​The concert for all members of U3A Benalla by the Singing for Fun group took place at Meet and Mingle on Wednesday 16th November 2022. We had three segments presented by Kieran Smith, Brian Greed and Margaret Merriman which were enjoyed by the audience of U3A members and also members of the public. Gwen Barnes did a great job providing accompaniment on the electronic piano for the singers.

In the lead up to the concert we had sessions where we practiced the songs being presented, and also segments by Carmyl Winkler and Brian Colman. Two of the enjoyable songs Carmyl organised one week were the round “Kookaburra sits on the old gum tree” and the song “You’ll never walk alone”.

We are also presenting two more concerts.  These will be at Cooinda on Thursday 1st December at 10.30am, and at Royal Freemasons on Thursday 8th December at 10.30am. Both Cooinda and Freemasons are looking forward to us coming as we have not been able to give a concert at either place since 2019 due to COVID.

As we are approaching the end of 2022, I would like to thank quite a few people. First of all, the Singing for Fun group would not function if it was not for the songs selected by Kieran Smith, Brian Greed, Margaret Merriman, Carmyl Winkler and Brian Colman. So, thank you all very much for the effort you each put in to organising your sessions each week.

To our pianist Gwen Barnes.  Gwen, we have been so lucky to have had you play for us for the last 15 years. Each week you lug all those music books into Singing, and happily play whatever the Leaders have selected. So, a big thank you to Gwen.

Then we come to the “quiet achievers” who also play a role each week. Thank you to Deidre for making morning tea happen each week, to Wendy for sorting the books at the end of each session and putting them away, and to the guys who rearrange the seats at the end of each session. We have a wonderful group of people at singing who are all so helpful.

Best wishes to everyone for Christmas and the New Year. Hope to see you all in 2023.

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Margaret Jenkins      

October has seen the Singing for Fun group put together the songs they are going to present at Meet and Mingle on Wednesday 16th November 2022. Kieran, Brian and Margaret have skilfully chosen a variety of songs for the concert which we think should be entertaining.  Thank you also to our pianist Gwen Barnes who has provided great accompaniment for the group.

Early in October we had a special morning tea to celebrate Brian Greed’s 90th birthday. Congratulations, Brian, on the milestone you have reached, and thank you for the huge contribution you have made to Singing for Fun as a Leader over the last 10 years. We appreciate your efforts in choosing and introducing songs over that time. Thank you also to Joyce Borschmann and Trish Roe for providing the morning tea.

Carmyl Winkler and Brian Colman have been assisting with a segment most weeks. We enjoy the extra variety that you both provide in your segments.

The next meeting of Singing for Fun will be on Thursday 3rd November at 10am at the Hub at Cooinda. 


Margaret Jenkins

Our three sessions this month have been full of different songs as we lead up to our concert for other U3A members at the November Meet and Mingle on Wednesday 16 November 2022.

The last concert we provided U3A members was in 2019, and a lot has happened since then. The numbers at Singing for Fun are smaller than in 2019, but hopefully the concert will still be enjoyable.

We are having three leaders at the concert, Kieran Smith, Brian Greed and Margaret Merriman, who have each chosen a variety of songs. Our pianist Gwen Barnes has been providing great accompaniment for all our songs.

Carmyl Winkler and Brian Colman are alternatively choosing a session each time we meet.

The next meeting of Singing for Fun will be on Thursday 6th October at the Hub in Cooinda at 10am.
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Margaret Jenkins 

During the second session of Singing for Fun in August Brian Greed chose a series of Seekers songs as a tribute to their lead singer, Judith Durham, who had passed away. Seeker’s songs are always enjoyed, and singing them reminded us what a great group they had been in the ‘60s.

In the same session Margaret Merriman finished her selection of songs with “I Still call Australia Home” to celebrate Olivia Newton-John who had also passed away during the same week.

Kieran was given a list of songs for his session by Joan, and we all congratulated Joan afterwards on a great selection of songs.

Gwen Barnes has very ably supplied us with accompaniment on the piano during the month, whilst Carmyl and Brian have been alternating taking sessions.

Patsy had a few days in hospital during the previous week but was well enough for Deidre to bring her to Singing for Fun. We know how much many members enjoy their Singing on a Thursday morning, and also the companionship the group provides.

The next Singing for Fun session will be on Thursday 1 September 2022 at 10am in the Hub at Cooinda. All welcome.
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Margaret Jenkins 

We have had a variety of sessions this month in Singing for Fun. In one session Kieran chose a series of Scottish songs and Carmyl chose three Welsh songs that were in our song books.

Brian introduced us to “Waterloo” which everyone seemed to enjoy as well as “Seventy-six Trombones” which is a favorite of the group.

During July we also introduced Brian Colman as a Leader for the group. Brian has a background in Musicals in the ‘90s and thought he would like to try at being a Leader in our Group. Thank you, Brian, for putting your hand up and finding different songs for us to sing.

We have been without Margaret Merriman this month as she has been in hospital with pneumonia, and then spent a fortnight in respite care at Estia Health. Marg is recovering and has moved to Freemasons for more respite care. We are hopeful that Marg will be back with us in August sometime.  

Thank you to Gwen Barnes who has been accompanying our Leaders. For something different Kieran has asked members of our Singing group to take turns in choosing songs for his section of the program. Joyce Borschmann was the first to choose a series of songs.

At our third Singing for Fun for July we had a week when there were three members of our group all celebrated a birthday. Congratulations to Wendy, Rupe and Joyce.

The next Singing for Fun will be on Thursday 4 August 2022 at 10am in the Hub at Cooinda. All welcome.

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Margaret Jenkins   

​What a wonderful variety of songs we have had during June. Carmyl chose some songs of conflict as well songs of peace and also lovely lilting melodies such as “All Through the Night”. In one session Brian chose several Seekers songs which are always enjoyed, while Kieran and Margaret have chosen a range of bright cheery songs. Gwen as always has been helpful with providing great musical accompaniment.

Our Leaders put quite a deal of effort into the songs they choose for their segments and at the Hub we have good acoustics, a warm environment and a great place to meet.

So, if you would like to Sing for Fun come and join us at the Hub at Cooinda on the first three Thursday mornings of the month at 10am. Our next meeting will be on Thursday 7 July 2022.

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Margaret Jenkins 

We are pleased to hear that Kieran Smith’s wife Elly is progressing well after her hip replacement operation in Melbourne. Kieran chose some Al Jolson songs for the week of May that he was with us which we all enjoyed.

Our inclusion of Carmyl Winkler as a leader was especially beneficial this month when Kieran was away. We were still able to have three Leaders, with Margaret Merriman and Brian Greed also taking segments of singing. This provides a greater variety of songs than only having two Leaders at times.

Gwen Barnes is providing great music accompaniment.

In early May, one of our members Ray O’Shannessy turned 90, which is quite a milestone. Naturally we did not let the occasion go unnoticed, and had great enjoyment singing Happy Birthday a few days before the big event.

The next meeting of Singing for Fun will be on Thursday 2 June at 10am in the Hub at Cooinda. 

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Margaret Jenkins 

April brought us three sessions of Singing for Fun with no Harmony session, and we think this is a successful move by the increased attendance.

During April we welcomed Carmyl Winkler as a Leader. Carmyl chose a series of well known Australian songs for her first and second sessions, and these were enjoyed by all.  The variety introduced by an extra Leader seems beneficial to the group.

Our three other Leaders Brian Greed, Margaret Merriman and Kieran Smith all chose bright catchy songs for their sessions. Kieran kindly responded to a request for a session of Scottish songs.

Gwen Barnes is providing great accompaniment on the piano for which we thank her.
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The next meeting of Singing for Fun will be on Thursday 5th May at 10am at the Hub in Cooinda.

Margaret Jenkins
 

​In March we welcomed back our pianist Gwen Barnes who had been unavailable during February. Everyone was pleased to see Gwen, and we enjoyed her accompaniment to many songs in our main three books.

Our three leaders Brian Greed, Margaret Merriman and Kieran Smith did a great job selecting suitable songs and leading the group. We were impressed that Margaret could manage with her broken wrist.

In April we are going to try having three Singing for Fun sessions on the first three Thursdays of April, and no Harmony session. In a group such as ours, members are often not available due to health considerations, and this year we seem to have lost quite a few altos. This is why we are having a trial of no Harmony session during April.

We are pleased to announce that Carmyl Winkler has agreed to lend a hand as a Leader in April.  Carmyl joined our group last year after moving to Benalla from Tallangatta, and has had experience with a singing group in Tallangatta. 

We look forward to hearing what songs Carmyl selects.

The next Singing for Fun session will be on Thursday 7th. April at 10am at the Hub in Cooinda.
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Margaret Jenkins 

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It was great to get back to Singing at the Hub in February 2022. Our three leaders Brian Greed, Kieran Smith and Margaret Merriman were full of enthusiasm as were all our members.

Unfortunately we have been without our pianist Gwen Barnes for all of February. Gwen had some family matters to deal with and then had a couple of unfortunate falls, so is currently recovering at home. We wish Gwen all the best, and hope to see her at our March meetings.

At our three singing meetings in February Brian Greed and Kieran Smith filled in at the piano in Gwen’s absence. We have had a variety of songs during the month, including some rounds conducted by Margaret Merriman. These rounds don’t get included very often so had a certain novelty factor to them.

I am sure all the members of Singing would like to say many thanks to Brian and Kieran for their assistance with the piano during February. 

At our third session we had a solo from “My Fair Lady” sung by Brian Colman. Brian, who is a new member of our Singing Group, has fitted into the group really well.
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We were also pleased to see Joyce Borschmann come to our third session after her recent illness.

The next Singing for Fun meeting will be on Thursday 3rd March at 10am at the Hub in Cooinda.

Margaret Jenkins 

Happy Christmas, One and All!

​Margaret Jenkins

​We all enjoyed three sessions of Singing in November as we came out of lockdown. Thank you everyone for being so cooperative with showing me your COVID double vaccination certificate.
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In the second Singing session for the month we had Kieran Smith and Brian Greed playing the piano for the session as our pianist Gwen Barnes was at a Teachers College reunion in Bendigo.  Brian also brought along his barrel organ which he has spent seven months making during the lock down of 2021.

This barrel organ plays music when the handle is turned, the musical score having been previously punched out on a roll of thick paper. Brian demonstrated this music to us during morning tea, and we were all fascinated with the technology which had gone into producing the sounds.   

Unfortunately, due to COVID restrictions on the number of people who could meet in The Hub, there have been no Singing for Fun or Harmony sessions during October.

As some COVID restrictions have now been lifted, due to 70% of the population being vaccinated, Singing for Fun will recommence on Thursday 4 November 2021 at 10am.

Due to Public Health regulations, we are required to see your double vaccination certificate, either on your phone or a paper copy, as you sign the attendance list. This is part of our Duty of Care for participating U3A Benalla members, and we ask for your co-operation with this request.
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Margaret Jenkins

At the moment only ten people are allowed to meet in The Hub, so our Singing for Fun and Harmony sessions had to be cancelled in September.

We missed the opportunity to wish one of our Leaders, Margaret Merriman a happy 80th birthday in person. Marg is celebrating not only her birthday, but also the birth of her grandson Angus.

Hopefully Singing will be able to recommence soon. I will send an Email to everyone when this can happen.
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Margaret Jenkins  

We managed one Harmony and one Singing for Fun session during August, which we all enjoyed. Perhaps these lock downs make us appreciate what we are able to fit in while still complying with the COVID restrictions.

During these sessions we were introduced to two new songs. Brian Greed used the Harmony session to start us on “The Black Hills of Dakota” which has got a great melody and an elevated soprano part.  Margaret Merriman introduced us to “Speed Your Journey” which has got a lilting melody and is a great song. Kieran Smith had us singing some Australian songs which are always enjoyed by the group.

We thank Gwen Barnes for being so versatile in accompanying whatever is chosen by the leaders. 

At Singing for Fun we welcomed back two members who had been away sick for several months. Gina Behrens had been away since last year, whilst Patsy Bollard has been recovering from a fall for two months. Great to see both Gina and Patsy back with us.

We also welcomed Brian Colman to the group. Brian has a history of being involved with musical productions, and has recently moved to Benalla. We hope you enjoy singing with our group Brian.

Thank you Tomoko Fujiie for the flute performance we were treated to during morning tea at Singing for Fun. The different abilities of people in this group which they are willing to share really adds to the enjoyment we all get from attending.  

We will send an Email when the next Singing for Fun session is allowed. In the meantime, keep safe and we look forward to seeing you all in the near future.

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Margaret Jenkins 

All our members seemed to enjoy the two sessions of Singing and the Harmony session held during July. In fact, three members took the time to tell me how much they were enjoying our singing sessions. 

The three leaders are to be congratulated on the variety of songs they have included in each session. Kieran Smith had a different approach in the Harmony session in July when he reintroduced us to “Hallelujah”. Brian Greed has been fine tuning “The Changing of the Guard” amongst a variety of his songs, whilst Margaret Merriman finished one session with “Old Man River” which is always well received by the group.

We are grateful to Gwen Barnes for her accompaniment on the piano to such a variety of songs.
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Since our last Singing session in July it has been brought to my notice that Joan Badrock has been in Benalla Health for just over a week. Joan enjoys her involvement with Singing for Fun, and we hope to see her back with us in August.

We would like to thank the Hub Committee for organising the new position of the cupboard which houses most of our singing books. The cupboard had previously been housed in the small alcove near the front of the Hub, and the change to the back wall makes access easier.

U3A Benalla have been informed by the Benalla RCC that the current COVID restrictions set by the Victorian State Government say that:  Maximum group size: 10 people (still adhering to the 1 person per 4sqm) each group of 10 must stay the same and cannot change or mingle

Unfortunately, under these conditions, Dorothy and I agree that it is impossible to hold Singing for Fun on Thursday 5th August 2021.

As the COVID restrictions are due to be reviewed on Thursday 5th August, we are hopeful that Harmony will be able to be held on Thursday 12th August 2021 in the Hub. 

Hope you are all enjoying the Olympics.

Margaret Jenkins

Due to the COVID lockdown we have been unable to hold our Singing for Fun or Harmony Sessions in June 2021.

Singing for Fun will resume on Thursday 1st July and Harmony will start on Thursday 8th July at 10am in The Hub at Cooinda.

We look forward to seeing you all again.
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Margaret Jenkins

The Singing for Fun Group has been enjoying their meetings in the Hub during May with a variety of songs chosen by our three conductors.

Brian Greed introduced us to the song “The Changing of the Guard”.  The group has adapted to the rhythm of the song very well, and seem to be enjoying it.  Margaret Merriman included “The Oceana Roll” in her list of songs which everyone seemed to get into the swing of. Kieran Smith had a Showbiz theme for one of his sessions which included “The Sound of Music” and “Edelweiss”.

We thank Gwen Barnes who has shown lots of versatility in accompanying these various songs on the piano.

The Singing for Fun group meets on the first and third Thursday morning of the month at 10am in the Hub at Cooinda. The Harmony session is on the second Thursday morning of the month in the same venue.

Margaret Jenkins

April has seen Margaret Merriman introduce us to a new song “Dona Dona” which is in a minor key and slightly different to what we have been used to. No doubt we will enjoy the melody of the song over coming weeks. 

Brian Greed has introduced us to several songs we sang in 2019 including Sweet Caroline. Whilst we haven’t sung these songs for 12 months, they are easily sung and enjoyed.

Kieran Smith has chosen a mix of Irish and Australian songs for some of his sessions. Everyone seems to be enjoying the Irish songs and it is a good balance that Kieran has struck.

Gwen Barnes has been providing great accompaniment on the piano.

Morning tea has been re introduced with everyone bringing their own cup to fit in with the COVID requirements.
 
We were sorry to hear that Marjory Geeson had a fall at home. However we are pleased to report that Marjory is recovering well. We hope to see her back at singing soon.
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Margaret Jenkins
 

March has seen us become more accustomed to seeing our Singing for Fun and Harmony Groups meet at the Hub at Cooinda. The room is working well. My thanks to Doug Williams and the Hub Committee for all their assistance in getting us going this year at the Hub.

We are enjoying our Singing segments with our new Leader Kieran Smith as well as the segments with Brian Greed and Margaret Merriman.

Thank you to Gwen Barnes for her great work on the piano for both the Singing for Fun and Harmony sessions.

Our Harmony group has attracted some new experienced singers with a total of 25 people attending the Harmony session in March. We hope that our new members enjoy their time with us and become regular members of the group. 

We are starting to have morning tea at all our singing sessions. If you could please bring your own cup with you it would be much appreciated. Tea, coffee, milk, sugar and biscuits are provided.

Our former leader Joyce Borschmann has been away sick for a few weeks. We hope it is not too long before we see you again at Singing Joyce.
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Margaret Jenkins 

We started our Singing sessions in early February with about 25 members meeting in the Hub at Cooinda. The Hub is a great location with good visual access to the Leaders and the pianist by all participating, and adequate parking around the back of the Hub and at the side of it. We do hope that the venue encourages more participants from Cooinda to enjoy our sessions.

At our first meeting one of our Leaders Faith Hicks announced she was stepping down as a Leader after 14 years. Thank you Faith for all the time and effort you have put into both the Singing for Fun and also the Harmony group. We have benefitted from the exercises you have introduced at the beginning of each session, and for your meticulous instruction over the years. We are very pleased that you are remaining as one of the singers, and look forward to seeing you at our sessions for many years to come.

In Faith’s place we welcome Kieran Smith as a new Leader. Kieran has only been with us for a couple of years, and that included our COVID shut down time.  Kieran has a magnificent voice, a jocular manner and stage experience and will make a great Leader.

At that same session Brian Greed started the year with a selection of Seeker’s songs, which are always favourites with the group. Margaret Merriman rounded off the session with “Wandering the King’s Highway” which everyone sung with gusto. Gwen Barnes did a great job on the piano even though she has not played for us for 11 months or so.

We would also like to say Thank You to Trish Roe who has looked after morning tea for the Singing and Harmony groups for many years. Trish is still coming to Singing, and at the moment we are not having morning tea. However, we will need a volunteer to look after morning tea when it recommences.

We would also like to send a Get Well message to Gina Behrens who had an accident on Christmas Eve and Joyce Borschmann who has been in hospital recently. Hope to see you both at Singing soon.
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Margaret Jenkins

It was great to see so many enthusiastic members of Singing for Fun at our Enrolment Days in January.

Our first meeting for 2021 will be next Thursday 4th February 2021 at 10am at the Hub at Cooinda. Please note the change of venue. An Email has been sent to all members who have registered so far indicating that parking is available behind and at the side of the Hub, and also near the exit from Cooinda onto Kilfeera Road.

We are asking members to bring their own bottle of water due to the fact that we will not be serving morning tea at the moment. But there will be the usual 20 minute break for people to have a chat and stretch their legs.

There are a few members who have not put in their Enrolment form to date. Please bring your Enrolment form to the first Singing session, and we will forward it to Len Jeffers. Len has done a fantastic job constructing attendance rolls for the various groups within U3A Benalla.

The Singing for Fun Harmony Group and will be held at the Hub at 10am on the second Thursday morning of the month.

Community Singing will be held at the Hub at 10am on the fourth Thursday of each month.

All welcome. 


Margaret Jenkins

​What a great celebration we had at the Golf Club to mark the end of 2020! Of course not everyone could come, but those who did had a very enjoyable time. It was so good to see you all there, and to actually chat and exchange news while enjoying an excellent lunch.

​Thank you to Bev Lee for dropping in and taking photos which showed how happy we all were on the day!

This is the time of year to say thank you to those who have put in extra effort with our group throughout the year. We did not have many actual meetings but thank you to Gwen Barnes for her excellent work on the piano accompanying us. Whilst the Singing for Fun group may not have met many times this year, Gwen has still been practising to keep her repertoire up to date.

Also thank you to our three conductors Faith Hicks, Brian Greed and Margaret Merriman. Their choice of songs encourages us to keep expanding the songs we are familiar with, and we do appreciate the preparation they put into each of their sessions.

Thank you also to Margaret Howard for her help putting out singing books, Trish and helpers for organising morning tea and Ian for regularly opening up and organising the furniture.

There will be an Email regarding our first meeting in 2021.
 
With best wishes to you all for the New Year.
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Margaret Jenkins 

During November we were saddened to learn of the passing of Gwen Cheetham.

Gwen was one of the original 12 members of Singing for Fun which was started by Joyce Borschmann and held their first meetings in the home of the late Helen Mitchell.

Gwen had a beautiful pure soprano voice and a great love for music. She was a valued member of the Sopranos in both the Singing for Fun and Harmony groups.  It was a known fact that other members of the group liked to sit near Gwen because she would always hit the right notes.

Several members of the Singing Group gathered at the Benalla Cemetery on 24th November to say farewell to Gwen. Our sincere condolences to Rupe at this time. 
 
We have also learnt during the month that Patsy Bollard had a fall at home and needed attention in Benalla Health. Whilst Patsy was relatively cheerful when I visited, she obviously had done considerable damage to her knee, and had a lot of bruising as well.   Patsy is now home and progressing well.

We are having a Singing for Fun lunch to celebrate the end of 2020 on Friday 11th December at 12.15pm at the Benalla Golf Club. Could you please let me know by Wednesday 9th December if you would like to come.

May I take this opportunity to wish you all the best for 2021. We hope to see you in the New Year. Please watch the Website for more news about what is happening in the New Year.
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Margaret Jenkins