|  | Welcome to our new look U3A Healesville newsletter, complete with our updated logo. What’s different? Instead of attaching the newsletter as a PDF, all our information is in the body of this email. It includes our latest news, important dates, photos, links to other information of interest to members, and more. Please let us know what you think of the change to the way we share news with you. Email: healesville.u3a@bigpond.com _______________________________________________________________________________________ | From the president | What a successful year it has been. Our numbers have grown, our music and choral groups have enjoyed performing in the community thereby raising our profile, we have developed new links with other organisations and, most importantly, members have had fun enjoying their courses. Our marketing subcommittee has opened up new ways of communicating with members which we hope will improve our communication with you. I will be interested to receive any feedback you might have about our Facebook page and also the new format for the newsletter – as will members of the committee. The year finished on a high note with the ‘dazzling triumph’ of the Theatrical Performance Group’s ‘The Musical Musketeers’ and the large gathering at our final ‘Friday at 5’. On this occasion the committee was delighted to present a Certificate of Appreciation to our longer serving course leaders, recognising their wonderful contribution to our special U3A. They were: Joan Barlow (Book Club and Philosophers Lunch, 13 years); Cheryl Barwick (Line Dancing, 13 years); Del Brown (Bushwalking, 7 years); David Buchanan and Anne Catchpole (Hit the Road, 5 years); Mal Day (Partner Dancing, 6 years); Martin Dix (Roman History, 13 years); Rebecca Doig (Dance Moves, 5 years); Terry Green (Armchair Travel, Life through the Tarot and How to Make a Photo Book, 15 years); Heather Higgs (Garden Lovers and Arvo Teas, 10 years); Val James (Laughter Group, 15 years); Di Kauffmann (Exercise to Music, 7 years); Suzette Nassl (French Conversation, 10 years); Paul Schilling (Wine and Cheese Lovers, 7 years); Lois Thwaites (Theatrical Performance Group, 7 years); and Keith Wade (Bicycle Riding, 13 years). It was particularly pleasing to have our four past presidents – Dr Ian Tinney, Terry Green, Julian Higgs and Bill Woods – with us to present these awards. We are an organisation rich in culture and energy. I wish you all a Merry Christmas with your loved ones and look forward to 2024. |  | _______________________________________________________________________________________ | 2024 courses | Our courses are on our website in a PDF. You can check out the activities you may be interested in, and register on Wednesday 13 December 2023. Online registrations will be available from 10am. Click here to go to our website. Or you can register in person at the Court House, 10am-2pm. _______________________________________________________________________________________ | Latest news |  | A first! We have set up our own Facebook page to keep our members - and community - up to date with our activity. And to share information between networks that make a positive difference in people’s lives. If you use Facebook, please check out our page. Like, follow, share. Email feedback about your experience with the page and how we can make improvements. Your engagement will help us develop a page that is informative, fun and valued by people across the Yarra Ranges. Email: healesville.u3a@bigpond.com | _______________________________________________________________________________________ | Term 4 highlights | The Musical Musketeers – what an enormous success for our Theatrical Performance Group! As April Paterson, Yarra Ranges Council wrote: ‘In a spectacular display of community talent, U3A Healesville brought the timeless tale of “The Musketeers” to life in two sold-out shows, each captivating a 300-seat audience at The Memo. What makes this production truly extraordinary is that the cast proved that age is no barrier to the magic of the stage. … The Musketeers had not just entertained, they showcased the timeless power of storytelling and the enduring magic of community theatre.’ Our roving reporters were on hand to capture some of the magic moments… |  |  | Healesville Community Choir was warmly received at Aurrum Aged Care on 29 November where they sang popular tunes, old and new, and Christmas favourites. The choir also performed at the Healesville Community Carols on 9 December. This event is a wonderful opportunity for our community to support each other and enjoy an evening of beautiful songs. |  |  | U3A Healesville continues to grow, and we currently have 315 members. Such strong membership is a testament to our course leaders and members who make this such a vibrant community group! We have been successful in gaining several grants, which includes the Community Grant for Keeping Seniors Active and Engaged. This grant funds the extension of the popular Pickleball class. As a result, there will be two Pickleball sessions each week at Healesville High School in 2024 (Monday and Wednesday afternoons). Come and try this team sport that has captured people’s attention around the world. | Friday at 5: With the weather on our side, the forecast storm stayed away and - in quite balmy conditions - over 70 members came together to celebrate another successful year. Conversations were relaxed, chatty and full of laughter, the food was delicious, cooked by our master chefs John McMillan and Hugh Gillies, and the music from The Wannabees (Karen and Ron Roberts, Karen Nutt, Heather Higgs, Phill Hipwell and Don Ferries) was lively and full of Christmas cheer. Certificates of Appreciation of Long Service were presented to 16 of our course leaders by current and former Healesville presidents making for a wonderful conclusion to 2023. |  | L-R: John Pascoe (current president), Bill Woods, Dr Ian Tinney, Terry Green, Julian Higgs (former presidents). |  | For your diary | U3A Registration Day (for 2024): Will be held at the Court House on Wednesday 13 December, from 10am-2pm. We look forward to seeing you there. Alternatively, you can register online from 10am. Course leader training: Thursday 25 January. Term 1, 2024: Begins Monday 29 January. Healesville Connect, Twilight Picnic: Thursday 11 January, 5-8pm, Queens Park. BYO food. There will be free ice cream, fruit and games for children. The picnic will promote local groups such as the SES, CFA as well as Healesville Connect. All welcome.
_______________________________________________________________________________________ | ‘Did you know?’ | Finally, the answer to last month's quiz. The five presidents living in Healesville are Dr Ian Tinney (2006–09), Terry Green (2009–14), Julian Higgs (2014–17), Bill Woods (2017–20), John Pascoe (2020–24). _______________________________________________________________________________________ | Stay connected | Please let us know of events, activities, highlights and news about your courses that we can share with members. We love people stories! Our roving reporters are happy to chat with you. U3A Healesville is all about people, and we are here to support you. | | | We thank Ken Fewster, Healesville Senior Citizens Club and Yarra Ranges Council for their ongoing support. | | _______________________________________________________________________________________ |
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