GRAFTON U3A FEBRUARY 2017 PAGE 1

JABBER JOURNAL GRAFTON U3A INC. (UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE)

PO Box 688 Grafton NSW 2460 www.grafton.u3anet.org.au

“Sharing our knowledge, skills and experience in a friendly convivial way”

FEBRUARY 2017

IN THIS ISSUE

CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON PHOTOS

CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON REPORT

CONTACT DETAILS

COURSES/GROUPS FEES

COURSES/GROUPS LIST

COURSES/GROUPS NEWS

DATES FOR THE DIARY

EDITOR CONTACT

FEBRUARY JABBERFEST

HUMOUR - FORE

INVITATION - TUTORS/LEADERS

JABBERFEST FEES

LATERAL THINKING PUZZLE

MORNING TEA SUPER HEROES

NAME BADGES

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

SHANNON CREEK BARBEQUE

JABBERFEST 13 FEBRUARY 2017 GRAFTON COMMUNITY CENTRE

GUEST PRESENTER – ROGER MILLARD HISTORY OF YAMBA SHIPPING – 1980s to 2009

Our guest presenter for February is Roger Millard. Born and schooled in England, he undertook additional tertiary studies while employed in a wide range of occupations. He met Jane, his wife to be, who was in the UK on a work visa and they married in 1976 before travelling to Australia where for eight months he took on various jobs in the Clarence Valley area. He returned to England where he undertook

full time studies for a qualification in Rural Estate Management before taking up a position with the Ministry of Defence from 1980-1985 commencing as graduate trainee progressing to District Estate Manager with responsibility for 60,000 acres of farmland, forestry, training areas, garrison towns, experimental bases, ancient monuments and trout streams. During this time, he also qualified as Associate of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

In August 1985, with his pregnant wife and 3yo son James, he emigrated to Australia and his daughter Kate was born on his birthday in October. After applying for many jobs without success he commenced working with Jane’s stepfather, Ron King, a retired sea captain who had started up Yamba Shipping at Goodwood Island Wharf. Roger spent the following twenty three years managing a shipping agency, stevedoring and freight forwarding company. In October 1986, the family relocated to Grafton. In his spare time, he was active in amateur theatre appearing in productions at the Criterion Theatre and Pelican Playhouse, the highlight of which was the role of the Archbishop in the production of Murder in the Cathedral staged in Christ Church Cathedral.

From 2005-09 Roger was also a part-time consultant to the Anglican diocese on insurance and property matters. In 2009 following the last of their clients relocating to Port Macquarie, Yamba Shipping closed down and in 2011 he took up duties as Administrator at Christ Church Cathedral.

Roger’s presentation will focus on the history of Yamba Shipping during his 23 year tenure.

GRAFTON U3A FEBRUARY 2017 PAGE 2

PRESIDENT’S LETTER…. Dear Members Six months of the U3A year have passed with some memorable highlights such as the Christmas Party in December, Christmas in July at Harwood (combined with Clarence River U3A) and some interesting Jabberfests. The next six months looks just as good with some excellent speakers lined up to present at our Jabberfests as well as several excursions being organised by Fiona.

A wide range of small group topics and activities are open to members and I would encourage everyone to avail themselves of the opportunity to attend. Groups such as armchair travel, table tennis, bush walking, mahjong (2 groups), chess and many others are available. Unfortunately, the ukulele and guitar groups are already fully subscribed so membership opportunities only become

available as current members leave.

I would like to thank members of my committee who do a great job in organizing their respective portfolios.

A special thank you to those who help Mary-Lou with morning teas and to our greeters who welcome us and collect our names for the door prize.

I look forward to seeing you all in this New Year and I wish you a Happy and Healthy 2017.

David Thompson Phone – 6644 7782

SHANNON CREEK DAM BARBEQUE Our first social outing for the year is a barbeque at Shannon Creek Dam. Come along for lunch, get to know someone new, have some fun and catch up with old friends.

WHEN: SUNDAY 5 MARCH 2017

COST: $13.00 FOR THE FOOD – SAUSAGES, STEAKS AND SALAD

$2.00 COMMUNITY BUS

TRANSPORT: BUS PICK UP * SHOWGROUND 11.15AM * BUNNINGS CAR PARK 11.30AM

PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU WILL NEED TO BRING ALL YOUR OWN DRINKS AND CUPS/GLASSES. YOU WILL NEED TO BRING YOUR OWN TEA, COFFEE, MILK AND SUGAR. There will be some hot water available.

Names will be taken and monies will be collected at February Jabberfest by Carole Cairns. Please note that the committee has resolved that there will be NO refunds. Fiona Duggan

GRAFTON U3A FEBRUARY 2017 PAGE 3

The committee invites all 2017 tutors and co-ordinators to a morning tea to meet committee members, ask any questions on matters requiring clarification and to receive and/or update the forms in your Tutor kit. Please bring your Tutor kit with you so that any out of date

forms can be replaced. It would be appreciated if you could also wear your name tag.

WHEN: 20 FEBRUARY 2017

VENUE: SOUTH GRAFTON SERVICES CLUB

TIME: 9:30AM

RSVP: ALYSAN PENDER – 6644 5397

COURSES AND GROUPS NEWS Welcome to the start of another glorious year, which promises to be as busy as ever. With the acquisition of a second room in Dougherty House, some groups have relocated, and there are quite a few changes to the previous timetable. These include:

Book Discussion group and Guitar group will now be held at the U3A rooms, Dougherty House, days and times remain unchanged.

French Language group is currently in recess. Hopefully, it will resume after Easter.

Creative Writing group will now have two sessions per month, on the 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of the month, from 1.30 to 4.00pm.

500 card games group is keen to expand to include Canasta. If anyone is keen to take up Canasta (or 500) please contact Marie Keynes on 66421184.

Some old friends are returning:

History Club will be recommencing on 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month, from 2.00 to 4.00pm, still at the U3A rooms, still with Nola Mackey and Nancye Eggins as coordinators. Family History will be added to the area of discussion this year.

World's Greatest Geological Wonders with tutor Morrie Duggan, will be offered again on Friday mornings from 10.00 to 12.00, commencing 17th February. Although this course ran for some time last year, there are still many exciting locations to be discussed and you are welcome to join the group at any time.

Board Games and Scrabble will be recommencing on 2nd and 4th Monday afternoons, commencing 13th February, from 1.30 to 4.00pm at the U3A rooms. Vanda Geremia continues to act as coordinator. This group will need a minimum of 8 participants if it is to be held regularly.

Woodwork for Women will be offered again, with tutor Kevin Watkins. It will be held at the Mens Shed on Tuesday mornings from 9.30 to 12.00, and will run for 6 to 8 weeks, commencing Tuesday 14th February.

There will be an Expression of Interest form at Jabberfest for each of the above 4 groups.

Chess group is currently in recess.

If you are interested in joining any of the regular established groups, please contact the coordinator directly to ascertain if there is a vacancy. Several of the group coordinators have changed over the past year, so please check the website for details, or contact me on 66445397. An updated list of courses/groups appears on page 8 of this journal. Alysan Pender

GRAFTON U3A FEBRUARY 2017 PAGE 4

ARMCHAIR TRAVEL Our initial meeting for the year will be held on Tuesday 28 February 2017 at 2.00pm. Una Stone will be recounting details of her travels in New Zealand. New members welcome. Enquiries to Magda Mussared 66449309.

BOOK CLUB Meetings are held on the 3rd Monday of the month at 2.00pm in the U3A Rooms in Prince Street. The library supplies bags containing ten copies so we are all able to read the same book.

This month we are reading a novel titled “Coal Creek” by Alex Miller set in the outback country of the Queensland Highlands. The hero, a young man named Bobby Blue spends his very young days working on cattle stations with his father before taking a job as offsider to the new police constable. The new constable and his family are from the coast and are unused to the ways of the bush causing considerable conflict between him and Bobby Blue. There is a sad and relentless inevitability to the sequence of events leading to the tragic outcome. The exquisite depiction of the country highlights this tale of friendship, love and loyalty. The author, Alex Miller, is a multi-award winning writer who has twice been awarded the Miles Franklin and several other awards. According to one reviewer, he has the ability to narrate a simple story which shines a light into dark corners. Mary-Lou Brown

HISTORY CLUB We are commencing the year with a series of classes to assist members to trace their family history. It matters little whether you are just starting, have been doing it for years or returning to it after a break. We will meet at Dougherty House on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday afternoons 2 – 4pm commencing 21 February 2017. Contact me at Jabberfest or phone 6644 9465 between 6 – 7.30pm. Nola Mackey.

MORNING TEA SUPER HEROES I would like to give a big cheer and offer heartfelt thanks to the following members who frequently are part of the morning tea crew at Jabberfest. A number of them are stayers and stalwarts who have consistently assisted since 2013 when we began to wash up as well as serve the morning tea.

Leila & David Thompson Annette & Graham Hicks Brenda Howe

Val Woods Ann Pulkinnen Pat Starr

Dot Mears Robyn & John Higham Una stone

Ann Reeve Gwen Patricks Elaine Platt

Yvonne Gillette Pat Connelly Bev Garde

Cave Steiner Sue Hereford-Ashley

Additional volunteers would be so welcome as we are a friendly bunch to work with, the tasks are not very arduous and volunteers assist only twice a year. The work basically involves loading cups, saucers etc. into the dishwasher and putting them way. Remember we are saving our U3A $1.50 per cup!!! That represents $150 per meeting if 100 members attend. A page will be available at the February Jabberfest for members to leave their details or you can ring me on 6644 5167. Mary-Lou Brown

GRAFTON U3A FEBRUARY 2017 PAGE 5

DATES FOR THE DIARY FEB 13 JABBERFEST

FEB 20 TUTORS/COORDINATORS M/TEA

FEB 20 COMMITTEE MEETING

FEB 27 MARCH JOURNAL - CLOSING DATE

MAR 3-12 SENIORS WEEK – NSW

MAR 5 SHANNON CREEK DAM BARBEQUE

MAR 13 JABBERFEST

MAR 20 COMMITTEE MEETING

LATERAL THINKING PUZZLE PUSH THAT CAR A man pushing his car stopped outside a hotel. As soon as he got there, he knew he was bankrupt. Why?

SOLUTION – March journal

JABBERFEST & COURSE/GROUP FEES Please note the following fees apply for Jabberfest and course/group fees as from 1 January 2017:

Jabberfest $4.00

U3A Rooms classes/groups $3.00

Outside venues (Sth Club/Golf Club) $2.00

Mahjong (CWA Rooms) $4.00

Good Vibes (fee under review)

Mens Shed – no change as fees were increased one year ago and pay their own rent.

NAME BADGES Members are requested to wear their name badge when attending Jabberfest and courses/groups.

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL GRAFTON U3A CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON

On Monday 5 December, at the Grafton District Services Club, over 100 happy Grafton U3A members and guests enjoyed yet another Christmas Luncheon capping off a busy and highly successful year for the Grafton U3A group, which now boasts well over 300 members. The luncheon was compered by President David Thompson, who welcomed the gathering, plus two guests from Lower Clarence U3A, Robyn Adams and Oliver Millington and Jan McGill (Les was absent, injured) our generous Mens Shed mentors.

The program was opened by our own ‘Good Vibes’ choir, performing two melodies and a Christmas carol – “We wish you a Merry Christmas”. The choir did a marvellous job without their pianist who was, unfortunately, ill and unable to attend. We were then entertained by our lively Guitar group, followed by a lovely Pam Ayres poem, presented by Florence Collison. As a final entertainment, the Uke3A group played a bracket of bright songs, accompanied by the audience.

The excellent two course meal was enjoyed by all, during which Lucky Door prize winners were drawn and the ‘Best Christmas Gear’ awards were made to Una Stone and Peter Dougherty (pictured page 7). Congratulations and thanks to President David Thompson and his committee for organising a thoroughly enjoyable event. Bob Cuming

NB – A selection of photos from the Luncheon are set out on following pages. A special thank you to Eric Wheeler, our photographer for the great photos.

CONTACT DETAILS Has your address, phone number or email changed recently? It would be appreciated if you could update your details by contacting Carole Cairns – 66424615 or cicairns@iinet.net.au

FORE At the end of his tenth and final golf lesson, the elderly man asked the pro how he had performed. “Well” replied the instructor, ‘you’ll never be a pro, but you can get enjoyment out of the game, and the exercise will do you good. Your problem is you are too close to the ball after you swing.”

EDITOR CONTACT Contributions to the Jabber Journal are always welcome. We reserve the right to edit or refuse material submitted for publication. Closing date for the March edition of the Journal is Monday 27 February 2017. Editor Dennis Kelly thehifields@bigpond.com

GRAFTON U3A FEBRUARY 2017 PAGE 6

GRAFTON U3A FEBRUARY 2017 PAGE 7

WINNER – UNA STONE WINNER – PETER DOUGHERTY

GRAFTON U3A FEBRUARY 2017 PAGE 8

COURSES AND GROUPS COORDINATORS ALYSAN PENDER 6644 5397 PAT CONNOLLY 66426695

MEMBERS PLEASE NOTE - YOU MUST CONTACT THE CONVENOR PRIOR TO JOINING COURSES/GROUPS

COURSE/GROUP CONVENOR PHONE LOCATION DAY/DATE TIME

ARMCHAIR TRAVEL Magda Mussared 6644 9309 U3A Rooms

Dougherty House 4th Tuesday 2.00 – 4.00pm

BOARD GAMES & SCRABBLE

Vanda Geremia 6642 7880 U3A Rooms

Dougherty House 2ND & 4TH Monday 1.30 – 4.00pm

BOOK DISCUSSION Mary-Lou Brown 6644 5167 U3A Rooms

Dougherty House 3rd Monday 2.00 – 4.00pm

BUSH WALKING Peter Mears 6643 5748 The Great Outdoors Watch Journal for details

CHESS Stan Mussared 6644 9309 U3A Rooms

Dougherty House In recess

COMPUTER USERS GROUP Tom Dennis 6642 2502 U3A Rooms Dougherty House

Alternate Fridays

2.00 – 4.00pm

CREATIVE WRITING Dorothy Hillis 6642 7427 U3A Rooms Dougherty House 2nd & 4th Tuesday 1.30 –

4.00pm

DISCUSSION GROUP – ALTERNATE IDEAS Pauline Cole 6644 5446 Room 4 South

Services Club Tuesdays 1.00 – 3.30pm

EARTH’S CHANGING CLIMATE Nick Reeve 6642 5367 U3A Rooms

Dougherty House In recess

FIVE HUNDRED & CANASTA Marie Keynes 6642 1184 South Services Club Thursdays 9.30 –

11.30pm

GOOD VIBES VOCAL GROUP

Helen Hearnshaw 6642 5073 Conservatorium Mondays 1.00 –

2.30pm

GUITAR Leonie Hayes 6643 2211 U3A Rooms Dougherty House

2nd & 4th Wednesday

1.30 - 3.30pm

HISTORY CLUB Nancye Eggins

Nola Mackey

6642 4147 6644 9465

U3A Rooms Dougherty House 1st & 3rd Tuesdays 2.00 –

4.00pm

LANGUAGE – FRENCH Andre Cunin 0422448434 U3A Rooms Dougherty House In recess

MAHJONG Ingrid Pollack 6643 3880 CWA Rooms Wednesdays 9.30 – 12 noon

MAHJONG FOR BEGINNERS

Mary-Lou Brown 6644 5167 U3A Rooms

Dougherty House Tuesdays 9.30 – 12 noon

MEDITATION Pauline Cole 6644 5446 Room 4 South Services Club Tuesdays 9.45 –

11.30am

MENS SHED Frank Heppell

David Abrahams

0407259949 0407413813 Brewery Complex Wednesdays 8.00 –

3.00pm

TABLE TENNIS Florence Collinson 6642 3921 Grafton Golf Club Tuesdays 2.00 –

4.00pm

TAI CHI Nancye Eggins

Raelee Baird

6642 4147 6644 8406

Room 4 South Services Club Tuesdays 11.30 –

12.30pm

THE WORLD’S GREATEST GEOLOGICAL WONDERS

Morrie Duggan 6649 3202 U3A Rooms

Dougherty House Fridays 10.00 – 12 noon

UKELELE 1 Leonie Hayes 6643 2211 U3A Rooms Dougherty House 1st & 3rd Wednesday 1.00 –

2.30pm

UKELELE 2 Leonie Hayes 6643 2211 U3A Rooms Dougherty House

2ND & 4th Wednesday

1.00 – 2.30pm

UNSOLVED MYSTERIES Maree Burrows 6642 1640 U3A Rooms

Dougherty House Last Thursday of

month 2.00 – 4.00pm

WOODWORK FOR WOMEN Kevin Watkins 6644 5518 Mens Shed Tuesdays for 6-8 weeks from 14 Feb

9.30 – 12 noon