The role of a writer is not to say what we all can say, but what we are unable to say.

Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures.
~Henry Ward Beecher~



My ideal relaxation is working on upholstery.


People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within


Lack of activity destroys the good condition of every human being, while movement and methodical physical exercise save it and preserve it. ~Plato~



Aerobics: a series of strenuous exercises which help convert fats, sugars, and starches into aches, pains, and cramps.

Aerobics: a series of strenuous exercises which help convert fats, sugars, and starches into aches, pains, and cramps.
 

The only exercise some people get is jumping to conclusions, running down their friends, side-stepping responsibility, and pushing their luck!

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CLASS PROFILES

GENERAL CLASSES

Below are summaries of some of our classes.

Astronomy:

The class is designed on the KISS principle - Keep It Simple Stupid -so everyone can understand it. No knowledge of Astronomy is needed to enjoy this activity. Not even a telescope. Of course, Astronomy is not only for men! There are many lady Astronomers in the world and quite a lot have made significant discoveries. So the ladies would be very welcome in the Astronomy Group.

Australian Studies:

We are a large group of approx 35 members who meet every Friday during the School Terms. Our subject matter covers suitable outside or in house speakers. It can be History, Politics, Industrial or Natural History as long as the subject pertains to Australia. Very often our speakers can speak on matters from personal experience or on books we have read. Sometimes a video is used. Our class subject for the next month is printed in the Newsletter.

Computer Studies:

There are two Beginners Classes, a Publisher classes an Editing Digital Photography Class and an Internet Class. The aim is to help members to become computer literate. Through practice with the keyboard and mouse, you will learn the necessary skills and terminology to be able to use this modern medium.

Computer Classes are very popular and there are waiting lists for some classes.

LANGUAGES

We offer a varied number of Languages. French - Advanced Beginners and Intermediate. Spanish - Beginners and Intermediate. German - Conversation and Intermediate. Italian - Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced. Japanese - Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced.

LITERATURE

Current Affairs:

A lively discussion group where members are encouraged to actively participate and to listen and respect other member points of view. Lots of laughs and good friendships are formed. No cost is involved.

Life Story Writing:

This involving course will help you to recall your memories. To share your stories in a supportive environment and, most importantly of all, to learn effective ways of writing about your life. All are WELCOME!

Please bring an A4 writing pad and some pens.

THE ARTS

Choir:

Choir singing is a healthy activity. It promotes well being through the physical activity of breathing correctly, good posture and laughter! Training the ear in listening, but also acquiring knowledge of music, different types of singing both modern and classical. All that is required is the love of music and singing.

“I love to hear a choir. I love the humanity to see the faces of real people devoting themselves to a piece of music. I like the teamwork. It makes me feel optimistic about the human race when I see them cooperating like that.”

Paul McCartney

Recorder:

The Croydon U3A Recorder Class consists of a Beginner and Advanced Group and new budding members are always welcome. With sound instruction, focused on both the theoretical and practical, much enjoyment is had by all involved.
An introduction to the recorder, accompanied by basic technique and easy tuneful pieces is offered in the Beginners Group. The Advanced Group delves into more sophisticated recorder technique and pieces are chosen specifically to encourage playing of several harmonic parts and creating beautiful music!
The groups meet on a weekly basis every Friday morning. To maintain momentum and musical development, commitment to the weekly rehearsal is encouraged. Throughout the year, the dedication of all participants culminates in music performances.
Basic recorders could be made available on a trial basis. However once hooked and eager for more knowledge, purchase of an individual recorder is recommended.

Classic Movies:

Sit down, watch movies for enjoyment. Discuss the movie, laugh together over the funny bits, or ask “how do they do those special effects”? In general just enjoy the company, film and yourself.

Watercolour/Sketching

No previous knowledge of art is required. Classes are taught the basics of composition, mixing colours and different watercolour techniques. The different effects of paint, pen, pencil and charcoal are taught, and from time to time, classes are taken on “paint-outs” to various locations.

HANDCRAFTS

Creative Cards:

If you enjoy being creative this is the class for you. Basically we make Greeting Cards. This group has been going for a few years, so many of the members are experienced, but we welcome all newcomers. We work in a relaxed atmosphere and share skills and ideas. To begin with you will need a good pair of craft scissors, pencil, ruler, cutting mat, craft glue and a few blank cards. Then you build as you go along.

Creative Craft:

All Crafts are covered as we have many talented members and anything seen elsewhere is brought along to show us all. There is a limit of 24 members and the class is full at the moment.

Scrapbooking:

The latest decorative way of displaying your photographs, and of preserving your past memories.

Patchwork Beginners and Patchwork:

Patchwork and quilting is:
• an incurable addiction?
• for crazy people who first cut different fabrics in tiny pieces and then sew them together again in one big piece?
• a creative hobby playing with textiles, shapes and colors?

Furniture Restoration:

No experience is necessary. You will need a piece of old furniture to restore.
You must be able to transport pieces to and from the Class as we are unable to store furniture at the Scout Hall.

There are sufficient material needs (sandpaper – metho etc) held at the Scout Hall for your first lesson. We will advise new members what they will require to complete the piece of furniture. You are welcome to come along before joining, with the piece you wish to restore. We will advise and introduce you to present members. Please let us know if you are coming.

DANCE

Scottish Country Dancing:

Dancing is done in sets of 6 or 8 and will be talked through. The only prerequisite is soft soled shoes. We welcome new members. The aim is for a fun class which means you don’t have to worry about being unable to participate.

At present we have about fifteen members, but would like to build it up to 20.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Bushwalking:

We meet at 9.0am at Croydon Station Car Park and car pool at the start of the walk, to share petrol costs. Most walks are 6-8 kms. And are held in The Dandenongs or other close by bush areas. A reasonable level of fitness is required as there will be some hills. Sturdy shoes, a backpack, water and waterproof coat are needed.

PERSONAL WELL BEING

Chair Aerobics:

Seated exercises to save pressure on joints and back. Different exercises for all parts of the body.
All done to music, and, you can rest when necessary as everyone works to his or her own capacity without affecting other members.
The second half of our class is done with weights.

Shibashi:

The routine combines elements from the Tai Chi Yang form and more traditional breathing and movement exercises from Qigong and is easy to learn.

The benefits of Qigong are increasingly recognized for improving health, increasing energy, agility and flexibility, loosening and strengthening joints and muscles, rejuvenating body, mind and spirit, reducing stress and improving concentration.
 

Tai Chi:

The style of Tai Chi is “Beijing 24”. It takes approximately 12 months to learn. No previous experience is needed. Tai Chi is gentle exercise that helps with co-ordination, balance, and mental concentration. It is done slowly and is considered a “Moving Meditation”. No equipment is needed.
It is advisable to do “Shibashi” at 10.30am as this is considered a “warm up” for Tai Chi.

For those of us unable to attend an Exercise Class, you can try Move It or Lose It: Channel 31. Made by Arthritis Victoria, featuring a different gentle exercise every day. Check your TV Guide for times.

Yoga:

"Yoga, an ancient but perfect science, deals with the evolution of humanity. This evolution includes all aspects of one's being, from bodily health to self-realization. Yoga means union - the union of body with consciousness and consciousness with the soul. Yoga cultivates the ways of maintaining a balanced attitude in day-to-day life and endows skill in the performance of one's actions". ~Iyengar, Astadala Yogamala~