​What a great concert we had at Meet and Mingle on Wednesday 15th November. Thank you to our leaders Kieran, Brian and Margaret for all the work you had done with us, and also to Gwen for accompanying all those songs.  It was a great morning listening to the Recorder and Ukulele Groups as well as having all our friends come and listen to us.

There were many favourable comments at the end of the concert. We look as though we will have at least two new members of Singing for Fun next year, and also three former members of Singing for Fun thought they would like to come back in 2024.

We still have our Cooinda concert at 10.30am on Thursday 7th December, and our Estia concert at 10.30am on Thursday 14th December. This will be followed by our break up lunch at the Golf Club at 12 noon on Thursday 14th December. There is also the Remembrance Gathering that we are singing at on Thursday 7th December at 5pm at Benalla Health.

Thank you to Kieran, Brian, Margaret, Carmyl and Brian for Leading the sessions through 2023. You have put considerable effort into choosing the right blend of songs, and then instructing us how to sing them properly. Also, a huge thank you to Gwen for playing so well for us throughout 2023.

Thank you to Deidre for helping with morning tea each Thursday. Also, to Wendy and Trish for sorting the books and putting them away when each session is over. Also, to the guys for rearranging the tables and chairs at the Hub after each session. You have all contributed to the smooth running of Singing for Fun through 2023.

With best wishes to you all for a Happy Christmas. Hope to see you all back at the Hub at Cooinda for Singing for Fun in 2024.

​
Margaret Jenkins 

Well, October has certainly been a different month for Singing for Fun. The first Thursday was just after the floods, and we had to cancel Singing for Fun as the flood barriers for the Hub at Cooinda were still down on Wednesday night.

The second Thursday we had Carmyl and Brian Colman as Kieran, Brian and Margaret were all unavailable. It is marvellous how resilient we are. Carmyl always seems to have a list of songs organised for us, and Brian Colman has a book of previously used songs which he could call on.

So, the third Thursday we were back to normal. Slowly we are putting together the songs for our concerts which are fast coming around. Our thanks to Gwen for not only her accompaniment, but also for her suggestions about some of the songs for the concerts.

We are singing for the Meet and Mingle concert on Wednesday 15th November at 10am in the Auditorium at the Seniors Centre. That will be a fun morning.

Then on Thursday 7th December we are going to Cooinda with our concert songs, plus some Christmas carols. That is going to be repeated at Estia Health (in Thomas Street) on Thursday 14th December, followed by our break up Christmas lunch at the Golf Club.

We have also been invited to sing at a Remembrance Gathering in the Benalla Health grounds near the Mary Tracy Fountain at 5pm on Thursday 7th December.

Thank you to all Singing for Fun members for participating in these concerts and the Remembrance gathering.
​

Margaret Jenkins

Unfortunately we h​ave had to cancel Singing for tomorrow (Thursday 5th October) due to flood damage of the Hub at Cooinda.  Len has sent an Email to all Singing for Fun members.  

Singing will return on Thursday 12th October. 

See you then!

Margaret Jenkins

September has seen lots of great songs by all the Leaders. Kieran focussed on some Al Jolson songs one morning, whilst Margaret chose a series of ‘partner’ songs at one session which were challenging but the group coped well. Brian chose some of our favourite songs during the month, whilst Carmyl had some Scottish songs one morning. 

Thank you, Gwen for accompanying the variety of songs which have been chosen.

We are starting to work toward the U3A concert which will be held on Wednesday 15th November at 10am in the Auditorium of the Benalla Seniors and Community Centre. The singing group will entertain for 30 minutes this year, due to the fact that the Recorder Group and the Ukelele Group will also perform at the concert. It will be great to have all the musical talent of U3A Benalla on display. We do hope that lots of U3A members and also their friends will come along and be part of the audience.  

The next meeting of Singing for Fun will be on Thursday 5th October at 10am at the Hub in Cooinda.

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Margaret Jenkins

During August we have had Carmyl involved in two of the mornings due to Margaret being away on holidays. Carmyl chose a group of gospel songs for one of her sessions which was a bit unusual for the group, but they performed the songs very well.

Kieran has this great knack of getting us going each morning, choosing some rousing songs in the process. One morning Kieran included the Battle Hymn of the Republic and everyone sang it with great gusto.

Brian has been revisiting some songs such as Right Said Fred as well as The Black Hills of Dakota which have been enjoyed.

Thank you to Gwen for accompanying all the different songs, with no notice. You do a wonderful job for the group.

Our numbers are remaining close to 30 each morning which is great to see.

The next Singing for Fun meeting will be on Thursday 7th September at 10am at the Hub in Cooinda.

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Margaret Jenkins 

Our numbers at Singing for Fun have been on the increase during July, which is great to see. We have welcomed Veronica, Hans, Shirley and Charlie and hope you all enjoy your times with us. Currently we have almost 30 people enjoying Singing for Fun each week.

Kieran had one morning where he chose alternate Australian and Irish songs, whilst Brian selected some Seekers songs which are always enjoyed. Margaret had one session where she had us singing several rounds, which everyone joined in with loud voices.

Thank you to Gwen for accompanying whatever is chosen. Also, our thanks to Gwen and Col for providing slice and chocolates for the morning tea to celebrate Joyce’s birthday. Joyce and her late husband Bob founded our group 18 years ago. Our singing of Happy Birthday that morning was also for Wendy and Milvi, who were also celebrating their birthdays in the same week.

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

Margaret Jenkins

Singing for Fun has been having three Leaders for the sessions in June, so as to provide the Leaders with a little extra time for teaching. The variety of songs chosen by Kieran, Brian, Margaret and Carmyl has been great. Kieran has often chosen several songs from musicals, whilst Brian has been introducing some great harmony by the sopranos.  We are enjoying Carmyl’s peace songs as well as her unaccompanied rounds, whilst Margaret’s songs are more spontaneous. Thank you to each leader for the time they spend in planning their sessions.

Thank you also to Gwen for the flexibility you show in accompanying such a variety of approaches.

The next Singing for Fun will be on Thursday 6th July at 10am at the Hub at Cooinda.

Margaret Jenkins

The first session in May started off with our pianist being unable to come. However, Brian Greed made a list of all the songs he was able to accompany, and we had a great session. A big thank you to Brian for playing the piano for the morning, and also to Rae for providing morning tea that day.

Gwen was able to return for our second and third sessions in May which was good. The flexibility that our Leaders provide is remarkable. Margaret Merriman chose the “Instrument Song” one morning, and whilst the five parts could have been a problem, it turned out to be very well handled by the group. Thank you also to Kieran for his Al Jolson theme one session which was also very enjoyable.

Our congratulations to Ray O’Shannessy on turning 91 during May. Also, many thanks to Sue Dwyer for morning tea on the third Thursday. 

Everyone in the group helps where they can. Thanks to Brian Colman for arranging the chairs in the morning for the sessions, and to the guys for rearranging the chairs after each session. Also, thanks to Wendy for putting the books away each week.

The next session of Singing for Fun will be on Thursday 1st June at 10am at the Hub at Cooinda.

Margaret Jenkins

During the last month the U3A Singing group have been asked to sing for residents of Freemasons, Cooinda and Estia Health Aged Care facilities. It is wonderful to see that our concerts late last year were appreciated by the Benalla community.

After careful consideration we have decided to take Community Singing to Freemasons on Thursday 25th May, to Cooinda on Thursday 22nd June and to Estia Health on Thursday 29th June, all at 10am. 

During April we have had some great singing sessions. One Thursday Kieran asked Joyce Borschmann to choose the songs which she did. Carmyl has had us singing rounds as well as a great variety of different songs. Brian included several Seekers songs one morning whilst Margaret has chosen songs from various shows, and has often told us who played in the various roles. Thank you to Gwen who has been providing wonderful accompaniment for all our Leaders.

The next Singing for Fun will be on Thursday 4th May at 10am in the Hub at Cooinda.

Margaret Jenkins 

March has seen some bright and happy meetings of Singing for Fun with many songs being enjoyed.

Kieran chose an Al Jolson group of songs one morning, whilst Carmyl had an Australiana theme for one of her sessions. Brian introduced a special part for the men in “Polly Perkins” whilst Margaret started at the beginning of Book 3 one week. All interesting and varied approaches.  Gwen has been providing great accompaniment on the piano for all our Leaders. 

We would like to thank Brian for mending the music stand and making it much more stable. Also Wendy for the cake she provided at morning tea one day.

It is a group which contribute in many ways. Thank you to the guys for rearranging the chairs and tables at the end of each session, and to Wendy for putting the books away.

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

Singing in 2023 has started with increased numbers of members, which is great to see.

​Our four leaders for the month chose a variety of approaches to their sessions.

Carmyl had the group singing rounds in February which everyone seemed to enjoy. She also had an International morning for one of her sessions choosing songs from a variety of countries. Brian started off his first session with a Seekers medley which is always popular with the group. On another morning he brought a tin whistle and chose Pedro the Fisherman and played the tin whistle at the appropriate part.

“On the Road to Mandalay” was included by Margaret in one of her sessions, and she added some geography information about the song for us all. Kieran let the members choose their favourite song in one of his sessions, and this turned up a variety of songs.'

We thank Gwen for the great musical accompaniment she has been providing for all sessions.

We were sorry to hear that one of our newer members, Tony Watson, was in Wangaratta hospital with septicaemia. Hope you are back with us soon Tony.

The next Singing for Fun will be on Thursday 2nd March at 10am in the Hub at Cooinda.

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Margaret Jenkins 

What a great finish to our year! Three successful concerts. The first was at Meet and Mingle on 16th November, then at Cooinda on 1st December and the last one at Royal Freemasons on 8th December. All three concerts were good, and we got invited back to both Cooinda and Royal Freemasons in 2023.

My thanks to Kieran Smith, Brian Greed and Margaret Merriman for Leading the group in their set of songs. Each of you have done a wonderful job putting together a varied program which has been really appreciated by each audience.

A special thank you to Gwen Barnes for accompanying us at all three concerts. Gwen had a good idea of the piano at the Benalla Senior’s Centre, but had little time to familiarise herself with the pianos at Cooinda and Freemasons. But Gwen did a superb job at all three venues.

Our Christmas lunch at the Golf Club followed the concert at Royal Freemasons and was enjoyed by all. Good food, great company and plenty of chatter.

​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.

​
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.
​
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.
​
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.

​
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.

​
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. 

​
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.
​
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.
​
Margaret Jenkins 

​

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.
​
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.