​Here we are in October 2020, the year we could never have expected.

I need to look at the positives, having the time to pack up the house and get ready to move.   Also, the time to help clear out my sister’s unit.    Barbara is now living in Echuca. 

Like many of you, I’ve missed seeing my family.  l’m very grateful for my friends in Benalla, and it’s been great when we have been able to meet for a coffee or lunch.

As a Committee we are keeping in touch with the Council and you will hear any news when we do.

Stay positive!
​
Dorothy Webber, President

Well, they say no news is good news, but not in our case at U3A.  Council have no plans in the foreseeable future to reopen the building.

With the changes still happening daily, we can only continue as we have been for the last 3 months.

At a recent Zoom Committee Meeting we decided to get together for lunch in the gardens next to the Art Gallery on Wednesday 22 July at 12 noon. BYO lunch, tea/coffee, chair etc.  This will depend on numbers that can gather, and of course the WEATHER. 

Stay safe and sound and we will all survive.
​
Dorothy Webber,
President

I hope you are all safe and well, and not feeling too down by the quarantine.     At least now we can visit family and friends.    We still must practice social distancing.

I know a lot of you are missing the company of your U3A friends and are longing to be back together.

This newsletter contains news that some of the external groups are starting up, while some groups are using Zoom.  The Zoom groups are working well, and we may have more on the way.   Other contact with members is also happening, with some Convenors ringing and emailing their groups.

The Committee held its first Zoom Meeting recently. It was great to see everyone together, to catch up with Network and other news.

We have received a Community Grant from the Benalla Rural City to replace our old heavy Whiteboard with a light-weight magnetic whiteboard.

As I write, there is no news as to when the Council are going to reopen the building.  As you will understand, we cannot plan for restarting at this time because we don’t know what the rules will be in the future.

Dorothy Webber,
​President

What a trialling time we are all having. I must say I am up one day and down the next. Missing what was my normal life. I wonder if our old normal will ever return. 

I have been receiving a Newsletter from U3A Network Victoria each week, so we the Committee are keeping in touch with the Network’s recommendations.

A number of our Conveners are running their Courses by email, we have been having Zoom Meetings and some Courses have started using Zoom. Your Convener will contact you if this is one of your classes. Of course, this is not available to all. 

We may be able to run a future Meet n Mingle as a Zoom meeting.  We could listen to a guest speaker using the mute feature, so all we would hear is the speaker.

As we are all missing our families and friends, make use of Technology and be thankful we have it. If you need tech support, I may be able to help, no promises. 0421263071.

Stay Home and Stay Safe

Dorothy Webber
President

​Because of the situation with the Corona virus and the latest spatial requirements, the Committee has decided to shut down Benalla U3A.

We will review this decision at the end of Semester 1. This  decision includes all off-site Groups.

We hope that when we resume you are all fit and healthy. Stay safe.
​
Dorothy Webber
President
21 March 2020

It is with great pleasure that I make my report for the last year.

We have had many social events this year:   A Benalla Rural City Sponsored Morning Tea at which the Recorder Group entertained us, was held in October.  On the same day we followed on with a Be Connected sponsored BBQ lunch, a busy day as both events had to be held that week.  The November Meet n Mingle was once again entertained by the Singing for Fun Group and the display of the work of the Patchwork Group  Our first evening event was held in February.  A good time was enjoyed by all with tasty Pizzas and a cake to celebrate Benalla’s involvement with Be Connected.

​We continue with our meetings with Council and other users of the building.  Looking to the future we were asked to put forward our suggestions for the redesign of the interior of the building.  We await what that decision will be.  My thanks go to Margaret Jenkins who put a very professional design together.  With a view to utilising the space more efficiently, the Thursday mornings Singing for Fun and Community Singing now meet in the auditorium.

The success of U3A Benalla is largely due to the wonderful Conveners who continually put themselves forward to lead sessions, and my wonderful Committee who have worked so hard for you this year.

The growth of the Benalla retirement community sees our membership growing.  Currently we have 341 members - 246 Ladies and 95 Gentlemen.  This is an increase of 66 from what we had last year.  Considering that we had 60 new members last year and so far 68 this year that is incredible growth.  We have 48 courses on offer in Semester 1. The future of Benalla U3A is looking very positive as we continue to grow our membership and courses.

Once again I have kept close relationship with the Network by attending the Regional Meetings. 
A two-day meeting was held here in Benalla at BPACC in April and a one-day meeting was held In Seymour in September.  Having myself and members of our committee attending and networking is beneficial to us and all U3As across our region.  Geraldine McCorkell regularly attends the meetings at the Network in Melbourne and keeps us updated.  My thanks to Geraldine for this service.
 
Once again my thanks to the Committee who have helped me no end over the last year.

Dorothy Webb
​President

​We have started the new year with plenty of enthusiasm and continue with new memberships daily. Our numbers are very impressive.   Of course, this is due to our wonderful Convenors and the courses we have on offer.

My biggest thank you to all the volunteers at the RedB4 Book Shop for handing out our Membership packs and handling the Registration Forms.

Benalla U3A’s Annual General Meeting will be held at Meet & Mingle on Wednesday 18th March from 10am to 12 noon. A Nomination form has been sent out with the March Newsletter and is available here. Give a thought to coming on the Committee. It is important to have new people with new ideas to keep our U3A growing in the future.

It has come to my notice that many Members aren't aware that they can claim Travel and Accommodation when they travel 100k or more to a Medical Appointment. One member only found this out after 2 1/2 years of travelling to Melbourne. Seems it’s one of those things you only find out about by word of mouth.
​
A wonderful Social Dinner was held recently in conjunction with the Be Connected program. Thanks to tBe Connected for the Grant that enabled us to enjoy a get together and meal.

​
​Dorothy Webber

​​Welcome to 2020!  May we all have a great start to the U3A year.

Our Summer School classes were well attended and enjoyed, with Community Singing now timetabled throughout the year.

We have some classes with large numbers, hopefully this will work itself out.

The Good Things Foundation have once again supported our Be Connected program with a grant. This will fund a Social Evening and Meal to be held on Wednesday February 26th following the Be Connected class. All members are welcome.

​Did you miss Enrolment Day?  Don't despair!  Enrolment kits are available at the RedB4 Book Shop (next to Hide's Bakery) and on the website.  Completed Enrolment Application/ Renewal Forms can be left at RedB4 for collection or posted with payment to The Secretary, U3A Benalla, PO Box 674, Benalla 3671.

U3A Benalla and District’s Annual General Meeting will be held prior to Meet and Mingle on Wednesday March 18th.  There will be more information in the next newsletter. 
​
Dorothy Webber, President

​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 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: 
 
Tech Savvy Be Connected   Tuesday 7, 14 and 21 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 know-ledge & skills. Contact:   Margaret Jenkins 5762 6944 Jenny Sawyer 0409 545 182

Patchwork     Thursday 9 & 23 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

Community Singing  Friday 10, 17 & 24 January - 10.30 am-11.45 am
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
 
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 Monday 13 January.
Contact:  Max Powell 0423 525 565

​Did you miss Enrolment Day?  Don't despair!  Enrolment kits are available at the RedB4 Book Shop (next to Hide's Bakery) and on the website.  Completed Enrolment Application/ Renewal Forms can be left at RedB4  for collection or posted with payment to The Secretary, U3A Benalla, PO Box 674, Benalla 3671

Dorothy Webber, President

​As we rush headlong to the end of the year, l look back at the successful year we have had at Benalla U3A.

The new courses that started in 2019 have generated interest, and I hope the new courses for 2020 will do the same.

The two BBQs we had this year were a great social event and at the Morning Tea in Seniors Week we entertained 75 members and guests with a performance by our Recorder Group.

At the last Meet and Mingle the Singing for Fun Group performed to 58 members. The display from the Patchwork Group showed how many talented members we have.

Enrolment days will be held on Monday January 13th and Wednesday January 15th - both will be at the Seniors Community Building. Advertisements will be in the Ensign.  

The latest version of the 2020 Semester 1 ‘Month Overview’ Timetable has been sent out with the December newsletter. Membership renewal forms, program details and timetables will be sent out early in the New Year and be available on the website and at RedB4 Books.

As we move towards Christmas and the holidays, enjoy your time. Come back in 2020 with all your enthusiasm and once again we will have a wonderful year.
​
Merry Christmas to you all!

Dorothy Webber,
​President

Our Seniors Week Morning Tea was a great success!  Many thanks to all the workers who put it together, the Recorder Group for their performance and the Collectors group for displaying a broad range of collectibles for the pleasure of our guests.
 
Once again, thank you to the BBQ team from the Lion’s Club for our lunch.

On the 25th of October, 26 of our Convenors met and shared their experiences. Such a positive group of great people, we at Benalla are so fortunate that they share their expertise with us. On a personal note, many thanks go to Pauline Bailey for her words after the meeting.

The Program Committee have been working on the timetable for Semester 1 2020.  It is now almost ready to go to Benalla Council.

Our last Meet & Mingle for 2019 will be held on Wednesday 20th November. Once again, the Singing for Fun Group will entertain us and the Patchwork Group will display their work.

Come along and join us.

Dorothy Webber,
​President

On 17th September Lorraine Knox and I attended a U3A Regional Meeting in Seymour. Benalla was congratulated on our growing membership and our diverse courses.  It’s always great to come together with other U3A’s and share ideas.

October’s Meet & Mingle on Wednesday 16th October will be replaced by a celebration of Seniors Week.  There will be a Morning Tea at 9:30 am sponsored by Age Friendly Benalla & Benalla Rural City Council.   This will be followed by a 'Get On Line' week BBQ Lunch at midday sponsored by The Good Things Foundation, with the Be Connected class meeting for their session after lunch.  Come to one or come to both!  RSVP Dorothy 0412263071 or email president@u3abenalla.com.

Meetings have been held with all users of the Seniors Community Centre to discuss how best to use the space.  More news to come.  Happily all users are now welcome to use the automatic doors when they are  open.

Convenors’ Workshop  Friday October 25th 1:30 pm. This is to thank our dedicated volunteers and run training on photocopier, overhead projector, TV, etc.
 
Housekeeping - The Urn   The tap of the urn must be facing the front.  If it is left slightly off-centre the tap the tap will leak.

Christmas Lunch 2019  A date for your diary!  Our Christmas luncheon will be held at the Goorambat Railway Hotel  on Wednesday November 27th.   Lunch & Bus $40 -  Lunch only $35.  Form will be included in November’s Newsletter.  For further information or to RSVP, contact Heather Rodgers 5762 4086.
​
Dorothy Webber
President

The Be Connected BBQ was a great social event.  Most of the 34 members who attended have continued with the Be Connected Program.  ​

Save the date! Convenors Workshop - Friday afternoon, October 25th at 1:30pm   The final word on Car Pooling - $ 7.00 return trip.   Please use common sense if it’s a short trip (eg to the Reef Hills).
​
Dorothy Webber, President

Our thanks go to Benalla Rural City Council. U3A received $2500 from the 2019 Community Grants Program. Our submission was to cover the cost of installing and the running for 12 months the NBN plus two cellular wifi tablet devices.   40 grants were awarded at a cost of $75,841. This is a wonderful initiative of our Council.

Heading in to Second Semester thanks go to all our dedicated Convenors.  As always you are doing a great job.

Activities such as Bushwalking, Winery activities etc. at times require Car pooling.   The payment to the driver is $5.00 or $7.50 return trip. If you require further information, ring me 0412 263 071.

As winter rolls on many members head north. I wish you safe travels. I will be away in August so can all calls be directed to Geraldine 0408 522 662. At Meet & Mingle last week the number of spam calls was discussed. NBN do not ring and threaten to disconnect your service. Stay aware and just hang up. Under no circumstances give control of your computer to anyone who calls.

Dorothy Webber,  President

​Great news! U3A Benalla has been awarded a Community Engagement Grant worth $1,500 by the Good Things Foundation which runs the ‘Be Connected’ digital literacy program. The teaching of digital literacy is important for people who have had little or no contact with computers during their working lives. It can help connect family and friends through Emails and the sending of photos.  Increasingly we are finding that business wants to communicate and send accounts also by Email.
 
In Semester 2 U3A Benalla is offering a ‘Be Connected’ Introduction to the Internet Course for U3A members and other members of the Benalla community aged 55 years or older.  We are celebrating our new course and involvement with ‘Be Connected’ with a one off sausage sizzle luncheon at 12 noon on Wednesday 3 July.  Using our overhead projector we will outline the ‘Be Connected’ course which follows  the barbecue at 2 pm, then weekly each Wednesday at 2 pm during second semester.

Council have installed Solar Panels on the building and will update the lighting at the building in the next few weeks. When I know the dates I will let the Conveners it may impact know.  

The Program Committee have finalised the Semester 2 timetable, which is attached to this newsletter and included on the website.

I understand there have been a few complaints about members not hearing their convenors. Any Convenor who would like to use the microphone and needs a run through on its use can ring me 0412 263 071
​
Dorothy Webber President

We have received news from Benalla Rural City that solar panels and new internal and external light globes will be installed before the end of June. Our presentation to Council was very well received. We continue with our strong relationship with Council.

A Regional Workshop was held at BPACC 1 & 2 April, with 45 in attendance and around 20 staying overnight in town. These Regional meetings are a valuable time to meet and get to know the Executive and members of other U3A’s. We all share our highs and lows, with generally more highs than lows.  Great work by all who volunteer with U3a.

Thanks to all who have helped me over the past months. After a week away my husband Laurie and I are feeling nice and relaxed.

Dorothy Webber

The past year has seen Benalla U3A go from strength to strength. This time last year our membership was 275. Currently membership stands at 308 and is still growing.
 
Our classes are proving as popular as ever. The new classes running in semester one have had great start and with the dedication of our convenors, all our classes are having a successful year.

This semester is the first time we have had to close numbers for some groups as space is tight.  As numbers continue to grow our accommodation will become an issue. We as a Committee have started discussing this for the years to come. 

We ran a very successful ‘Be Connected’ Summer School.  Thank you, Jenny Sawyer. I hope the concept of Summer Classes will grow and become a major part of January

Grant money from the Good Things Foundation enabled us to train 30 people in the use of their devices.

Age Friendly Benalla donated three iPads for our use and also a grant towards our Seniors Month Morning Tea which was enjoyable and successful.

We will continue to apply for grants as the need arises.  Thanks go to Margaret Jenkins, our grants guru.

Getting some office space has seen us being able to bring together the office materials that members had in their homes.  A new computer and printer has been purchased.  Great work from Geraldine setting up the filing cabinet.

The Singing for Fun group piano was replaced.  I trust the new piano will give sweet notes for many years.

Thanks to Terry Dillon for the many hours he has dedicated to supporting and training us in the use of our technology.

The overhead projector was purchased and installed with grant money from the U3A Network, and with the painted wall is now a greatly used part of our technology.

Last week the problems with the computer and television were sorted, with a number of the committee spending time with Michael Plex.

I'm pleased to announce the connection to the NBN was installed on 12 March. As Benalla Council decided not to connect to the NBN, U3A has gone it alone.  An offer was made to the Senior Citizens committee to share with us.  They have not decided as yet.
 
Congratulations to our two new life members Joyce Borschmann & Vaughan Cowan!

Joyce & her husband Bob, started the Singing for Fun group & Joyce has been the convener from the start till last year. Over the years the singers have gone from strength to strength and have become one of the most popular groups.

Vaughan has like wise led the Bush Walking groups for 16 plus years.  It is always great to see the photos of smiling faces and wonderful scenery on our website and Facebook page.

Both Joyce and Vaughan started with U3A in 1996 and after U3A closed down took up their roles again in 2002 with the new formation of U3A in 2002.

I thank them and congratulate them on their many years of volunteering to U3A.

Lastly I must thank and congratulate your committee for the support they have given me and the hours they volunteer to make U3A Benalla the successful and vibrant club that we are. 

​I am looking forward to 2019 continuing in the positive way it has started.

​Thank you.
 
Dorothy Webber, President

Congratulations to all on the successful start to 2019.
​
Our numbers are amazing - 303+ members - and a number of the classes have had to limit numbers. This is the first time we have had to do this. This goes to show U3A Benalla has courses people want. We apologise if you haven’t been able to join the group you wanted. If numbers drop off this will be looked into.

Thank you to our existing and new convenors who are the reason for our success. I have been getting great comments from members on how they are enjoying their classes  Thanks go to Jenny Sawyer for running the summer school of Be Connected

Thank you to Terry Dillon. Terry has retired as our go to computer expert - he has donated many
hours of his time to this and thanks will never be enough.

Michael Plex will now be taking on the role of looking after our computer needs.  As we will be paying Michael all requests for his services must go through me. Ring 0412263071 and I will arrange with Michael what is required.

The NBN is due to be installed on Tuesday 12th  March (hopefully it will be a smooth process). Politics may be disrupted as the time I’ve been given is between 8am -12noon.

On Wednesday at Meet & Mingle 50 members had lots of questions for Sean Ginnivan of Benalla Rural City Waste Management.

The March Meet and Mingle on Wednesday 20th March is the U3A Annual General Meeting.

Dorothy Webber, President

​Our last Meet & Mingle on Wednesday saw 70 members attend. Singers,  recorder players and audience all enjoyed a lovely musical morning. Thanks to the singers for the delicious spread to have with our morning tea.
 
It has once again been a busy and successful year for Benalla U3A. Our membership is steadily growing and the courses we have on offer are attracting many new members.

The biggest of thank you's go to all the hard working and dedicated convenors. With out them Benalla U3A would not be as successful as we are.

On a personal note my thanks to the Committee for a great years work and all the support they give me.

I wish all members a Very Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year. 

See you all happy & healthy at Registration Days in January.
​
Dorothy Webber:  President

As the beautiful weather is with us and members are returning home, our classes are as active as ever.

Following is part of a letter sent to all U3A members 

‘I am delighted to share with you the news that the U3a Movement in Victoria has won the Age-Friendly Victoria award, for an organisation in our State that promotes active ageing. The awards were presented on 9 October at Government House by the Honourable Linda Dessau AC. Governor of Victoria. We at Network were thrilled that our movement has been recognised during the Seniors Festival as playing such an important role in the lives of seniors.
Network Victoria President Susan Webster’

We should all feel justly proud.
​
Dorothy Webber President

With Spring in the air, the Program Committee is busy planning for next year.  We are always looking at new courses.  If you have one in mind, please let us know.

Our Membership continues to grow. It's very gratifying to be told we have something for everyone.

Mine and the Executive Committee’s thanks go to Cheryl Turner for her time on the Committee.  We will miss your input, Cheryl.  All the best.
 
Members attending our ‘Morning Tea and Poetry Reading’ on Thursday 25 October during the Seniors Festival may also like to stay on and enjoy Lunch with members of the Seniors.  Lunch needs to be booked and costs $11.30. Please see the Seniors’ notice board for booking.
​
Dorothy Webber
 

I have had a wonderful trip to Melbourne and lunch with great friends I've not seen for a number of years, all because of modern technology catching up on Facebook. You too can do this by joining the Be Connected Program and learning the ins and outs of your device.

We have three new iPads to lend out. Try before you buy. We thank Age Friendly Benalla for the iPads.
​
Dorothy Webber

Mid-Winter and members that are home continue to enjoy what we have to offer.  I think it’s good to have place to be on a miserable day and friends to share it with. We continue to welcome new members and are closing in on 300.

At our July Meet and Mingle, members were greatly entertained by our guest speaker, Tim Bowtell, and now we all wish we could paint a portrait upside-down.

In Thursday, 25th October, for Seniors Month, we are holding a morning tea. More about this later.

We now have a microwave oven in the kitchen beside the fridge.
​
Dorothy Webber President

Firstly, a very big thank you must go to Benalla Rural City for the Grant of $900 from the Community Grants Program.
​
After a couple of weeks of problems with the air-conditioning all are now fixed. We have moved into our office space. Thanks to Council for removing the hand-basin and supplying a desk.

As we head into the depths of Winter, make sure to keep those cold and flu bugs away. For those on their annual pilgrimage North, think of us on these cold, frosty mornings.

Please note my new e-mail address is dotwebber2608@gmail.com

​Dorothy