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Welcome to our members newsletter for May 2024. Even though the season is turning cooler, and the days are getting shorter, there are still plenty of great U3A Healesville activities in and around town. |
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From the president |
Autumn is my favourite time of the year, partly because I find it the prettiest time of the year. Despite the occasional shower of rain, the days are marked by crisp mornings, blue skies and the red, yellow and brown of autumn leaves, making it a wonderful time to be out and about. This edition of our newsletter includes, amongst other things, photos and snippets of news from those members who have been out and about: many of our musicians and singers at local events, the walkers in the Anzac Day commemoration walk, attendees at the Arvo Tea, as well as the bushwalkers. It also provides information about other community activities which we trust you find of interest. One of our goals is to promote community engagement and connection, and I hope what you read here reflects just that. I trust you enjoy reading this month’s newsletter. John Pascoe |
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Committee update |
Safety Officer role: U3A Healesville has not had a Safety Officer for some time. After discussion, it was agreed that due to some recent issues around the Court House, such as gum nuts on the pathways, we need a process for raising safety concerns. Bec Doig has offered to be the ‘go to’ person for reporting safety issues. Bec will follow up with the appropriate person. So, if you have concerns regarding safety at the Court House or other venues used by U3A members, please report them to Bec. She can be contacted by email at rebeccadoig@gmail.com |
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Out and about |
Strumming along at Healesville Homegrown Food Fair
Despite the very wet weather, many people came along to support the Healesville Homegrown Food Fair at Coronation Park on Sunday 7 April. As part of the program, U3A Healesville’s ukulele group played and serenaded the many onlookers and were a great invitation to explore more of the event.
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Community Voices in the Park
On the same day, Healesville Community Choir could be strongly heard amongst the voices entertaining the crowds as part of Community Voices in the Park. There were wonderful solo performances by U3A members who are part of the choir, other U3A music groups, local choirs and bands. What fabulous talent in our midst!
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Bill Woods, choir leader. |
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Ann Nowland, soloist and choir member. |
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Arvo Tea at the Seniors Citizens
Almost 70 members came along to our afternoon tea at the Senior Citizens Hall on Thursday 18 April. Entertainment was provided by members of U3A Healesville Community Choir, with melodies such as Dream a Little Dream of Me, the Sound of Silence and Mamma Mia. As always, the contributions to the afternoon tea were delicious!
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Anzac Day march
On a cloudy and sometimes wet Anzac Day, members of U3A Healesville, along with many other local groups, joined the march to The Memo on the morning of Anzac Day, 25 April. Amongst other local groups, we laid a wreath to commemorate the occasion.
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John Pascoe, Phill Hipwell. |
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Chris Whitewood, Wendy Pascoe. |
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Bushwalkers’ delight
The 11.5km bushwalk on Friday 26 April along some of the Christmas Hills tracks passed a site which was interesting for its setting and historical interest - an old settlers hut complete with sheds and outhouses. Walkers stopped briefly to explore the area before resuming the walk which started at Simpsons Road just before the entrance to Sugarloaf Reservoir, not far from the Rob Roy Hill climb area. The conditions were excellent for the walk which followed some old trailbike riding tracks for the most part and was firm underfoot without being hilly.
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Judith Ambrose with fellow walkers. |
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Courses |
Shakespeare Appreciation
This new weekly course started on Thursday 2 May. It runs from 9:45am-10:45am in the Court House. The aim is not formal study but enjoyment of Shakespeare’s language and themes, and the background against which he wrote. Course leader: Brian Bailey (0419 572 399) Digital Literacy The proposed digital literacy course is going ahead and will run once a term: Monday 13 May Monday 12 August Monday 14 October
Course presenter: Katie Gatward, technology support person at Healesville Library Course leader: John Pascoe A blend of ukuleles
The ukulele groups are to amalgamate, but the Uke Beginners course will remain on the website for now. Life through Tarot The dates for ‘Life through Tarot’ have been updated on the website so they no longer fall in the school holidays.
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Healesville Living and Learning Centre – Term 2 classes
Similar to U3A Healesville, Healesville Living and Learning Centre offers many classes – including classes relating to wellbeing, arts and crafts. Please see below for their Term 2 courses. To find out more, you can email reception@hllc.org.au or phone 5962 5982.
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For your diary |
U3A Healesville Annual Winter Dance: Will be held on Friday 3 May at Yarra Glen Hall. We’re thrilled that Tony Rebeiro and the Bureau will perform again at our ‘gala’ event. This versatile band, with music from the ’40s and ’50s, is a crowd favourite. Mal Day will organise a few dance routines while the band is taking breaks. It’s a BYO food and drink event. Best to book a table of 6-8 people by contacting Bec Doig (rebecca@gmail.com) or Barb Woods (wwoods@bigpond.net.au) directly. It’s guaranteed to be a fun night!
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Reminders |
Covid is still around. We care for everyone’s health and wellbeing, so please stay away from class if you are unwell and also let your course leader know if you can’t attend class. Please wear your name badge to your class/activities
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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. |
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We thank Ken Fewster, Healesville Senior Citizens Club and Yarra Ranges Council for their ongoing support. |
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