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 len.benalla@gmail.com 

​​* 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 rudolphclaire@bigpond.com.

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 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. ​

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 bevlee47@gmail.com 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 janerushworth2101@gmail.com

​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.
​

Attention to all members with portable computing devices

• smart phones
• tablets
• iPads
• laptops

​During the summer break, there will be continuing Tech Savvy Be Connected sessions.

Whether or not you attended previous sessions last semester, you are welcome to bring
your portable devices to extend your computing knowledge and skills.

We are running three sessions in January on Tuesday mornings at the U3A room.
​
Dates - JANUARY Tuesday 7th, 14th, 21st Time - 10:00am - 11:00am

Margaret Jenkins Phone 5762 6944
Jenny Sawyer Phone 0409 545 182

​Writing in the September Newsletter that coin collecting has been an interest/hobby of mine for a long time, I invited anyone with a similar interest to contact me with the view of forming an interest group within U3A. Since then I have had a positive response and six of us met to discuss the possibilities on the 8th October. A Course Proposal was completed and submitted.  The Committee is quite happy for us to meet as a Coin Collecting Group and has given us the meeting time from 12.15 pm to 1.45 pm on the first Wednesday of each month at the U3A rooms.

The first meeting will be held on Wednesday 6th November with a second meeting following on 4th December.

I am pleased that some keen interest has been shown by people who have been putting coins aside and like me have not yet sorted or catalogued their collection.  I am looking forward to seeing your coins and sharing our stories.

As this is a lunchtime meeting, bring some nourishment along and tea and coffee will be available.   To register your interest or answer any queries please phone me, Alex Adkins, 0427 820 287, or come along on the day.

Alex Adkins

It’s 'Taster Time'!  It is possible to attend many courses and activities during October and November as a 'taster'.  If  you know anyone who is thinking of joining U3A next year, please let them know about this. They need to speak with the convenor first & put their names of the roll on the day, but do not need to join until next year.

It's also the time when new course ideas floated during the year begin to firm up.  Keen coin collector Alex Adkins would like to gauge interest in organising an ongoing Coin Collectors group.  Other course ideas for 2020 include Hot Topics, first piloted in 2018; Pitman Shorthand for past users of Pitman Shorthand (this is being run very successfully at U3A Melbourne); an Art group in partnership with Broken River Painters at their studio in the Migrant Camp precinct; greater links between our Tech Savvy Family History Projects group and the Benalla Family Research Group and a  group which discusses current television series, such as Hand Maid's Tale; Poldark; Sea Change.  Hot off the press - a new course 'Demystifying Psychology' with Jane Rushworth!

Some courses have decided on a name change - with E-Books becoming ......; some courses are advertising for new convenors - Collectors and Chat n Chew -  and may go in to recess until one can be found. Courses only offered in Semester I may be reinstated.

Watch out for details of new programs to be offered in 2020 in upcoming newsletters and on the web site.    Please contact our Program Coordinator, Terry Case (0427 621 700)  if you have ideas for new courses or any other queries. ​

This session, presented on Friday 30th November 2018 to 33 U3A participants, was the second in the series on Advanced Care Planning. 

Brendan Smith From Smith Dosser Accountants/Financial Planners, outlined and provided a copy of a framework for consideration of retirement and end of life issues. 

Damian Feehan from N J Todd Funeral Directors discussed the roles and responsibilities of funeral agencies and the need to preplan and communicate preferences prior to this stage of life.

Jo O’Brien and April Betheras from the Palliative Care Service outlined their roles and once again emphasised the need for people to record their care options/choices under certain scenarios when they are actively able to consider them.  They outlined how this can help care givers and families at a time when communication becomes impossible.

Useful Resources: 
From Palliative Care, Benalla Health:  https://www.advancecareplanning.org.au/resources/case-studies/case-study-8-tips-for-living-and-dying-well?utm_source+facebook
From U3A member Judy Perry: http://cotavic.org.au

Wendy Sturgess and Margaret Walshe

A number of new courses are being offered in 2019.    There are alterations to times for a number of subjects, please check to see if times have changed for groups you enroll with! These changes are to enable us to run more classes.   Terry Case case.terence@gmail.com.au

A Night at the Opera – French Style   2nd Wednesday 7 pm  Presenter Meg Dillon

This season we will take a look at some of the great nineteenth century French composers like Berlioz, Debussy, Ravel and Poulenc who were interested in opera as a musical form. Lovely arias, tuneful music, great singers and performances.

As usual the group meets at the presenter’s house on a Wednesday evening at 7pm. Drinks and light refreshments are offered. Maximum of 10 participants can be seated.

Beginners’ Patchwork  2nd and 4th Tuesdays 1 to 4 pm   Presenter Heather Sloan

The course will cover the basics of patchwork and quilting whilst making a small panel. It is designed for people with no experience of patchwork, and does not require a sewing machine. By the end of the semester participants will have the skills to make a basic quilt.

Booker reading group   3rd Friday 2-4pm Presenter Meg Dillon

The annual Man Booker Prize is awarded to the novel deemed best by an extensive panel of judges in Britain. Writers in both America and post-colonial countries can also enter. Each year the search is narrowed to a Long List of 13 books, then the Short List of 6 from which the winner is chosen.

These novels are not for the faint hearted! They often explore contentious contemporary issues or the lives of families or individuals experiencing  the difficulties of modern life.

The judges said of the Long List:   All of these books – which take in slavery, ecology, missing persons, inner-city violence, young love, prisons, trauma, race – capture something about a world on the brink. Among their many remarkable qualities is a willingness to take risks with form. 

The 2018 winner of the Booker was The Mars Room  by American writer Rachel Kushner. You can google the 2018 Man Booker Long List to see the complete list.

If you are curious about some of the best contemporary fiction of the last year…please join us.

You will be expected to obtain your own copy of the books the group chooses to read, either by buying an e-book version, borrowing from a library, or purchasing a hard copy
.
German for Beginners  Mondays, 12 - 1 pm Presenter Pauline Bailey

This course should give you a good understanding for basic communication in German. There are no set texts, but a small German-English  dictionary would be useful. Notes will be provided at each session.

The first 10 weeks will provide the vocabulary and grammar underpinning the language. After a winter recess, we will resume for more advanced learning.

History

After the Victorians   3rd Tuesday 9.30-11.30 Presenter Terry Case
The 20th century saw enormous changes in the period from 1900-1939. From the Boer War and Federation in Australia we then look at the White Australia policy and the fear of Japan as a world power. Germany and the USA overtook Britain as the leading industrial and military power. The Bolshevik Revolution was a turning point not just in W.W.1, but in European history.  Socialism, Fascism and Communism challenged existing orders.  The British Empire reached its peak in the 1930s, but the belief that Britain had a right to rule was challenged by Gandhi and others.  DVD’s will be used to illustrate the sessions. 

An Introduction to Western Civilization  2nd & 4th Friday 2-4pm, Semester 1 Presenter Meg Dillon

History helps us understand some complex issues, even though it can’t and doesn’t predict future outcomes. Today our Western Civilization is strongly attacked as corrupt, militaristic and nihilistic.

But is it? How did it evolve and what aspects of should we embrace and be proud of?

These history sessions will look at the current situation, then briefly explore those past cultures that have created our complex Western world.
Ancient Greece: it all started with the Greeks and their vast cultural agenda. Art, sculpture, philosophy, science and much more was developed by this squabbling, argumentative but lively group of city states and colonies, known as the Greek World.
The Romans: masters of war, engineering and administration. Their Pax Romana (The Roman Peace) was spread across Europe in the largest ancient empire prior to the British Empire. The Romans would colonize and civilize other cultures but would brutally suppress any rebellion.
The Italian Renaissance: The rich Italian city states of the thirteenth century rediscovered the Ancient World of the Greeks and Romans through their discoveries of surviving sculptures and ancient manuscripts. The result was a reintroduction of many of the achievements of these cultures that had been lost in the previous 1000 years. The Italians built on this foundation advancing both the practice of the arts and that of diplomacy in an era that was fractured by minor wars between the city states and the Papacy.
The Reformation: In the early sixteenth century Martin Luther started a vast religious  movement protesting against some of the corruption and excesses that had developed in the Catholic Church. The succeeding growth of Protestantism turned many parts of Europe into mercantile hubs where vast wealth started to be made by a merchant class, while more austere religious and communal practices were adopted by whole populations in Northern Europe.
The Enlightenment: The age of science burst into being in the eighteenth century in England and France. Gentlemen ‘scientists’ started to look at the way the physical aspects of our world worked. In France the French Revolution in 1787 followed naturally from this development as the middle classes refused to accept the older corrupt  rule of King, Church and nobles. This was the start of our era in which science and government would dominate our thinking and lead to Western democracy as we know it and the vast scientific knowledge that has changed our world and lives.

Discussion and suitable video and other images will be used to convey some of the key attributes of these  major historical influences that have formed the Western world.

Meditation   1st & 3rd Monday 4-5pm. Presenter Caroline Sims

Attention to all members with portable computing devices

• smart phones
• tablets
• iPads
• laptops

During the summer break, there will be continuing Be Connected sessions.  If you weren’t able to attend any or all of the previous sessions last semester and you would like to extend your computing knowledge and skills we are running four sessions in January on Wednesday mornings at the U3A room.

Be Connected has added some extra modules to their course. They are:

• Online Hobbies
• Apps
• Games

 
Dates - JANUARY  Wednesdays 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th   Time - 10:00am - 11:00am
 
Jenny Sawyer     Phone 0409 545 182

Exercises for Fun with Helen Jeffree
Mondays from 9.30 to 11.30 Main room, Benalla Senior Citizens Community Centre 
Have you heard the saying "If you don't move it, you lose it"?
Well, these mild exercises to music are fun for all ages and will be held weekly.
Come along, enjoy the morning, and socialise with a cuppa after.  All members welcome!

Recorder Group with Janet Douglas
Main session on the fourth Wednesday from 10 am to 12 midday, with a lunchtime practice session on the first Wednesday from 12.15 to 1.15 pm.
‘I wish I hadn’t given up  learning …music, the violin. piano, recorder, guitar…’  Music teacher Janet Douglas says she would be very wealthy if she received $1 every time she heard an older person say this!  .Janet believes it’s never too late to learn music or to learn a musical instrument and considers the recorder a good choice as it is such an accessible instrument.   A group for beginners to intermediate, there will also be scope for more proficient users of the recorder to play together and mentor others.   Unlike most U3A courses, there will be homework.  You will need to practise--there’s no other way to learn and improve!   

Some Moments in Australian History with Meg Dillon
Second and fourth Fridays 1.30 to 3.30pm first semester only.
“History” is very much a “shape shifter”. It’s a personal presentation that reflects a particular historian’s point of view. So there is no such thing as infallible history only various propositions about what probably happened. We can never truly recreate the past, but only interpret it according to the best evidence that has survived and our personal beliefs about what the evidence shows.
We will use discussion, art, photos and videos where possible to explore the following five topics that are based mostly in the nineteenth century.
· The indomitable Captain William Bligh: Hero or Villain?
· The Squatter Kings in Grass Castles
· The Large Hole in the Ground
· The Boom/Bust Years. Is it all about greed?
· The Growth of the Labour Movement in the 1890s

Stock and Land/Country Matters/ (Name to be finalised when group meets) 
Led by David Palmer & Kathy Murphy on first Tuesday 10-12
Are you a regular watcher of ‘Country Wide’ or reader of ‘Stock and Land’ or ‘The Weekly Times’? Did you grow up on, run, still run, or downshift into Benalla from a farm? Perhaps you studied or taught food and agriculture related courses or worked in an area related to agriculture? Or perhaps, like most of us, you are interested in where food comes from. This group aims to provide a regular forum for members with interest and experience in agriculture to discuss agricultural issues and current developments in farming. Monthly two-hour sessions will feature well informed speakers from particular areas of farming who will share their story, their understanding of current issues and developments in their field of farming. This will be followed by questions and discussion. The group will also discuss current news and events in farming and share stories of ‘our farms’.

Apple iPad for Beginners 
1st and 3rd Wednesday 1:30 - 3:00 pm  U3A Meeting Room      
Contact Jenny Sawyer   Ph: 0409545182
Do you have an Apple iPad and don't know where to start?
We hold two sessions per month for beginners keen to develop skills and confidence in using and managing their device for emails, photography, internet searching and more.
Tech Savvy mentors will provide one to one assistance and small group tuition.
You can borrow one of our iPads if you don't have your own.

Tech Savvy Projects with Bev Lee will be offered by Bev Lee and specialist tutors on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday between 1 and 4.30 pm in the U3A Meeting Room.  
Have you a project you’d like to work on using information technology?  Tech Savvy Projects provides the opportunity for members to complete family history projects using Ancestry.com; create a photo-book; develop a blog or a website; or even create a small robot using an Arduino board. An alternate fortnightly session will provide a drop in opportunity to gain additional support for projects.  Small group sessions.  

U3A Benalla Travel Club    
Judy Perry is convening a new activity - the U3A Benalla Travel Club - for those who love to travel but don't always want to travel alone.  The  Benalla U3A Travel Club will particularly appeal to budget solo and 'timid travellers'. Two trips inside Australia and one overseas trip each year will be preplanned by the convenor, experienced traveller Judy Perry, in consultation with group members.  Regular sessions will be held each month to discuss plans and trips.  A wonderful chance to keep your travel options open!

Jenny Sawyer, convenor of Tech Savvy Beginners, pictured with Patsy at enrolment day, January 2017.  In 2018 Jenny is convening 'iPad for Beginners'.  

Intrepid traveller Judy Perry has decided to share her love of travel with other U3A members in an active and exciting way.  Judy will be running a new course in 2918 - the U3A Benalla Travel Club:  

Judy has already designed the first trip - it will commence on March 18th and provides a wonderful way to travel and enjoy Kangaroo Island....

If you are interested in finding out more, please phone Judy as soon as possible as she needs expressions of interest as soon as possible.  

​A great follow up to U3A Legal Matters sessions. Advanced Care Planning can be a confronting subject but was made comfortable, acceptable and necessary by the presenters: Deb Smith, Community Health Nurse, Benalla Health; Chris Thorne, Aboriginal Support Worker, Central Hume Primary Care Partnership and April Betheras, Loss and Grief Counsellor, Benalla Health. 

Margaret Walshe (right) introducing from left Chris Thorne, April Betheras and Deb Smith.

Our first ‘Facebook for Mentors’ short course concluded recently with a post course follow up session directed towards applying what we learnt during the course when mentoring others.  We practised posting to our ‘secret Facebook group’ and explored resources and strategies we can draw upon when mentoring beginners who are keen to use Facebook.   Course evaluation indicates that after the course participants felt more confident in being able to explain basic Facebook features and encourage Facebook skill development; have a greater awareness of Facebook’s privacy features; consider their skills in using Facebook have increased and are able to participate as a member of a Facebook group.

The dates have been set for our second course in November.  All sessions will be from 1.30* to 3.30 pm.
​  
Tuesday 31 October  Precourse registration and 'recognition of current competence' session - U3A Meeting Room (BYO Devices/Laptop)
Tuesday 14 November  GOTAFE Session 1 Tuesday  at GOTAFE (PC based)
Tuesday 21 November   GOTAFE Session 2   at GOTAFE (PC based)
Tuesday 28th November Postcourse Follow up and Evaluation Session  - U3A Meeting Room. (BYO Devices/Laptop)

Places are still available – contact Bev for an application form 5762 8171 or bevlee47@gmail.com