Newcastle U3A

NEWSLETTER Summer 2018

Welcome!

Newcastle University of the Third Age

NEWCASTLE U3A Inc. ABN 87 967 033 912

PO Box 316, Hamilton 2303 Phone: 0479 193182 Email: newcastleu3a.au@gmail.com Web: www.newcastle.u3anet.org.au

From the President…

It’s fair to say that the past year has been a busy but productive one; many successful courses and presentations; interesting excursions; a varied social program.

That this program has been successful is due to the commitment and enthusiasm of Tutors who are prepared to offer their time and expertise for the benefit of members. It’s also due to the many volunteers (we are a volunteer organisation; we support each other – that’s how it works) who, really, bring it all together, often on the day.

These include Course Clerks – brilliant! -, our IT and AV experts, the administration people and the Committee representatives who ensure resources are allocated wisely.

And, of course, U3A Members. Without a loyal membership there is no association; it’s that simple. Give yourself a pat on the back.

In the next few weeks (or so) it starts all over again, although the preparatory work has been going on for some time. Soon there will be a new program available as a result of Course Coordinator Kaye’s efforts. Thanks, Kaye! As always, this will be eagerly anticipated. Enrolments will commence shortly thereafter and the details of this, and other timelines, can be found elsewhere in this Newsletter.

There’s many a gem to be found in the program (I’m privileged to have a preview) - a few of these are noted elsewhere. Please support the efforts of our tutors by enrolling, attending and, of course, learning from their contributions.

Meetings for the information and benefit of our Members have been scheduled for the first half of the year. Firstly, the program ‘launch’ – a simple get together to explain the 2018 program and step you through the enrolment methods. It will be useful in making the process more understandable and highlighting some course options. The date is Tuesday the 16th of January and the venue will be the Carrington Room in Trades Hall, King Street, Newcastle West

The second is our Annual General Meeting and this will be held on Tuesday the 10th of April. Again, the venue is Trades Hall – and it’s good to be returning to the venue after their recent renovation. A keynote speaker will be announced closer to the event but please note the date in your diary - I look forward to seeing you there.

Please, keep on enjoying your U3A experience; enrol, attend, contribute. We look after ourselves and we enjoy the results. Best regards - John Thacker Real learning comes about when the competitive spirit has ceased.

Krishnamurti

U3A Office Hours

During the summer vacation, the U3A office will operate at reduced hours. Although the summer break is our busiest time of year administratively, volunteers need a break too!

The office will be open at the following times during the vacation: Monday 8 January – 10.00 to 11.00 am - Open for Enrolment Enquiries Friday 12 January - 10.00 to 11.00 am - Open for Enrolment Enquiries Monday 15 January - 10.00 to 11.00 am - Open for Enrolment Enquiries Friday 19 January - 10.00 to 11.00 am - Open for Enrolment Enquiries ENROLMENTS CLOSE AT NOON Monday 22 January - 10.00 to 11.00 am Open Office Monday 29 January - 10.00 to 11.00 am Open Office Friday 2 February - 10.00 to 11.00 am – Badge Collection & Open Office Monday 5 February - 10.00 to 11.00 am – Badge Collection & Open Office Friday 9 February - 10.00 to 11.00 am – Badge Collection & Open Office Semester 1, 2018 commences on 12 February 2018 – the normal term office hours will then operate, that is: Mondays 10.00 to 11.00 am Fridays 10.00 to 11.00 am.

NOTICE of U3A ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Tuesday April 10th commencing 10.30am Carrington Room, Hunter Workers (Trades Hall)

408 King Street Newcastle West Note the venue!

Tea and coffee available from 10.00am and the meeting will be followed by

lunch (your expense) in the Bistro at NEX (formerly Wests)

309 King Street Newcastle West

Guest speaker TBA

Financial Reports and Agenda will be

available prior to the meeting

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HOLIDAY at SEA – Cruising with U3A Travel broadens the mind it is said and allows for a new, or at least different, perspective of the world. U3A members were recently offered an opportunity to travel, with an eye to sharing new experiences, using a nowadays very popular method of transportation: the cruise ship. Several members embraced the occasion with gusto. It may have been a very good holiday, but the journey was far from being a frivolous outing.

Everyone in the modest

group visiting

Tasmania wanted to (and did) learn more about our

smallest state, expand their artistic perceptions by touring the Museum of Old and New Art, and engage with arthouse cinema via the travelling Sydney Film Festival onboard. Discussion on these subjects, and more, was both enlightening and enjoyable. There was time, too, for other diversions. Learning that Tasmania has a number of significant distilleries, adding valuable export dollars to the island economy, some members felt it necessary to compare various ‘spirited’ products. A consensus was reached: Tasmanian gin is world class! In conjunction with Maitland U3A a larger group of receptive participants spent 12 days learning more about the history, culture, geography, geology and way of life in New Zealand. It was a busy couple of weeks; no day passed without a lecture, class or presentation. Opportunities were made for the learning of Maori language, traditions and customs. The natural world, ever present, was made accessible through qualified mentors, experts in their fields. In such a small country the landscape is never far away and it’s possible to connect in an intimate way; that the New Zealanders are so open and generous – and proud of what they retain – is a true educational experience. The list of educational encounters undertaken was extensive. Where else can you walk to the summit of an island only 600 years old, yet only a 20-minute ferry ride from Auckland? Travel along the fault line that forms the meeting place of two tectonic plates? Visit a wind farm that supplies 95% of Wellington’s power? Visit the location where peace was made between the Maori and British nations or the town rebuilt from complete destruction and now locked in the 1930’s and loving the lifestyle?

Yes, it was a great holiday, with like-minded and amenable people. Sure, we ate and drank and laughed and enjoyed the trivialities, too – we were all sociable. Everyone agreed they came back with new knowledge, new insight, and a desire that travel with U3A friends becomes a regular part of the program.

A DATE WITH MONA MONA, the Museum of Old and New Art in Hobart Tasmania, was the destination for a small group of U3A members in November. For everyone, it was a must-see and eagerly looked forward to.

Nowadays an impressive business model, the building sits atop a sandstone bluff and can be easily accessed

by the MONA operated fast ferry. In fact, almost everything in the immediate area is MONA controlled:

the accommodation, vineyard and brewery, the restaurant and the annual music festival. The influence

on the Tasmanian economy is

obvious and positive.

The building, like the

collection it contains, is impressive

and imposing.

Everything is extraordinary in the execution. With a ‘zero waste’ philosophy underway, minimal impact on

environment is the goal of the facility. The collection of artworks is eclectic, eccentric, extensive. Oddly, a room of traditional Australian paintings almost disappoints when compared to the many unconventional pieces that fill the cavernous galleries. Many would have heard that some works are confronting, that is to say, designed to challenge a conservative view of art. This is true. One can view, assess, discuss, or turn away; your choice. It is the opinion of the writer that the collection is not only extraordinary but significant by any interpretation.

Members enjoyed their visit to MONA and departed more informed and ready to debate the question “what is art”.

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NEWCASTLE ART GALLERY TOURS

Photo: artguide.com.au

We are very lucky to have a Regional Gallery here in Newcastle

that not only holds a significant collection of artworks, but has

curators that manage the collection and are proactive in

acquiring travelling exhibitions. They are also very community

minded and happy to engage with the general public and, to the

benefit of U3A, organisations with members interested in art.

For some time U3A members have enjoyed regular, scheduled,

visits to the Gallery throughout the year coinciding with the

current exhibition. Each of these visits incorporates a ‘personal’

tour and description of the works on display led by a

knowledgeable and considered guide. Our guides are, as are

U3A tutors, volunteers who give their time and experience

freely and with a passion.

Clearly, U3A members value these visits and the discussions

that they entail; the numbers have steadily grown, and the

conversations have become livelier! It’s obvious members value

and appreciate the learning opportunity they are presented

with. Thank you, Newcastle Regional Gallery!

The schedule of visits is carefully negotiated with the Gallery

and arranged to take place within a week or so of a new

exhibition opening. This way members who find a resonance

can return later to appreciate even more. The calendar for 2018

includes: GRISAILLE (Feb 9), ELISABETH CUMMINGS (Mar

9), CORPUS and the very popular ARCHIBALD PRIZE

TOURING EXHIBITION (May 25)

Photo: nag.org.au

Paper Armada Acquisition- supporting our supporters Community backing for the Newcastle Art Gallery collection is vital. The Art Gallery Society is supporting the acquisition of a significant work of art by Alex Seton, a leading contemporary

Australian artist. His sculpture Paper Armada 2015 with its fleet of four hundred hand-carved, bianco carrara marble origami

boats is considered a major technical and artistic achievement. The Art Gallery Society provides the guides that

make our U3A visits to the Gallery a memorable and educational experience. At a recent gallery tour, Art Gallery Society President, Prue Viggers, asked our U3A to consider

donating a boat as a “Thank You” to the guides. If you would like to support this project on behalf of Newcastle U3A, you can make a payment through the usual U3A means,

tagging your payment with your name and “BOAT”.

We aim to purchase one boat, at a shared cost of $200.

U3A LANGUAGE COURSES Language Classes at U3A are some of the most popular courses offered to Members. So popular, in fact, that places in the various French, Italian, German, Mandarin and Latin modules are almost always filled. Much of this demand is because of our wonderful language tutors and the quality of teaching that they provide, in their own time, to participants. Since this is a mainstay of U3A’s curricula, we’re always on the lookout for extra tutors and new linguistic challenges. A big thank you goes out to current tutors Elvira, Jean-Pierre, Giuliano, Jim, Rosemary (and the many who make contributions to the Mandarin class) and we welcome Michael, John and Garry, the latter a long-time supporter of U3A who will introduce us to Spanish!

Members may be aware that our beloved language tutors Elvira and Jean-Pierre live in the Newcastle CBD. Asked if noise from the recent Super Car race was distracting, J-P quipped: “It’s not a problem for us; Elvira simply plays her clarinet even louder. And me? I like to watch a French movie with the volume up high!”

NEWCASTLE U3A THEATRE GROUP

Sundays: March 4; April 29; June 3; July 15; August 26; October 7; November 11; 2018 and

January 20, 2019 Time: 1.45pm – 4.45pm (approx.)

Venue: Newcastle Theatre Company, 90 DeVitre Street Lambton

Be part of the Newcastle U3A group: when purchasing tickets, please specify that you are part of the Newcastle U3A group & will

attend Sunday matinees. Contact the theatre to book 4952 4958 Monday to Friday 3.00pm to 6.00pm,

www.newcastletheatrecompany.com.au Meet in the theatre foyer no later than

1.45pm to collect your ticket from your U3A leaders.

Newcastle U3A 2018 Term Dates:

12 February – 6 April

30 April – 22 June

23 July – 14 September

15 October – 7 December

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2018 U3A NETWORK NSW CONFERENCE

There is more to U3A than simply Newcastle U3A. The U3A Network is the overarching body that assists individual U3A in providing learning opportunities for seniors. The 2018 U3A Network NSW Conference will be held in Canberra from April 11th – 13th 2018 and it’s worth noting that the Conference is open to all interested members. It may be that there are you have an interest in attending, (at your own expense) - our Hosts will be U3A ACT – a very large U3A with over 5,000 members.

Typical activities include Workshops with topics and speakers of interest to those involved in their U3A’s, Topics may include: using the media; financial matters; "brain games", best practice or governance.

Keynote Speakers this year include Professor Tom Griffiths, ANU, who will present "The View from the Cave: Time-travelling in Australian History" and Dr Caroline Fisher, Assistant Professor in Journalism, University of Canberra. Dr Fisher will introduce "What is News? The future of Journalism in the digital age"

The Friday morning sessions are focused on Panel Discussions and the Network AGM.

Further program information, accommodation and registration details will shortly be available at www.nsw.u3anet.org.au or contact the Newcastle U3A Office

Principles of the Network [Based on the philosophy of the UK co-founder of the U3A movement, Dr. Peter Laslett.]

• To provide affordable learning opportunities for older people, using the skills and abilities of the members themselves.

• Those who learn shall teach and those who teach shall learn, and there shall be no distinction between the two.

• There shall be no qualifications for membership, and no awards, degrees or diplomas shall be given.

• The emphasis shall be on learning for the love of it, and shall include an emphasis on the values of making things and improving skills of all kinds.

• Learning shall take place in a friendly, supportive, social environment

• Those joining a U3A shall pay for its upkeep.

• There shall be no payment to any person (member or non-member) for teaching or providing a service to members except in the case of reimbursement for such expenses as travel, photocopying, etc.

• The curriculum of a U3A shall be determined by the needs/preferences of its members and according to the resources available to it.

• To be at all times, non-political and non-sectarian in our approach.

Excursion Report: Ironbark Creek Catchment Tour

Newcastle U3A Members enjoyed a different kind of 'drop' during their Semester 2, 2017

catchment tour! "A great day to fill the old brain with new knowledge"

"We loved learning about the wonderful catchment and wetland areas around Newcastle.

It was great being shown places we would never have been aware of"

"The scenery and all the talks were very interesting" These were just a few of the positive comments following a recent Council organised tour through

Ironbark Creek Catchment. Forty members were taken from the mountains of Cardiff Heights to Hexham Swamp where Ironbark Creek meets the Hunter River.

Along the way they visited current rehabilitation projects, heard from passionate speakers talking about important environmental and cultural places. There was no free lunch on this tour, however. The participants also planted 500 tube stock on the

edge of an important

freshwater wetland in

Wallsend. The tour was

provided by members of

Newcastle City Council’s Environmental Assets Team - U3A values

the support given by Council and appreciates the time and expertise given by staff and specialists.

Newcastle U3A POSTAL ADDRESS PO Box 316, Hamilton 2303

Members can also leave mail in the locked drop-box on the door of our office at 21 Gordon Avenue

– but, please, no cash!

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NEW and NOTABLE … from the 2018 Semester 1 Program

EXCURSION TO PATERSON AND GRESFORD

APRIL 19th

U3A members love a bus trip and love a train trip. Here’s

an excursion with both! Plus, included in the cost is morning tea in an olive grove and a country pub lunch

with dessert. Excellent value and you’ll be traveling with

friends. Here’s the details:

Catch the train from Newcastle Interchange, Hamilton, Waratah or Maitland to Paterson. Meet up with the

Sextons Coach and travel to Bunna Bunnoo Olive Grove

for a tour and Devonshire Tea. A scenic drive around Gresford and East Gresford, then lunch at the Beatty

Hotel. There are several menu choices. Visit the historic churches of St. Ann's and St. Mary's on Allyn before a

drive up the beautiful Bingleburra Road to Dungog where we leave the Paterson Valley and enter the Clarence

Valley. The Coach takes us back to Maitland for the 4.15

pm train. A delightful and relaxing learning experience!

There’s a Limit of 48 and the cost is only $49 per

person plus, of course, your Opal Card swipe. Join Course Leader Daphne Roper for what will be a good

day out. First in best dressed with this excursion – use

the Excursion Enrolment Form and make your payment promptly.

SHORTLAND WETLANDS CENTRE WALKING TOUR,

REPTILE EXPERIENCE and LUNCH

MAY 30th

An excursion with many, many learning opportunities.

Meet at the Centre at Wetlands Place, Shortland. There’s

free parking or The Centre is accessible by public transport. It’s a 10-minute walk from Sandgate station,

or hop the 107 bus and take a short walk to the centre

After a quick cup of tea or coffee – included; speciality

coffees and cakes are available for an additional charge - we are led on a guided walking tour which includes visits

to the Bush Tucker Kitchen and a Sensory Trail. We find out how this remarkable place that was once a dumpsite

came to be a haven for wild-life and people alike. Buggy

rides are available for those who don't feel up to a walk. After lunch (included, menu choices) in the café

overlooking the wetlands we have an interactive reptile talk with freshwater crocodile, water dragons, snake and

turtles. You’ll need to wear comfortable walking shoes, a hat and sunscreen.

Limit 30 and the cost is only $27 per person plus, of

course, your Opal Card swipe if you choose the public transport option.

Join Cathy Haddow and volunteer guides for an educational experience. First in best dressed with this

excursion – use the Excursion Enrolment Form and make

your payment promptly. Good photo ops at this location.

NEW and NOTABLE … from the 2018 Semester 1 Program

CASE-STUDIES IN ROMAN ARCHAELOGY

This course is intended for people with an interest in the ancient Romans and in the process of archaeological

investigation. Course Leader David Hingston will focus primarily on three very different sites of Roman

archaeology, and draw on a range of additional sources, to offer participants a taste of the archaeological process and

some group problem-solving.

SPANISH FOR BEGINNERS is a course for absolute beginners, will be using a text and is led by Garry

Jennings who has extensive experience in teaching various languages.

Members requested more Italian and thanks to the generosity of two tutors, we offer new beginner courses

that are sure to please.

Dr John Glynn is a new member and Doctor of Philosophy

whose postgraduate research areas also include linguistics and adult education. He has generously offered ITALIAN

FOR BEGINNERS, a 12-month Beginners Italian course. This course is for absolute beginners and has an interactive

approach. This will be your first conversation with

grammatical necessities. The syllabus will respond to the make-up of the group.

Michael Foley will teach a 12-week intensive course:

SHORT COURSE ITALIAN. It’s suitable for beginners to intermediate (inclusive), either to start or revise, mainly,

Italian grammar. Working mostly from a textbook, in

preparation for the spoken language. (Participants will need to purchase a copy of the textbook but please do not

purchase until you are advised that your course application has been successful).

You may not have known that Lance Close was, among

other vocations, an actor. Join this remarkable person for a

unique engagement. THE CRAFT OF THE ACTOR is not necessarily a course in how to act, although it could be so

used. It is rather about the principles of truthful, effective acting, useful in the evaluation of performances on stage,

cinema or television, thereby enhancing and refining the audience experience. Class participation welcome, but

optional.

BEGINNER UKELELE - this course teaches ukulele

accompaniment to a range of songs. Start with a simple 1 chord song, progress over the year to songs with a range of

chord progressions. You will learn the ukulele skills of tuning; reading chord diagrams; strumming; playing chords,

& simple finger picking. If you can’t sing, humming is ok. The requirement sheet (see over the page) has further

details – participants will need to purchase a ukulele and

other gear; there is an equipment cost. Enrolees also need to be aware that the venue is on the first floor, accessed by

a flight of stairs; it’s in the rear building at 21 Gordon Avenue. The Course Leader is Susan Coggan and the

commitment from YOU is Monday mornings…

There’s obviously a lot more – more than we can inventory in this newsletter – so grab your

copy of the program and consider the listings. There’s something for every interest!

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Interested in the BEGINNING UKULELE Course for 2018? This is what you need to know. You’ll need to make a commitment both financially and in time and energy… You’ll be glad that you did. Your questions answered:

Which ukulele should I get? There are 3 ukuleles to consider;

Soprano is small & the most common one played

Concert is slightly bigger than a soprano. It may have a built in ‘pick up’ (for an amplifier) which you will not need at this stage.

Tenor is bigger than a concert, and may suit larger hands.

What should I not buy as a beginner?

A sopranino is too small.

A baritone has a lovely sound but has different strings (D G B E). This will mean learning different & more difficult fingering than what we will do in this class.

Later, you may consider buying a Taropatch (8 strings): a Banjolele (looks like a banjo but is too loud & you may lose your friends) or a 6 string uke.

How much should I pay?

A uke for under $90 is generally ok for a beginner. Talk to a professional music shop staff first to help you decide what is best for you (see list below). The main problem with cheap $30 ukes, is they go out of tune too easily.

What else do I need?

A music stand; electric clip-on tuner & a uke bag. Expensive ukes need a harder case

Pencil, eraser & 3 highlighters

Water bottle to keep your voice lubricated

a workbook which will last a year – U3A will provide this at no cost to you

A stress ball is useful to strengthen your hand & finger muscles

Later you may like to buy a uke strap (with strap pin on the uke); a floor uke stand, as it is useful at home & a uke /guitar hanger to be attached to your music stand

Where do I get the ukulele items?

Jack’s Music at Level 1 Savoy Plaza 15 Alma Rd New Lambton 4952 9222

Musos Corner at 1 National Park St Newcastle West 4929 2829

Music Specialist Shop 1 Riverside Arcade 470 High St Maitland 4933 0633

Music Centre Gosford 4/39 Central Coast Hwy. West Gosford. Have a wide range & can explain why cheap ukes are not good for a beginner 4325 4900

Other questions

Do I have to read music to learn the ukulele? No

Do have to sing? No, humming is ok

PS -Please confirm the course is running before purchasing, begging or borrowing the equipment.

Don’t forget the socials…

FRIDAY COFFEE MORNINGS For new, current and potential members (or simply the curious) to chat and get to know others. If you have a friend interested in learning more about U3A they are more than welcome to come along. Meet in the venue at 10.30am RSVP please: Elizabeth Howard 0451 272729 Feb 9 Source Café Hannell Street Maryville Mar 9 Civic Digest Wheeler Place, Civic (cnr Hunter Street) Apr 6 Ground Up 87 Young Street, Carrington May 11 Recharge 2 Dick Street, Newcastle West Jun 8 The Hood The Junction Jul 13 The Locale 28 Alma Rd New Lambton

LUNCH OF THE MONTH Venues, all hotels, have been chosen because of parking availability, access to public transport and a reputation for being a good place to dine. Meet in the venue at 12.00noon. Feb 16 Royal Inn, 61 Station Street, Waratah Mar 16 Mary Ellen, 57 Railway St, Merewether Apr 10 NEX 309 King Street Newcastle West – following AGM May 18 Mayfield Hotel, 284 Maitland Rd & Hanbury Street – Benny’s Jun 15 Wickham Park Hotel, 61 Maitland Rd Islington (cnr Albert St.)

U3A HOLIDAY AT SEA: A wonderful experience; thanks to everyone who joined us!

We all enjoyed Monica and Pat’s very good company. Thank you!

Trish wanted just one last shot... Why not?