ANNIVERSARY - U3A BENDIGO - 30th
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30th ANNIVERSARY U3A BENDIGO
30th YEAR
LIVE
LEARN
ENJOY
2019
U3A BENDIGO
Published by U3A Bendigo 2020
PO Box 274, Bendigo VIC 3552
Copyright U3A Bendigo 2020
This book is copyright in all countries subscribing to the Berne Convention. Apart from
any fair dealing for the purpose of private study, research, criticism or review, as
permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process
without written permission.
Enquires should be made to U3A Bendigo.
Email admin@u3abendigo.com
DISCLAIMER
This publication is a collection of articles supplied by current members. It is not intended
to provide a comprehensive record of events throughout 2019. It is intended to be a
collection of memories to celebrate the 30th year of U3A Bendigo.
People in photos are not named as it was not considered possible to list everyone.
Editor: Alison Oppermann
Printed by: BendiMail,
PO Box 2655
BENDIGO VIC, 3554
Front and Back Photo
This photo of the tree at the south-east corner of St Mary’s car park was taken by Mollie
Angel.
2
MONDAY
ROOM 1
9.00am Committee Monthly
10.00am Coding & Mechatronics Week 2&4
10.00am Photo Editors & Presenters Week 3
1.15pm Discussion Group Weekly
ROOM 2
9.30am Recorder Playing for Beginners Weekly
10.45am Cryptic Crosswords Beginners Weekly
12.00pm French Elementary Group Weekly
2.30pm Chess Weekly
OFFICE
1.30pm Computers for Beginners as needed
OFFSITE
8.30am Walking for Fitness Weekly
9.00am Table Tennis Weekly
9.30am Art - Painting & Drawing Weekly
11.15am Aerobics for Seniors Weekly
1.00pm Water Aerobics Trial
3
TUESDAY
ROOM 1
10.00am Short Courses/Tuesday Talks Week 1,2,4,5
11.30am Health & Wellbeing Week 3
12.30pm Monthly Movie Week 3
1.30pm Radio Players Week 2&4
2.30pm Good Vibrations Week 1
3.30pm Flower Arranging Week 2&4
ROOM 2
9.00am Mah Jong Weekly
1.15pm Cribbage Weekly
OFFICE
9.00am Administration Weekly
HALL
1.00pm Yoga Weekly
OFFSITE
9.00am Mah Jong Weekly
2.00pm Embroidery & Craft Weekly
4
WEDNESDAY
ROOM 1
10.00am French Conversation Weekly
12.45pm French Advanced Weekly
2.00pm Spanish Conversation Weekly
ROOM 2
10.00am My Story Week 1&2
3.00pm Ukulele Advanced Weekly
HALL/NARTHEX
1.30pm Choir Weekly
1.30pm Social Gathering Week 4
3.00pm Ukulele Music Session Weekly
OFFSITE
9.00am Table Tennis Weekly
10.00am Art Gallery Group Week 3
5
THURSDAY
ROOM 1
10.00am Music for Pleasure Week 2&4
12.00pm Digital Phone Users Week 1 & 2
2.00pm Apple Mac Users Week 1
2.00pm Windows PC Users Week 2
2.00pm Digital Photography Week 4
4.00pm Online Support Team Week 3
ROOM 2
9.00am Mah Jong Week 1&3
10.00am RUGs Book Club Week 2
10.00am Book Chat Group Week
12.00pm Cryptic Crosswords Weekly
2.00pm Bookworms Week 3
2.00pm Poetry Appreciation Week 2&4
OFFICE
1.30pm Buzz folding Office 2nd last Thursday
HALL
11.30am Yoga Weekly
OFSITE
8.30am Hiking Weekly
8.30am Bushwalking Weekly
8.30am Walking for Fitness Weekly
12.00pm Thursday Lunch Week 1
1.30pm Social Bridge Weekly
2.00pm PANDI Games Week 1&3
6
FRIDAY
ROOM 1
8.30am Beginners Meditation Trial
9.30am Meditation Weekly
1.30pm Musical Instrument Group Weekly
ROOM 2
9.30am Watercolour Week 1
10.00am Latin Continuing Week 2&4
11.30pm Watercolour for Beginners Week 1
1.00pm Guitar Group Weeks 2-5
2.00pm Chatterbooks Group Week 1
HALL
9.30am Tai Chi Hall Weekly
OFFSITE
10.00am Visiting Gardens & Growing Week 2&4
1.00pm Walking Futsal for Seniors Weekly
7
WHENEVER
HALLWAY
Library
OFFSITE
Swimming
Out & About
LOOKING BACK
History Diane Collier
From the Beginners - Computers Tom Dewhurst
30 Years of Technology Usage Michael Gallagher
Discussion Group Dawn Colbourne
Then & Now Jo Johnson
U3A 30 Years Old in 2020 David Elvery
LOOKING FORWARD
Kevin Harris
Marilyn Grossman
U3A Bendigo Anthem
8MONDAY
8.30am - Offsite
Walking for Fitness
Convenors Tricia King and Wendy Smith
The walking for fitness group has been in operation since the late nineties. There is
one couple who have been in the group since 2002, they have seen lots of changes.
In the beginning the walk was either in the afternoon or the morning. One person
would be responsible for leading and mapping the walks on both Monday & Thursday
for the whole year, it became too onerous as that person couldn’t go anywhere for the
whole year.
Now we have 2 convenors, one for Monday & one for Thursday. All walkers now take
a turn at mapping and leading a walk. This works out well as Thursday walks are
usually in the area that the leader is familiar with anywhere from Eaglehawk, Huntly,
Strathfieldsaye, Kangaroo Flat, Mandurang and everywhere in between, which is good
for the group as we learn about different areas of Bendigo.
You would be amazed at how many different walks can be done from Lake Weeroona
which is where we meet on a Monday. One thing that has been consistent is the pace
of the walk 5 to 6 km in the hour. Only about 10 walkers walked in the beginning, now
we have around 70 people. On Mondays though there are 3 different levels to
accommodate various levels of walking. After every walk a coffee is enjoyed with lots
of chatter.
For people new to Bendigo it’s a great way to meet people and discover the different
areas!
9MONDAY
9.00am - Room 1 - Week 1
Committee Meeting
President Ian Burdett
Vice President Vacant
Treasurer Mark King
Secretary Graham Robinson
Executive Officer Jill McArthur
Activities Co-ordinator Wilf Savage/Mary Toohey/Lyn Goodall
Helen Bandrowski
Lynda Burke
Michael Gallagher
Lyn Goodall
Marion Richardson
Barb Ritchie
Brenda Stevens-Chambers
This is what’s been happening at committee meetings in 2019….
February 4th - Committee of Management expressed thanks to convenors, helpers and catering staff
who helped make Enrolment Day a great success.
March 4th - New Members’ Day, a fantastic opportunity for new members to socialise over a light
lunch.
April 1st - Due to a missing cribbage board, it was suggested they be kept in the locked cupboard in
Room 2 with the key held in the office.
May 6th - All involved in organising and presenting were thanked for their assistance and support in
conducting a successful AGM.
June 3rd - Due to wall damage from chairs in Room 1, timber protectors will be fixed to the walls to
prevent any further damage in both rooms.
July 1st - Word-of-mouth is the best recommendation for most things and unlike websites and
advertising, costs almost nothing.
August 5th - Christmas in July gathering proved popular with around 70 members present.
September 2nd - Bush walking groups have organised their new first aid kits.
October 7th - At 30 September we have 705 financial members.
November 4th - With people coming along to learn about U3A on our Open Day … visitors could
experience more of what we offer.
December 2nd - A fundraising BBQ at Bunnings was booked for 18th December. Another one
planned for 2020.
10MONDAY
9.00am - Offsite - Weekly
Table Tennis
Convenor Lyn Davis/Michele Robinson
This social group has a diverse experience of table tennis.
We enjoy a good physical work-out in a social and friendly
setting at the Table Tennis Centre at Eaglehawk.
The opportunity of challenging ourselves to move and
improve our game is what we all love.
Fitness, good balance, coordination and a basic knowledge and
skills of the game are required.
We always have a morning tea break where friendships
flourish.
11MONDAY
9.30am - Room 2 - Weekly
Recorder Playing Beginners
Convenor Leo Overberg
There was quite a bit of interest from U3A members and we started the year with
members wishing to learn a different size instrument; 2 descants (the small recorders
typically used in primary schools and in the key of C), 2 trebles (slightly larger and in the
key of F), 2 tenors (larger again and in the key of C), and 1 bass (played by the convener).
The group grew during the year with the addition of experienced treble and tenor players
and also an Irish flute player.
Having 4 different size instruments meant that we could aim to play as a consort (a
group of recorders), a bit like different voices in a choir. We started at the very beginning
playing simple tunes such as ‘Mary Had A Little Lamb’ but we progressed quickly as
most members played another instrument and could sight read music. It was just a
matter of learning the fingering for their chosen instrument and that is a slow process.
We meet for one hour each week on Monday’s at 9:15 am and we have a lot of fun.
The music we play ranges from medieval melodies with names such as ‘Bransle’ to more
modern compositions such as ‘Wooden Heart’ and ‘Advance Australia Fair’. Having the
latter in our repertoire meant that we opened the end-of-year U3A concert where we
played several items as a consort.
During the year we honed our skills and tried to overcome stage nerves by playing twice
for Vision Australia Bendigo, at Bethlehem Aged Care and at Caradon House for family
and friends (see photo).
We have progressed to the point where we are no longer a beginners group so if there are
any members wishing to learn from scratch there will be two groups in 2020; a beginners
group and one for players with some experience.
12MONDAY
9.30am - Offsite - Weekly
Painting & Drawing
Convenor Val Wellings
The art group has had a good year and produced
some great works of art using oil, acrylic, water
colour, pen and ink, and pencil. Several members
experimented with palette knives with
interesting results.
We had an exhibition of our works at the capital
theatre in January to March and we have also
exhibited in art shows around Victoria and sold several
paintings.
Tom Cook made a short film of our art group. He
interviewed each of us and we talked about our what we
do and why we do it. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=qYo1buCuMJk ). Paintings can have surprising results
like the water colour of rocks that some were certain
was actually a lizard. Different eyes see different
things. We enjoy a lot of chat and laughter and have
many lunches to celebrate our birthdays. Some of us
have been members for over 20 years and we never
want to leave.
13MONDAY
10.00am - Room 1 Week 2 & 4
Coding & Mechatronics
Convenor Michael Gallagher and Ray Tampion
Twice a month on Mondays, the tables in Room 1 are strewn with PCs, power boards and
leads attached to motors and breadboards bristling with twinkling LEDs and other
electronic components.
If you had popped your head in the door on one of those occasions, you may have seen:
Barbara feeding Audio CDs into her machine and exporting playlists to create a
catalogue of her music collection;
Max interfacing an Arduino to a proximity sensor and programming it to display
the distance to nearby objects;
Don working out the timing logic for a set of model traffic lights on a Raspberry Pi
attached to an Arduino and an array of LEDs;
Ray preparing his laptop and 3-D Printer to demonstrate its use to the group;
Len acquainting himself with the Linux operating system working through a set of
Python programming exercises;
Lyn investigating Raspberry Pi projects on the Internet;
Michael programming a Raspberry Pi with a mini camera attached to pan-tilt
mechanism to capture a set of photos.
That’s the coding a mechatronics group in action, teaching themselves and assisting one
another to design, assemble and program digital devices to perform tasks.
14MONDAY
10.00am - Room 1 Week 3
Photo Editors & Presenters
Convenor Robin Bland
How do you replace the sky in a photo, restore a torn, marked or faded photo, combine
several images into a composite image, improve a photo’s colour balance, bring out detail
in an under- or over-exposed image, correct a distorted image, or remove an unwanted
person or object…?
Robin is a master of photo-editing techniques and willingly shares his expertise with his
group as he leads them through these and many other tasks.
Yarram State School ~1900—before and after restoration
Caroline Emma Mitchell 1975-80
15MONDAY
10.45am—Room 2—Weekly
Cryptic Crosswords Beginners
Convenor Alison Ross
If you get stumped and cannot complete a cryptic crossword, do not despair. Instead, use
it as a training exercise. The answers to crosswords are usually found the next day in the
daily newspapers. Review your progress with yesterday’s crossword with today’s answers
and see if you can nut out the correct handling of the clues. Learning by example is a
really good way to build up your skills.
The internet is a great source of answers and aids to help you complete a puzzle. You can
easily google anagram solvers and clue solvers. One of the best is Crossword Clue Solver
at https://www.crosswordsolver.org/ You can also find short videos on Youtube to help
you learn the techniques. The most important way to improve your ability is to attempt a
cryptic crossword every day, and practice, practice, practice
11.15am - Offsite - Weekly
Aerobics for Seniors
Convenor Inez Stone
16MONDAY
12 noon -- Room 2 - Weekly
French Elementary Group
Convenor Victoria Fyffe
A very friendly group who easily talk about the lesson content. As one student commented that “no
one in the class assumes a superior position, knowledge, liberty and equality are the rule”.
Until now, we have covered various topics including meeting people, life in town, eating and drinking
in France, holiday plans among others. This is accompanied by exercises to reinforce the information.
Repetition of some course material is a good way to cement ideas.
Dialogue is encouraged in class and often class members like to read out in French what they have
done the previous week. They are encouraged by the tutor on the white board. Each chapter is also
reinforced with a prepared dialogue sheet to be read out and discussed by students.
Methods also include the textbook, reading material and tapes/CDs. If a student is unsure about a
particular issue, it is quickly acknowledged and several methods may find the best answer.
The students appear to find that it is a great way to exercise the mind and have fun in an amiable
context with the tutor.
Bravo ! Classe de Français A.
17MONDAY
1.00pm - Offsite - Trial
Water Aerobics
Convenor Jill McArthur
U3A Bendigo Water Aerobics was started in October of this year
with the view of having it run for a three week block it turned out to be
so popular the block was extended by a further two weeks. The participation rate was
very encouraging with a mix of both male and female participants.
The Gurri Wanyarra complex is extremely good and the staff are so friendly and
helpful. Our water aerobics is conducted in the warm pool (thank heavans) and ably lead
by the Gurri Wanyarra Aerbics instructors. It is a 30 minute work out which addresses
the body from head to toe.
This is a a very enjoyable activity and the aerobic improvement in those attending is
evident. The laughing muscles are also used a great deal.
2020 will see this activity as a permanent activity for U3A Bendigo and I encourage you
to come and give it a try.
18MONDAY
1.15pm - Room 1 - Weekly
Discussion Group
Convenor Karl Jackson and Sally van Gent
With eighteen to twenty people at most meetings and all having strong opinions on a range of subjects,
there has been lots of lively debate. Amongst the many topics raised were global warming, the
pollution in our seas, asylum seeker policies, Brexit, The Murray Darling Basin Plan and Aboriginal
recognition in the Constitution.
We have had a number of speakers visit during the year. Jim Evans, president of Bendigo Historical
Society, regaled us with tales of life on the Goldfields and answered our queries about Bendigo’s early
history. Jo Johnson gave us the benefit of a lifetime’s experience in architecture and town planning,
explaining how both have evolved over time. In November Anne Sanderson introduced us to Ian
Bennett, who was in Bomber Command during the Second World War and later delivered food to a
starving population in the Netherlands.
Prior to the General Election we invited all the Bendigo candidates to come and speak to us. Our offer
was taken up by One Nation and Clive Palmer’s United Australia Party, resulting in some very lively
discussion.
We are fortunate to have Ruth Hosking, Bendigo Aged Care Advocate, as a member of our group.
Ruth has kept us up to date with the hearings of the Royal Commission and has been able to answer
our questions about accessing the services we may all require in the future.
Our thanks go to Alison Oppermann for organising a series of ABC podcasts offering expert opinion
and educating us on a range of current issues.
Members have brought in books they wished to recommend to the group and showed us items of
special significance to their owner. Some were heirlooms handed down through the family, including
military medals from the First World War and a Victorian brooch made from human hair. One member
had a treasured box of gumnuts, a parting gift from a friend, to remind her of a park she loved.
For our final meeting of the year, Lee Griffith supplied us with questions from the Australian
Citizenship Test. (Most of us failed miserably.)
We thank Karl Jackson for his sterling service as co-coordinator this year, and especially for the
terrible jokes we have all loved and without which our meetings would not be complete.
19MONDAY
1.30pm - Office - as needed
Computers for Beginners
Convenor Tom Dewhurst
There is now strong demand for manipulating photos. Many people have a muddled
collection - often hundreds - of photos in their smart phone. They want to know how to
copy a selection of pictures on a particular topic and put them in a special category. Also,
instead of passing the smartphone around for viewers to see the pictures on the small
phone screen, they want larger pictures on the computer screen or on the television
screen.
I have much enjoyed the sessions, as have the participants.
2.30pm - Room 2 - Weekly
Chess
Convenor David Guymer
The game is played by millions of people
worldwide. Chess is believed to be derived from
the Indian game chaturanga sometime before the
7th century. Chess reached Europe by the 9th
century, due to the Umayyad conquest of
Hispania. The pieces assumed their current
powers in Spain in the late 15th century; the
modern rules were standardized in the 19th
century.
A game of strategy. How many permutations and
combinations are there? Challenge your mind!!
20TUESDAY
9.00am - Room 2 & Offsite - Weekly
Mah Jong
Convenor Phyll Reid and Carolyn Smith
We meet every Tuesday morning from 9 am to 11.45 am hail, rain or shine
There is often so much laughter and story telling that it can take ages to finish a game.
Some of the players have so much fun playing that they play on the 1 st and 3rd Thursday
mornings of each month.
We play the westernised version of the ancient Chinese game of Mah Jong … skills are
not needed … lots of help is given to learners.
21TUESDAY
9.00am - Office - Weekly
Administration
Workers Jill McArthur, Bron Dixon and Coral Christensen
Office Tasks:
Dealing with requests from members, e.g. re-issuing ID badges,
photocopying, changing members details on the data base, accepting
payments for enrolments and outings.
Enrolling new members, and issuing relevant information, such as
prospectus and Buzz.
Checking telephone for messages, returning calls and dealing with
queries.
Photocopying and collating documents such as prospectus and
forms.
Dealing with mail requests from members.
Helping prepare for special events such as Open Day & Enrolment
Day
Stamping blank envelopes with return address.
Preparing mail outs to members and printing address labels for monthly Buzz.
Making notes of office supplies needed for treasurer to purchase.
Filing.
Kitchen Tasks:
Clean kitchen, check supply of biscuits, milk, and sugar.
Purchase supplies as needed.
Check notice board and discard old notices.
Change tea towels.
Empty rubbish bins.
22TUESDAY
10.00am - Room 1 - Week 1,2,4,5
Short Courses
Convenor Wilf Savage
The Tuesday morning weekly program of talks presented by local members and visiting experts has
long been a core part of U3A Bendigo’s business.
"You don't really start getting old," someone said once "until you stop learning." For
those of us who still enjoy learning, the Tuesday program fits the bill perfectly: lots of
interesting ideas presented in a fairly informal and friendly interactive environment
with lots of opportunities to ask questions and share one’s thoughts.
As usual this year brought us a very varied and fascinating range of topics; from
the Life of Queen Victoria (Brenda Stevens-Chambers) to
the Geology of the Local Region (John Neil); from
Robotics (Michael Gallagher) to
Irish History (James O’Brien); from
The Significance of Rituals (Christine Haddrick) to
The Benefits of Conviction in Australian history (Howard Nathan); from
Travels in India and Nepal (Cilla Brady) to
analyzing artworks (Clive Stratford); from
Movement and Dance (Zoe Wallace) to
Understanding Aboriginal Australia (Diana Collier); from
“Interesting Bendigo Women” to “Early Bendigo Scandals (Brenda again).
As well as these we’ve had practical training sessions on the new U3A Membership
Administration System (UMAS) and on using the defibrillator.
And these were just the presentations by our own members !! . . .
Add to these the talks given by outside experts:
an explanation of local water resources, given by Steve Healy, the Executive
General Manager Climate & Population Adaptation at Coliban Water;
a look at Mathematical Problem solving in Ancient Greece, given by Terry Mills,
Emeritus Professor of Mathematics at La Trobe University;
a presentation on Reconciliation Issues given by John Bonnice a distinguished
member of the Bendigo Reconciliation Committee, and
a two part talk on Caroline Chisholm given by Tom Comerford, a very eminent
and highly respected member of Castlemaine U3A who has presented close to
fifty history courses during his many years with that organization.
23TUESDAY
10.00am - Hall - Seniors Week October
Open Day
Convenor Wilf Savage and convenors
24TUESDAY
11.30am - Room 1 - Week 3
Health & Wellbeing
Convenor Susan Korecki
Over the life of U3A there have been many sessions on health related topics. The current group grew
out of a short course in 2018 and has continued monthly this year and plans to follow up in 2020.
There are also some short courses – the course coordinators organised a Defibrillator use session and a
First Aid Revision this year.
Most of the other U3A activities have health benefits – walking and exercise groups, yoga, meditation
and all the activities make us use our brains!
The Health and Wellbeing group has covered a lot of issues this year. We started off by collecting a list
of topics from the group and used those as a basis for the monthly sessions. I also used some health
alerts, medical news and online topics to add to the information.
We started with exercise – that was easy as everyone in the group was already involved in aerobic
exercise. Some of us were not doing balance training or strength /resistance training so that is
something to add. The quote is “ the only time you can coast inlife is when you are going downhill”
Nike “Just do it” Even starting with 2 minutes helps!
The nutrition one focussed on healthy eating. It’o]s also simple – lots of variety especially colourful
vegetables and less processed food. Reading food labels was an interesting exercise – the processors
seem to add sugar to everything. A question about palm oil sent me off to research that [worse for the
environment than the body].
Nutrition led on to the microbiome – all the trillions of helpers we have in our guts. There was a debate
about probiotics and prebiotics. Yvonne shared a scoby later. My fondness for Dr Michael Mosely was
obvious here.
Vitamins and supplements – should we take them. Two group members ran this session while I was off
helping in a family emergency. Medical evidence suggests we don't need to waste money on them but
every individual knows their own body.
Preventive Health looked at some changes in medical recommendations. Should we all take small dose
aspirin? There are arguments for and against. Influenza vaccination is still recommended for elders.
As we had looked at the internal environment it is not surprising that we also looked at climate change
and the environment generally. There was an interesting sharing of alternative to and how to avoid
plastic.
Mental health and sleep added some clues to the restful night.
We returned to nutrition with a look at gluten sensitivity, coeliac disease and food allergy.
We concluded with a talk from a local podiatrist on foot health. Drying between the toes, moisturising
and shoes are important. He answered all our questions about foot problems.
25TUESDAY
12.30pm - Room 1 - Week 3
Monthly Movie
Convenor Jill McArthur
February 19th: The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society
March 19th – Jersey Boys
April 16th – The Water Diviner
May 21st – Ladies in Black
June 18th – Siam Sunset
July16th – Lady in the Van
August 20th – The Book Club
September 17th – The Jazz Singer Neil Diamond
October 15th – A Town Like Alice
November 19th – The Bookshop
26TUESDAY
1.00pm - Hall - Weekly
Yoga
Convenor Isobell Truscott
1.15pm - Room 2 - Weekly
Cribbage
Convenor John Lane
15_2, 15_4, 15_6, 6 for 3 and 1 for his Nobs for 13.
What is this code ?
Does it require the Bletchley girls of WW2 to break the
code ?
No. It is just the U3A Cribbage people having fun.
The groups of 2, 3 or 4 are chasing the ever elusive total of
29 and are all familiar with the 15_2 theme.
The Cribbage group over the years has had many members who pass on the joy of this
game to their grandchildren. Age is no barrier to the interest of this card and numbers
challenge. People of all ages play, even those well into their 90's !
We do have a good time chatting and playing this card game.
There it is again. 15_2, 15_4, 15_6, 15_8 and 12 for 4: that's 20.
Pretty good but still not the elusive 29 !
27TUESDAY
1.30pm - Room 1 - Week 2 & 4
Radio Players
Convenor Barb Richie
This Tuesday afternoon class began in 2015 as a Drama Group . For some years it remained
as such, presenting plays at our monthly meetings or any other opportunity that came along,
we became the Radio Players when we were able to acquire a collection of radio plays from
another disbanded group in New South Wales. This collection of plays gave us an extended
repertoire of plays to work on.
Since then we have been involved in presenting a variety of plays at the U3A annual concerts
and other special events. Both the players and the audience always seem to enjoy the
entertainment. The number of people in this class seems to fluctuate, but it is always fun.
There have been several people who have been leaders over the years, all have been excellent
in giving their time and expertise in teaching this craft.
We would love to have many more of our U3A members coming to join us. We can assure you
it is not frightening or taxing and is really a most enjoyable way to spend two hours. Practice
reading aloud with expression, meet new people, enjoy another experience and support our
U3A.
Some of the plays we have done;
Father Knows Best, Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, Sorry Wrong Number, Brief Encounter,
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Just a few but we could possibly do them again
2.00pm - Offsite - Weekly
Embroidery and Craft
Convenor Pat Campbell
I was asked to start an embroidery class nearly 30 years ago. Over
the years the class has worked at a number of sites, longest at the
Spring Gully home. It is a comfortable place to work, heated and
cooled as required.
Over the years we have tried many types of embroidery. Some large
pieces, others just samples to try them out.
In winter people often knit and from time to time we are joined by
village students.
The Frog embroidery is the work of Elaine Swanson, Elaine is a
prolific embroiderer and often works very large pieces
28TUESDAY
2.30pm - Room 1 - Week 1
Good Vibrations
Convenor Mary Touhey
Good Vibrations
Is a celebration of popular music, with a
focus on pop and rock from the period
1950s to 1980s. Using video clips we aim
to showcase some memorable artists,
tunes and performances.
29TUESDAY
3.00pm - Room 1 - Week 2 & 4
Flower Arranging
Convenor Sally van Gent
Flower Arranging last year had an enthusiastic and creative group of participants, all
eager to hone their skills.
Sometimes our flowers were bought, but mostly we used those from our own gardens
resulting in original designs not seen in a florist’s shop. Native flowers and foliage were
popular, and we found succulents to be ideal for long-lasting arrangements in the hot
weather.
We began with shallow designs suitable for table settings, later incorporating candles,
before moving on to gift boxes and baskets. One week we brought unusual containers
such as coffee pots and jewellery boxes and a member produced an especially beautiful
design in a hollow log.
We had fun using fruit and vegetables and discovered how the colours of curly kale, red
cabbage, spring onions and chillies added to the beauty of our arrangements.
In later sessions we attempted Japanese Ikebana where only a few flowers, leaves or
twigs are needed. Careful study was required before deciding on the perfect position in
which to place each stem.
30WEDNESDAY
9.00am - Offsite - Week 1
Table Tennis
Convenor Lynne Davis/Michelle Robinson
31WEDNESDAY
10.00am - Hall - January 23
Enrolment Day
Committee and convenors
32WEDNESDAY
10.00am - Offsite - Week 3
Art Gallery Group
Convenor Val Wellings
U3A members have enjoyed another year meeting at the Art and Tea sessions run by the
friends of the Bendigo Art Gallery. Some of the speakers focused on the art gallery
exhibition which was titled Tudors to Windsor’s – British royal portraits. Highlights for
the year were Kenneth Parks’ talk on the royals, Jennifer Thompson, the manager of the
Bundanon Trust (Arthur Boyd), and eX de Medici whose work and life story were
amazing. A diverse range of speakers makes for very interesting sessions with
something to appeal to everyone.
20th FEBRUARY, Cancelled
20th MARCH, Speaker: Damon Moon
17th APRIL, Speaker: Kenneth Park
15th MAY, Speaker: Emma British Empire and
Imperialism , chocolate and the BBC
19th JUNE, Speaker: Dr. Eugene Barilo von Reisberg
17th JULY, Speaker: Jennifer Thompson on ‘Arthur Boyd’
21th AUGUST, Speaker: Shonae Hobson
18th SEPTEMBER Speaker: Kylie Banyard:
16th OCTOBER, Speaker: eX de Medici:
20th NOVEMBER Speaker: : Meet the collector: The Hon Paul Guest OAM QC
33WEDNESDAY
10.00am - Room 2 - Week 1 & 2
My Story
Convenor Sue Fraser (week 1) and Jo Johnson (week 2)
Joining a My Story group is a great way to begin
your story.
Two hours once a month is all it takes. Our routine
is to choose a topic, discuss it, write about it and
then share it. In our groups, apart from our stories
we have developed an atmosphere of caring and
sharing, friendship and fun.
friendship
Members say:-
...”gives me confidence”...
...”very supportive”...
...”get it all down before I forget”...
...”sharing gives me ideas”...
...”everyone should join ‘My Story’”..
...”no homework!”... writing
...“I write for my grandchildren”....
...“a glimpse of other people’s lives”....
Some topics - A Relative, Sport, Books, Fire, Meals, Houses,
Free Range Children, Music, First Job, School, A Travel Tale,
Birthdays, Corner Store, and reminiscence, stimulated by
bringing an object to write about.
reading & listening
reminiscences
Listening stimulates imagery, imagination and memory. Our
stories contain joy, humour, fun, sorrow, surprise, change,
suspense, love, comfort, fear, contemplation and reflection.
30th Anniversary
“My Story is my favourite day of the month. Sharing often long-forgotten
memories with new friends takes us back to a simpler life.
Family and friends also look forward to the latest stories. I’ve even been known to
send one with a Christmas card.” Rhonda Pascoe
34WEDNESDAY
10.00am - Room 1 - Weekly
French Conversation Intermediate
Convenor Yvonne Bahen
Polish up your French. The Intermediate French group is comprised of U3A members
who have studied French to Intermediate or Senior level and who wish to refresh or
continue to advance their fluency. Members prepare a short speech on a particular
subject; we revise some elements of grammar chosen to advance and enrich competency
in the language; and each week we read a passage of a French story, often with questions
relating to the story or themes arising from it.
Members Comments
Languages are fun and make an important contribution to retaining our cognitive
abilities. I joined U3A so I could pick up the French l left behind at school and love the
potpourri we are served by Yvonne. Where else could you have a Mandarin speaker who
also understands phonetics and juggles the different abilities and interests of her
students? I love the peppermints she gives us, but can’t tell my fricatives from my elbow,
or my sent from my son or my dent from my dans. Is it tuition, maintenance or a social
club? No exams and no failures. It is a lot we ask and I doubt if the convenors generally
are adequately recognised for their efforts, but we thank Yvonne.
Vive l’U3A.
M
After spending 12 months living overseas and finding the French word would be the one
dredged up from the depths of memory when I needed it, I decided to reconnect with
French through U3A after an absence of 57 years since any formal language lessons . I
started in the Beginners but found I recollected a reasonable amount so moved into the
intermediate group where I have enjoyed the range of activities Yvonne provides for us
and my linguistic confidence is slowly growing.
J
Reason for doing French… B… wants to become a Swiss citizen! Because I’m married
to H… who was born Swiss I am eligible for Swiss citizenship if I can show competency
in one of the National languages of Switzerland which are German, French, Italian and
Romansch; so I choose French. I’m probably ‘drawing a long bow,’ I suspect the Swiss
definition of competency is way different to my optimistic view but you never know. One
of Heidi’s sisters lives in Biel/ Bienne which is in the French part of Switzerland she is
fluent in French and it would be nice for me to be able to join in the wider family
conversations; my German is hopeless so I’m hoping to do better in French.
In any case as Heidi also confirms our Intermediate French classes are highly
educational, very rewarding and above all a bundle of fun! We are really looking forward
to continuing in 2020.
B
35WEDNESDAY
12.45pm - Room 1 - Weekly
French Conversation Advanced
Convenor Yvonne Bahen
Les francophones et les francophiles qui prennent part au groupe français discutent des
problèmes du monde et de la société, racontent des histoires de leur vie, ou simplement parlent
entre eux sur n’importe quel sujet. De temps en temps on examine un thème particulier ( comme
la peur pour exemple ) ou des subtilités de la langue français, et chaque semaine on lit un extrait
de la litérature. Pour exemple, récemment le groupe a lu la nouvelle Le Silence de la Mer. C’est
un groupe très amical et parfois très amusant aussi.
Members Comments
Adrenaline was running high in French
classes as we relived and imagined
childhood traumas and perilous situations
while learning to use words meaning fear.
Reading highlight – we were captured by the
drama and romance of Silence de la mer. I
couldn’t wait for the handouts, bought a
copy and read it straight through. A real
page turner! MM
I was giving our French experiences some
thought. I have loved French from my very
first French lesson when I was 10 years
old. I remember the very sad story we read
that first term. It was about Madame and
Monsieur Souris and their family and how
the house cat killed one of the parents,
leaving the little mice with only one
parent. It was so sad but it got me
hooked. From then on the highlight of my
school week was French lessons. However,
in the end, by mere chance, I did primary
education instead of going on to do French at
Uni. Still the love of French lingered and so
it was through U3A that I joined the French
class with Madeleine 10 years ago in the old
U3A rooms at La Trobe Uni. We feared and
loved her approach but she inspired us, I believe, by her passion and commitment. I
remember our first lesson with her too. It was all about les cignes in the park and a little
girl who visited them. I felt like I was 10 years old again!! Nevertheless we persevered and
I remember you came to join the class. The rest you know so well. I have continued to love
French although the learning of it does not come so easily now and the actual language has
changed so much. Our group has undergone lots of changes but we do love being together as
a group and having you as our very dedicated and supportive leader over such a long
time. Merci beaucoup. S
36WEDNESDAY
1.30pm - Hall/Narthex - Weekly
Choir
Convenor Carol Aylward
The choir had a lovely year, and did quite a few performances
April 23rd Carshalton House (Golden Oaks)
April 24th We sang at the U3A AGM
May8th Vision Australia
June 26th Stella Anderson
July 23rd Carsharlton House
July 24th U3As "Christmas in July
July 31st Mirradong Nursing Home
August 14th . Joan Pinder Nursing Home
November 27th. At the U3A concert we did a medley of
Australian songs to fit with the Australian theme. We
dressed in colonial/convict costumes and added some light comedy into some of the songs.
December 11th Christmas songs at Joan Pinder
December 17th We sang at the Christmas service, after which we had a lovely lunch together at
the Kennington Tavern to finish the year off.
37WEDNESDAY
1.30pm - Hall - Week 4
Social Gathering
Convenor Barb Richie
February 27 Speaker Kerry Graham
Kerry had recently returned to Australia after four years as Principal of VISS, an
international school in “Sharjah”, one of the seven Arab Emirates. Sharjah is the third
largest and third most populous of the seven Emirates, the national language is Arabic.
March 27 Speaker Daryl Fleay
We were very pleased to have had the well-known Bendigo nature
photographer Daryl Fleay speaking to us and showing us some of his
collection of photos.
Daryl (a retired teacher) has a love and strong interest in filming raptors, eagles, etc, as
well as other birds and wild-life. This was an event not to miss
April 24 Annual General Meeting
elections to the new committee and
several matters affecting the smooth and ongoing
operation of U3A Bendigo.
May 22 Three-course Chinese Banquet
It was three-course Chinese Banquet—entrée, main, dessert, tea and coffee.
BYO your own bowl, plate and cutlery!
June 26 Speaker: Louis Roller
Louis Roller was born in Paris of Jewish parents three months before the fall of Paris to
the Nazis.
Despite life-threatening events and many near-misses, Louis survived the holocaust
and arrived in Australia in 1947. He was the first refugee seen at the primary school he
went to; had no English and was highly traumatised. Despite all this, Louis has
managed to have a successful academic career in pharmacy and medicine.
38WEDNESDAY
1.30pm - Hall - Week 4
Social Gathering
Convenor Barb Richie
July 24 Speaker Georgina Paterson
Georgina is one of two workers for the Smith Family; they are based at
the Eaglehawk Secondary College. Georgina told us how the Smith
Family had now changed its way of helping families by creating the
Learning for Life program which concentrates solely on educating
disadvantaged children and youths. The idea is to give a ‘hand up, not a
hand-out’ The results of this Learning for Life Program have been astounding!!
August 28 Speaker James Lerk
James Lerk has documented many aspects of Bendigo’s history. The
Queen`s birthday honours list recognised James contribution to this field
resulting in James being honoured with the Medal of The Order of
Australia. James is also a recipient of the prestigious Award of Merit from
the Royal Historical Society. James has received these awards for his
significant contribution to documenting and preserving the history of
Bendigo.
James has published many books on the history of mining in Bendigo which
is poignant given that mining is fading in the memories of a past Bendigo.
September 25th Speaker: Steven Lee
Steven Lee is President of Bendigo’s Legacy Australia, Legacy is
dedicated to caring for the families of deceased and incapacitated
veterans. Legacy is a voluntary organisation supported by
veterans, service men and women and volunteers from all walks of
life.
There are over 4,000 active volunteers around Australia who act as
mentors to ensure Legacy’ s promise to care for the families of
deceased veterans to the widows and their families who may be suffering financially and
socially after the death of a spouse or parent. veterans is kept.
October 23rd A NON TRIVIA QUIZ
A quiz designed to make peoples' brains work pretty hard for half an hour
or so, and the usual questions on sport and TV were studiously avoided.
39WEDNESDAY
1.30pm - Hall - July & November
Trading Table
Convenor Margaret Hanson
The Trading Table has become a welcome addition to fund-raising efforts of U3A
Bendigo. Every month members brought along lovely items, both practical and
attractive, to sell during the course of the Social Gathering.
The Trading Table originally commenced by Helen McIntyre at U3A rooms at La Trobe
University and when times were tough raising $100’s then resuming at St. Mary’s in
response to fundraising measures and has raised many hundreds of dollars for the group,
which supported courses and other initiatives organised by the
committee.
The Trading Table is fresh and alive. The lovely items including,
cakes, hand crafts, books, toys and plants are on sale during the
meeting in July (Christmas in July) and again for November
meeting (last for the year/ Christmas).
During the coming years we hope members support this initiative
and contribute items and also find a little something that will
bring them joy.
Thank you to all those who have contributed to the Trading Table
over the years – onward and upward – always.
40WEDNESDAY
1.30pm - Hall - Week 4
Social Gathering Concert
Convenor Barb Richie
41WEDNESDAY
2.00pm - Room 1 - Weekly
Spanish Conversation
Convenor Leonie Lewington
Sometime in late 2016 I heard my mouth say to the then Course Coordinator “I could do
that”, THAT being to run a 6 week “Introduction to Spanish” course.
Some 36 people expressed interest in the course, requiring a move to the larger venue of
the Hall.
Three years later, there are some 8-10 people meeting weekly for Spanish conversation.
The composition of the group has changed over the intervening time, but still includes
some originals from 2016/17. Various reasons have been given for interest in the
language, ranging from brain stimulation to wanting to converse with Latin-American co
-grandparents, in-laws and grandchildren, to travel preparation.
I have had many rewards in sharing my interest in this warm and rich language!
42WEDNESDAY
3.00pm - Room 2 & Hall - Weekly
Ukelele
Convenor Sue Tapp
The U3A ukulele group continued on for its second year in 2019 and has had some great
successes as well as much sadness. The group leader for 2018 Tony Sedawie became very
ill and passed away in March. His enthusiasm and energy was the starting force behind
the group and members felt committed to carry on his legacy. Theresa Smith, one of the
original members took on the leadership of the group as it grew with many new members
and the group developed new skills and strong bonds between members. Theresa also fell
ill during the year and we were greatly saddened to hear of her passing on the same day
as we had our end of year breakup. Her smile and enthusiasm and the delightful way she
managed the group will be fondly remembered. Our thoughts continue to be with the
families of Theresa and Tony.
The remainder of the year we continued with Deb and Rae Moran taking the group as it
divided up into a Musical play along group and a more Advanced group working on
advanced skills. We are very grateful to Rae and Deb for their very fine work in teaching
the two groups and to Rae who, when Deb had to step back, for taking on both groups
and leading us for performances at the U3A open Day session and the U3A Christmas
Party.
We have had a wonderful time learning the instrument and performing as a group.
Music is wonderful for lifting the spirits, working the brain and a lovely way to make
new friends. Performing together enables us to share the joy of music and friendship
with others.
The weekly ukulele gathering continues on in 2020 in its format of two groups. Our
hopes are for a successful new year of fun, singing and playing.
43THURSDAY
8.30am - Offsite - Weekly
Bush Walkers
Convenor Margaret Hanson and Jo Walter
The U3A Bendigo Bushwalking Group consists of members who engage in physical
activities in a social context. Our walks cater for the diverse needs and abilities of our
members. Throughout the year members lead walks in many different areas of Bendigo
and surrounding districts. Our walks have taken us to some very interesting locations
including Heathcote, Bridgewater, Castlemaine, Maldon and even as far as Echuca.
During winter (March-November) our walks are approximately 7-10km. The Bushwalking
group often car-pool when the walks are further afield.
During summer (December – February) our walks are a little shorter and generally local.
Whilst on our walks we enjoy sharing members’ expertise and interests, such as local history,
native fauna & flora and geology.
There have been many highlights over the year. It has been mentioned many times that each
week the group enjoys being out in the bush, usually an area new to many of us. Sometimes
the walks are a challenge but we always enjoy the bush, the weather, the company of friends
and fellow walkers and coffee at the end.
Our five day camp, combined with the Hikers and Bush Wanderers was held in Halls Gap
this year. A great time was had by everyone relaxing, walking, and socialising in a
different environment.
Our annual breakfast and Christmas Lunch was combined with the Bush Wanderers,
which gave everyone an opportunity to catch up in a social atmosphere with friends from
the Bush Wanderers
44THURSDAY
8.30am - Offsite - Weekly
Bush Wanderers
Convenor Judy Johnstone, Anne McKarney, Ron Nixon
MAY
2nd Springs Road along the race towards Bendigo Approximately 5kms- easy
9th Hunt's Gap Road walk, some off - track.5kms- easy with some slight rises.
16th Bushwalk From Mandurang Oval Approx. 5kms- easy.
23rd One Tree Hill Race Walk Approximately 4.5-5kms- easy/medium
30th Streamside Reserve Bendigo Creek, Huntly approximately 5kms- easy.
JUNE
6th Wellsford Forest Box Loop track. 5.5kms– easy.
13th Sheepwash Creek Trail, Strathfieldsaye. 5kms. easy.
20th Exploring around Axedale. Leader:: 5kms. easy.
27th Springs Road along race towards Bendigo. 5kms: easy.
JULY
4th Pearce's Rd. to the old mine.5kms,easy.
11th Guys Hill Road bushwalk 5kms. easy, short car pool.
18th Hidden Bendigo East.5.5 km. easy.
25th Bendigo Bushland Trail Loop walk from Cousins St. Medium, some street walking, 5.5kms.
AUGUST
1st: “The fabulous rocks walk”. 4.5kms. easy/ med.
8th: Walk from Kairns Road, Strathdale. 5kms. easy/med.
15th: Victoria Hill Reserve( gold mine historic site). .4-5kms.easy.
22nd: Notley's Whipstick walk. 5kms.easy.
29th: Strathfieldsaye Bushland reserve. 5kms. easy.
SEPTEMBER
5th Greater Bendigo National Park from Marnie Rd. Easy / medium; 4.5-5kms. Short car pool.
12th Outskirts of Golden Square; urban/ bushwalk. easy 5.5kms followed by coffee at Bev's Cafe. St.
19th Kennington Reservoir/ Strathdale Park easy, approximately 4.5kms.
26th Looking for the Bendigo wax flower in Solomon Gully. medium,5kms.
OCTOBER
3rd Lake Neangar and Lake Tom Thumb. easy 4.5kms.
10th Mt. Alexander Ridge walk. easy 5kms.
14th to 18th Bushwalkers Camp at the Grampians. various walks for Wanderers, easy, 6kms.
24th Great Dividing Trail, Kangaroo Flat. easy/ medium 5kms.
31st Wild Flower walk, South Mandurang, bottom of the Range. easy 5kms:
NOVEMBER
7th Bendigo National Park- Kairn Rd. Easy/ medium 4.5kms.
14th Whirrakee Walk.. easy 4.7kms.
21st O'Keefe Trail( Heathcote) and Pink Cliffs easy,5kms.
28th Storey's Road, Sedgwick Forest.. easy/ med. 4.5kms.
DECEMBER
5th O'Keefe Rail Trail circuit. easy 4.5kms; short car pool.
12th Quarry Hill and Surrounds; easy/ medium 4.5kms.
19th Jobs Gully Reserve walk. easy 4.6kms.
26th Boxing Day-no walk.
45THURSDAY
8.30am - Offsite - Weekly
Walking for Fitness
Convenor Jan Maling
JANUARY JULY
3rd Lake Weeroona Coffee Schaller Studio. 4th Strathdale Coffee Cafe Fresh, Strath Village.
10th Kangaroo Flat Coffee Coffee Club Lansell Plaza 11th Strathdale Coffee Max Bakery, McIvor Rd.
17th Strathdale Ramble Coffee Edwards Providore, 18th - City Streets Coffee Bayleaf Café.
Kennington Village. 25th - Long Gully Coffee McDonalds, Cal Gully.
24th White Hills Coffee Bendigo Pottery.
31st Crusoe Gully Coffee Peter’s home., AUGUST
FEBRUARY 1st -Spring Gully Coffee Spring Gully Store.
7th - Allingham Street Coffee Garlands Bakery, 8th Garden Gully Coffee Corner Café
Kangaroo Flat. 15th Kangaroo Gully Coffee Garlands Bakery.
14th - Kennington Reservoir Coffee Bendigo Club. 22nd Kangaroo Flat Coffee Garlands Bakery.
21st - One Tree Hill Coffee Country Kitchen Strath 29th Spring Gully Coffee Spring Gully Store.
Village.
28th - One Tree Hill Coffee Country Kitchen Strath SEPTEMBER
Village. 5th Golden Square Coffee at Bendigo Stadium.
12th Eaglehawk Coffee at Eaglehawk Bakery
MARCH 19th Jackass Flat Reserve Coffee To be advised.
7th Maiden Gully Coffee Marion’s home. 26th Golden Gully Coffee at Adam & Eve
14th Kangaroo Flat Coffee Garlands Bakery, Kangaroo
Flat. OCTOBER
21st Strathfieldsaye Coffee Strathfieldsaye Bakery. 3rd Strathdale Coffee at Country Kitchen, Strath
28th Jackass Flat, Coffee Elaine’s home. Village
10th Beacon Cove to Sandridge lookout and
APRIL Westgate Park Coffee to be advised!
4th Strathdale Coffee Strath Village. 17th Spring Gully Coffee at Spring Gully Store
11th Town Coffee Bayleaf Cafe. 24th -Eaglehawk Coffee at Let’s get Saucy, Eagle-
18th Maiden Gully Coffee Balgownie Cafe. hawk.
25th Mandurang Coffee Spring Gully Store 31st Quarry Hill Coffee at Adam & Eve.
MAY NOVEMBER
2nd Eaglehawk Coffee Eaglehawk Hot Bake 7th One Tree Hill Coffee Country Kitchen, Strath
9th Specimen Hill Coffee Bendigo Stadium. Village.
16th White Hills Coffee McDonalds, Epsom. 14th Maiden Gully Coffee Maiden Gully Bakery
23rd Golden Square Coffee Christina’s home. 21st One Tree Hill, Coffee Country Kitchen, Strath
30th Spring Gully Coffee Spring Gully Store. Village.
28th One Tree Hill Coffee Spring Gully Store.
JUNE
6th Eaglehawk Coffee Eaglehawk Hot Bake DECEMBER
13th Diamond Hill Coffee Peter’s home. 5th Strathfieldsaye. Coffee Strathfieldsaye Bakery
20th White Hills Coffee McDonalds, Epsom. 12th Kangaroo Flat Coffee Peter’s Home.
27th Kangaroo Flat Coffee to be advised. 19th City streets. Coffee Bayleaf.
26th Town walk Coffee Schaller Hotel.
46THURSDAY
8.30am - Offsite - Weekly
Hiking
Convenor Laurie and Judy Edwards, Anne Bridley and Liz Findlay
The hiking group revels in the opportunities offered to explore the natural bushland in a 50 km radius around the
city of Bendigo. The city is ideally situated for all walkers to appreciate the diversity of vegetation, flora and
fauna, natural features like granite outcrops, river flats and gold-digging relics.
From the mountains of Kooyoora, Alexander, Macedon, Ida, Tarrengower, Moliagul to the magnificent
goldfields track which extends from Bendigo to Ballarat we challenge ourselves.
The group walks each week over 12 months. In summer we have a Summer Walks program limited to urban
areas, shorter distances and earlier starts to avoid the heat of the day. Each season has its own special charm,
whether it be wildflowers in Spring, mists in winter (especially on Mt Alexander), autumn in Macedon, water
channels and the dry Whipstick box ironbark forests.
Some comments from the hiking group Hikers on Mt Alexander
participants- great walks, challenging,
awesome fun, Thursdays are sacred,
good social group, very compatible
walking abilities, great to be out in the
bush or on a walk every week of the
year.
Little wonder the U3A bushwalking
groups are so popular. So much so that
in 2014 the numbers were so large that
we split the group into the Hiking and
Bushwalking groups and just recently
the Bush wanderers have taken on their
own agenda. It all bodes well for the
future of Bushwalking in Bendigo
U3A.
In October each year all bushwalking groups share a camp for four days alternating between mountains and
seaside locations.
47THURSDAY
9.00am - Room 2 - Week 1 & 3
Mah Jong
Convenor Carolyn Smith
Tiles
Dragons: Red, White, Green
Winds: North, East, West, South
Characters: 1-9
Circles: 1-9
Bamboos: 1-9
Basics
Pairs (2), Pungs (3), Kongs (4), Runs
Ordinary, Honours,
Examples of Special Hands
Wriggly Dragon, Wriggly Snake
Gates of Heaven, Confused Gates
Moon at Bottom of Well
Three Philosophers, Three Great Scholars
Up You Go
Hovering Angel
Dragon’s Gates, Dragon’s Teeth, Dragon’s
Breath, Dragon’s Run
Guardian Winds, Guardian Dragons
Unique Wonder
Apple Blossom
48THURSDAY
10.00am - Room 2 - Week 2
RUGS Book Club
Convenor Mary Toohey
At Enrolment Day in January 2018 I was fortunate to gain the last place in the RUGS book club.
Participating in a book club was an activity I had wanted for some time, so I was very happy to
join the other members, who had been meeting for some time, and to discover books I might not
otherwise have read.
In the two years I have been a member of the group I have been impressed by others’ ability to recall
the books they have read, and their ability to analyse an author’s style. I have enjoyed the many
discussions , both humorous and serious, which have been sparked by the books we have read.
49THURSDAY
10.00am - Room 2 - Week 4
Book Chat Group
Convenor Mary Toohey
The members of Book Chat love books and reading. We
are happy to share comments with each other about
what books have entertained us, pricked our curiosity,
enthralled us, made us laugh or annoyed the hell out of
us.
Often our comments will lead on to a general discussion
about an issue. We like to swap books with each other
too. And we love to laugh.
It is fascinating to hear what everyone has been reading
in the past month or so, because we are all different and
our tastes range widely.
50THURSDAY
10.00am - Room 1 - Week 2 & 4
Music for Pleasure
Convenor Jo Johnson
This group listens to music of all kinds. A theme
is chosen for each session such as -Spring, The
Sea, Children’s Music, Folk, Dance, Nature ,
Concertos, Chamber Music, Unusual Music - and
members bring CDs to share, evoking the theme.
Here are some members’ comments...
..5 of our 12 members....
“Music gives pleasure and
we enjoy listening to a wide range of music. Sharing our vari-
ous favorites and learning that the world is full of different
tastes. Often we hear music we might not normally play
where we are surprised to find our tastes are wonderfully ex-
panded.”
“Joining a group
that appreciates music
“I love it and find I am learning a lot has been a joy. So many
from listening to all kinds of music” different tastes in music
- I find I’m being edu-
cated and learning to
hear in a different way.”
“This is a pleasant and civilised time for
listening to each other’s choices, time for
silence when the music is playing, then
brief discussion about it. I look forward “Spending time
to Music for Pleasure each fortnight.” choosing a selection of
music to play has changed
the way I listen to music.
I am much more aware of what I am listening
to as a result of participating in the group.”
51THURSDAY
11.30am - Hall - Weekly
Yoga
Convenor Marilyn Grossman
Yoga is an ancient science, its development dating back thousands of years. The meaning
of the word yoga is to yoke or unite. It involves the whole human being – mind, body and
spirit. Meditation is seen as the peak of yoga experience and it is in this state that
enlightenment can occur.
There are many branches or paths of yoga. Some of which are Bhakti,
Gnana, Karma, Raja, and Hatha. The Western world has mostly
adopted the path or system of Hatha yoga. It is a wholistic discipline
or approach concerned with physical effort to attain good health,
control of the body and breath, and works on all our body systems.
A sense of well-being and health can be achieved with simple practices involving
stretching, postures (asana), breath awareness (pranayama) and relaxation. These
practices can be the foundation for meditation.
Yoga is ideally suited for people of all ages. Continued practice can bring about enhanced
peace off mind, harmony, clarity, flexibility, connection to self, and a greater sense of
consciousness.
These are some of the simple postures we do and we finish each class with a 15 minute
relaxation session.
The child - pranatasana
Cat - marjariasana
Chair - utkatasana
Triangle - trikonasana
Hero - virabhadrasana 2
Mountain - tadasana
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