The 2024 program for U3A Stonnington ends with our lunch for members and party for Volunteers, in the coming week. The end of a year lends itself to a time for reflection – and contemplation of the future.
A reminder: Details about the Program and Enrolments for 2025 – these have already been provided on noticeboards at Valetta Street, but it is always good to have them sent to you in person.
Publication of the program on U-MAS: Monday 20 January
Enrolments will begin: Wednesday 29 January
Semester 1: 10 February to 20 June (19 weeks, including Easter/Passover)
Semester 2: 21 July to 21 November (18 weeks)
Semester 2 Program and Enrolments information to be advised.
End of year functions: Tuesday 25 and Thursday 27 November 2025
All the Yearlong Courses that were in the program in 2024 will be in the program again in 2025. There are a few changes, such as the leader, and time of the course.
Here is a preview of some of the new presentations:
· More Trailblazers of Jewish Thought (series)-Peter Schattner
· The Middle East in the 20th Century (series)-Nathan Feld
· Talking Art (series), and the final Picasso presentation-Geraldine Cornall
· What is Surrealism? (an encore, by demand)-Elizabeth Sprigg
· Nineveh-Frank Devlin
· Antibody treatment for prostate cancer-Gail Risbridger
· Louis Roller-series of lectures about diseases and pharmacological treatments
· World class projects at the Royal Children’s Hospital
· Walks, visits, a bus trip.
Our Volunteers are our treasures!
Our leaders and presenters take time and care to manage their courses and presentations for our enjoyment.
Our Reception Volunteers, led by Mary Heinemann, are the important link between U3A and the general community, and they do this well.
Our caterers, led by Fairlie Nassau, provide delicious fare for us for a variety of occasions and do most of the related housework!
Margaret Hay has taken on the role of office Administrator so very successfully, at a time of significant change in U3A Stonnington. U3A continues to run smoothly under Margaret’s lead despite the tragic death of Denise Nadebaum and ongoing changes in office volunteers due to family matters, illness and travel. I am most grateful to Margaret, and to the rest of her team.
The members of the Committee of Management work as an effective team and give me good support.
In the early days of COVID, Peter Ward had the foresight to introduce Zoom to U3A, keeping us functional over many months. Zoom now provides the benefit of hybrid sessions. Peter was also instrumental our adoption of the U-MAS administration program – also a necessity due to COVID. Throughout all of this he has managed our AV equipment, patient instruction of users, and installation of a system with more straightforward management than previously, and usually with a great outcome. His contributions are greatly appreciated.
Our membership has grown throughout 2024 to 451. Energy, ideas and advertising provided by Cheryl Fairclough, our Secretary, have undoubtedly contributed to this, and other successes. Thank you, Cheryl.
Other members do small but important things – from washing the tea towels, to watering the memorial tree. I believe that volunteering enhances the feeling of belonging to U3A.
When I recall this past year at U3A, I recall time with friends, mind-opening presentations and discussions, new members, walks and visits, social occasions – what a privilege!
I wish you the very best of health and happiness for this festive season, and the New Year. I am looking forward to seeing you in 2025.
Kind regards, Elizabeth
President and Program Planning Coordinator, U3A Stonnington