COURSE NOTES -
Computer Groups - Ian Hughes
Once again,
I have been invited to acquaint interested persons with the comings and on-going's
of the computer group. The reality is that little has changed since I last
wrote in the July issue.
The most noticeable change is that we now have only one class at 1.30p.m. - 3.00p.m. on Thursdays and this was necessitated by financial constraints, the hire of the facility being relatively expensive for a non-profit group such as ours. The condensing of the two classes was relatively painless, due to the natural attrition of numbers and a little inspired juggling! We had some changes during the term, with people joining and finding that it was not quite what they were looking for but with a couple of very late starters, we appear to have a full complement to commence the final term for this year. I anticipate that the class will be ongoing next year and anyone contemplating joining us for next year should make their enquiries and intentions known very early in January.
We still have a lot of fun in the class and as I said in July, laughter and learning are comfortable bedfellows. Typing skills are still a stumbling block for some and constant practice at the keyboard is the only solution, but unless one is contemplating re-writing 'War and Peace' this should not be a major issue!
French Classes - Martha Siwek and Ralph
Pearson
Third term and it gives Ralph Pearson and I the opportunity to report
on the combined classes - Beginners and Advanced. During the last term, we
did have a small problem in as much as some students did not continue their
attendance due to private and unexpected reasons. A few of our members took
a well earned holiday by going abroad whilst some, unfortunately, underwent
medical operations. Others found learning of the language a little daunting
and challenging. Since only 3 to 4 students attended the weekly class, well
below the required quota, upon reflection and in fairness to others involved,
it was decided to terminate tuition for at least this term. All students were
informed of this decision by email. The response was unexpected and revitalising.
All or most of the students wished to continue their studies in anticipation
of visiting France in the near future - C'est formidable! Ralph and I gladly
invited and encouraged all students to return to a friendly class where the
ambiance is warm and welcoming.
Bridge Group - Ralph Pearson
The bridge group continues to thrive. We have had as many as 32 people attending
the Friday morning session.
Dorothy Mackley continues to provide excellent
tuition for beginners and it does not take long for them to develop the confidence
to play with and against established players. The bridge group's philosophy
is not competitive. We are all there to learn and enjoy our bridge so inexperienced
players are given advice when necessary in order to develop their skills.
Rambling Through History - Alex Bain
The
major theme this term will be exploration and explorers, and following the
usual practice will roam over a number of diverse countries and time periods.
We begin with Columbus, then a Spanish Conquistador, Francesco Pizzaro, then jump to an Australian in New Guinea, the cold canvas of Antarctica, Viking culture, South Pacific expeditions, Baudin and Flinders and the crossing of the Simpson Desert. The support 'topic' will be a continuation of a series started in Term 3, viz. "Discovering Psychology". Seven e[episodes were shown in Term 3 and the next with will be presented by Prof. Philip Zimbardo of Stanford University. Detailed programmes showing content for each day are available from Alex Bain 9741 8221 or Brian Beck 9741 5460.
Mosaics - Please note that the Mosaics
course is held at Course leader's house -
Ingers Christoffersen, 1 Picardy Court, Hoppers Crossing.
Book Club - The book club meets on the second Wednesday of each month at a member's house, to be decided on previous meeting. Details are available from the course leader Anne Lowe on 9741 1749.
Digital Cameras - Unfortunately this course will not continue into Term 4 due to the lack of course tutor - any volunteers?
Wills, Probate, etc. We are hoping to get someone from the Law Institute of Victoria to give a talk on Will, Probate and Powers of Attorney at a future coffee morning yet to be determined. Please watch out for further information.
Philosophy - A course in Philosophy was
conducted in 2007 but was suspended when the attendance dropped below the required
number of students. Ed Llewelan who conducted the course, has indicated he
may be available if the course is revived. In the meantime, those who are interested
may like a programme on ABC Radio National (AM 621Khz) "All in the Mind -
Philosophers Zone or Corner, presented by Alan Saunders on Mondays at 1.00p.m.
- an excellent programme.
Should anyone be interested in the course previously
presented by Ed, please contact the Course Co-ordinator Brian Beck on 9741
5460.
Future Courses - Next year, it is hoped to have some interesting talks from Mr. Ralph Hislop, who has spoken already at the Altona U3A and comes highly recommended. The subject of his talks are, "The Secret World" and "Intelligence Agencies", comprising of ten classes each of 2 hours). As the titles suggest they deal with intelligence matters with particular emphasis on Australian involvement. Ralph also gives talks on modern music and we may also look into these. Early expressions of interest may be directed to the Course Co-ordinator Brian Beck 9741 5460
Obituary - Ann Bock
On the 19th October, 1930 Beatrice Ann was born. She led a very active life,
enjoyed her golf, tennis, reading and needlework. For four years, she served
in the Royal Australian Navy and on the 22nd February, 1958 she married Wally.
They traveled far and wide and finally settled in Werribee.
We at U3A were privileged to have had Ann in our fold but sadly on 26th July, 2008 Ann passed away. She will be greatly missed by all her friends and family. We extend our deepest sympathy to Wally. A minute of silence was held in her memory at her needlework class. - Gloria Colling
Mid Winter Lecture - Driving
Without Trauma
This lecture was held on
Wednesday 9th July at the Auditorium, Victoria University Werribee Campus
The speaker was
Dr. Laurie Sparke, O.A.M. Adjunct Professor at RMIT University
and previously Director of Innovation at Holden on the subject of 'Driving
Without Trauma'.
Dr. Sparke spoke about road safety with particular emphasis
on the avoidance and reduction of trauma after a road accident. His main points
on avoiding injury were air bags in cars, located on side and as well as front
of cars. Choosing your route so as to avoid right hand turns thus avoiding
side impact accidents, driving with sidelights on. He graded car crash injuries
as - Head on impact - 1, Driver side impact - 10
Passenger side impact - 5 whilst a rear impact also rated - 5.
The lecture was well received by all those who attended, unfortunately, numbers were not as high as expected, perhaps due to the inclement weather.
Pop Music - Ron Jenkins
This is for those amongst us who
grew up in the 60's and the 70's. Ah! I hear you say - The Sixties, Ban the
Bomb marches, the Beatles, free love, illicit substances, etc. Load of tosh
most of it. Myself, I didn't particularly like the Beatles. My job involved
nuclear weapons, the nearest I ever came to free love was when a "lady
of indeterminate virtue" in Amsterdam offered me a discount because of
age and experience (her age and my experience) and as for 'mind altering substances,
well I sometimes smoked 'Gauloises' in those days and thought I was really
'cool'. Unfortunately, time marches on and many of us who were young and silly
during the sixties and now in our 60's and 70's and probably a few of us are
now old and silly. However, I digress. Some of the pop stars who kept us up
late at night and infuriated our Parents during those far off times are still
with us and there are plans to re-issue up dated version of some of their
old hits. Of course the lyrics have had to be re-written to reflect the advancing
year of not only themselves but also their old and older fans. Tracks will
include -
Mrs. Brown You've Got a Lovely Walker - Hermans Hermits,
Time is not on Our Side - The Rolling Stones,
I can't see Clearly Now - Johnny Nash,
Fifty Ways to Lose Your Liver - Paul Simon,
Sweet Little Sixty Four - Chuck Berry,
Once, Twice, Three Times to the Bathroom - The Commodores,
A Whiter Shade of Hair - Procol Harum,
Born to Amble - Bruce Springsteen,
The First Time Ever I Forgot Your Face - Roberta Flack,
You Make Me Feel Like Napping - Leo Sayer, Knock
Three Times on the Ceiling if you Hear Me Fall - Tony Orlando,
47th Nervous Breakdown - The Rolling Stones,
and last but not least - On the Commode Again - Willy Nelson.