1. Art and Diseño

From the President
NEWS
Newsletter of
Canberra’s University
of the Third Age
www.u3acanberra.org.au
Jan/Feb 2015
Volume 29 Number 1
CONTENTS
From the President
1
From the Editor
2
U3A Canberra News
3
Travel Opportunities
11
Around the Courses
13
Committee members and key
volunteer functions
16
As is typically the case, we essentially ended our 2014 year with the AGM
at which our new General Committee was appointed and at which, as
President, I gave a brief overview of the past year, some of which I had
alluded to in the November/December newsletter. But for the first time,
we also issued an Annual Report which was made available at the AGM,
and is also available on our website. I therefore won’t go any further into
the details of that in this article, other than to say we achieved a great deal
on a number of fronts through 2014. But I should also report that most of
the General Committee members re-nominated and were re-appointed,
enabling us to continue the work we began in 2014, particularly on the
operational front, with a review of our Constitution; the documentation
of a range of new procedural arrangements; and the establishment of four
working groups to drive the implementation of our Strategic Plan for
2014-19.
Nevertheless we do have two new members: Sean Forster, who joins the
Executive of the General Committee as our new Secretary; and Michael
Alder, a new appointment to the General Committee, filling vacancies
created by the retirement from the Committee of Linda Tregonning (one
of our two Vice-Presidents and co-ordinator for Communications and
Promotion), and Marlene Dixon (whose term had expired). Each has made
a valuable contribution to U3A during their membership of the Committee.
We very much appreciate their efforts and hope they continue to be engaged
with U3A in the future.
But the AGM is also a time for transacting business and so it was in that
we made a significant number of largely housekeeping, but nevertheless
significant, amendments to our Constitution, and to allow for, among other
things, the Committee to make use of modern communication systems in
conducting its operations. We also reported for the first time on the work
of the Project Officer to the Committee. As indicated in a ‘Report on the
Project Officer’ posted on our website, the Committee has identified a
significant number of projects designed to provide a more structured framework for by-laws, procedures for General Meetings, and expenditures,
among other things. These are largely procedural matters but critical to
the integrity of our operations, and U3A will benefit significantly from the
updating of, and on-going adherence to, the formalisation of our evolving
operational procedures.
Another feature of the AGM was, as foreshadowed in my column in the
November/December newsletter, the presentation of Outstanding Service
Awards to some very worthy members of U3A, all of whom had given at
least ten years service to U3A in various ways (see article on page 5).
We were very impressed, too, by the number of people (132) who attended
the AGM, a number of whom raised issues for consideration and engaged
in the discussion.
Another notable feature of the AGM was the announcement of the first two
grants from the newly establishment Capital Equipment Grant Fund (see
separate article).
But by the time you have receive this Newsletter, we will be well and truly
back at work, having already identified some new opportunities for further
enhancing the programs and services we provide to our members.
Editor
David Wilson
Printer
Elect Printers,
Fyshwick
I think we have a great year ahead, and I therefore look forward to a
fulfilling 2015 for our members and for U3A as a whole.
Robyn Beetham
[email protected]
From the Editor
Welcome to the first U3A ACT newsletter of 2015.
I trust that you’re enjoying these newsletters and I would appreciate any comments you
may have on content, layout, readability etc. The base colour adopted for 2015 reflects
the principal colour of the U3A poster and brochure.
The slightly later publishing date has allowed a full report on the Christmas party and
associated exhibitions (see pages 8-10). There’s also a lot of information relating to the
running of U3A ACT which is essential reading. Unfortunately, as a result, it’s been
necessary to delay the poets’ page until next edition.
Please keep your contributions coming in as they are the lifeblood of any newsletter. We
need more views from members participating in U3A activities, photos of U3A in action
and suggestions on how our publications could be improved.
Newsletter Timetable
The timetable for the 2015 newsletters is set out below. Please observe the deadline for each edition - it makes my
job much easier.
Newsletter Edition
Deadline for copy
Newsletter posted on Webpage
Newsletter mailed
Mar/April 2015
9 Feb
2 Mar
4 Mar
May/Jun 2015
6 Apr
27 April
29 April
July/Aug 2015
8 June
29 June
1 July
Sept/Oct 2015
10 Aug
31 Aug
2 Sept
Nov/Dec 2015
5 Oct
26 Oct
28 Oct
Please note: The closing date for course proposals is four to five days before the above deadlines, as proposals need
to be processed before being ready for the newsletter.
David Wilson
[email protected]
Why not try UC in 2015?
Forty U3A members took up the opportunity offered for the first time in 2014 and audited courses at the University
of Canberra. Their reports were very positive. They enjoyed the challenge of learning new subjects in an academic
environment and many came back for a second semester. Auditing means listening but attendance at the University
is far from passive. There is the opportunity to listen, read and discuss with fellow students a wide range of subject
matter. Most of those who audited last year attended tutorials. All students have access to the online material
associated with coursework these days and the University’s WiFi when on campus.
Browse the courses available now and be ready to register from mid January.
Please note that enrolments close on 2 February for commencement of Semester 1 on 16 February. Members will
also be invited to audit courses in the Winter Term and Semester 2 later in the year. Full details of courses, timetables (when available) and registration procedures are at www.canberra.edu.au/u3a
To discuss, email me at [email protected]
Chris Paterson
2 U3A ACT Inc Newsletter Jan/Feb 2015
U3A Canberra News
Membership Matters
There has been the usual enthusiasm from members to renew memberships before Christmas, with over 60% of
2014 members having completed their renewals for 2015 by 1 December. For those members who have not yet
renewed their membership, please be aware that this is your final Newsletter before your membership lapses on 31
January 2015. So to ensure you have continuity of eBulletins and other communications from us, you should renew
before this date. You can of course rejoin at any time during 2015.
This year has been the first time that members who join or renew their membership online are able to also have
their membership card and information instantly emailed to them. This has been a great success, with 78% of 812
members who joined or renewed in November taking advantage of this service.
While it is clear that many of our members like and use our Internet services, U3A is aware that fewer than half
of citizens over 65 years use the Internet (2012-13 ABS Household Survey). It is therefore critical that U3A will
continue to deliver its services to non-Internet-using members as well as those who prefer to use the Internet.
The U3A offices have been closed since Friday 19 December 2014, and will not reopen until Monday 12 January
2015. No membership renewals will be processed during this period, but any backlog from the office closure period
will be addressed before the end of January.
Supplies of our U3A branded lanyards for displaying your membership cards are running low, but more supplies
are on order and should be available for purchase in January.
I have received positive feedback from members about the redesigned membership card, being easier to read from
a white card and with larger print.
Thank you to members who email with queries, feedback, comments and suggestions. All are welcome.
Paul Ratcliffe
Membership Secretary
[email protected]
Committee’s decision on
Capital Equipment Grants 2014/15
At its meeting on 11 November 2014 the Committee approved two capital equipment grants totalling around
$8700.These grants are aimed at meeting a demonstrated need over several years which could not be reasonably
be met by current participants. The two successful applicants were Margaret Wright’s Recorder Orchestra and
Anthony Dale’s Jazz Appreciation Group. Both groups are delighted with the Committee’s positive response to
their applications.
The grant to Margaret Wright’s Recorder Orchestra is to enable the purchase of a sub-contra-bass recorder which
will be imported from overseas. The estimated cost of the recorder is around $7600 and the grant will cover
that cost, provided that the Orchestra makes a donation of $2,100 to U3A funds to offset that overall cost. The
Committee felt that a grant of around $7,600 to one applicant would be excessive, but that a net grant of around
$5500 would not be unreasonable. The new recorder will significantly enhance the type of music that the orchestra
can perform.Margaret Wright’s reaction was: ’The grant is very generous. The sound would be wonderful, and
really give the orchestra a boost.’
The grant to Anthony Dale’s Jazz Appreciation Group is for $1050 which will enable the purchase of a Marantz
610 CD player. Through this piece of equipment, the group will be able to work with the latest advanced sound
system equipment and thus enhance the enjoyment and appreciation of the music they listen to.
Both purchases will be the property of U3A ACT.
Funds permitting, the Committee proposes to hold further Capital Equipment Grant rounds annually around
November.
U3A ACT Inc Newsletter Jan/Feb 2015 3
Report to Members on the AGM
We held a most successful AGM on 26 November 2014. There are a number of reasons it should be regarded as a
success (albeit a rather long-winded one).
132 members turned out to attend the meeting. This is a truly wonderful result. The committee really appreciates
the support of those who attended. And, since we had moved the meeting to Cook to accommodate larger numbers,
everyone also had a seat!
The meeting was also a success because we did all the business we needed to do. We tabled all the necessary
reports. We heard that we had an unqualified audit from the auditor and that we had a small surplus for the year. We
considered all the resolutions we needed to. Copies of the President’s Report, the Auditor’s Report and the Report
on the Project Officer to the Committee are on the U3A website (http://www.u3acanberra.org.au/agm/2014/). The
2013-14 Annual Report is also available (http://www.u3acanberra.org.au/documents/u3a_annual_report_2014.pdf).
The AGM considered a Special Resolution to make 24 amendments to our Rules. The changes brought our Rules
up to date and clarified some provisions for example by recognising that we now have two offices, frequently use
email, and other technology, and that the ACT Government has updated its model Rules for incorporated bodies.
This gave rise to extended discussion and members agreed to nine amendments before the Special Resolution was
passed. The discussion was quite long but we got there in the end. It is only right that members speak up when they
have concerns and questions.
Our new committee was elected. Mainly we are familiar faces, but two new members have joined us, Michael
Alder and Sean Forster. Our line-up for 2014-15 is as follows:
President:Robyn Beetham
Vice President:
Maurice Sexton
Vice President:
Chris Paterson
Treasurer:
Yvon-Pierre (Pierre) Patron
Secretary:Sean Forster
Ordinary Members:
Michael Alder Jude Briscoe Kathy Hedger John Warhurst
Paul Ratcliffe
Garth Setchell
Louise Morauta
There is one vacancy for an ordinary member. This vacancy may be filled by the committee during the year.
I also spoke at the AGM about Outstanding Service Awards to ten members I referred to in the last Newsletter, and
handed out awards to those who were present. It is a pleasure to acknowledge the work of people who have given
so many years of dedicated voluntary service to our association.
After the AGM was closed and we had afternoon tea, we held an informal discussion about publicity for and the
timing of the AGM. The committee has already agreed to put out a calendar of events for members at the beginning
of every year. So the discussion focused on whether it would be better to hold the AGM at 2pm on a weekday,
at 5pm or 6pm on a weekday or at 2pm on a Saturday afternoon. No consensus was reached and the committee
undertook to devise a way to get feedback from members on this topic.
Robyn Beetham
President
Update on Project Officer to the Committee
Our Project Officer to the Committee, Carol Harris, has continued to provide advice to the committee on policies
we could adopt to improve our governance and administration.
At the most recent committee meeting on 11 November 2014, the committee considered and approved several
policies on which Carol had worked in conjunction with committee members. These were:
• A Contracts for Services policy, with two templates, to help us when establishing and entering into contracts for
services that we need, and
• A Volunteer Agreement policy, with two types of agreement for volunteers to sign. These are to ensure that we
meet our obligations to keep information on members confidential; to look out for the safety and wellbeing of
all members; and to meet privacy requirements in relation to members’ contact information.
We are committed to keeping members in the picture and providing information on our policies as they are developed. The documents and forms listed above can be found on our website at http://www.u3acanberra.org.au/
policiesandprocedures/. Hard copies are available on request from our two offices or from the Secretary.
Maurice Sexton
Vice President
4 U3A ACT Inc Newsletter Jan/Feb 2015
U3A honours some outstanding volunteers
John Campbell, Lloyd Melhuish, Robyn Beetham, Ines de Rachewiltz, Roger Dobb, Clarrie Hockley and Allan Green
(photo Bob Hay)
A very special part of the Annual General Meeting in recent years has been the opportunity to thank volunteers
who have given long and outstanding service to U3A in Canberra. For those who could not come to the AGM in
November, here are the citations to the awards made at the meeting.
John Campbell has conducted courses for fifteen years into the background of political personalities - and has
often been prepared to add extra programs when demand has much exceeded his possible class size.
Ines de Rachewiltz has conducted for twenty years a small but successful course in the Italian language at the
intermediate level, at which so many others fall by the wayside.
Roger Dobb took leadership of the class Dipping into Literature in 1998. He then developed a program which
involved participation by most members of the class. A decade later the course name changed to Enjoying
Literature, an apt title; and he still leads that class in 2014. For many years he was also a regular member of the
Newsletter mail-out team. Graeme Flanagan has run courses each year since 2002 on the regional music created in different parts of the
United States, illustrating the remarkable depth and variety of the American musical tradition.
Allan Green played an outstanding role in U3A’s work in music for nearly twenty years, both in conducting expert
courses on the structure of serious music, and in running successful groups working with recorders, one of the basic
tools of early music. He was also a volunteer in the Hughes office for many years.
Clarrie Hockley conducted classes in the history of the Americas for fifteen years. Prior to 1998 those classes were
led by Iris Hockley and Dean Daniels. Clarrie has worked hard to keep a balance of presentations by class members
and talks by invited guest speakers with a knowledge of the subject.
Erika Langman conducted for fifteen years U3A’s advanced course in the German language, covering German
culture and history as well as the language itself. In the early years, she also gave courses on religious poetry.
Lloyd Melhuish has taught Japanese conversation, culture and reading classes for over 20 years, a very long and
valuable service to U3A students.
Philip Peters gave U3A classes for more than 20 years, starting with Anatolia in 1992/3 and becoming The Middle
East and Beyond and then The Middle East and Islam a few years later. Those classes have been so well attended
that the HCC Hall was needed as the venue.
AJ Steer has run courses for over a decade on a wide variety of interesting subjects, showing a remarkable breadth
of interests and expertise.
U3A ACT Inc Newsletter Jan/Feb 2015 5
Half Day Seminar Program
We’re calling for a Coordinator to trial a Half Day Seminar Program for 2015. Please think about whether or not
you can help!
There are many organisations and individuals in the ACT who have contacted U3A asking to present on their
particular subject. These topics are often not suitable for the Tuesday Lunchtime Forum or the Current Affairs
courses currently being run. They are topics which often require more than just the presentation of an idea through
a lecture, mostly they require a seminar style presentation with greater opportunities for audience participation. To
ensure they have a forum to reach U3A members, it is proposed to trial a Half Day Seminar series in 2015. We plan
to hold a monthly presentation, starting in May, if we can find a volunteer to be the coordinator.
It is vital to find a person willing to coordinate this activity. If we could manage to find a few volunteers we could
form a small committee.
It is proposed that we consider holding the session in the hall at Cook in order to provide a wider range of activities
at that venue. The hall is large enough and has adequate electronic equipment necessary for the presentations.
The individual sessions would be run by the individual or organisation which had booked the time slot. Advertising
would primarily be with the U3A newsletter, making the deadline for the March/April edition (9 Feb 2015) the
deadline for the decision to go ahead. Updates and reminders can be made through the eBulletin.
The main role of the coordinator is to manage a small committee (2 or 3 U3A members) to liaise with organisations
and individuals to arrange suitable dates and then to coordinate the copy for publication in the U3A newsletter.
If you are interested, please contact either John Warhurst at [email protected] or Rosemary Ganly at
[email protected]
Con Brio U3A
The choir is going from strength to strength with several new members and a vibrant repertoire to keep us interested. 2014 saw us perform at some six concerts with the last happening on 11 December when we sang for the fifth
year in a row for a Masonic Lodge Christmas function. Due to a change of accompanist, when our long term and
wonderful Shirley Cramp finally left us, we were unable to have an Open Day last term, but hope, with the help of
our new pianist, Hildegarde Palefox, to hold one this year.
The choir is seeking new members in all voices, and any aspiring singers should contact me, Margaret Evans or Jan
Kicenko. We are a friendly bunch and have a lot of fun, so come and join us!
Details on request from:
Brenda Akister Tel: 6254 1454
Margaret Evans Tel: 0408646959
Jan Kicenko Tel: 6241 7071
Brenda Akister
Warrani Chorale News
Our musical journey last year was most enjoyable, culminating in Open Mornings in June and November, with
our theme of Musical Theatre Memories being very well received. We once again thank our conductors – Pixie
Gray and Natalie Collis - for all their hard work during the year. We would also like to express our appreciation to
Barbara Hall, our dedicated accompanist.
This year we are planning to acknowledge the anniversary of ANZAC by learning some songs from the era, along
with some other “golden oldies” from our archives. Pixie is also on the hunt for some new music to make sure we
are constantly being challenged.
Warrani Chorale is an all-ladies group singing in four parts. New members are always welcome, no audition
required. Rehearsals commence on Wednesday 4 February at Yarralumla Uniting Church, beginning at 9.30am.
Subscription for the Semester is $40, payable on the first morning if possible. If you would like further information,
please contact Pam Wilmot on 62477689, or you can check the details in this year’s Prospectus.
Robyn Laird
6 U3A ACT Inc Newsletter Jan/Feb 2015
Dancing again for Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia
On 15 November 2014, the Canberra International Folkdancing Association (CIFDA) and the U3A International
Folkdancing Group held an Afternoon Tea Dance at the Yarralumla Uniting Church Hall to raise funds for Hamlin
Fistula Ethiopia (HFE). After payment of rent for the Hall, a total of approximately $1,400 was raised from door
entry, a trading table, raffles and from additional donations. This is the fourth year the two dance groups have
combined to support this most worthwhile project, bringing the total raised to date to about $9,500.
Through the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital, its five regional hospitals and the Hamlin College of Midwives, HFE
can restore dignity to obstetric fistula sufferers and continue to train local midwives to prevent this terrible injury.
For more information, visit www.hamlin.org.au.
Some 40 dancers attended the November Tea Dance. The program of 19 dances had a nice variety of patterns,
moods and rhythms drawn from many different countries, including Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Israel, Macedonia,
Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Spain, Turkey and the U.K.(Scotland and Wales).
The dances were selected from each of the four decades CIFDA has been in existence, having been started in 1976
by Sue Miller (nee Wild). All dances were on the U3A Folkdancing Program for 2014. For the last few years, Sue
and I have been co-leaders of the U3A Folkdancing Group which I started in 2005.
It was good to catch up with friends from other dance groups in Canberra and Braidwood and to have an enjoyable
afternoon dancing together while supporting such a worthy cause.
At the age of 90, Dr Catherine Hamlin is still very much involved in the work of the hospital, doing the rounds but
taking a break from operating. She is indeed a truly remarkable and inspiring woman.
Glenys West
A Field of Poppies
Part of the Riots of Spring exhibition (see page 8) was a special hanging in the entrance to Cook Hub during the
month of November, namely A Field of Poppies.
Angela made 100 poppies to commemorate 100 years since World War I began: the war that would be over by
Christmas. Other members of Open Studio added their contributions to the hanging.
On Tuesday 11 November 2014, members of the MAM/Open Studio and guests brought historical items such as:
a kit bag; enlistment documents; war medals; and a poignant montage Shrine. There was delicate china with real
cucumber sandwiches and real tea for the morning gathering. They came:
•
•
•
•
•
to share stories of ancestors that went to war,
to perform poems written for the occasion,
to observe the traditional 2 minute silence at the playing of The Last Post,
to share a traditional 1914 morning tea, and
to remember. The MAM/Open Studio
U3A ACT Inc Newsletter Jan/Feb 2015 7
The Riots of Spring
For six weeks, the hallway at Cook Hub was a riot of colour - adorned with poppies and tulips. Visitors to the
Hub could wander and wonder at the array of talent in U3A. There were photographs, drawings, paintings, poetry,
embroidery, quilts, a crocheted rug, a tulip patchwork bag, a delightful mosaic and a small but stunningly vibrant
quilt from a member of the Quilters’ Association. Contributions were from professionals and beginners, and every
level of skill in between, all talking to each other with one voice, one topic, one exhibition.
The Riots of Spring was the conclusion of a one year project. The concept was simple: focus a wide variety of
creative U3A minds on one subject, either the poppy or the tulip, to explore it to the max, to respond, and to bring
the results together in one exhibition. The exhibition spoke for itself. But the project was more than just an exhibition of art work. The launch of the exhibition brought into focus other creative groups at Cook Hub which do
not usually see light of day. It afforded the opportunity to display their wares in one creative space, at one creative
moment, and in one arena of mutual support.
The launch commenced with the very apt Tiptoe through the Tulips, piped by our resident Pan. Quickly displaced
by a surprise appearance of the Play Reading Group, they gave a lively performance of a selection of Spring
readings from their repertoire - much to the delight of the audience of participants. Thence followed a walk-through
of the art work on display. A representative of each art group discussed their approach to the topic, liberally interspersed by the Poetry Bombers performing their own poetry. It all came to a resounding finale with spring music
performed by the two recorder groups that practice at Cook Hub weekly.
Bron King’s photos of the exhibits can be viewed at https://picasaweb.google.com/bronkin/CookExhibition
8 U3A ACT Inc Newsletter Jan/Feb 2015
Participants were:
The Play Reading Group
Open Studio
The Photography Club
Northside Art Groups
Quilters Association
Music Groups
Artists
Poetry Bombers
The MAM
Kippax Satellites
Make a Mark II
Make a Mark IV
Drawing for Pleasure
Rock On Art Group
Limitless Art
The Recorder Quartet
Andante
To all U3A members who participated in the project, and those who enjoyed the display and gave encouragement
along the way, thank you.
MamSahb
for The MAM/Open Studio
U3A ACT Inc Newsletter Jan/Feb 2015 9
2014 Christmas Party
In the past few years, the U3A Christmas party has been held at Cook and comprised exhibitions and entertainment
by some of U3A’s performing groups and lunch. Paul Humphries and Bob Hay report on the exhibitions, Chris
Paterson on the entertainment.
The entertainment began at 11am in the
Hall with the Advanced Recorder Orchestra,
Margaret Wright conducting. She introduced
us to the range of recorders being played and
enchanted us with the music. As they moved
out, Bill Motherway had us singing along to
the accompaniment of his accordion. Then the
Conchordia Choir sang in great form, conducted
by Kay Hansar.
All too soon it was lunchtime, this year ably
provided by Rotary Ginninderra as a fundraiser
for an orphanage in Kenya.
After lunch we were entertained by a program
of musical theatre pieces and Christmas songs
by the Warrani Choir conducted by Pixie Gray
and Natalie Collis. Finally the International Folk
Dancers led by Glenys West demonstrated dances
from a range of countries, before issuing an
invitation to members of the audience to join in
and dance.
Our thanks to performers - they gave us an
interesting program and were much appreciated
by those present. Thanks also to the many
volunteers who made this possible.
Bill Motherway (photo Bob Hay)
The U3A Art Exhibition was a wonderful display of colour, creativity and cleverness. The Art varied in style,
presentation and subject, and included beautiful and impressive depictions of flowers, birds, fruit as well as
landscapes and waterscapes. All were carefully displayed on the walls of the corridor of the Cook Hub. Almost the
full length of the corridor walls was awash with colour.
It was obvious that many of the visitors to the exhibition were delighted with the display and each of the individual
entries provided an indication of just how talented and skilled many of the U3A members are when it comes to
making a mark on a blank piece of paper or canvas.
The visitors were also very impressed and interested in the display of works in room 3, inspired by Picasso’s
famous work ‘Guernica’.
To complement the visual exhibition, the Poetry Bombers displayed a nice variety of their poems at Poetry corner
near the entrance to the corridor and also in vantage points through out the venue.
Bob Hay reflects on the photography exhibition:
This year we had 63 prints and 61 slides to show the public; two rooms to prepare; publicity posters and
catalogues to create; we had to recruit and roster volunteers who would move furniture, hang prints, create the
slide show, and most importantly, who would keep an eye on things as well as chat with the satisfyingly large
number of visitors who came to see what we had on offer.
Summary
The Christmas Party is an opportunity for U3A groups to share their activities with other U3A members. I am impressed by the high standards, energy and commitment that were demonstrated. As Bob says ‘it is not good enough
to say “we are only U3A’’, we commit to being the best we can’. This goes into the many facets of U3A life and is
what makes U3A ACT such a great organisation.
Chris Paterson
10 U3A ACT Inc Newsletter Jan/Feb 2015
Travel Opportunities
Disclaimer
Most activities involve some element of risk. Bushwalking, in particular, is an inherently dangerous activity and requires an
appropriate level of fitness. Whilst both U3A ACT Inc and the National Trust (ACT) maintain public liability insurance and will
endeavour to protect your safety, they cannot remove all the dangers. Both organisations must also assume that participants,
by booking, consider themselves to have appropriate levels of fitness and mobility. Those undertaking activities should
therefore be aware that they participate at their own risk.
The following activities are part of U3A’s walks & tours program
The last activity for the Walks and Tours Program in 2014
was the coach/walking tour ‘Yass Please’ on Thursday 13
November. Despite a fairly hot day, it was greatly enjoyed
by the 44 people who attended. Similar ventures in future
are being considered for Cooma and Braidwood.
End-of-day refreshments at Elizabeth Hume’s last home,
‘Cliftonwood’
Our first activity in 2015 will be a morning walk to Booroomba Rocks, about 10km SW of Tharwa as the crow
flies, on Saturday 31 January. To take best advantage of lower morning temperatures, we will meet at the bridge
over the Gudgenby River at Naas at 8.45am. From there we will drive up Apollo Road towards Honeysuckle Creek,
transferring to half the cars at a point near the end of our walk. We will then all drive to the carpark below the
Rocks. It is about a 220m climb, along a good track, to the top of the Rocks, with spectacular views over Canberra.
Returning to the carpark, we will then commence about a 6km downhill walk along a section of the Alpine Walking
Track to a firetrail which brings us back to Apollo Road, from where those cars first vacated will be used to reunite
everyone with their own vehicle. With luck, this should be around 1.00pm – just nice timing for a picnic lunch at
the attractive Honeysuckle Creek reserve. Reasonable fitness and good balance are obviously required. To book,
please ring the leader, Garth Setchell, on 62901100. There will be a $10pp charge, payable on the day.
Our next activity will be a one-day coach tour to a matinee performance of Puccini’s ‘Madama Butterfly’, to be
sung in Italian at the Sydney Opera House on Sunday 22 February. The tour will include travel by coach, morning
tea and dinner on the return. We have also secured up to 50 A-Reserve seats in the Stalls. There will be the usual
pick-ups/set-downs, with the first departure from Deakin at 8.00am and last drop-off at around 9.45pm. The tour
price is now confirmed at $290pp, payable in full by 22 January. If you have already expressed interest, please
confirm that interest by sending payment as per the details in the tour leaflet sent to you. For new bookings, or for
queries, please ring Garth Setchell on 62901100.
This will be followed by two tours to Norfolk Island. The first, from Thursday 12 to Friday 20 March coincides
with the 225th anniversary of the wrecking of HMS Sirius off the island, and is fully booked. The second, from
Thursday 4 to Friday 12 June, which coincides with Bounty Day and will be led by the Assistant Tours Officer
(Pam Behncke) is also fully booked. However, if you wish to be placed on the Wait List for either tour, please
ring Garth Setchell on 62901100. Applicants for the June tour are reminded that their balances must be paid to the
Norfolk Island Travel Centre by 25 February at the latest.
Other activities for which bookings are now being taken are:
Wednesday 29 April – The Glenburn/Burbong Historic Precinct: This drive/walk excursion to visit several
early European sites in the Kowen Forest, about 12km east of Queanbeyan, repeats the very popular excursion
led last June by Col McAlister, from the Friends of Glenburn. It will include visits to the Glenburn Shearing Shed
complex that had its origins possibly in the 1860s, the Colverwell Graves (1837), Colliers Homestead ruins and
orchard (1879-80), Coppins Homestead ruins (1892), Glenburn Homestead (1897-1900), the site of the Kowen
School (1882-1906) and the site of several charcoal kilns that operated during WW2. The area was once a small,
vibrant rural community that was first settled in the 1830s.
U3A ACT Inc Newsletter Jan/Feb 2015 11
Only short, easy walks are involved, but you will need to bring your own morning tea and lunch, plus water, stout
shoes and a hat. For further details, or to book, please contact Col McAlister on 62884171 or cvmac@grapevine.
com.au. Participants will meet at the Canberra Railway Station, Kingston, at 9.00am, where car pooling will be organised. Although the gravel roads in the forest are fine for 2WD cars, pooling is necessary to minimise the number
of cars, and passengers should be prepared to contribute towards petrol costs. Return is expected around 3.30pm. A
charge of $10pp, payable on the day, will include some extra refreshments and a donation in support of volunteer
work to conserve these important sites.
Tuesday 5 to Thursday 7 May – Art, Architecture & History Tour to Bathurst and Hill End/Sofala:
Bob Sutherland, the co-ordinator of U3A’s Art Gallery Visiting Group has organized a second Art, History and
Architecture tour. This tour will visit Bathurst, which celebrates its bi-centenary in 2015. After travelling to
Bathurst via Goulburn and Oberon on the first day, there will be a guided tour of the Bathurst Regional Art Gallery,
followed by a visit to Mount Panorama. On Wednesday and on Thursday morning, the program includes a walking
tour of Bathurst’s historic centre, a coach tour to Hill End and Sofala (both of early gold rush fame and beloved by
some of Australia’s most famous landscape artists), a tour and audio visual presentation at Ben Chifley’s House, an
inspection of the stunning Somerville collection of natural history artefacts and a visit to Bathurst’s historic Miss
Traill’s House. The tour will return to Canberra on Thursday afternoon via Carcoar and Cowra. Numbers will be
strictly limited to 26 participants and the cost will be $615pp for dbl/twin accommodation or $735pp for single
accommodation. These prices include coach transport, two nights’ motel accommodation in Bathurst, with all meals
and most morning and afternoon teas, plus the cost of all entries and local guides. Bookings for the tour will be
taken by Bob Sutherland on 6288 4139 or by email on [email protected].
Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 August 2015 – Winter Climax: The other activity to note in your diaries is this
two-day coach tour to Sydney, for which some inclusions and prices have yet to be finalised. These will be published in the March/April U3A newsletter. It will, however, feature a Saturday evening concert with the Sydney
Symphony Orchestra, including Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, and a Sunday matinee performance of Opera Australia’s ‘Turandot’, plus other Saturday and Sunday morning attractions. Accomodation will be
at the North Sydney Harbourview Hotel. To reserve your place, please ring Garth Setchell on 62901100.
Garth Setchell
Tours Officer
Events and tours with the National Trust
The National Trust (ACT) reserves spaces on each of its tours and events for U3A members, who are entitled to
book for these activities at the same price as Trust members. U3A ACT Inc advertises these activities in good faith
but accepts no responsibility for their outcome.
Germany Tour
19 May – 10 June 2015 for 22 days.
The ACT National Trust is organising another of its historical and UNESCO World Heritage tours.
Bookings and Information: Travelscene Canberra City (02) 6247 6544 Monday – Friday.
Crookwell and Taralga Bus Tour Sunday 1 March 2015
Start autumn with a guided bus tour to two interesting towns in our region, accompanied by Linda Roberts. Crookwell and Taralga are two Southern Highland towns within an hour or two of Canberra, both of which have an
interesting history. We will start with a guided tour of Crookwell - a picturesque country town situated amid farmland, green rolling
hills and features pretty tree-lined streets, beautiful gardens and streams. This will be followed by an organ recital
on the largest digital pipe organ in the southern hemisphere! Then we drive to the Lavender Farm at Laggan for
lunch. After lunch we will head to Taralga, a charming village originally planned for workers on the Macarthur
estate of ‘Richlands’. Here we will visit the museum and have a guided town tour before returning to Canberra.
Cost: $70 for National Trust & U3A members and $80 for non-members
Bookings are essential: 6230 0533 or email [email protected]
Liz McMillan
12 U3A ACT Inc Newsletter Jan/Feb 2015
Around the Courses
Be kind to others
Because of the Festive Season, the lead-time is so great that I am drafting this in late November 2014, despite the
fact that it will not be published until the second week in January 2015. I do hope you all had an enjoyable festive
season and were kind to each other. My theme in this article is to encourage you, or even entreat you, to also be
kind to your U3A colleagues when you enrol for courses during 2015.
Unfortunately, too many members do not consider others when they attempt to enrol for courses prior to the
nominated enrolment date. This is unfair to the Course Leader who has set that date so that they too can have
a break from U3A activities; they are volunteers after all. It also puts unnecessary pressure on them to make
exceptions when they are encouraged to be even-handed. One Course Leader, who will remain anonymous, has
even suggested summarily disqualifying early callers from enrolling in her course!
Attempting to enrol early is also unfair on those potential participants who do the right thing and wait for the
prescribed date before attempting to enrol. We can’t blame them for being upset when they find the course is full,
despite that fact that they attempted to enrol as soon as the clock ticked over to the nominated enrolment time.
Course Leaders adopt different approaches to taking enrolments and, as an organisation, we cannot be prescriptive
as to how they do that. We can and do encourage them to adopt an open, fair and even-handed approach.
Another way in which members may not consider others is when they enrol in a course when they know they are
going to be away for a substantial period during the course. We discourage that by requiring rental fees for facilities
we manage (Hughes and Cook) to be paid in advance and to be paid whether or not the member attends. Courses
run in community venues are the same in that rooms are booked at a flat rate regardless of how many people attend.
If you expect to be away and the course is popular, we would like you to consider foregoing your place on the
course so that another member can successfully enrol in your place.
If we all pay attention to these points and think of others, it would not eliminate all the inherent problems and
difficulties in our system, but it would make us feel better in knowing that we have done the right thing by others.
December saw the retirement of Mary Ann Bandharangshi, affectionately known as Mary Ann, as a member of the
Courses Sub-committee. Mary Ann has been a member of the sub-committee since 2010 - a fine innings. We all
wish Mary Ann a happy and relaxed retirement and thank her for her sterling work over the past four years. I am
sure we will see her familiar face buzzing around Cook for many years to come. That reminds me, if anyone wishes
to take on a role as a Course Coordinator, please contact me or Inge Shaw, our Volunteer Liaison Officer.
Best wishes for your U3A activities in 2015, whatever they might be.
Maurice Sexton
Chair
Courses Sub-committee
Course Cancellation
M085.02 Great Singers of the 20th Century with Phil O’Brien
Course Change
SHE054.02 The Atom Simplified with Neale Emanuel will commence on 5 February, not 29 January as
advertised in the Prospectus. Contact Neale on 0412 625 624.
Feedback
Some comments on the Problem Solving and Communication Skills Course may encourage members to enrol:
The course helped me enormously, when dealing with my teenage grandchildren. Trish
I gained a sense of self confidence from seeing the others’ points of view. Saw myself from a different perspective. Feel calmer and still think about it 18 months later.
It has helped me in public speaking and presentations. Charlie
Our group has maintained support and friendship for years after the course. Michele
It was fun, friendly, informative and our group is still meeting 4 years later. A very positive experience, people
become real in the course and communication was very successful. Maria
U3A ACT Inc Newsletter Jan/Feb 2015 13
New Courses (not in 2015 Prospectus)
Amazing Albania
H140.01
Leader: John Davenport
The course is to encourage you to travel to Albania,
either as an actual or an armchair traveller. We shall
examine Albanian history (ancient to modern) with
special emphasis on the Communist period, as well as
Albanian food, literature, art and music and what to see
and do in 2015 in Albania. Further information can be
sent to enquirers.
Limit 5 - 25. Room rent, photocopying, morning tea.
Starts: 11 June Thursday 10:00 am - 12:00 noon
Venue: Hughes Community Centre Room 3
Ends: 2 July
Contact: John Davenport at [email protected].
au or 6286 4775
Enrolments from 02/02/2015
Travels on the Adriatic Coast H141.01
Popular Music, Incidentally – From The 1940’s
Ongoing M083.03
Leader: Peter Bazeos
Focus on different popular music genres; sub-genres
and sub-sets of those genres. Attention will be targeted
on areas such as music from the movies especially from
the golden era; Latin American; rhythm and blues;
bosa nova; jazz (not mainstream), etc. No knowledge
required, only love of music.
Limit 8 - 12. $21/person to cover room rent, morning
tea and printing.
Starts: 12 March Thursday 10:10 am - 12:00 noon
Venue: Cook Community Hub Room 2
Ends: 30 April
Contact: Peter Bazeos at [email protected] (preferred) or 0437776949
Enrolments from 15 January 2015
Leader: Patrick De Gabriele
We start our illustrated travelogue in the UNESCOlisted city of Dubrovnik, a medieval and Baroque gem;
and we travel along the splendid coast to Split (founded
by the Roman emperor Diocletian in 295AD), then on
to the unspoilt peninsula of Istria, where the Slavic east
meets the Latin west. We finish in Venice, Europe’s
dream city and the Queen of the Adriatic. Along the way
we look at the history, architecture and culture of this
fascinating region.
Limit 20 - 50. Room rent
This is a one off presentation on 12 February, Thursday
1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Venue: Cook Community Hub Room 3
Contact: [email protected]
Enrolments from 19/01/2015
Mediaeval Matters
For those who may have waited with bated breath for the Prospectus in order
to mark on their diaries the 2015 dates for courses on mediaeval literature
and subjects, only to be disappointed, U3A’s resident Chaucerian and
mediaevalist, Peter Harrington, has sent the following message:
After 10 years of offering courses on Chaucer - The Road to Canterbury;
Continuing Reading the Tales; The Mediaeval Masterchef and Mediaeval
Movies, I have decided to take a sabbatical year in 2015, during which I
hope to be writing a couple of books. Previous Chaucer class members,
however, are keeping in touch with the ‘father of English literature’ by subscribing to daun Peter’s Occasional Titbits. This will be an occasional email
message containing information and news items on matters Chaucerian and
mediaeval. It will probably be issued about once a month but will depend on
the availablity of Titbits. If any other members of U3A (including prospective enrollees in a course in 2016 ) would like to add their name to the list,
please send a message to [email protected].
14 U3A ACT Inc Newsletter Jan/Feb 2015
Oliver Raymond conducting the Harmonia Monday Choir at All Saints Ainslie during their End-of-Year Concert
Courses Sub-Committee
ResponsibilityNamePhoneE-mail address
ChairMaurice Sexton6288 [email protected]
Deputy Chair and
Database Assistant Manager
Sheila McAlpine
6231 5509
Course AdministrationTrevor [email protected]
Database Manager
Jenifer North
6286 1545
Room bookings Hughes & Cook Barbara Scott [email protected]
Course Coordinators by room or area
CCH Room 3, Hall,
Meeting & HAGSOC Rooms
Kathy Hedger
6226 5660
[email protected]
CCH Room 1 / Computer Courses Viggo Pedersen
[email protected]
CCH Room 2Rupert [email protected]
HCC Hall & Library
Trevor Bruhn
6282 1214
HCC Room 2 Bobbie Pinkerton
[email protected]
HCC Room 3 Chad Addison
0430 244 569
[email protected]
North CanberraAllie Wiseman6161 9147
Belconnen, Gungahlin and Yass
Chris Giller [email protected]
South Canberra and Queanbeyan Lynne McPherson
0409 195 454
[email protected]
WodenLibby Campbell6259 1080
Weston Creek and Tuggeranong
Jo Bothroyd
0408 439 070
[email protected]
Other Members
Member Heather Whalen [email protected]
U3A ACT Inc Newsletter Jan/Feb 2015 15
Committee members and key volunteer functions
The U3A ACT Office (ph 6281 6998, PO Box 5550, Hughes, ACT 2605) is in the Hughes Community Centre and is usually
open Monday to Friday from 9.30 to 4.30. All general enquiries should be directed to the Office.
Our Cook facility (6251 8005) in the Cook Community Hub at 41 Templeton Street has the same opening hours.
Office Holders
President Robyn Beetham
[email protected] 064 838
Vice President Chris Paterson
[email protected]
6262 8454
Vice President
Maurice Sexton
[email protected] 6288 3699
Treasurer
Pierre Patron
[email protected] 424 148
Secretary
Sean Forster
[email protected]
6296 1300
Ordinary Committee members
Jude Briscoe
6288 1454
Michael Alder
[email protected] 0423 100 310
Kathy Hedger
[email protected] 6226 5660
Louise Morauta [email protected] 6281 3758
Paul Ratcliffe
[email protected]
Garth Setchell
6290 1100
John Warhurst
6249 8282
Key volunteer functions
Coordinator, Communications and Promotion
vacant [email protected] Editor Newsletter David Wilson [email protected] 0420 319 324
Editor eBulletin: Eleanor Whelan
[email protected] 6257 7749
Web Manager
Jude Shanahan [email protected] Web Content Coord
Wendy Whitham [email protected]
6254 6388
Publicity Officer
vacant
[email protected] 6251 5188
U3A Online [email protected] 6259 2407
Coordinator, Membership Paul Ratcliffe Acting Coordinator, Technical Support Les Fielke
[email protected]
[email protected]
Coordinator, Operations Support Kathy Hedger [email protected]
Office Managers, Cook Sue Gavin
Kathy Hedger
Office Manager, Hughes Jocelyne Macleod
Assets & Purchasing
Alby Robinson
Equipment Booking Alby Robinson [email protected] Facilities Manager
vacant
Volunteer Liaison Officer Inge Shaw [email protected]
Hospitality Officer
vacant
Coordinator, Programs Maurice Sexton
[email protected] Courses Courses Sub-committee
see details on page 15
Tours Officer Garth Setchell [email protected]
Asst Tours Officer
Pam Behncke Tuesday Forums
Rosemary Ganly
Events & Uni Canberra Liaison Chris Paterson [email protected]
Support Services
Minutes
Public Officer
Banking Liaison
Archives
Information Officer
6226 5660
6258 3042
6226 5660
6281 4471
6288 8132
6288 8132
6258 3288
6288 3699
6290 1100
6248 6682
6251 7972
6262 8454
Ed Lekawski
[email protected] Garth Setchell Kathy Bretz
[email protected]
Eleanor Whelan
6255 8586
6290 1100
6287 2552
6257 7749
Chris Gould
6247 7055
16 U3A ACT Inc Newsletter Jan/Feb 2015