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NEWS Newsletter of
Canberra’s University of the Third Age
www.u3acanberra.org.au
https://www.facebook.com/ groups/u3a.act/
From the President We are ‘Spoilt for Choice’ with our Course Offerings! As a U3A member I recently put my name
down in response to a Friday eBulletin item
advertising a Cryptic Crossword course at
Cook run by Marion Jones. Less than a day
later I received a group email from Marion
to say she was sorry to inform me that the
course was already full but that my name
along with a number of others had been placed on a waiting list and
she would let us know if someone dropped out or if she found she
could increase the class numbers. She added that she would
endeavour to repeat the course in the future.
While I was disappointed to miss out, this episode reinforced a
number of lessons for me about the health of U3A ACT. The first is
that the use of the Friday eBulletin to advertise courses is a very
convenient way of promoting short and longer courses which are
offered at various times during the year. (However you do have to
be quick off the mark!) The second lesson is that there is currently
a proliferation of courses advertised through the eBulletin which
indicates that members are responding well to the wide variety of
course offerings. With overseas travel apparently off the agenda for
Canberrans until well into 2022 members are recognising that a
range of U3A courses are a good option in our retirement,
particularly during the colder winter months.
In this context I occasionally hear some members lament the
passing of the former printed course Prospectus that they looked
forward to receiving at the end of each year. As has been explained
in previous newsletters this practice was discontinued because we
needed to trim our expenses as an organization but also because the
printed Prospectus was out of date the day it was produced. It
made it difficult for course leaders to promote courses they decided
to run during the year and to ‘test the market’ on an ongoing basis.
In the case of the Cryptic Crossword course, Marion Jones would
have been advised to plan months in advance to advertise her
course under the ‘old’ Prospectus format. Members who prefer the
former printed Prospectus format and are perhaps uneasy with the
constantly changing course offerings system we currently have can
always ask for assistance via the office volunteers at Hughes and
Cook.
Speaking of popular U3A activities I am delighted to record the
enduring success of two U3A ACT staples – the Walks and Tours
Program and the Tuesday Lunchtime Forums which now alternate
between Zoom sessions and face to face. I recently spent a
stimulating morning on the U3A Historic Queanbeyan Walk and
have also heard positive reports on the Walter Burley Griffin
Sydney Trip to visit the Griffin-planned suburb of Castlecrag. The
forthcoming Sydney Opera bus trips are always well supported.
Again, you have to be quick to book your place. We are certainly
spoilt for choice in U3A ACT!
Bob Nield
President
June 2021
Volume 35 Number 3
CONTENTS From the Editor 2 Members Calendar 2021 3 Letters to the Editor 3 Just 10 4 Volunteer Matters 6 U3A Course News 7 Committee Matters 10 U3A Walks & Tours Program 13 Key Contacts within U3A 16
Editor Bill Blair
Publisher David Wilson
ISSN (print) 2205-6106
ISSN (Web) 2205-6076
2 U3A ACT Inc. Newsletter, June 2021
From the Editor Thank you for the contributors – especially my ‘team of Margarets’ who can always be trusted to share some
interesting moments with us.
Thanks also to another Margaret, Margaret Ryan for her thoughtful Letter to the Editor. We here on the Editorial team
would welcome more of these contributions – bring them on, our deadlines are explained below.
Learning How our Volunteers Tick. The Editing Team have a great debt to Yvonne Solly of the Course Leader
Assistance Team in pursuing an innovative effort to learn a bit more about what motivates our volunteers – see the
Just 10 segment.
Irene McHugh has curated some examples of U3A artistic talent along with Celeste Barker reporting this year on the
Brindabella Orchestra …. U3A has such a large pool of talented people, it is quite mind boggling.
Thanks as always to those ever reliable contributors – Alex Gosman and Garth Setchell. Garth and I were both
looking forward to the Snowy Gorge ‘follow me’, but this latest Victorian COVID news looks to have scotched it for
a time.
Finally, thanks go to Chris Wilson … not only a capable sub-editor herself, but brave enough to let me take a red pen
to her article.
Bill Blair
Newsletter Timetable for 2021
Please observe the deadline for each edition — it makes our job much easier.
In 2021 the Newsletter will continue to be published every two months (six editions for the year). Newsletters will
usually be published on the first day of every second month.
Newsletter Edition Deadline for copy Newsletter placed
on U3A Website
August 2021 24 July 2021 1 August 2021
October 2021 23 September 2021 1 October 2021
December 2021 23 November 2021 1 December 2021
David Wilson
U3A Offices: Addresses and Phone Numbers
The U3A ACT Office (ph. 6281 6998) is in the Hughes Community Centre at 2 Wisdom Street, Hughes, ACT 2605,
and is usually open Monday to Friday from 9.30 to 4.30. All general enquiries should be directed to this Office.
Our Cook facility (ph. 6251 8005) is in the Cook Community Hub at 41 Templeton Street, Cook, ACT, 2614,
and has the same opening hours.
Our Flynn Teaching Rooms (Course activities only; NO public or member enquiry services) are at Flynn
Community Hub at 21 Bingle St, Flynn, ACT, 2615. Please note: Access to U3A at the Flynn Community Hub is
from Hedland Circuit. For more information on holding a course at Flynn please contact the course coordinator for
Flynn at [email protected].
Our mail address is now: U3A ACT Inc.
Hughes Community Centre
2 Wisdom Street
Hughes ACT 2605
U3A ACT Inc. Newsletter, June 2021 3
Members Calendar 2021 JUNE
1 Tues Newsletter published
14 Jun Queen’s Birthday
Offices closed
15 Tues
Committee meeting
JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER
First week
Call for nominations for annual U3A awards
1 Sun Newsletter published 13 Mon Committee meeting
12 Mon Committee meeting 2 Mon UCAN semester 2 begins
23 Thurs
Deadline for October newsletter
19 Mon Registration for UCAN Semester 2
8 Mon Committee meeting
24 Sat Deadline for Aug newsletter
OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER
1 Fri Membership renewals for 2022 open
8 Mon Committee meeting 1 Wed Newsletter published
1 Fri Newsletter published 12 Fri Nominations for new committee close
13 Mon Committee meeting
4 Mon Labour Day Offices closed
17 Wed AGM 17 Fri Offices close for Christmas-New Year break (reopen 17 Jan 2022)
11 Mon Committee meeting Lunchtime forums end. Day to be advised
23 Tues Deadline for December newsletter
UCAN = University of Canberra, Bruce
Members should check the online courses listing for specific enrolment dates for any courses in which they are
interested.
Letters to the Editor
Parking at Hughes
In respect to this matter, we’ve since determined that the parking in the shopping centre carpark is limited to 2 hours,
so for most courses this may be too short anyway.
Dear Editor and U3A President
Would you be kind enough to ask (via the newsletters and news bulletins), people who attend classes and meetings for
U3A at Hughes to consider the residents of Hughes and Garran? One morning this week, there were no spaces left in
front of the shops, where many, often older, residents, need to go to the chemist and supermarket at least. The shop
owners often go spare as they depend on potential customers being able to park close by. There are many spaces at the
rear of the shops and the COTA/U3A building where more generous and thoughtful members could park for the two
hours or so.
Thank you for all you do for us.
Margaret Ryan
4 U3A ACT Inc. Newsletter, June 2021
Just Ten Suzanne Sherwood The U3A is interested in gett ing to know more about the people who volunteer for us. We would l ike to help our members connect with each other and understand some of the things we do and how we do it. We also want to encourage more volunteering in our community!
This week, we invited Suzanne Sherwood to answer ‘Just Ten’ quest ions about herself and her role as a new volunteer for Canberra U3A. Thank you Suzie!
I f you know of other great volunteers and would l ike us to Spot light them, please drop us a l ine, we would love to hear f rom you.
What is your name? Suzanne Sherwood
How long have you lived in the Canberra area?
Off and on since the 1970s
What’s your passion? My family, my grandchildren and Art History
How long have you been part of U3A?
12 years
What is your volunteer role? Facilitator Art History courses
How long have you been in the role?
This year
Why did you volunteer? I have taught U3A in the past at Bermagui where I lived on and off for 18 years . I very much enjoyed the experience and now that we are settled in Canberra permanently I raked up the courage to offer Art History courses here.
What have been the best things about volunteering?
Meeting lovely people with a like-minded interest in Art History. I particularly enjoy the discussions we have and the contributions and knowledge shared by everyone.
What advice would give someone thinking about volunteering?
It will enrich your life and you will meet many people
Have you any stories good or bad that you could share (respecting names of people who may have been involved)?
As part of this course we have been able to visit and discuss the exhibition masterpieces from the National Gallery in London ‘Botticelli to Van Gogh’. Owing to interest in Art History by U3A members I now have 2 classes with a long wait list. This was a great surprise! I have had some fun moments accessing and exiting the Flynn building and have sometimes had to call on Lindsay Rae to help. Yvonne and Boyd have assisted me with technology for which I have been most grateful and when Keith wants to make a point he has been seen rushing out of class to his car to find the evidence much to our amusement.
U3A ACT Inc. Newsletter, June 2021 5
Just Ten Adele The U3A is interested in gett ing to know more about the people who volunteer for us. We would l ike to help our members connect with each other and understand some of the things we do and how we do it. We also want to encourage more volunteering in our community!
This week, we invited Adele to answer ‘Just Ten’ quest ions about herself and her role as a new volunteer for Canberra U3A. What an amazing person!
I f you know of other great volunteers and would l ike us to Spot light them, please drop us a l ine, we would love to hear from you.
What is your name? Adele
How long have you lived in the Canberra area?
Moved to Canberra in 1976.
What’s your passion? Maybe justice/social justice/fairness which has led me to a number of causes.
How long have you been part of U3A?
I joined U3A about 2005.
What is your volunteer role? I am co-leader of the First Australians Autobiography Reading Group.
How long have you been in the role?
On and off over the last 10 years.
Why did you volunteer? I first joined U3A to join this Reading Group which was then called Indigenous Autobiography Reading Group. The Group had been started about 1-2 years previously by Lindsay Cleland. Lindsay was inspired to start this Reading Group because he was unhappy with the readings on offer at U3A at the time. Previously, the readings on Indigenous Australia were from whitefellas writing about blackfellas. The aim of the Indigenous Autobiography Group was to get to hear from blackfellas, both the written and spoken word. But after about 5 years, when Lindsay was in his mid 80s, he sought to retire from leadership of our Indig Reading Group and asked around among the members for a volunteer to take over as leader. I sounded out a number of members who I thought might be good leaders but, no success, and I was left with the job. Not that I ever regretted being involved with leading this group as it has been a wonderful journey and I have met many “awesome” people, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, and learnt so much about our Australian heritage.
What have been the best things about volunteering?
I have learnt about the wonderful history from our First Nations people and I look forward to the day when this country can celebrate this continuous history which makes us such a unique country.
What advice would give someone thinking about volunteering?
Go for it as it is an opportunity to enrich your life. But make sure you have a diary, an essential for us busy retired people.
Have you any stories good or bad that you could share (respecting names of people who may have been involved)?
I am very grateful for the volunteers who have shared leadership of this group. Each brings their own unique skills and perspective - Trish who led the group for some years brought her IT and communication skills and added to our knowledge in a way that I could not do.
6 U3A ACT Inc. Newsletter, June 2021
Volunteer Matters
Some Thoughts on Volunteering in U3A Canberra
Volunteers are the lifeblood of the U3A in Canberra – they provide the means for U3A to satisfy its members
requirements of offering stimulating courses and social interaction. That members support members is a guiding
principle to all U3As worldwide.
Volunteers are essential in not only leading and running courses, but to undertake administrative tasks, maintain the IT
system, provide direction and ensure good corporate governance as well as numerous other tasks. The range of
volunteer tasks is enormous from staffing the various U3A offices, running Tuesday Forums to organising visits to
Opera in Sydney.
Few community organisations are as reliant on volunteers as is U3A and the challenge of finding willing volunteers is
particularly important given the size of U3A’s membership in Canberra and the number of courses, seminars, walks
etc that it offers. The Committee also recognises that the demographics of U3A membership adds to the challenge of
volunteering and that, for many members, age and transportation issues impact the ability to volunteer.
One of the results of the recent U3A survey “U3A Canberra Members speak” was that 25% of members are
contributing as course leaders or volunteering for various administrative tasks. Contributions are on average 4.2 hours
per week although there are a number of volunteer, particularly in the administrative area that contribute many more
hours per week.
U3A Canberra therefore is extremely fortunate in the number of volunteers it attracts. It appears with the return to
being able to meet face to face, that members are appreciating the opportunity to assist as recent requests for
volunteers to assist with the eBulletin and at the Hughes Office were over subscribed.
The survey also found that of the U3A members not currently volunteering, only 10% plan to do so and 58 % have no
desire to volunteer. But for those who are able to volunteer it offers many benefits– as
Aristotle once said the essence of life is “to serve others and do good,”
Volunteering provides the means to meet people from different age groups, ethnicities or social groups. The
social contact aspect of helping others can have a profound effect on your overall psychological well-being.
A growing body of evidence suggests that people who give their time to others might benefit from lower
blood pressure, improved mental health and a longer lifespan.
Probably the biggest frustration expressed by members in the Survey with U3A were the difficulties in enrolling into
some courses particularly in history and current affairs. But this imbalance in supply of courses and demand reflects a
lack of volunteers to run new courses etc. Until we have new course leaders it is not possible to significantly expand
Course offerings.
The Committee is looking at a number of initiatives to increase the number of volunteers within U3A particularly in
respect of course leaders and to build on existing initiatives such as Recognition Awards. Further details will be
provided.
If you are willing to volunteer contact Julie Polson at [email protected]
Alex Gosman
Have a Logical Mind, Think Systematically, Wish to Help our Hardworking
Presenters?
If the answer is ‘yes’, you would be well placed to join the Information Technology/Audio Visual Help Team … I’ll
be selfish and say especially at Cook. We are looking for one or two interested people to join Charlie and me on the
team. Our role is primarily to assist presenters when trouble strikes with the IT/AV. Typically we only have to walk
them through a short process of re-setting the systems (often caused by earlier presenters not restoring the system back
to ‘standard’). This walk through is almost always over the phone. The IT/AV systems are well documented and
Charlie and I can mentor you in a learning process plus are always there as backup. I should emphasise that we only
get infrequent calls – I’ve only had one this year. The more time-intensive efforts would fall mainly on Charlie and
myself taking turns undertaking the computer monthly updates – a few hours each month. We would a new recruit
would in due course come along and learn about the process with the eventual aim of being able to share in the task.
Email us on [email protected] and we can talk through the role via a later phone call.
Bill Blair
With my other hat on!
U3A ACT Inc. Newsletter, June 2021 7
U3A Course News
Brindabella Orchestra Open Rehearsal May 1 2021
Brindabella Orchestra opened the doors to the musical process when we held our Open Rehearsal on May 1, instead of
our usual concert.
Friends and family were invited to the Weston Creek Community Hub to see how an orchestra develops musical
pieces prior to performance. Under the creative and ever-watchful eye of Conductor Shilong Ye, the Orchestra
worked on pieces by Vaughan Williams, Jean Sibelius, and George Bizet. Tempos were tightened, intonation
improved, and expressive elements enhanced.
Our members were keen to reveal to their guests what takes place during rehearsal and the importance of dedicating
each Saturday morning to rehearsing together - to share the fun and unique experience of being part of an orchestra.
Open rehearsals are also a great opportunity for prospective members to have a taste of what it would be like to be part
of the Orchestra.
We are hoping we may be able to have a concert later in the year.
Brindabella Orchestra is actively seeking new members, particularly string and brass instrumentalists. If you’d like to
play with a friendly group, please come and join us. Best check out the website, www.brindabellaorchestra.net for
more information or phone Rosalie:
Rosalie Hannink on 61826716
The orchestra rehearses at Weston Creek on Saturday mornings from 9:30am to 12pm..
Celeste Barker
Manager, Brindabella orchestra
U3A Recorder Orchestra
The U3A Canberra Recorder Orchestra is happily back in action after its ‘fallow
year’. We have been invited to present a lunchtime concert at the Wesley Music
Centre in Forrest on 21 July, and everyone is practising brilliantly to achieve a
superb recital. We are revisiting a number of pieces from our extensive catalogue.
We welcome Bronwyn Roberts, who will be our accompanist on the harpsichord for
two Baroque works: Handel’s ‘Overture to St. Cecelia’ and a Symphony by a little
known English composer, William Boyce. She will then change to piano for a
modern piece, ‘BAG-atelle’ by Brian Bonsor. He did much in Britain to encourage
the revitalisation of recorders, writing tutor books as well as a great deal of
interesting music specifically for the instrument.
Gustav Holst
An unusual composer to include in our concert is the English composer (of Latvian
descent) Gustav Holst (1874-1934). Holst never wrote anything for recorders,
8 U3A ACT Inc. Newsletter, June 2021
which were well out of fashion by his time. He is best known for his orchestral suite, ‘The Planets.’
In 1900, when he was 26, he wrote ‘Ave Maria’ in memory of his mother who had died when he was a child. It is
scored for two choirs of female voices, and would have been sung by his pupils during his time at St Paul’s Girls’
School in London, where he was Director of Music from 1905 until his death in 1934. He pioneered music education
for women.
In 2016, an English recorder composer and arranger, Steve Marshall, arranged this beautiful work especially for our
U3A Canberra Recorder Orchestra, as he states in the dedication.
We look forward to seeing many U3A members at our concert.
Margaret Wright
Some Works From Our Art Group
Flowering Gums by Jo Adams
Woodland and Waterlilies by Nerelle Charles
U3A ACT Inc. Newsletter, June 2021 9
You’re Never Too Old to Play Twister by Irene
McHugh
water colour The Hat shop in Bellagio by Dominic Downie
Acrylic Vincent’s Tree by Dominic Downie
Irene McHugh
10 U3A ACT Inc. Newsletter, June 2021
Up Close and Personal: Trees of the Arboretum, Course 2
All Canberrans know the Arboretum,
developed after the devastating bushfires of
2003, but did you know that almost 50,000
trees have been planted throughout the 300-
hectare site? There are 100 forests, mostly
consisting of rare, endangered or symbolic
trees from around the world. Some are
forests of a single species; some consist of a
host forest that is planted in conjunction
with a rare or endangered species. “People
can enter into this arboretum and be
transported to a different part of the world
each time they visit,” says one writer. “Each
time you enter a forest it’s a different
experience—different flowers, different
smells, different textures. Some people will
experience memories of their motherland
left behind.”
Each forest at the Arboretum
is planted in a certain pattern
that refers to some attribute
of the trees in that forest. The
wood of the Osage Orange is
used for bows, tool handles,
fence posts and tree nails (or
trunnels, which are pegs used
in building), and the forest at
the Arboretum is planted with
a curve to resemble a bow
and straight lines to resemble
arrows.
This 4-part course introduces
each of the tree species
planted in the Arboretum.
Course 2 was presented by
Jan Morgan, assisted by
Malise Arnstein. Jan followed
the information about each
tree as given in The
Arboretum Book: Forests of
the National Arboretum
Canberra (compiled and
edited by Linda Muldoon, 2014), but added a great deal more of her own research. It was fascinating to learn who had
given a tree its botanical name, how the name was derived, and the background of the person who had first chosen that
name. We learnt in which country or part of the world each tree had originated, which explorer or adventurer had first
brought samples or seeds to the attention of interested persons in Europe; and who were the dedicated scholars that set
up systems for describing and classifying plants.
Historical information was accompanied by a comprehensive and practical description of each tree—how it grows and
what conditions it prefers; what its bark, leaves, flowers and seed look like; how it is fertilised and whether it has both
male and female flowers on the one tree (monoecious) or whether there are male trees and female trees (diecious); and
how a tree’s various parts have been used by humans, and by animals.
This course was held in autumn, and was complemented by two walks. The first, led by Joanne Maples and Malise,
was to see young trees in their forests at the Arboretum; the second, led by Jan and Malise, followed the Lindsay Pryor
Walk at ANU to look at mature trees. Seeing trees up close and personal made what we had heard in class come alive,
and the glorious autumn colours were spectacular.
Tree words to remember
coppice: an area of woodland in which the trees or shrubs are
periodically cut back to ground level to stimulate growth and
provide firewood or timber
drupe: a fleshy fruit with thin skin and a central stone
containing the seed, e.g. a plum, cherry, almond
pedicel: a small stalk bearing an individual flower in an
inflorescence
peduncle: the stalk bearing a flower or fruit
pollard: a tree whose top branches have been cut back to the
trunk so that it may produce a dense growth of new shoots
sessile: attached directly by its base without a stalk or
peduncle
trunnel or tree nail: a hard wooden pin used for fastening
timbers together
U3A ACT Inc. Newsletter, June 2021 11
Not only did our class have a feast each week of
information about four trees, we also had morning tea
provided by Judy, one of our class members, who made
the most delicious treats. That was an extra bonus.
Anyone who is interested in the out-of-doors and in our
Arboretum would greatly enjoy any or all of these four courses on the Arboretum trees. You will be left wishing you
had time to learn even more about the trees of each week. We can only add that we increased our enjoyment of the
Arboretum by attending this class.
Chris Wilson
Warrani Chorale : We carry on singing!
This semester Warrani Chorale has carried on singing in two smaller
choirs, each of thirty-three members, which meet on alternate weeks.
Both choirs have been under the competent baton of Assistant
Conductor, Natalie Collis, as our Principal Conductor, Helen Swan,
has been on leave following the death of her husband in March.
Natalie has worked hard to maintain our high standards and has been
thrilled with how well both choirs are sounding. Thank you, Natalie,
for enabling us to carry on singing and for the enjoyment that that
has given all our
members.
Natalie Collis
conducting
Choir practices would not happen without a great band of helpers who
mark the rolls, supervise the Covid sign-in, set out the chairs and sound
system at our practice venue, Yarralumla Uniting Church hall and do
cleaning at the end. They often go above and beyond their usual duties to
make sure that practices go smoothly and that everyone is safe. On May
5 helpers arriving to get ready for Choir B discovered that the path to the
church was wet and slippery and covered in autumn leaves after recent
wind and rain. They immediately set to and cleared the path so that
everyone could arrive in the hall without any accidents. Thank you to the
willing sweepers.
If you would like to join us at Warrani and enjoy great singing and
friendship, please contact our Membership Secretary, Elizabeth Turton,
phone 0437686459 or [email protected]
Clearing leaves from the path at Yarralumla Church
Margaret Martin
Did you know . . .
The Chilean wine palm (Jubaea chilensis) is
named for King Juba II of Numidia and
Mauretania, who was brought to Rome as a child
and raised by Julius Caesar then by his nephew
Octavian, who became Augustus Caesar and
restored Juba to the throne of Numidia.
Magnolias appeared before bees, and therefore
have evolved to attract beetles to fertilise them.
The Monkey Puzzle tree (Araucaria araucana)
is named after the Aracanos tribe in the south of
Chile. Its Western name was given because it
looked so spiky that even monkeys would find it
difficult to climb. It can live up to 1000 years.
12 U3A ACT Inc. Newsletter, June 2021
Tuesday Forums
After a near 18 month absence owing to COVID the first face to face Tuesday Forum conducted by U3A/COTA for
2021 was held at Hughes Hall on 4 May. As is the normal the quality of the talk was fantastic and those in attendance
were privileged to hear an introduction on “Artificial intelligence” by Dr Lachlan McCalman of the Gradient
Institute.
The talk by Abul Rivzi on Immigration on 18 May was possibly one of the most
interactive discussions experienced in the Forums with numerous questions.
During 2021 the Forums will be alternatively a face to face session at Hughes Hall
(first and third Tuesday of a month) and a zoom session (second and fourth Tuesday
of a month) with some flexibility on dates owing to COVID/volunteer absences.
This “dual” approach reflects the strong support expressed in the recent survey
“U3A Canberra Members speak” for a resumption of face to face forums not only
for the intellectual stimulation but also the social interaction. Zoom events have
been scheduled following the strong favourable feedback for the 25 plus zoom
forums conducted in 2020. The Tuesday Forum Organising Committee recognises
the variety in preferences across the U3A memberships.
A major difference for this year has been the capping on room capacity at Hughes of
80 which has necessitated the introduction of a registration system and a number of
COVID related protocols. This has worked well to date and guarantees all those
who have registered a seat so that there is no need for members to arrive early for Forums. We have also appreciate
the assistance of the Australian History Course to ensure a smooth transition between their Tuesday morning meetings
and the Forums to minimise crowding in the Hughes foyer.
The Forums in 2021 will retain the recent strong focus on domestic and international current affairs as well as
scientific and environmental issues where the survey results indicated that members considered that “the current range
of topics for forums and seminars meet the members interest”. We will offer a number of new speakers but also have
the return of a number of past popular speakers who will be updating on issues that often changed quite significantly
eg Australia’s relationships with China, Immigration.
The advantage of Zoom is that we can attract interstate speakers with, for
example, Quentin Dempster discussing The Future of Public Broadcasting from
his study in Sydney.
We are also looking at monthly “theme” in some months – for example June a
number of speaker touching on “Me too” issues including actions by ACT Govt
to combat sexual abuse and to increase female participation in politics. September
will be a number of speakers around climate change and “weather”.
One observation is that number for the face to face forums are probably only 50%
of what we would normally expect and below the capacity limit. In contrast the
sole Zoom Forum to date was near capacity. This of course reflects a number of
factors including the Forum subject but maybe also indicates some reluctance
from traditional attendees at Hughes. As a former Committee member
commented “U3A is a fantastic organisation and its course offerings to members
are either the best in Australia or close to it.” We hope that members also have
similar feelings for the Forums. And as always a big thanks to those volunteers on
the Tuesday Organising Committee – the Forums could not operate without their commitment and dedication. Some
other recent comments:
Congratulations to all concerned for a most interesting and informative Zoom meeting
today.
Lucky to have such a great range of speakers from universities, various policy think tanks
and scientific and medical institutions in Canberra and appreciate their willingness to give of
their time to talk at our events.
The Forum organisers also welcome suggestions for talks and contacts
Alex Gosman
U3A ACT Inc. Newsletter, June 2021 13
Committee Matters
Looking for opportunities to support our U3A members
The U3A committee is positioning itself to effectively optimize funding opportunities from the ACT Government and
other sources with the aim of improving the delivery of services by U3A.
Two grant applications have been recently submitted to the ACT Community Services Funding Support by our Grants
Officer in consultation with key relevant committee members.
The first grant is for the installation of an AED defibrillator at the Flynn community Hub. It is considered that having
the AED in a centrally located area provides a sense of safety and the saving of lives. It is known that most cardiac
arrest cases come un-announced and unless there is a device easily accessible, may result in a fatality. The AED
chosen by U3A committee does not need to be used by a medic but can be easily used by any person.
The second grant is for improved technology and computer equipment. The committee is working towards having the
ability to provide a remote access of U3A courses to its members in their own homes. The committee recognised that
many of the U3A members were becoming isolated due to the impacts of COVID-19 and determined that improving
its in-house technology and thus being in the position to provide courses to members irrespective of location, was a
high priority.
At the time of writing, it is unknown whether or not our applications will be successful. We anticipate advise of
success or otherwise sometime after August 2021.
Fingers crossed and stay tuned!
Marg Nicholls
Grants Officer
U3A Walks & Tours Program DISCLAIMER
Most activities involve some element of risk. Bushwalking, in particular, is a potentially dangerous activity and
requires an appropriate level of fitness. Whilst U3A ACT Inc maintains public liability insurance and will endeavour
to protect your safety, it cannot remove all the dangers. It therefore assumes that all participants, by booking,
consider themselves to have appropriate levels of fitness and mobility, in respect of which they participate at their
own risk.
Recently completed activities As things get back to normal, a variety of activities have recently taken place:
The London Bridge walk on Thu 15 Apr – 29 participants;
Part of the preserved ‘London
Bridge Homestead’
14 U3A ACT Inc. Newsletter, June 2021
The Anzac 2021 Southern Aurora rail cruise from Sat 24 to Thu 29 Apr – 12 U3A pax;
In the dining car – Southern
Aurora
The Griffins and Gardens tour on Sun 2 and Mon 3 May – 44 participants;
U3A ACT Inc. Newsletter, June 2021 15
A repeat of the Historic Queanbeyan walk on Fri 7 May – 28 participants
Part of the garden of ‘Nooroo’, Mt Wilson
Deferred Activities As a consequence of the Victorian COVID-19 lockdown, the self-drive Lower Snowy Escapade planned for 30 May
to 1 June had to be deferred. Those booked will be advised of the new dates when circumstances permit. Although
currently fully booked, the new dates may not suit everyone. Should you wish to be added to the wait list, please
contact Garth Setchell.
Bookings and queries for forthcoming activities Bookings for the following activities should be made by email if possible to [email protected]. Otherwise,
or if you have decisive queries, phone Garth Setchell on 62901100. Please ensure you include your email address and
contact details. Leaflets giving all necessary details will be posted to successful applicants.
Saturday 24 July 2021
Aida
This one day coach tour to the Sydney Opera House includes your coach transport, morning tea on the way down,
tickets to the matinee performance of ‘Aida’ and a quick two-course dinner at the Mittagong RSL Club on the way
home. David Livermore’s radiant production promises to be a thrilling visual experience. Tahu Matheson will be
conducting and Elena Guseva performs the role of Aida. Either A or B-Reserve seats are available at a total tour cost
of either $350 or $300pp. Departure from the first pick-up point in Deakin is at 7.10am, with return a little after
9.00pm. As half the available places have already been taken, don’t delay. Regrettably bookings must close on 11
June.
Saturday 14 August 2021
The Tales of Hoffmann
This second one-day coach tour to the Sydney Opera House, at the same price of $350pp for A-Reserve seats or
$300pp for B-Reserve seats, also includes your transport, morning tea, opera ticket and dinner. The elaborate stage
sets will be sent to Covent Garden after the Australian production, Carlo Montanaro will be conducting, Jean-Francois
Borras plays the role of Hoffmann and Jessica Pratt and Marco Mimica sing the lead female and villain roles. Whilst
departure from the first pick-up point at Deakin will also be 7.10am, return will be around 9.40pm. Again, don’t delay
if interested. Nearly half the places have already been taken, but bookings don’t close until 30 June.
Wednesday 18 August 2021
Mount Taylor
This quite short – 2km – walk will help get you started again for Spring. Commencing at 10.00am from the car park
at the end of Waldock St, Chifley, a locked vehicular access track will be followed on the steep 160m climb to the top
(at 856m above sea level). Here, at 300m above the level of Lake Burley Griffin, the views are extensive. Our walk
back down will be via a foot track on the east side. The $3pp charge, payable on the day, includes some drinks and
nibbles at the end. Prior booking essential.
Garth Setchell
Walks and Tours
16 U3A ACT Inc. Newsletter, June 2021
Key Contacts within U3A OUR COMMITTEE
Role Name Email Phone
President Bob Nield [email protected] 0430 487 539
Vice President Lindsay Rae [email protected] 0474 435 500
Vice President Sherrill Bell [email protected] 0422 189 289
Treasurer Brian Moir [email protected] 0414 834 249
Secretary Rhonda Jolly [email protected] 6179 5641
Ordinary member Les Bienkiewicz [email protected] 0411444248
Ordinary member Grace Carlisle [email protected] 0416 266 152
Ordinary member Simone Clark [email protected]
Ordinary member Gary Davis [email protected] 0410 028 629
Ordinary member Caroline Fitzwarryne [email protected] 0417 771 031
Ordinary member Alex Gosman [email protected] 0414 258 745
Ordinary member Malcolm Pye [email protected] 0447 231 052
Ordinary member Richard Reilly [email protected]
Ex officio member Keith Huggan [email protected]
OUR SERVICES FOR MEMBERS
General enquiries: Cook Office volunteer 62518005
General enquiries: Hughes
Office volunteer 62816998
eBulletin eBulletin team [email protected]
Facebook Julie Polson [email protected]
Newsletter Newsletter team [email protected]
Membership enquiries Dorothy Zenz [email protected]
Suggestions [email protected]
Tours Garth Setchell [email protected] 6290 1100
Tuesday Forums Alex Gosman [email protected] 0414 258 745
University of Canberra enquiries
Julia Rymer [email protected]
New volunteers Julie Polson [email protected]
OUR SERVICES FOR COURSE LEADERS
Chair Courses Sub-Committee
Keith Huggan [email protected]
Proposals for new courses [email protected] 6287 7758
Course changes or cancellations
Room bookings: Cook, Hughes, Flynn
Equipment bookings [email protected]
Assistance [email protected]
IT/AV problems: Cook [email protected] 0419 293 910
IT /AV problems: Hughes Brian Kensey [email protected] 0414878167
IT/AV problems: Flynn [email protected]
Facilities Team [email protected] 0452 602 009
Note: A full listing of contacts for all our volunteer coordinators and managers and key volunteers is available for downloading and printing on the members’ pages of our website at the Contacts Tab.
