End of Year Newsletter and looking at 2024

The Community of U3A Stonnington.
There is an increasing buzz of conversation and a welcoming atmosphere in the foyer at U3A Stonnington these days as members are returning and new members joining. 

The times we spend with one another at U3A are, in my experience, highlights of belonging to this organisation.  

Planning by the Committee has prioritised scheduling for more social activities in 2024.  These include:

•         Supplies of biscuits that will be provided by U3A as in the days before COVID.
•         A new members function early in Semester 1.  Existing members most welcome!
•         Scheduled tea/coffee occasions, monthly or so, on different days of the week.
•         Encouragement for small groups to enjoy the hospitality provided.
•         “A bite to eat” after selected sessions.

The Course Program in 2024-Semester 1 

Walks There will only be one or two walks scheduled in Semester 1 – unless someone steps up!  We need more leaders! We have resources for someone to use to lead a walk in Stonnington or further afield.

Visits will include galleries, museums, places of interest.  Is there a place you would recommend?  Tell us, please.

Excursions There will be one excursion per Semester.

These outings are a great way to get to know other members.

Year Long Courses

There are three new Yearlong courses confirmed: Mah Jong Cantonese style-with instruction;  study and discussion of Literature – Modern Classics;  Social card games: Solo, Five Hundred (etc).

Presentations – one off and series

Talks will continue as a feature of U3A Stonnington.  A brief preview of topics already confirmed includes a 6 part series “Contentious Issues in Israeli History”;  the “Civil War, USA”;  the “Golden Age of Cricket”;  “The Shakers”; “The Medieval Journey”;  also guide to legal matters such as wills and probate; illustrated armchair travel;  topics in science from health to climate change.  More interesting topics await confirmation.

Our presenters speak from expertise gained from their work or their interests.

The complete range of topics will be available in early January on U-MAS and printed copies available from our premises. Enrolments commence on Monday 22 January and Semester 1 begins on Monday 12 February.

Do you have an interest that you would like to tell us about?  Do you have a friend or family member who would like to talk about their work? Do let me know.

Volunteering and/or Tutoring at U3A Stonnington

Volunteering at U3A Stonnington has enriched my life with new friendships and a broadening of my interests and view of life. I invite you to join the volunteers at U3A Stonnington.  Please have a look at our website Tutoring or Volunteering for information or ask one of the volunteers – a Committee member or someone who works at the desk, or in the office, for example.

Tasks vary from washing the tea towels to working in reception, planning the program, joining the Committee of Management, help with AV and hybrid sessions, giving a talk, leading a walk, being part of the catering team, delivering bookmarks and flyers to advertise us.  Tasks small and large – but all need to be done.

A heartfelt thanks to all of the people whose voluntary work makes U3A Stonnington work, especially Tutors, Leaders and Presenters, the administration team ably led by Denise Nadebaum, the Reception team led by Mary Heinmann, the members of the Committee of Management who work with imagination and enthusiasm organising things such as our AV equipment, taking care of the finances, promotion of our organisation, planning the program, and managing events and our Librarian, Ros Winspear.  Thank you all.

I wish you and your family and friends a happy and safe festive season.  All the best for a most enjoyable year together in 2024.

Elizabeth
Elizabeth Brown, Acting President and Program Planning Coordinator, U3A Stonnington