SEYMOUR & DISTRICT

 U3A

 
UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE

 SEMESTER 2

(July till December 2008)\

To join, or renew mambership contact Lynne Byrne 5792 1824 or email seymu3a@vicnet.net.au;  contact the Programme Coordinator, Loris Wilmot on 5792 1093 or email to jlwilmot @ bigpond.com.au to request course enrolments.

TIME TABLE FOR July 2008 - CLICK  here

TIME TABLE FOR August 2008 - CLICK  here

“THE MELTING POT”

Each month from February to October we have the opportunity to hear challenging ideas in various fields, presented by excellent speakers. They are among the leading figures in their areas. They are generous in the time they give to travel to Seymour to broaden our understanding of current affairs.  In return we can listen to their ideas, ask questions and go away and think or talk about the subject.

On the first Tuesday in the month we will meet at the Salvation Army Hall at 2.00 pm.

 This session is open to the public. Over afternoon tea we have the chance to meet everyone from U3A.

 Please appreciate that in approaching our potential speakers the Melting Pot organisers need the assurance that our visitors are going to meet with a well attended, lively audience. So we need your full support to keep the standard high.
 
ARTIST’S GATHERING

For those who have always wanted to put aside a morning a week devoted to art. Inspiration from the group. Beginners welcome. At present, fortnightly lessons in pastels are offered at $10 per lesson. This is optional. Anybody can follow individual artistic interests in this good company.

•    Contact: Jill Mattei, 5793 8278
•     Frequency: weekly
•     Day, Time: Tuesday, 9.30 am – 12.30 pm
•    Venue: Tallarook Hall
•    Cost: $3 to cover hall hire. Provide own materials.

 A WAY WITH WORDS

Perhaps you have a passion to write or a dream to capture thoughts on paper. Join in with others, both beginners and practising. Working in company gives a little inspiration to start or the challenge to improve. Anyone welcome to join in.

• Self help group. Contact Loris, 5792 1093
• Day, Time: third Tuesday, 1.30 pm
• Frequency: monthly
• Venue: RSL

 BOOKGROUP

A great way to discuss some of today’s interesting literature with like-minded people. We are a CAE group called the Bookworms, and CAE fees apply.

• Course contact: Lynne Byrne, 5792 1824,
•  Frequency: monthly.
•  Day, Time: third Monday, 1.30 pm
• Venue: Seymour Library, Anzac Avenue

COMPUTERS

Basic Computers

U3A members are being offered Basic Computer familiarisation in the third school term July-September at Puckapunyal. Run by Jenny Oakley

• Days: Mondays. For 10 sessions starting July 14. Come as often as you need.
• Time: 10.30 am – 12.00 md
• Venue: Puckapunyal and District Neighbourhood Centre, 5735 7719
• Cost: $10 membership fee plus $2.50 per session.

 COOKING: “A Love Affair with Food”

Leader will again be Nancy Ritchie who has a wide range of experience in hospitality. This semester Nancy will be full of French food and ideas. Pastry making will be one of many skills she will be demonstrating.

• Course contact: Nancy Ritchie, 5796 2417
• Days: third Thursday in month
• Dates: Aug 21, Sept 18, Oct 16, Nov 20
• Times: 10.30 am – 12.30 pm.
• Venue: RSL
• Class size limited to ten, waiting list available.
• Cost: To cover ingredients so will vary at each session.

CREATING WEBS AND USING VIDEO CAMERAS

A short do-it-yourself mutual help program covering the establishment and maintenance of World Wide Webs. This will be followed by a review of the capture of the moving image and the application in digital cameras, with emphasis on how to use the Seymour & District U3A video camera. There will be some discussion and illustration of video editing.

The coordinator of this course is not a professional in the field but has some 10 years experience in managing webs and has taken an interest in amateur filming and editing for a couple of decades. While this will be a basic course for beginners, it is hoped that some participants will have video knowledge to add to the discussions. The course will be limited to a maximum of 5 people and will be held twice monthly.

Topics:

•           What is a WWW? Programs to create a webpage and edit it.
•           The U3A web and how it is accessed and edited 
•      Establishing backup editors for the U3A web
•            Brief history of the moving image and review of electronic recording devices 
•     Analogue and digital videotape, DVD and solid-state memory.
•           How to use the U3A digital camera, a Sony DCR-DVD610 with both a DVD and a solid-state memory stick. Disacussion of its use for other U3A programs.
•           Interfacing digital cameras with computers and considerations of video editing.
•           Some discussion of movie film composition and the production of short movies.

Coordinator: Bob Brown, 5796 2163
Day, time: second and fourth Thursday, 10.30 am
Dates: Aug 14 & 28, Sept 11 & 26, Oct 9 & 23
Venue: RSL

 DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY

Again we have the opportunity to use the computers at Seymour Community House at 47A Anglesey Street (behind the Meeting Place) during the school holidays. Classes will be limited to six.

Course 1: Tuesdays July 1 and July 8

at 10.30 am to 12.30 pm.

Course 2: Tuesdays September 23 and September 30

at 10.30 am to 12.30 pm.    

• Teacher: Barry Dunn, 5792 1017
• Venue: Seymour Community House
• Cost: $15. Payment confirms enrolment.

EXERCISE FOR HEALTH

 1. Light Aerobics for Seniors (LAFS)

Good for your heart. Thirty minutes of low impact, quiet exercises that lift your pulse rate. Until you feel fitter the use of a chair is safest. Specially designed for us. Led by Erin at Seymour Sports and Aquatic Centre through July to September

• Frequency: weekly, returning July 2
• Day, Time: Wednesday, 2.00 pm
• Venue: Seymour Sports and Aquatic Centre
• Cost:$4

2. Strong for Life

U3A members are being offered “Strong for Life” classes in addition to Light Aerobics for Seniors at a reduced cost of $4.

• Times: Either Tuesday at 2.00 pm (but not on days of Melting Pot) or Friday at 9.30 am
• Venue: Seymour Sports and Acquatic Centre
• Cost: $4

Please note: check dates during school holidays. It will not be scheduled on Tuesdays, but may be on Fridays.

3. Walk and Wonder

Walk in parks and the local surrounding areas and wonder at some of nature’s marvels. Walkers set their own pace Occasionally we will undertake an extended walk at a distant interesting location.

• Course Leader: Lesley Dalziel, 5792 1848,
• Frequency: weekly, continuing
• Day, Time: every Tuesday, 9.00 am.
• Venue: phone for meeting place

FRENCH CONVERSATION

Alors! Joinez le classes et havez un tres bon temps avec le grand laughter et jolie. How seriously you learn is up to you.

• Tutor: John Lavoipierre
• Contact: Glenda Sapsford, 5796 2103
• Frequency: weekly on Mondays, starting after the school holidays on July 14
• Time: 10.30 am
• Venue: RSL. Fourth Monday at OCH

 GARDEN WITH MARION

Here is someone who is genuinely productive in the garden, loves plants of all kinds, has a passion for cacti and succulents and a lifetime of skills to impart. Two seasonal open garden visits are offered. Plus, by arrangement with Marion you (or a small group) can visit to learn about your particular interests.

Tuesday July 15, 11.00 am.

First winter visit: To see winter vegies and flowers and proper preparation of compost. Discussion will focus on preparing for spring vegie planting either in open beds or containers.

Stay for a “pot of vegie soup” lunch. Bring a little contribution to go with it.

Tuesday October 14:

Spring garden visit: Contact Loris, 5791 1093 nearer to the time to confirm arrangements.

 Contact: Marion, 5796 9228

Directions: Meet at 10.30 am at corner of Wimble and Halpin Streets to pool cars and follow Gordon’s lead to Marion’s place. Please wear you membership name tag and mark attendance roll at Marion’s.

GENEALOGY

One more session in September. Interested people can meet Lois to get started and pick up directions from her wealth of experience.

• Course Leader: Lois Tomkin, 5792 1528
• Dates and time: by arrangement with Lois
• Venue: Old Court House
• Class size: Under 10.

 
HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

Gain through Knowledge, Management and Choices

First Thursday each month at RSL.Note different times.

 
July 3: Alzheimers led by Dr  Anne Ryan of Alzheimers Australia.  

For self or family member, are there any preventative measures to take? Are there wise ways of dealing with it at the onset or in the longer term?

• Contact: Caroline, 5792 4212
• Time: 1.30 pm

August 7: Better Hearing led by Gwen Rosengren.

This session will outline ways to improve your communications. Whether you are the one out of conversations now or live with someone with the “What whats?” there is advice, screening, information, training and much more to aid you.

• Contact: Loris, 5792 1093
• Time: 10.30 am

 September 4: Vision Australia led by a consultant.

Protecting the vision you have. Being aware of the services and support you can access at each stage as your eyes age.

• Contact: Loris, 5792 1093
• Time: 10.30 am

 October 2:  Get a kick out of life.

Film “The Singer and the Dancer”. Director Gillian Armstrong, actors Ruth Cracknell and Elizabeth Crosby. Food for thought – for carers too.

• Contact: Loris
• Time: 10.30 am

 HOBBY WOODWORKING AT THE MENS SHED

This is a 6 week course for 6 people.

–          Learn basic skills with tools

–          Perhaps make use of equipment which otherwise you cannot access, or

–          Start  a small project (with advice from Michael and Rolf).

• Contact: Michael Coffey, 5799 1119
• Day, time: Monday, 10.00 am
• Dates: October 6 to November 10
• Venue: Men’s Shed, Puckapunyal.

 
JULY WINTER GET-TOGETHERS

Come and meet old friends and new faces. You may play or learn a new card game, Scrabble, Ludo or an Ernie special, or knit and chat over afternoon tea. A little something to eat would be appreciated, but come anyway.

Contacts: Ernie, 5792 3333 or Marg 5792 3339

• Thursday July 17
• And Thursday July 31
• At 1.30 pm
• At RSL (which has great heating)

LITERATURE – A MIXED BAG

To distinguish it from book groups, the course will have a lecture format and a wider scope, usually dealing with more than one text. However, there will always be class participation and discussion.

You will not be lost if you have not read the texts. You could use the lesson to decide if you want to read them or not! However, of course you will gain more from the lecture and discussion if you have read at least one of the listed texts.

Course Leader: Ailsa Roper, who travels up from Melbourne to lead us.

After a break in July and August it will start again in September. You are invited to join in.

Topics:

September 3: Euripides, “Medea”.

October 8 (after school holidays): Chekhov the dramatist, “Three Sisters” and “The Cherry Orchard”.

November 5: Charles Dickens, “Bleak House” and “Great Expectations”.

• Contact: Loris, 5792 1093,
• Day, Time: Wednesday, 1.30 pm.
• Venue: RSL
• Cost: $2 per session to cover expenses.

 NEWSPAPERS

Join in a lively discussion about the issues of the day. Bring newspaper article(s) that you find interesting and/or comment on any media report.

Leader: Ernie Finn, 5792 3333

• Day: second and fourth Friday, starting July 11
• Time: 11.00 am
• Venue: RSL
• Class Size: Open

 ONLINE COURSES

Courses are available through the Australia wide U3A network. You can check these out by going to www.u3aonline.org.au and clicking on Courses in the left-hand panel. Information is given to you on how to log in. If you have any queries contact our webmaster Bob Brown, 5796 2163.

 PHILOSOPHY

Do we really “know” (whatever) or merely believe? What IS philosophy?

Sessions will be informal discussions on questions the group would like to tackle.

Continuing. New members are welcome to join in.

Course Leader: Syd Hayward, 5792 3050

Led by experience and deep interest.

• Day: first and third Wednesday, starting July 2
• Time: 10.30 am
• Venue: RSL
• Class Size: Open.

 RIDE THE RAILS OF HISTORY

            From Britain to Seymour – Our Railway story

Two lectures, a set of interviews, a visit to the Heritage Workshop, a film and refreshments with the “Old Lady”- the Seymour railway station.

We wish to acknowledge the planning and organisational help generously given by David Watson to presenting this course.

1. August 13: Setting the scene, led by David.

            Our British rail inheritance; Victoria sets out its lines; its administration and self-sufficiency. See the memorabilia associated with the Seymour railway district.

Venue: the Mitchell room at the Railway Heritage Centre yard. (Please note: access is by steep steps).

2. August 27: David continues with stories of our railway district with its many branch lines. Where we are today.

            Venue: RSL hall.

3. September 10: Meet the workers – interviews with 4 or 5 past employees. And a short film “A Steam Train Passes”.

Venue: RSL hall.

4. September 24: A visit to Heritage Centre Workshop to see carriages and engines. Mobility required to walk on uneven surfaces and up steps into carriages. Small charge.

5. October 8: Take refreshments at Seymour railway station after guided tour.

•  Contact: Loris, 5792 1093
• Day, Time: Wednesdays fortnightly at 10.30 am

SHARE TRADING GROUP

This group will continue by arrangement.

Contact: Jessica Rayner, 5794 2425

Time and venue to suit the study

 SINGING GROUP

Jessica’s Corral.

Want to find some harmony in your life? Singing is a fun and easy way to maintain good health and well-being and to develop and sustain social connection.

Join us on Monday afternoons in an encouraging and supportive atmosphere where you can enjoy singing and making music with others.

Our skills are varied, our repertoire is diverse and we always laugh a lot! New members are most welcome. All you need is a voice!

• Contact: Nell Brown, 5796 2163
• Frequency: weekly
• Day, Time: each Monday at 1.30 pm
• Venue: Uniting Church Hall, 15 Crawford Street
• Cost: $2 per session

 TATTY THEATRE

Take a nostalgic trip in time at 29 Wimble Street to see a quality film (and cartoon), well chosen for us by Neil. A short discussion afterwards with supper finishes a great evening.

• Contact: Joy Baker, 5792 1776
• Dates: August 18, September 21, October 20
• Time: 7.00 pm
• Cost: $5

 MEMBERS MORNING TEA

Open from 10.00 am. Drop in for a coffee and chat after shopping. At 11.00 am we will have a local community speaker visit and talk for 10-15 minutes.

• Day, time: third Friday, starting July 18, 10.00 am
• Venue: RSL

 U3A COUNCIL MEETINGS

These will be held on the second Friday of each month in 2008 at the Old Court House at 1.00 pm.

A copy of the minutes will be available for you to see at the following Members Morning Tea.

COUNCIL MEMBERS AT TIME OF PRINTING: Ernie Finn, Bob Brown, Carol Smith, Eddie Moylan, Jill Fidler, Bev McCracken, Lynne Byrne, Loris Wilmot, Pat Coffey, Marg Cox, Helen Summers

TIME TABLE FOR July 2008 - CLICK  here

TIME TABLE FOR August 2008 - CLICK  here

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TRANSPORT

Do not let any concern about transport deter you from enrolling in any course. Talk to the course leader or contact person to see what can be arranged in the way of car-pooling, lifts, etc.

 FINANCES

            For any issues around fees please contact Eddie Moylan on 5792 1534.

 ABSENCES

If you are unable to attend a class please tell the tutors/contact people. They would appreciate your courtesy.

 NAMETAGS

Please wear your nametag to all classes.

In the interests of safety, would you please make sure your address, contact number and any relevant medical information is recorded on the back of your nametag.

 INSURANCE

As part of your annual membership, U3A has Volunteer Insurance as well as Public Liability Insurance. Our U3A Council is concerned about the safety and well-being of our members. We ask that members consider their ability to participate in an activity with regard to any physical limitations and risk factors. Carrying relevant medical information and emergency contact details can save valuable time in the event of an accident or injury. If you become aware of any risk at our venues, please notify the tutor and/or course contact as soon as possible.