botanical artist, and the course will include colour mixing and water colour technique.

Exploring Writing Children’s books – Convenor: Peter Thompson
Course description:  The Collaborative Children’s Book Group is a 10-session program designed to bring together novice authors and illustrators to create and develop children’s books.   Each session is 2 hours long, featuring a mix of activities, discussions and presentations.

Train Buffs - Convenors:   Athol Graham and Anne Nelson
Course description:  The course will be once a month with the duration of 2 hours.  It aims to provide the opportunity for like-minded people to reminisce about, follow up interests and develop further knowledge relating to trains and train travel.  Monthly sessions will involve classroom-based sessions and excursions.

It is also the time for convenors to consider whether they will continue offering their course next year or perhaps take a break; suggest a name change or put in a bid for a different time/venue change in the timetable.
​
Anne Nelson 0438 447 379 email [email protected]

As you’ll notice in some reports in the September newsletter, succession planning for new convenors for next year is already on the menu for some courses, with a new convenor for Bushwalking – Easy Walks discovered since our last newsletter and the search underway for a new convenor or co-convenors for Wine Appreciation. 

Our Program Committee is moving into planning new courses for 2024, and Course Coordinator Anne Nelson is keen to hear your suggestions.  It’s also the time for convenors to decide whether to continue offering their course next year or perhaps take a break; suggest a name change or put in a bid for a different time/venue change in the timetable.

Ideas for several new courses are already on the table (more news in the next newsletter), however ‘now’s the time’ if you have an idea for a course you’d like to convene or co-convene; have heard of a course at another U3A which sounds interesting or have an idea for a course you’d like us to offer.   

An avid traveller (or travellers) could perhaps offer ‘Armchair Traveller’ traveller now the Covid hiatus has passed.  We are still looking for members interested in convening courses such as ‘French’ and ‘Pickleball’, and we have fully resourced course guides available for a ‘First Nations’ course and several other courses.

For more information contact Course Coordinator Anne Nelson 0438 447 379 email [email protected]
 

We are pleased to announce our first Spanish course will be commencing in July this year. The tutor, Alejandro Diaz, was a teacher in Columbia and moved here approximately five months ago. Married with a little boy, Alejandro is living in Goorambat and works during the week.

The class will be held weekly on a Saturday morning from 10 to 12 midday in Classroom 1 commencing on July 6th.

Alejandro is looking forward to teaching Spanish as he feels the community has helped him greatly, and he would like to give back to the community. Please contact me if you would like to join this group.

A reminder that Dawn Stephens is conducting her popular course ‘Enjoying the Internet’ in Semester 2, commencing on 16th July 2024. This will be held in Room 1 on the third Tuesday at 10am. If you would like to join members who registered earlier this year, please contact Dawn on 0418 552 932.

If you have ideas for new courses you would like to convene, or which are of interest to you and may be of interest to others, please contact me, or register your ideas on the Program Suggestions page of the website.


​Anne Nelson 0438 447 379

As Course Co-ordinator I would like to receive 'Expressions of Interest' from members for the following courses:
​

1. Spanish
2. French
3. Pickleball
4. Line Dancing

 
At the moment we have a qualified gentleman interested in teaching Spanish.  If anyone knows of someone who might be prepared to teach Line Dancing, Pickleball or French, please let me know.
 
These courses will depend on the response of members. Hopefully we have members out there keen to participate in these courses as well as being a Convenor.
 
Please feel free to phone Anne on 0438 447 379 with your interest.

I am also keen to hear about any other courses members may find appealing.
 
Anne Nelson,
Course Coordinator

In addition to the slideshow, if you click on the following photos, you can view them in a larger size!

We hope to see you at Enrolment Day on Wednesday 10 January from 9.30am to 12 noon - a wonderful chance to learn about courses and connect up with old and new friends.  Existing members will have received enrolment forms in their email or post; while all forms and documents will be available on the day.  If you are unable to attend, there's all the information you need to know to enrol on our 'Join Us' page (click on 'Join' on the top menu.

During December the Family Research - Intermediate group met at Rambling Rose for a farewell gathering following a very rich and interesting two years together.  It was a delight to work with this group, to share their enthusiasm and the love of the history which surrounded their family research.  Members of the group are largely moving into the Family Research group and planning to ‘drop in’ to the ‘drop in’ from time to time.  Huge thanks to Judy Barry for mentoring this group, who valued her family research skills and experience very highly. ​

A belated Family Research-Beginners morning tea in December at Rambling Rose celebrated the ‘graduation’ of hard-working Tom Barnaby from the 2023 beginners’ group and marked the transition to Family Research – Getting Started with new convenor Deb Saunders in 2024. It also marked the completion of John Barry’s year-long ‘In the Lap of the Gods’ course in 2023.   Passionate about Greco-Roman history since childhood, John put so much work into the delivery of ‘In the Lap of the Gods’ in 2024 he says he has enough material for a book! 

The web pages of In the Lap of the Gods and other groups which are either taking a break or concluding in 2023 such as Collectors, the Jane Austen Book Group, Tech Savvy Apple ‘Pages’ and the ‘Wise Guys Book Group’ can be found on the website under Groups/Recent Groups.
​
Bev Lee

The Program Committee has been meeting to consider next year’s program and committee members have contacted some convenors to discuss their plans for 2024.  The Draft Program Guide for 2024 will be sent out in a few weeks by Len Jeffers for convenors to finalise and confirm course/activity descriptions and details.

At this stage it appears that some courses will be taking a break (Collectors) or ceasing in 2024 (In the Lap of the Gods and Jane Austen Book Group); others (Ukes4Fun and Photography) are adding a more advanced group; while others are changing their name (for example Tech Savvy Beginners – Android to Be Connected – Android).  The pilot Social Chess group is joining the regular timetable, while some new courses being considered for Semester II, such as U3A Network Victoria’s ‘First Nations’ course.  There are also some changes of convenors as courses are reshaped and succession plans are implemented.

It is never too late to suggest a course you’d be keen to see U3A Benalla offer– or to offer a course yourself!  There is an online suggestion box and downloadable Course Proposal form on the Program Suggestions page of the website, or you can contact Margaret Jenkins 5762 6944, Geraldine McCorkell 0408 522 662 with your ideas; Bev Lee if you’d like support in turning your idea into a course, or Len Jeffers for timetabling information.  Other members of the Program Committee you can chat to – Dorothy Webber and Julie McNeill.  

Program Committee

October is Come and Try Month. If you would like to try a new or different U3A course, please contact the Convenor of the course you would like to try, and go along to it.  TheTimetable with Dates for Semester 2 includes convenors' phone numbers. Tell your friends about U3A Benalla, and bring them along to something which interests them. There is no charge, and your friends may get the same enjoyment from U3A that you do.

The guest speaker for Meet and Mingle on Wednesday 18 October is Fiona Kleinitz from the Stroke Foundation.  This will be followed by morning tea.  At 11.30am Leading Senior Constable Lisa Atkinson will give a 30-minute presentation on ‘Scams’, after which we have a BBQ lunch as part of Get Online Week. This is supported by a grant we obtained from the Good Things Foundation.  Jenny Sawyer and Robyn Lukey will also be available to answer questions about the Be Connected programs they have been involved with.

Finally, two dates for your diaries. Wednesday 15 November at 10am is the U3A Concert and Patchwork display in the Auditorium. The program will feature the Recorder Group, the Ukelele Group as well as the Singing for Fun Group to entertain you. Please bring your friends as we want as many people as possible to enjoy the morning.

The second date for your diaries is Friday 17 November which will be our Christmas Lunch at the Red Stag at Myrtleford. Cost is $50 per head for the two-course lunch. There will be a bus leaving Benalla Bus Lines for those who do not wish to drive. Here is the link to the Christmas Lunch flier which contains further details.
​
Margaret Jenkins
​U3A Benalla President

Enrolment Day was held at the Seniors' Community Centre on the morning of Wednesday 11 January, however it's not too late to enrol!

​The Membership Application Form for new members, Program Guide 2023 and Timetables for 2022 are  available on the Join/Join Us menu above or in the 'kit' which can be collected from the RedB4 Bookshop,  Bridge Street (next to Hide's Bakery). 

Members enrolled last year can still return the individualised Membership Renewal forms emailed or posted to them.  Please print the form, make any corrections to your details, then add your program selections.

​​Return the signed form, with  required fee attached or evidence of EFT* payment noted, to:

1. RedB4 Bookshop - next door to Hides Bakery 
2. U3A Benalla, PO Box 674, Benalla 3671 (cheque only)\​
3. Scan or photograph then email the completed form to [email protected] 

​​* E.F.T. payment to Goulburn Murray Credit Union. (GMCU) Account Details: BSB: 803 078 Account: 137131  Use ‘Your Name’ as the Reference (Surname First).  Record the receipt number for your records. 

Australian History 
Australian History replaces Armchair History in 2023 - "We'll range from local history through the intrusion of new settlers on original inhabitants' land, examine colonial office control of this British outpost and the myth of terra nullius  We'll look at gold and democracy, but balance it with some awkward truths.  Today we are still part of the struggle to share power and give all a voice."
Convenor:  Terry Case                       2nd and 4th Friday 2 to 4 pm    U3A Room 1

Be Connected - Managing Money Online 
A new course from the Be Connected team - "Not sure about managing money online?  This course uses Be Connected Modules to explore banking online - paying bills, setting up a banking app, using the bank website, checking balances and statements and transferring money.  We'll also look at PayPal and making online purchases.  Be Connected - Managing Money Online will run for one Semester Feb - June."
Jenny Sawyer/Robyn Lukey      2nd and 3rd Monday 11.30 - 12.30      U3A Room 1

'In the Lap of the Gods'
This course will explain Graeco Roman religion and mythology in the context of religion as a whole and differentiate it clearly from modern religions.  Convenor John Barry is keen to “infuse those attending with the same sense of joy that I had when I read my first book on Graeco-Roman mythology at the age of ten.”
Convenor:  John Barry              1st Friday 2 to 4 pm                           U3A Room 1

Jane Austen Book Club
Can you ever get too much Jane Austen?  Books, TV series, Films?
In this semester we will read Austen's 6 novels and have time for some films.  Teenagers running off with soldiers, your best friend marrying a dud, your mother impossible and haughty rich men ridiculing you!  Really!!!  Come and discover why Regency England was very similar to today.  Meets in U3A main room, unlimited numbers.
Convenor:  Meg Dillon                 2nd Tuesday 2 - 4 pm                              U3A Room 1

Photography
Are you interested in taking more interesting photographs?  Do you have a device - mobile phone, tablet - or a reasonably simple camera, SLR which you would like to learn to apply new skils on?  This course focuses mostly on the former, but hopefully will also help in developing confidence in using your camera, whether phone or other - to take creatively composed photographs.
Convenor:  Rene Martens             4th Thursday 10 am to 12 noon            U3A Room 1

Tech Advice
This is an appointment only technology problem solver session one on one with either Robyn or Jenny depending on your device, Android or Apple.  It will operate directly following the Be Connected classes and is available to all enrolled U3A members.  Tech Advice will run for one semester, Feb - June. 
Convenors:  Robyn Lukey (Android devices) Jenny Sawyer (Apple Devices)    
Times 2nd and 3rd Mondays  12.30 - 1pm                 Venue:     U3A Room 2

Wise Guys Book Group
We know that a lot of our male members enjoy reading, however suspect that joining 'Let's Talk Libros' and 'Page Turners' may be rather offputting as both are currently all female groups.  "The Wise Guys Book Group will cater for predominantly men's interests, with book titles drawn largely from non-fiction genres including 'Biography/Memoir', 'Exploration', Warfare', 'Spycraft', 'Mystery', 'Crime', 'Adventure', 'Politics', 'Farming' and more.  Titles might include Burke and Wills by Peter Fitzsimons' a Vietnam memori, Tunnel Rats, by Jimmy Thomson; Light and Shadow, Memoirs of a Spy's Son, the biography of journalist Mark Colvin; as well as books suggested by group members as the course progresses."
Convenor - David Palmer -            4th Wednesday 2 to 4 pm,             U3A Classroom 1

Cards '500'  - (previously Saturday Cards '500') will meet on the 3rd and 5th Wednesdays from 2 - 4 pm, with Doug Smith taking up over the reins as convenor.  

​The Demystifying Psychology Discussion Group has been added to the timetable,   

New!  Wildflowers of the North East     

Heather Wallace and Bev Lee recently visited U3A Goulburn Valley's Ukes3A ‘Just Jammin’ Group in Shepparton.  The group meets every Monday from 12.15 to 1.15 'sharp', however smaller 'breakout' groups play in different parts of the building before and after the meeting.   

Greeted warmly and encouraged to sit in with the group, we watched as retired teacher and 'rock' guitarist John Canty worked with his class, ourselves supported by Geoff Holland, who John is mentoring to become an alternative group leader. ​ ​

It wasn't long before Heather, who has agreed to be convenor of our new Ukes4Fun guided self-help group, was sharing a music stand with Geoff and playing along with the group. 

John and Geoff willingly shared information about the establishment and operation of the group and are happy to provide us with support in future. ​

​Thank you so much John, Geoff, Elizabeth and other members of Shepparton's Ukes3A group, for making us so welcome!

​Bev and Heather

We are now heading toward the last weeks of our U3A program for 2022 and already planning for 2023.  Terry Case has put Tudor History aside and looking forward to some sessions on Australian History.  Claire Rudolph has already booked the U3A Meeting Room on the first Tuesday afternoon for The Sky’s the Limit, a course for aviation enthusiasts, whilst Jane Rushworth has some new ideas in the Psychology basket. 

We continue to investigate the possibility of a Ukulele class for some keen music lovers and a Photography class.  The trialling of some new online short course programs in 2023 is being looked at and the piloting of a semester-length book group for the men in Benalla U3A is being explored. 

The Program Committee is open to ideas or suggestions of courses and activities that members would be interested in, so don’t be nervous about suggesting new groups you would be keen to be part of.

At this time of the year, we also offer ‘taster’ opportunities.  Over the coming weeks, why not bring a friend along to one of the groups you are in or try a new one yourself to see if you like it.

Geraldine McCorkell,
​Programs Coordinator

Our new course, The Sky’s the Limit, is for those with an interest in gliding, flying, the history of aviation, with past lives involving aircraft in some way, has been held over to the beginning of the year!

Sessions will include guest speakers with backgrounds in aviation and stories to tell, the occasional excursion and more. 

Class members will play an active role in suggesting & deciding upon monthly session topics/expeditions.  
  
Interested?  For information, contact Claire at [email protected].

Over twenty U3A members attended both lectures given by John Barry during May. In the first lecture John covered Powers of Attorney, whilst in the second lecture he covered making a Will and Estate Planning. Whilst both can be difficult subjects to address, John gave many stories to illustrate the points be made, and even injected some humour into the topics.   
 
In the first lecture John first explained that an Enduring Power of Attorney covered both personal matters, such as where you can live as well as being able to deal with financial matters when the person making the Power of Attorney is incapable of making their own decisions. It was emphasised that at all times the person taking on the responsibility of the Power of Attorney had to deal honestly and diligently with the responsibility given to him or her.

There was a need for the person appointing the Power of Attorney to also appoint a medical treatment decision maker, which may or may not be the same person who was being named as the holder of the Enduing Power of Attorney.

When appointing a medical treatment decision maker, it was wise to consider making an Advanced Care Directive at the same time. This would assist your medical decision maker in the future about your wishes.   

There are two types of Advanced Care Directives. The first type of Advanced Care Directive is termed a Values Directive. In this you record your values and preferences for your medical treatment to guide your medical treatment decision maker.

The second type of Advanced Care Directive is termed an Instructional Directive. In this you make legally binding statements directed to your health practitioners, in which you consent to, or refuse, specific future medical treatment.

To complete the Power of Attorney it is often a good idea to appoint a Support person who can guide you with the options available in a particular situation. Once again, this can be the same person holding the Enduring Power of Attorney, or another individual if that is more appropriate.

In the second lecture about Wills, John’s opinion was that the Will kit bought from the Newsagent on Making a Will, provided it was carefully followed, was a much cheaper and satisfactory alternative to instructing a lawyer to make your Will.
  
Throughout the presentations there were numerous questions, which John dealt with as they were asked. The questions showed that the audience appreciated John’s presentations of what could be a difficult subject, but one which he made very interesting.

Margaret Jenkins
 
 

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 [email protected].  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 [email protected] 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. ​

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

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 [email protected] if you would like to be involved in the trial sessions. 

​All welcome! 

​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 [email protected]

​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

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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