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Third Age Learning - December 2008

 

Official Newsletter of U3A Werribee Region Inc.
P.O. 1264, Werribee Plaza. 3030

Email address: sec.u3awbee@optusnet.com.au.
Website: http://home.vicnet.net.au/~u3awbee
 

 

Patrons
Prof. Ian Thomas, Head of Campus - Werribee Victoria University
Prof. Ken Hinchliff, Dean of Veterinary Science, Melbourne University
Mr. Steven Butyn, Principal, Werribee Secondary College

President - Serita Mudford
General Enquiries to Secretary, Gloria Colling Ph. 9734 6063
All Course Enquiries: Brian Beck - Ph. 9741 5475

 

President's Report - Serita Mudford

We're once again coming to the end of another very full year for our U3A. It has been an exciting year with many new faces on the Committee, all serving us with great enthusiasm. We have managed to introduce several new classes and there is the prospect of more in the New Year. One fairly new introduction in 2008 has been the very successful 'Coffee Mornings", which have enabled us to mingle and get to know each other better. We have continued networking with nearby U3A's and our local City Council. This has included participation in the Seniors Exposition, raising our profile in the community.

While in New Zealand, I contacted several U3A groups with similarities to our own, and some with new ideas too. It is good to know that we are a world-wide organization. On a personal level, I would like to acknowledge the wonderful people we meet in other U3A's and the great friendships formed. As many of you will know, after my jaunt to New Zealand, I contracted pneumonia. My U3A friends rallied round me making sure that I had nourishing meals and with their good will ensuring my quick recovery. Many, many thanks to all you wonderful people out there. Take Care.

 

Course Notes

Current Affairs Discussion Group - George Leake

A fascinating exploration of senior thinking occupied our sessions during the year. Many areas of interest were discussed - local, national and international. Discussions were, as always, animated and wide ranging.

We look forward to next year so that we may continue our exploration of today's society. Special tanks to all members for their help in setting up the room and for clearing up afterwards, and to our 'washing up' ladies.
I invite any U3A member who would like to join us, the region secretary or the course co-ordinator. We always have pleasant morning, (and morning tea), with a great deal of stimulating conversation and food for thought. Thanks to all members of our group for helping me throughout the year. I hope that next year will be even better. If you would like to join our friendly group next year, please come to the U3A Enrolment Day 29 January, 2009.

Australian History - Jan and George

The subjects covered during Term 3 were -

• The Royal Flying Doctor Service - - particularly the early years, (3 weeks)
• The Liberator re-building project - video and guest speaker, Tony Muller.
• Coastal Marine topics - (3 weeks)
• A year to remember - (1951)
  
  Term 4 included a diverse selection, including -
• A trip overland with Cobb & Co.
• The Sunshine Man - Hugh McKay
• Soldier Settlement - Willesees Australia
• Australia's Salinity Problem - (2 weeks)
• Minerals and Mining
• Endangered species in Australia
• A trip to the Point Cook Air Force Museum.

Thanks for all the help in room arrangement etc. and we hope to see you all next year.

Music You Like to Hear - Anna Mitchell

Term 3 just went in a flash, ad here we are already in Term 4. Terms seem shorter each year. Is it a sign of age or are we having so much fun that we don't notice how time goes by?

Over the years, we have established that Beethoven is our favourite composer and his bombastic "Emperor" piano concerto fittingly started last Term, followed by highlights from his opera "Fidelio". On a lighter note, the same day, we listened to Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Phantom of the Opera".

We always try and vary the programme, so that everyone's taste is catered for from old music to modern, from heavy to light, from orchestral to vocal - abit like a musical smorgasbord.

Other favourite composers are Mozart and Haydn, Mendelssohn, Schumann, Tchaikovsky and Dvorak, and many more. We looked into the musical history of Italy during the last term, with music from Monteverdi to Resphighi. Also music of England from the 16th century to modern times with the Beatles Go Baroque. During the Olympic games, we flavored the programme with lovely Chinese violin music, and ended the term with brass band and a "sing-along". If hip replacements and knee operations would have allowed us, we could have performed the Can Can by Offenback as well.

The highlight at the beginning of each session is the musical quiz Val Sloss has in stall for us. Mostly we manage the answers quite well, but sometimes he has to ask - "Are you as smart as a 5th grader"? However, we all enjoy Fridays 'at music', it always finishes a busy week on a happy note.

French Class - Martha Siwek and Ralph Pearson

After a somewhat uncertain future for Term 4, we had renewed interest and rejuvenating enthusiasm shown by the majority of the students. We highly sympathized with our colleagues who were still affected by either illness or were recovering from an operation. We understand, they were still in contact with the class, albeit in spirit.

We have made great progress through revision work and conversation. We will continue along this method of instruction as it is beneficial to all in order to acquire maximum knowledge of the language. French is such a beautiful and intricate language because of its grammar and phrase context and construction. Inevitably, there is persistent temptation for many students to translate from English to French or vice versa and this is where many find it extremely frustrating. However, we are soldiering on with victory in sight, so much so that we are ending our last Term with the usual and obligatory "champagne and hors d'oeuvres'. We also intend to have a 'muck-up' day at an appropriate restaurant to end the year and the Commercial Hotel in Watton Street was nominated.

We look forward to initiating new students to our very professional and inclusive French Class.

Mosaics - Inger Christoffersen

We have about 3 to 5 attendees to the Mosaics classes. Everybody are enjoying themselves and I am very impressed to see what they have achieved

So far they have all made a flat terra cotta saucer as their first project. Next will be a terra cotta pot to learn how to make a round surface. After which they can make anything they want. As I say, if a stand still long enough, they can mosaic me as well! Meaning, there is nothing they cannot mosaically do.  

 

 

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