2017 Mid Term One Newsletter

U3A Croydon Inc, Keystone Complex Office Hours: 10:00am to 12:30pm 1 Civic Square, Croydon 3136 Monday to Friday during U3A term Postal Address: PO Box 816, Croydon 3136. Closed Public & School Holidays. Reg A0026437S ABN 12 643 602 869 Phone: 9724 9544 Website: www.u3acroydon.org.au Email: [email protected] 2017 Mid Term One Newsletter

Inside this Issue

Constitution Update 2 President’s Report 2 Course Coordinator 3 Maths Puzzle 3 Office Offerings 4 Dinner Date 4 Cinema Group 4 Explore Melbourne 5 Bushwalking 5 Communication 6 Speechcraft 6 Vale 6 Cycling 7 Thank you Helen 7 Craft News 7

A big welcome to new and returning members to U3A Croydon. We hope you will all enjoy the courses in which you have enrolled .

Some of the handiwork by the Mosaic Group last year We ask you also to please consider volunteering in some capacity to assist in U3A Croydon 2017 Term Dates: the continued smooth running of U3A. Term 1: 30 January to 31 March 2017 9 weeks Term 2: 18 April to 30 June 2017 11 weeks Term 3: 17 July to 22 September 2017 10 weeks Term 4: 9 October to 8 December 2017 9 weeks Special Points of Interest:

2017 Annual Membership Fee:  Bushwalking—4, 18 $50.00 Full Member February $30.00 Associate Member  Cycling—2, 7, 16, 21 Feb 2, 7, 16, 21, 30 March

 Dinner Date—7 Feb OUR MISSION STATEMENT  Explore Melb—21 “U3A Croydon is committed to sharing knowledge and skills with each other for March, 18 April mutual benefit, well-being and enjoyment and to working constructively with its partners.”  AGM—10:00am Tues 28 March

U3A CROYDON CONSTITUTION

Dear Members,

The Committee has amended U3A Croydon’s Constitution so that it adheres to the updated legal responsibilities of incorporated associations. You will have an opportunity to view the document before it is presented at our Annual General Meet- ing on Tuesday 28 March 2017 at 10:00am in the Kent Avenue Scout Hall. We will have copies available at the U3A Croydon office for members to view from the 6th March 2017. At the Annual General Meeting we will ask those present to vote on a special resolution to accept the amendments to the Constitution. When the resolution is passed the document will be forwarded to Consumer Affairs Victoria who must endorse the document before it is legally binding. It will then be posted on our website.

Jenny Higgins

Secretary

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Firstly, part of our enrolment proce- months before he goes on holi- may I wish dures. Pity about the terrible days. you all a weather on Tuesday but we very happy overcame the problem. (Thank Please, it is time for some mem- New Year you to the Tutors who allowed bers to step up to fill these im- and do us to use the Athletics Club portant roles. We are also look- hope that Room.) Many thanks to Wen- ing for members who would like you are dy Holmes who organised the to serve on the Committee or be looking enrolment procedures in the an assistant to a Committee forward to office. She did a great job and member. Give us a call if you an interesting and stimulating was ably assisted by an army of are interested or want to discuss year with U3A Croydon. I trust volunteers. this matter further. you are enjoying your courses. This will be my last report as In conclusion, I would like to The 2017 Enrolment Week was this February, I will moving say that I have enjoyed my time quite successful and we man- permanently to reside in Balla- on the Committee and found the aged to enrol large numbers at rat. Unfortunately, this will work quite stimulating. I wish the office with minimum waiting leave U3A Croydon without a U3A Croydon all the best for the times. I trust that those who President and a Vice President, future and sincerely hope that went online found the re- which will put a strain on the the goal of acquiring a ‘home’ enrolment process easy to fol- other Committee members and base will be realised. low. Many volunteers used the may affect operations. Geoff opportunity to do priority enrol- Steventon (a past President) has Kind regards ment on the Monday afternoon. kindly offered to step into the We may make this a permanent President’s chair for a few Barry Turnor

COURSE COORDINATOR COMMENTS As I write this to a close; as administrative duties ing, patchwork, calligraphy and comment on a beckon; schools resume and rou- more. Have a chat with them. truly blissful tines are re-established, opportuni- and peaceful ties for such languid and pleasura- Another example is ‘Holistic and day, a brilliant ble pursuits as observing my Intuitive Development’. In this blue sky is grandchildren at play and bird course, Tutor Maria Kurdian will overhead and a watching are diminished. Howev- help you learn the skills to recog- gentle whisper- er my involvement with U3A nise and develop your intuition, the ing breeze ca- Croydon brings its own rewards. connection of the mind, body and resses the soul and align yourself with your leaves of my And now to business. A huge life purpose. nectarine tree. A rosella resplendent welcome to all our members - new in its cloak of brilliant reds and and old. I see that many of you Delighted and inspired with the greens, delicately balances on a have planned ahead and have success of her 'Speechcraft' course slender branch and samples yet an- made your decisions regarding on Tuesdays, Philippa Pavillard has other of the ripening fruits. Upon courses. A good move as many of introduced a second group - on Fri- noticing me it momentarily hesi- our courses are full. However day afternoons. Philippa has a tal- tates, but after satisfying itself that I there are still a number of interest- ent for nurturing and encouraging am not a threat, it resumes the task ing opportunities available and, as confident speaking in group situa- at hand. Once satiated it takes its’ we are constantly adding to our tions. Members joining this group leave with nary a backward glance. repertoire, it is a good idea to keep will soon find themselves wowing Occasionally one of these beautiful an eye on the website. audiences with spontaneous fluent marauders leaves behind a bright speeches. multi coloured feather – payment Some Examples of New courses: perhaps - which my young neigh- Some of our new courses such as bour immediately captures for his One example to start in Term 1 ‘An invitation to Engage With Phi- ever increasing collection. which still has vacancies is losophy’ with Tutor Paul Martin ‘Unfinished (Craft) Objects – are already full, but it is still worth As I observed the rosella, I was re- UFOs’ especially designed for adding your name to waiting lists as minded of a similarly beautiful day those who, riding on a wave of this provides valuable information earlier in January, when I took my wild enthusiasm embark upon a as to which courses most interest grandsons raspberry/strawberry project only find that they lack the our members and in which direc- picking. What a delight it proved to skills or motivation to bring the tion we should be looking for addi- be - as they excitedly competed and project to completion. Unable to tional Tutors. And sometimes va- sought out the richest, reddest, most relinquish the project completely cancies do occur - you never know succulent fruit - calling out in tri- it is the banished to a dark cup- your luck. umph when they happened upon a board perhaps with plans to return particularly spectacular specimen - to it another time. Well help is at And in closing remember - ‘Life is a sublime expression of sheer bliss hand. In a friendly and supportive partly what we make it, and partly appearing on their faces as they environment our multi talented what is made by the friends we sampled each sun drenched jewel twosome Lyn McMahon and Kar- choose.’ (Anon) And at U3A Croy- and savoured the luscious juices. In yn Pacchiana guarantee to re- don friendships abound. Have a the background the constant hyp- kindle your inspiration and help wonderful year and do not forget to notic drone of nectar drunken bees you develop the confidence and check out the website. accompanied us. skills required to achieve success. Their skills range – knitting, cro- Now the holidays are fast drawing chet, sewing, embroidery, quilt- Patricia

VOTING IMBROGLIO A vote had to be taken on a controversial issue in a crowded club meeting. The president suggested that all who were in favour of the motion should stand while those opposed to it should sit down. After a count had been taken, the president stated that the motion had been carried by a majority of exactly one-fifth of the opposition tally. However, there were immediate protests by club members that the result was invalid because there had not been enough seats for all of the opponents of the motion. Twelve members stated that they had had to stand against their intentions. The president then announced that under these circumstances, the motion had now been reject- ed by a majority of one vote. How many people in total voted? (Thank you to Greg Sheehan. See next issue for solution)

OFFICE OFFERINGS Welcome back to HAVE A BADGE a number of roles last year, and another interesting This showed that they are not were not included at the Tutors’ year with Croydon wearing them to class as re- Lunch, received a gift from the of- U3A, and hopeful- quired. Not only is this a safety fice as our acknowledgement for ly one of good issue, but wearing a badge the fantastic job done in 2016. If health, good for- helps people get to know each you were a registered volunteer, tune and much other more readily. If engaged and didn’t receive yours, please happiness for all our members. in an active sport the badge can call at the office to collect it. Enrolment brought to light a few be pinned to clothing. issues. Replacements are available at As always, I am looking for more the office “on the spot” for volunteers to help out at the of-  NOT READING THE NEWS- FREE. fice. It only involves one session LETTER per term from 9:45 till 12:30 if we The office hours during enrol-  On a positive note, it was ex- have sufficient people, but when ment and the procedures had cellent to see so many members there is a shortfall I need to roster been published, but a large num- enrolling on line and discover- our helpers on for a second ber of members came ill- ing that it was quite easy. Oc- time. The alternative is that the prepared. This made the opera- casionally there were issues, office will no longer open on five tor’s role more difficult, and which were usually solved by a mornings per week. Unfortunately meant that people in the queue call to the office “Hot too many people tell us that they were kept waiting much longer Line”. Our Treasurer’s work- are too busy, yet find time to par- than should have been neces- load was greatly reduced ticipate in up to six courses. sary. thanks to the number of people The Newsletter is our official who elected to pay by electron- Please consider contributing to the means of communicating infor- ic means. organisation that provides so much mation and it is essential reading to the members. for the smooth operation of our I am very grateful to those who organisation. gave their time to attend training Wendy Holmes and assist with enrolment. Many Office Administrator  MANY MEMBERS DO NOT of our people who volunteered for

DINNER DATE 17HUM038 CINEMA GROUP 17HUM015 Hello and Therefore, I suggest venues where Welcome back welcome you pay when you order your meal everyone, and to to fellow and drinks. It makes it a lot easier. our new members, diners for welcome—hope 2017. To book please phone Robyn on you all enjoy our To cater 0413 450 780 or you can leave a text Movie Luncheons.. for busy message with your name and contact Our first Movie Luncheon for social lives, dinner date will not al- number. Assume you are booked in 2017: Movie: Jackie (Jacqueline ways be held on the same night of the as you will only be phoned back if Kennedy) Wednesday 15th Feb Time: week. It will be held usually in the there is a problem. 10.30am (can be subject to change at first week of the month on either a anytime) at the Croydon cinema. Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. Bookings close 2 days prior to din- Once daylight saving finishes we will ner. Looking forward to a night out Bookings close at 3pm the day before the resort back to a 6pm time slot in April and nearby, where you do not have to Luncheon (phone Croydon cinema on until Oct.ober prepare cook and wash the dishes one 9725-6544 for more information and night a month. booking details). Our first dinner date will be held Tues Please let me know on attendance and I 7th Feb at 6.30pm at Dorset Gardens Bon Apetit! will be in touch with you all soon Hotel. about any queries you have and more information. Suggestions for future dinner venues Robyn Gill Please ring or text me on 0411 227 321 are welcome, but please bear in mind a 0413 450 780 lot of restaurants will not split the bill. Cheers from your Leader Glenda Steed

EXPLORE MELBOURNE 17HIS020 Welcome to another year of explor- ing gluten free. You choose from ing Melbourne and sur- the menu on the day. You are not rounds. However, there are a few permitted to take your own food basic rules that need to be followed into the café or use the café pa- to ensure the smooth running of tio. However there are benches these outings. and a rotunda in the garden for you to use and you should be able to get 1. Pre-booking is essential, you a take away coffee. I need at least cannot just "turn up" on the 11:00am. Bring or purchase 10 bookings for lunch or the café day. Booking by tele- lunch. Cost $12 to be in office by will not open. The nearest out- phone only. Thursday 2nd March. Please side cafes are in Wandin or Mount 2. All monies to be in office by ring me, Gwen on 9870 0483 if Evelyn. due date in a sealed envelope you are interested in joining with your name, outing and us. There is a limit of 22. Name When you book you will need to amount enclosed in CAPI- tags to be worn at all times. let me know exactly what you are TAL letters. Separate enve- booking for ie, the tour only or the lopes for each event please. Tuesday April 18th is a "Drive tour and lunch. 3. Late payments cannot be ac- yourself" outing to Mont Delanc- Tour only: $10 cepted. ey Homestead, 71 Wellington Tour and Lunch: $10 plus $15, 4. Refunds cannot be given af- Road, Wandin North. Melways total $25. ter venue has been paid. Ref: 119 A11, A12.(No public All money to be in office no later 5. Name tags must be worn at transport available). Drive time than Thursday 30th March. Book all times. approx. 45 mins from Ring- with me, Gwen on 9870 0483. We wood. Meet in venue carpark at have a limit of 30. Name tags to Tuesday March 21st we will visit 9.45am ready for video and tour be worn at all times. the Polly Woodside, a grand old at 10.00am. Admission cost of lady of the sea. Please note there $10 includes morning tea, video, We look forward to seeing our reg- are ramps, steps and narrow ladders informative tour of buildings. The ular participants and meeting the so please wear sensible shoes. Last gardens can be admired at your newcomers. carriage of 9.24am train from leisure. A light lunch is availa- Croydon station to Southern ble at Monty’s tearoom which in- Happy 2017 to you all. Cross. A short walk brings us to cludes, a selection of pies, pasties, Polly where we will have coffee/ toasted sandwiches etc., choice of Gwen toilet break. Tour begins at sweets and drinks for $15 includ-

BUSHWALKING 17EXE005, 006

Hello nue side near the Kent Ave On the third Saturday, Febru- Bush- round-about for car pooling ary 18, the easy walkers walkers! and a 9:00am start. 17EXE006 will also venture to the Dandenongs for a 5 km walk Welcome You need to wear good walk- and return to Croydon by 12.30 to happy ing shoes with a profile sole and pm. wander- weather- appropriate clothing, ing in bring a hat, water bottle, and a If you cannot participate in 2017 and some general infor- snack and drink for the morning the walk would you please mation for newcomers which is tea break. ring/leave a message on 9725 also found in the course de- 9389. scription. On the first Saturday, February On days of Total Fire Ban the

4, the 17EXE005 Group will walk is automatically can- Both walking groups always walk about 8 km on shady tracks celled. meet at the Croydon Station in the Dandenongs and return to car park on the Wicklow Ave- Croydon before 1:00pm. Trudi

COMMUNCATING TO BE UNDERSTOOD & HEARD 17HUM042 Commencing : 1 February 2017 ly and friends in an open clear our communication skills and re- 10:45am way. Speaking so as to be under- lationships once we grasp the Tutor: Bruno Tonon stood and not get negative reac- concept of Positive Accountabil- tions or misunderstandings as ity. often is the case. The classes will involve conver- The culprit of this miscommuni- sation and discussion to examine cation, according to psychother- how blame has crept into our cul- apist Carl Alasko PHD, is that we ture, conversation and language, make use of “blame” in the lan- without our awareness. It is only You would think that as we ap- guage we use to communicate in recent times that Carl Alasko proach our Senior years, most of with others. He calls it the “Toxic PHD. and others have been able our communications between conversation” . to explore and explain why this is ourselves, friends and loved ones, so using basic common sense. would be solved, but alas for In the classes of Communication most of us this is not so. Last and Blame we will examine: Classes will be based on the work year’s class discussed authenti- of Carl Alasko Ph.D, author of cally some of the difficulties we 1. Digging into the roots of “Beyond Blame” and others writ- were having with our friends and blame. ers in the same field. It will ex- families. And although there was 2. Where blame comes from and plore the theory that underpins no magic bullet or wand to solve how it works. the “Blame Communication Cy- those challenges, I think we all 3. Why blame is so misunder- cle” so as to understand why and became more confident and wis- stood. how we can choose to improve er having spoken about them and 4. Meeting our needs. our communications to bring bringing some actions to cope 5. What language I can use that about a more positive outcome with them. meets our needs and wants. and better relationships. 6. Using positive accountability So this course in Communication instead of blame. The book is available from ABE is investigating and discussing 7. The great improvement in Books or Amazon. how to Communicate with fami-

SPEECHCRAFT 17HUM068, 069

To cope with demand, we will have classes on Tuesday and Fridays this year. Time as usual: 2:00 to 3:30pm Same Venue: Room 3, The Scout Hall, Kent Avenue, Croydon. Learn public speaking in a friendly and encouraging group, Regretfully we bring the sad news and help others to develop their confidence as well. that Ian Maher passed away 18 Why not visit us? Visitors’ Passes can be obtained from U3A January 2017, after a prolonged Office, Civic Square, Croydon. illness. Enquiries: telephone 9724 9544 or the website For five years Ian was an active www.u3acroydon.org.au. member of the Guitar & Ukulele class also playing guitar with the Footnote 1: We will miss Valerie Scherer who has been a Croydonaires, the successful off- shoot of the Guitar & Ukulele wonderfully supportive, lively and talented colleague for me. group, who perform at various She had to leave the class because of other commitments. venues including nursing homes. Many thanks, Val. Ian will be sadly missed by all, not just as a fellow musician, as Footnote 2: We are all delighted that Trevor Bellinger, our he contributed greatly to both original founder and mentor, still attends the class whenever groups, but also as a good friend. he can do so. Our deepest sympathy and sincere condolences go to Marion and

family on their sad loss. Tutor: Philippa Pavillard

CYCLING

Greetings and a Happy New Year to all new and existing riders. Helen Girschik has relinquished her role as Thursday coordinator, but will still be riding with us “Life is like riding a bicycle. as usual. To keep your balance you must I’m sure we all thank her greatly for her time and effort over the last few keep moving. “ years..... 2017 rides will be similar to last year, with an addition of extra Thursday rides, ~ Albert Einstein letter to his son with a slightly longer distance and speed (we have been experimenting over the holidays, in all sorts of conditions - even starting as early as 7.30 am). More de- Eduard, 1930 ~ tails when the Thursday riders have their first ride.

NOTE: All rides start first term at 9:00 am (instead of 9:30), unless oth- erwise notified. Any queries please call Chris 9727 2244 or 0409 889 275 or Rob 0419 569 573.

Thursday Feb. 2nd: U3A Office Mel 50K3 Trails to Upper Ferntree Gully for M/T (Morning Tea) Return by different route. Leader: Phil Bramston 0448 866 708

Tuesday Feb. 7th: Start at Beasley’s Nursery, Heidelberg-Warrandyte Rd., Mel 34 F2 to Eltham M/T and return. Leader: Ron Hayes 0484 373 922

Thursday Feb. 16th: Eley Park, Blackburn Sth. Mel 61 H4 to Hedgley Dene Gardens, Malvern and return. THANK YOU HELEN Leader: Graeme Cadman 9878 3803 and 0408 134 113 The Croydon U3A cycling group Tuesday Feb. 21st: U3A Croydon Mel 50 K3 would like to thank Helen to Alchester Village and return. Girschik for her dedication and Leader: Louise Atchinson 0412 557 042 initiative as the leader and ma- Thursday March 2nd: Moomba Park, Fawkner Mel 7 K12 triarch for the past 7 years. McBryde St., off Sydney Road via Anderson Street (200m from Northern Ring Road) Helen’s achievement was to in- Merri Creek Trail, Capital City Trail, Moonee Ponds Creek crease the membership and at Leader: Paul Martin 9777 0020 and 0422 389 221 this point, we have over 50 reg-

Tuesday March 7th: U3A Croydon Mel 50 K3 istered members in the cycling through Dorset Golf, Colchester Rd., to Eastwood Golf M/T group. return via Bayswater Park Leader: Rob Elliot 0419 569 573 Helen will continue to ride with the group. Thanks Helen for Thursday March 16th: U3A Office, Mel 50 K3 your help, advice and jokes over to Jells Park M/T, return by different route. the past six years. Leader: Chris Simpson 9727 2244 and 0409 889275

Tuesday March 21st: Lewis Park, Wantirna Sth. Mel 64 A10 Rob Elliott, for the Croydon U3A enter from Lewis Road cycling group Blind Creek Trail to Frank’s Café M/T Return via Scoresby. Leader: Kerry Morice 9879 2367 and 0457 138 113 This year our Craft Group collected $345 Thursday March 30th: U3A Office Mel 50 K3 for the Flying Doctor Service. We are very Eastlink Trail to Wellington Village M/T Return via proud of our collection what goes to a Ferny Creek Trail and Rail Trail through Bayswater. good cause. Leader: Helen Girschik 9870 2593 and 0420 488 610 It is amazing what you can achieve with small coins. Well done everybody

7 COMMITTEE 2016/2017 Office Administrator Wendy Holmes 8201 0441 President Barry Turnor 0414 481 186 Asst Course Admin Sue Martin 9777 0020 Vice President/Venue Coordinator Vacant

Treasurer John Hoffmann 0419 311 557 End Term One Newsletter 2017 due to be posted Course Coordinator Patricia Cheney 9723 9380 week commencing 27 March 2017. Can be viewed in colour on the website from the previous week. Course Administrator Marg Atherton 9729 6457 Contributions due Saturday 11 March 2017. We especially welcome photos and contributions, Secretary Jenny Higgins 0400 884 688 either as a letter to the editor, or a short article about your involvement with U3A. These may be Publicity Officer Bruno Tonon 9879 9636 left at the office and labelled “Newsletter” before the Volunteer Coordinator Marilyn Perry 0407 565 074 above dates or emailed to the newsletter editor: Doris Hotzel—9870 5819 Events Coordinator Don Thacker 9727 0675 [email protected] or [email protected]. Systems Administrator Trevor Bellinger 9729 9308 Can also be posted to U3A Croydon Inc., PO Box 816, Croydon 3136. If you hear of any member who is not well or has suffered a loss, please contact our Welfare Officer Trish on 9736 5410 of the office.

Town Park, adjacent to U3A Croydon office.