January 2015 Newsletter

Humanities Centre, 1st floor – Room 9
56 South Street IPSWICH QLD 4305
Tel: 3282 7484 (9 am to 3 pm)
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.u3aipswich.org.au
THE NEWS ~
Term 1 ~2015
START-UP & LUNCH
Thursday 29th January, 2015
9.00 am
Humanities Centre ~Auditorium
56 South Street Ipswich Central
SIGN UP early for your favourite classes on Thursday 29th January. Each tutor
or leader will give a short talk about their class. As you know, some classes get
filled very quickly so, to avoid any disappointments, make sure to attend “StartUp”. Classes are free for financial members.
Term 1 starts on Monday 2nd February, 2015.
Once business is taken care of (renewals and sign-on), members are invited to a
light lunch; a chance to catch-up with friends and make new ones. To help with
catering arrangements, please register.
RSVP:
Tel: 3282 7484
Email: [email protected]
Cost:
Start-Up: Free for U3A members
Membership: Annual Fee: $30 single or $50 double (no discount available)
Program
9.00 am
10.00 am
12.00 noon
U3A News 2015 Term 1
Start: register and renew membership
Tutors’ presentations and “Sign-on”
Lunch
With the support of
1/12
From the President Diane Dickinson
I now look back and laugh at the trepidation with which I began my
first "stint" in the U3A Office, and I wonder if there are others
whose concerns re their capabilities are as misdirected as mine
were. Self-doubt can be a serious constraint. Once I realised that I
was merely nervous about getting out of my comfort zone, I was
able to chide myself, take a deep breath and dive in head first, only
to find that the water was only 10cm deep. If I can swim in this,
then so can you. Come and join me in this pool; you’ll have lots of
fun, learn new things and make friends. We need volunteers for the
Office but also to assist with our many activities – read the
“Wanted” item later on.
A chain is only as strong as its weakest link and U3A is only as strong as its
volunteers. Fortunately for me (i.e. us, the members), the 2015 Committee which I help
to steer is focused, enthusiastic and full of ideas for the future. We have a milestone to
celebrate this year and that is the 21st anniversary of U3A Ipswich & West Moreton. In
1993 a small group of Ipswich residents with vision and passion, established a U3A
chapter in Ipswich. That was a great achievement considering that it was only 10 years
after the first U3A was established in Australia (Melbourne 1984). The official launch of
U3A Ipswich was held in February 1994 and its incorporation in May of the same year.
We are planning a celebration... watch this space.
You will notice our new branding, though only in black in this newsletter. Belinda
Wilson kindly donated her skills to create a new logo. The 3 boxes reflect the global
branding of U3A worldwide; the “owl”, emblematic of wisdom and knowledge, has been
widely associated with our group and the choice of green and gold matches those of the
City of Ipswich.
Thanks to our volunteer tutors, we have a great selection of courses to choose from.
You will find a lift-out of the Class Timetable as well as key dates for this year. I look
forward to seeing you on Start-up Day and to a wonderful year of discoveries.
Di Dickinson
U3A COMMITTEE 14/2015
Management Committee:
President:
Vice-President:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Committee Members:
Tutor Coordinator:
Functions Coordinator:
Volunteers Coordinator:
U3A News 2015 Term 1
Diane Dickinson
Eric Boel
Roy Taylor
Keith Adams
Carlene Primmer
Sheenagh Kelley
Paulette Montaigne
Judith Driscoll
Peter Horler
Ray Roth
Jan Fraser
Hernan Martinez
2/12
Vale: Jean Martin, Craft Tutor
Ipswich has lost a great lady: Jean Martin passed away on
18th December, 2014. Jean ran U3A’s Friday morning Craft
Class for a many years. Jean also shared her passion for
poetry with Shirley Ferrier. They attended together the
Ipswich Poetry Group and the Brisbane “SpeedPoets”. Jean
and Shirley were planning to introduce this year a “Poetry
Performance Group” at U3A; alas that will not be happening
right now. Jean was always cheerful and generous in sharing
her creative ideas with her students. She was part of that
wonderful group of people without which U3A would not
exist, and that is our Tutors.
Jean will be greatly missed by all who knew her. As her
good friend Shirley Ferrier said “Poets never die, their words
live”.
Credit: City of Ipswich
U3A Office re-opens
9 am to 3 pm
Tuesday 27th January 2015
Office Roster – Term 1 (draft)
The U3A Office is managed by volunteers from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Monday to Friday.
To keep our engagement with the City of Ipswich, we are required to open the Office 5
days a week. For that we need 10 volunteers each week. Thanks to our current pool
volunteers, we alternate weeks so that each person is needed only twice a month (6
hours/month). Please think about volunteering, even if it is for a short period. U3A is run
by volunteers for members to enjoy access to free classes and activities.
MOND.
TUES.
WED.
THUR.
FRID.
A.M.
Keith
Eric
Marge
Sheila
Di
Vacant
Betty
Vacant
Judith
Vacant
P.M.
Kay
Dorothy
John
June
Rob
Karen
Kath
Vacant
Vacant
Nellie
Public Liability: U3A Ipswich & West Moreton holds a Public Liability Insurance
with QBE in the amount of $10 million. All financial members are covered by this
policy for all U3A activities including social events and excursions.
U3A News 2015 Term 1
3/12
Classes & activities
Bird Watching:
Tuesday 6.30 am – 1st & 3rd Tuesday of each month – venue: off campus
Initial meeting: Tuesday 3rd February, 9:00am at the Humanities Centre (room to be
advised)
Starting in 2015, Bird Watching will be offered as an activity. Depending upon interest,
the group may meet every 1st and 3rd Tuesday. An initial meeting will be held to discuss
abilities and opportunities. (this will be reviewed in April and July). The group is
expected to meet off campus with car pooling to observe various sites around Ipswich
and surrounds. It is estimated that we will be out for 3-4 hours, starting observing
within 90 mins of sunrise (currently 6:30am) BYO binoculars, comfortable shoes, insect
and sun protection, and morning tea. If you would like to join us you will be very
welcome. Bird watching is highly cooperative, and we can learn from the birds, from
Nature and from each other.
Group leader: Peter Horler:
Originally from Romford, England, Peter worked in developing countries
as a Mapping Surveyor. He then settled in Queensland in 1979 where
he worked in computer assisted mapping with the Queensland
Government. Peter moved to Ipswich in 1999 and retired. He has
been Birding since 1993 on and off, but on a regular basis since 2009
and spotted 227 species on his “Life list”, all in SE Qld. Contact
[email protected]
French Conversation (all levels)
Monday 1.30 to 3.00 pm HC 1st floor Room 2
An informal approach to French Conversation which will include reading and
comprehension, pronunciation and general discussions. Hopefully we can also organise
outings and activities with a francophone theme. Participants will be asked to contribute
materials and bring along any French problems we can all work on. This will be a
collaborative group, so we will start with all levels until we work out the dynamics.
English will not/not be banned; au contraire.
Group leader: Paulette Montaigne is
Equally fluent in French and English, Paulette learnt these languages the hard way.
Growing up in Vanuatu, Paulette’s first languages were the Melanesian language of
Erakor Island and Bislama. English and French came afterwards. In 1982, she settled in
Australia, first in Sydney and then Canberra where she worked for 15 years as the Public
Affairs and Academic Relations Officer for the Canadian High Commission. After a stint
of 7 years living and working in Paris (again for the Canadians), Paulette and partner
John Richardson (also U3A volunteer), returned to Australia to settle in Ipswich 2 years
ago. Contact: Mob: 0498 200 055 [email protected]
U3A News 2015 Term 1
4/12
UBUNTU: an alternative operating system
Wednesday 10.30 – 11.45 am - HC 1st floor Room 9
Ubuntu is an open source operating system that runs on a wide range of devices – from
phones; tablets; laptops; desktops and servers. Ev ery electronic device needs a main
operating system to function. The names of some familiar
operating systems are Windows; Android; Mac OS. In the
commercial world, the most common system is called Unix, used
by companies such as IMB and Sun.
In 1991, Linus Torvalds, a student in Helsinki, began a project to
create a small, free version of the commercial Unix system, to run
on his personal PC. This later became known as Linux. Ubuntu is
the most popular of the variants of Linux. Apple (Mac OS) and
Google Android also have a Unix base.
Tutor: John Richardson:
A computer enthusiast or a fiddler? John has had a long and diverse experience with
computers. He started with a Fortran in the late 60s to a Commodore 64 and then an
Amiga in the late 70s. With his PC, he moved through DOS, Windows RunTime, all
versions of Windows from 95 to 7, and did programming in Visual Basic. Once he
discovered Ubuntu, his computer world changed. Contact: [email protected]
>> Starting first week of March 2015
Elizabeth Valentine is returning from the USA in February and has kindly agreed to offer
two new classes for U3A membes in Ipswich: Fun with Maths and Photography. It is
planned for both classes to be run on Thursdays, one in the morning and onein the
afternoon. Time and room allocations are yet to be finalised. Elizabeth is very sorry to
be missing U3A’s Start-Up Day and present iner person her new classes. She will be
busy packing up to her permanent return to Australia; it will Ipswich’s gain and
California’s loss. In the meantime, Elizabeth hopes that the following will wet your
appetite for new learning and new hobbies.
Fun with Maths –
Thursday – morning or afternoon (TBA)
Join us in a light-hearted exploration of mathematics, a subject too many of us dread
and misunderstand. We’ll look at puzzles and brainteasers which we can tackle as a
group, exploring the different ways to get to a solution and, in the process,
understanding some of the math concepts that didn’t sink in during school years. We will
also look at the way maths is used and misused in the media. Mathematics is an intrinsic
part of the communication between ourselves and our world, and lack of facility with it
hampers our understanding of this world. In addition, there are times when numbers are
thrown around to deliberately obfuscate, and it is helpful to learn to recognize the truth
when that happens. Depending on the interests of class participants, we can also do
other things. Because many of us find ourselves helping out with
younger family members, we can talk about ways to understand
and explain the maths they are studying and how to make it fun for
them, giving them confidence and pleasure. A side benefit of doing
this is that the easiest way to master a subject is to teach it. And
we can look at how to do anything in math that anyone wants to
learn or relearn. Come have fun exercising our brains and learning
new skills!
U3A News 2015 Term 1
5/12
Photography
Thursday – morning or afternoon (TBA)
Photography is everywhere these days. In this class we’ll talk about taking pictures using
everything from smartphones to multi-lens SLR cameras. Each class will concentrate on
a different aspect of photography: composition, lighting, portraiture, sports
photography, animal photos, landscapes, etc., as well as the availability and use of
programs to fix and improve photos once they’re taken. We’ll look at photos others have
taken and discuss how we might copy the techniques used. In addition, we’ll share
photos we’ve taken, both those using the techniques covered in the previous weeks and
those photos we just want to share. And since photography these days is as much a
technological exercise as it is as an aesthetic one, we’ll learn how to use
what’s available to modify, store, back up, and share photos,
including creating photo books, calendars, and cards. The amount of
technological information presented will be tailored to the interests
and experience of the participants, with handouts to cover more
detailed and thorough information for use later as skills improve. We
will also venture outside the classroom to take photos,
experimenting and sharing results. Come share what you know and
learn some more skills!
Tutor: Elizabeth Valentine
Maths and photography have been a constant throughout Elizabeth Valentine’s life.
Traded at birth for an adding machine (it was sold to pay the hospital bill), she was
raised in the United States by a mathematician from a newspaper family. A maths major
in university, she chose instead to become a photographer because the work was
frequently outside, a definite plus. Besides tutoring maths off and on throughout life,
Elizabeth worked for many years as a news photographer in the U.S., then as a horse
show photographer in Queensland, and even briefly as a wedding photographer (too
much stress!). In addition, she has worked as a reporter and a newspaper publisher, a
proof-reader, a professional driver, a riding teacher, and, for the last fifteen years, the
owner of a horse rescue ranch in California.
2015 MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL
Yes; it is that time of the year! Membership period is from 31st January 2015 to 31st
January 2016 and it entitles you to attend U3A classes free of charge and also provides
you with an insurance cover for all U3A sponsored classes and excursions. 2015 Fees
are; $30 single and $50 double.
We recommend that you renew your membership before “Start-up Day” as that will be
one business taken care and also it means less time queuing up. If you can’t get to the
office or mail it in before then, make sure to complete your Renewal Form prior to
attending the Start Up event on Thursday 29th January.
U3A Office will re-open on Tuesday 27th January: 9 am to 3pm. Our volunteers are
ready to greet you. Make sure to bring the exact change with your membership form as
the Office does not keep cash on the premises. If you still have access to a cheque
book, then you can also send your renewal via snail-mail, i.e. Australia Post, to U3A
Ipswich & WM, 56 South Street, IPSWICH QLD 4305.
U3A News 2015 Term 1
6/12
“At the Movies” by Rob McGeehan
"The time has come" the walrus said "to talk of many
things; of shoes and ships and sealing wax, and
cabbages and kings". When Lewis Carroll wrote those
famous lines in 1865 he (obviously) did not have U3A
Ipswich in mind.
I mention them here because they are quite apt - the time has indeed come to talk,
not of many things but of "Movies" and specifically the movies shown by the U3A movie
group-twice a month on a Saturday. Well that was the program last year which I hope
to replicate this year with different movies, of course.. Quite apart from the enjoyable
social aspects of the program (and who does not enjoy a "good movie") that’s really the
point isn’t it- just what is a "good movie". Movie selection is done by members of the
group (generally at the time of the twice a year "planning meetings"- Saturday 7
February at 10 am in the conference room, Humanities Centre. We have over 200
DVDs from various categories (genres) - so we are a bit spoiled for choice. As well there
is the opportunity to show your own favourite movie (if it’s not one of the 200), as one
of the categories of "free choice".
The plan is to invite members to select and introduce a movie of their choice (not
difficult), after which we convene for morning tea –all FREE! We critique the movie
following a set of guidelines to attempt to OBJECTIVELY rate it and award a "star" (0-3
‘don’t bother’-4-5 "brilliant").
Now movies are very subjective aren’t they, so
introducing criteria to reach some objective rating is almost an oxymoron since it really
has to include the criteria- "did you enjoy the movie- why?" Think of the (much missed)
theatre critics David Stratton and Margaret Margaret Pomeranz who in December 2014
"bowed out" of their long running (25+years) show "At the Movies". I personally will
miss them, which is not to say that I always agreed with their ratings or their selection
of a "classic" movie. As Steve Irwin would have said "Crikey", they could not even agree
amongst themselves. 2014 was an intriguing year of a very broad selection of "good",
and some a bit puzzling movies and if you want to share your movie with us this year, well, here is your opportunity.
Happy New Year, Rob.
U3A News p3
WANTED
Most of our new volunteers and members come to U3A via word-of-mouth, ie you, our
current member. You are the best advocate in promoting the activities of U3A. Please
continue.
Tutors U3A is always looking for people who are willing to give
some of their time and expertise. Essential criteria are “passion for
your subject” and “keen to share”. It can be an “in-class” activity such
as “Googling World Affairs” or “outdoors” such as bush/historical walks etc…
Whatever your passion, contact Carlene Primmer, our Tutors Coordinator:
Email: [email protected] or the U3A Office.
U3A News 2015 Term 1
7/12
Office Volunteers We have vacancies on the Office Roster. We
will provide you
bonus you get
interaction. We
love to hear from
with full training, mentoring and lots of caring. As a
free parking, free coffee/tea and lots of people
can accommodate your busy schedule and would
you.
General Tasks Volunteers We need a pool of volunteers to help
with ad-hoc projects such as functions (set-up, registrations, clean up),
distribution of leaflets/posters in your neighbourhood, etc.
Volunteer registration forms will be available at the “Start-up”. Our
new Volunteers Coordinator, Paulette Montaigne, is keen to sign you
up. In the meantime, you can call her on 0498 200 055 or 3201 5765
or email [email protected]
In Australia, 6 million people do voluntary work, contributing $290 billion a year to the
economy. U3A tutors, volunteers and committee members devote a large part of their
time to running the organisation for the benefit of all members. Dr O’Dwyer’s (Flinders
University) recent report into volunteering states that “volunteers tend to be fitter,
healthier and have greater social connections, which produce general goodwill and flowon-effects for governments – there’s less crime and greater community well-being”.
COMMUNICATIONS
Web-site
Have you looked at our website recently www.u3aipswich.org.au ? Thanks to Webmaster
extraordinaire, Keith Adams, members can access up-to-date information about U3A Ipswich
& West Moreton including details of courses, biographies of tutors, class time-table,
upcoming events and documents such as our Constitution, annual reports etc…
U3A News 2015 Term 1
8/12
Electronic communications
Communicating with members via email does have a direct benefit to U3A as we don’t
have to invest in postage, paper and manpower to organise mailouts. In 2014, 52 % of
U3A members provided their email addresses. When completing your 2015 membership
form, make sure to provide your email address. In the case of double membership,
space is provided for the 2nd member. This newsletter for example can be sent to you
via email. A copy will also be posted to the website. At times, the Committee may decide
to email information which is time sensitive however, it will always ensure that print
material is sent via snail mail to non-email members.
Media
Can you help U3A increase its profile in both print media and radio? No doubt you read
the article in The Ipswich Advertiser (26/11/14) about U3A’s end of year concert. Just
by providing them with the material for an article, you must admit that the end result
looks stunning: a great photo of line dancers in action and a very positive article about
U3A Ipswich & WM. If you know people working in the media, please tell them about
U3A Ipswich. Share your suggestions for news items and contacts. Contact Paulette on
0498 200 055 or call the U3A office.
Chris’ Christmas Concert Commentary
Never in The History of U3A Concerts has there been such drama!
This was provided by an emergency fire drill at/as the climax to the
show on the 20th November! - But other items PLANNED, did play a
part in varied entertainment and dramas of their own! The
programme started with an introduction by Carlene with chief
photographer, Ann, at the ready! Chris then came on as MC,
welcoming all, and describing the event as the second most important meeting in the
Brisbane area for that week, following the G20!
The first act was by Ruth who "went native with Creative" with her loyal U3A Poem,
and with the Commonwealth Shield peering over her shoulder! Next came the Line
Dancers, with audience participation in the last dance! Cedric kept up the healthy theme
with a spiel on Yoga (not a spill of yoghurt!), with Bernard carrying on!
Zen zer vas ze Vrench sinning a Vrench aversion ov ze Carole "Deck the Halls" with
some audience participation again, joining in joyfully with the chorus of "La, la, la, la, la,
la, la, la, la", while Trevor, our artiste guitarist accompanied with vitality and humour,
and some of the choir dressed in typical French fashion, complete with berets! The
French performance ended with an encore, being a stirring rendering of La Marseillaise,
and marching off with French flags fluttering!
Then came "The Italianos" with their 'It song"! One member had a fan behind her
head (one of her many, no doubt!) which gave her a halo! Zen commen ze germane
German Group with three numbers, including ze famous "Drinking Song" (which served
to make us thirsty for the sustenance which was to follow!), and a solo from Stan standing very tall!
U3A News 2015 Term 1
9/12
The Spanish Group followed in which mementos
(recuerdos), made by Barbara with assistance from
Natasha, both of The Spanish Class, were handed out for
those choosing correct Spanish words from choices, and
Natasha started to sing a well-known Spanish carol
entitled "Feliz Navidad" ("Happy Christmas"), but, before
she could finish, the alarm raucously broke in for that
dramatic fire-drill previously mentioned.
However, the emergency evacuation went off smoothly and satisfactorily, which is
encouraging, as, as it worked in those circumstances with many more people in the
Humanities' Building than usual, it should work well in any real emergency event.
Anyway, when we were all allowed back in, Natasha rounded off proceedings very
suitably with a full, and, this time, uninterrupted (!) rendering of her song "Feliz
Navidad", and with everyone wishing each other aptly a "Happy Christmas" to end!
The scrumptious meal that followed included some "Koala Kris Kutout KupKakes" made
with a 3D printed kutter by Lorraine!
Chris Piper
2014 Annual General Meeting
U3A’s Annual General Meeting was held on 20th November, 2014. Retiring President
Alexander Bates commended the 2014 Committee, Tutors and Volunteers in contributing
to a highly successful year for U3A Ipswich and West Moreton. The Committee
functioned in a relaxed and happy mode and that despite being short of a few members.
Total membership in 2014 reached 269 individuals. We are privileged to take our part in
the Global U3A movement, providing to the community and our members, a high
standard of education and learning.
We would record our gratitude for the generous support of the Ipswich City Council,
providing low cost office space and free access to rooms for tutorials etc, Not only does
this limit our financial outlay, it provides excellent facilities for our members.
A full copy of the Treasurer’s report is available on the U3A website or on request by
calling the Office. U3A Ipswich & WM is in a sound financial position: the current fund
position reflects our constraint on expenditure, building upon the base of previous years.
Our current fee structure for members has proven sufficient, enabling the surplus to
grow by a small amount in the past 12 months. With the increasing rate of retirements
in the “Baby Boomer” segment of society, we can confidently expect membership to
grow over the coming years, while we continue to meet the educational requirements of
our members.
Current Fund position and Liquidity
U3A Ipswich operates three accounts, each designated for specific transactions. Balances
below are dated 30th September 2014.
Bank of Queensland – Cheque Account
Bal. $ 6,742.77
Investment Account
Bal
$ nil
Petty Cash
Bal
$ 175.60
U3A News 2015 Term 1
10/12
Funds on hand at year’s end are considered satisfactory. There have been no major
expenditure items during this financial year. Given the high demand on the small TV by
various U3A groups, it was decided to purchase a 55” Samsung wall TV, DVD unit and
sound bar. This has seen significant use since installation.
Borrowings, Lease, Hire and Commitments
The only long term contractual commitments are: Rent of office space from the Ipswich
City Council: Tenancy agreement expires 30 June 2016; Phone and internet services
with Optus; Web hosting services for our U3A Web site with Net registry.
Grants: No grant applications were submitted during the FY 2014.
Insurances
Being cognisant both at law and ethically to our members and the general public, U3A
Ipswich & WM Inc., has the requisite insurance contracts in place with QBE Insurance
Australia Ltd which include: Business Pack (incl. Contents Insurance $40,000).
Public and Products Liability Insurance $10 million
Clubs Association Liability – including member to member; Libel and Slander;
Intellectual Property; Breach of Contract Personal Accident.
PROFIT & LOSS REPORT as of 30 September 2014
Income
Membership dues
Optus Refund
Unclassified
Honesty Box
TOTAL INCOME
7,340.00
34.97
20.00
97.65
________
7,492.62
NET RESULT FOR THE YEAR
U3A News 2015 Term 1
Expenses
Catering
Depreciation
Fees
Insurance
Equipment
Office supplies
Petty Cash
Cancelled cheque
Postage
Rent
Sundries
Telephone/Internet
________
TOTAL EXPENSES
1,470.73
1,594.00
30.00
1,607.00
264.05
1,077.05
611.30
30.00
440.95
1,429.36
209.10
1,096.16
9,799.70
-2,307.08
11/12
2015 @ a glance
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
16>Committee Meeting
26>Australia Day
27>U3A Office opens
29>Start up Day @ Auditorium
Humanities Centre
2>TERM 1 starts
3> Bird Watching: initial meeting
7> Movie Group planning meeting
20>Committee Meeting
MARCH
APRIL
20>Committee Meeting
MAY
15>Committee Meeting
15>Ipswich Show
28-30> Asia Pacific U3A
Conference, Brisbane
2> Term ends
3>Good Friday
6>Easter Monday
17>Committee Meeting
20>Term starts
25>ANZAC Day
JUNE
8> Queen’s Birthday
19>Committee Meeting
26>Term ends
JULY
AUGUST
13>Terms starts
17>Committee Meeting
12>Ekka Holiday
21>Committee Meeting
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
18>Term ends
18>Committee Meeting
5>Labour Day
6>Term starts
16>Committee Meeting
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
20>Committee Meeting
26>AGM & Christmas Lunch
11>Term ends
11>U3A Office closes
18>Committee Meeting
* in bold are public holidays – Details are subject to changes.
This newsletter is prepared by Paulette Montaigne, Volunteers Coordinator, with contributions from
members. At the time of publication all information is believed to be correct. In case of errors or
omissions, please accept our apologies. All enquiries regarding the newsletter should be addressed to
Paulette at [email protected] or phone 0498 200 055.
U3A News 2015 Term 1
12/12