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U3A Northern Illawarra Inc
A Bridge to Learning
Newsletter No. 46
Editor: Ainslie Lamb
Term 2, 2015
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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Dear All
Even though we don't expect shades of Gary Cooper in Beau Geste or Bob Hope in The Road
to Morocco ,Margaret and I are really looking forward to the sights and sands of Morocco on
our upcoming trip.
I mention this only to highlight the versatility of our U3A. All the way from the Wednesday
presentation which planted the seed of the idea, through to the make up of the group which has a
number of U3A members, the influence is clear.
U3A is designed to be so much more than a learning opportunity. As a group of likeminded
people actively interested in the world around them, the group generates ideas and
opportunities. and just as importantly, ways and means of benefiting from them
I realise this is a very simple example but there are always many such interactions current.
Accordingly I encourage you to lift your level of involvement in order to discover what may be
of interest to you.
Regards
Peter
BOOK LAUNCH – 6th May 2015
The tenth birthday of the U3ANI will be celebrated with the
launching of the history of the Northern Illawarra U3A.
Ron Browne, a founder member of our U3A, and Ainslie
Lamb have written the story of our 10 year development.
The book will be launched by the Hon. Sharon Bird MHR,
our Federal Member and generous supporter.of our U3A.
The launch will take place at 11 am on May 6th in the
Excelsior Room, after Morning Tea and Birthday Cake.
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SENIORS’ WEEK 2015
Congratulations to Joan Fleming, who was awarded a
Seniors Week Achievement Award on 6th March for her many
years of service to our U3A and other community groups, by Lee
Evans MP on behalf of the NSW Government.
Right - Joan with Lee Evans MP
Thanks also to Beth Denny, Terry Dickson, Fran
Thompson and Ainslie Lamb who ‘manned’ a U3A table at
the Seniors’ Week Expo at the Master Builders Club on 13th
March, showing the Balance’n’Bones DVD and generally
talking to people about U3A.
Left – Beth and Fran at the Expo.
Thanks also to the NSW Dept. of Family and Community services for the grant towards our
Seniors Week Open Day on 18th March.
_______________________________________________________
Morning tea
Yes, we all like to catch up for a chat and a cuppa and a biscuit, BUT
morning tea doesn’t get there by itself, and it shouldn’t be left to the valiant
few (Ireena and Wilma and the handful of others) to prepare and put away.
More assistance – men as well as women – would be appreciated – just put your name on the
roster that’s on the side table and turn up at 9am on the day you nominate.
_____________________________________________________________________________
“THE SPICE OF LIFE” - Variety Concert
Saturday 25th July at the Bulli Uniting Church,
2.30pm
to raise funds to help cover the ever-increasing rental costs of running our U3A programs.
Performers will include the Illawarra U3A Choir, Zlatco’s Serbian Cabaret, the OWN
Drummers, a classical guitarist, and many more. Put the date in your diary now!
________________________________________________________
BOOKSTALL – Dorn Lowrey will conduct the next ‘bring and buy’
bookstalls on 20th May and 17th June – bring along 1 or 2 good
books for sale (no magazines or badly worn books) - proceeds towards
U3A recurrent expenses .
_____________________________________________________________
Term Dates 2015
Term 2 - 20th April – 19th June (Public Holiday 8th June)
(U3A State Conference, Mittagong 29 April – 1 May, 2015)
Term 3 – 13th July –11th September
Term 4 – (Public Holiday 5th October) – 6th October – 27th November
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WEDNESDAYS AT THE THIRROUL DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE
Term 2 Program – 9.30 am to 12 noon in the Excelsior Hall
With morning tea 10.30 – 11.00am
Speakers marked * are members of the Northern Illawarra U3A.
Week 1 – Wednesday 22nd April
9.30am
Health, Education, Culture
11.00am
Film, Art, Culture
Gambling’s Impact on
Society
Texas Guinan – Silent
Film Star/ Speakeasy
Entrepeneur
Desiree Zeballos
Aileen Harland
Desiree Zeballos represents Mission Australia,
Aileen Harland is a member of Wollongong U3A, and a regular presenter to our U3A. her talk ties in with
this afternoon’s film society presentation.
Week 2 – Wednesday 29th April
9.30am
Incredible Inventions
11.00am
Australian Stories
The Amazing world of
Flight
Ben Boyd
Brian Loughlin*
Jean Horgan*
Week 3 – Wednesday 6th May
9.30am
Australian History and
Culture
11.00am
Book Launch
Birthday Cake
Aboriginal History in the
Illawarra before
European Settlement
History of the First 10
Years of our U3A
Dr Mike Donaldson
and Les Bursill
The Hon. Sharon Bird
MHR
Ron Browne* and
Ainslie Lamb*
Dr Mike Donaldson is Convenor of the Sociology Program, School of Social Sciences Media and
Communication, at the University of Wollongong.
Les Bursill OAM is a Dharawhal historian, archeologist, anthropologist and publisher.
Sharon Bird MHR is the Federal Member for Cunningham, and a geneours supporter of our U3A.
Week 4 – Wednesday 13th May
9.30am
11.00am
Our U3A Community
Australian Culture
‘Glad’s Treasures’
Some Thoughts on
Australian English
Glad Doherty*
Dr Tom Mylne
“Glad’s Treasures” – bring along a prized possession and tell us why it nis significant to you.
Dr Tom Mylne retired from James Cook University in 2012, after a career as an authority in linguistics
and communication.
___________________________________________________________________________________Raffle winners – Bruce Ducan (Basket of fruit and veg), Gill Williams (Bunch of native flowers.)
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Week 5 - 20th May
9.30am
Our U3A Community
11.00am
Travel, Art, Culture
Creative Writing/ Drama
Groups showcase
Little Gems
U3A members *
Wendy Leatham
Wendy Leatham is a member of Kiama U3A, and has presented many talks to U3As in the Illawarra.
Week 6 – Wednesday 27th May – Reconciliation Day
9.30am
11.00am
Close The Gap
Close the Gap
The Long Walk
Topic TBA
Ainslie Lamb*
Noel Beddoe
Noel Beddoe worked as a high school principal for twenty years (at Narrandera and Warrawong High
Schools) and has been involved in Aboriginal education for most of his adult life. He is also the author of
many successful novels including On Cringila Hill, and The Yalda Crossing, as well as a biography of
Linda Burney MP.
Week 7 – Wednesday 3rd June
9.30am
Australian History
11.00am
Health, Science, Education
Gallipoli – Legend or
Disaster
Being Stroke Safe
Bob Smith
Robyn Smith
Bob Smith is well-known to Northern Illawarra U3A as one of its founders, and also as a successful
author (under the name of Vincent Smith).
Robyn Smith (no relation) is a Stroke Safe Ambassador, representing the National Stroke Foundation.
Week 8 – Wednesday 10th June
9.30am
11.00am
Australian History, Art,
Culture
History, Art, Culture
200 years of Illawarra
Art 1815 - 2015
Frida Kahlo
Dr Joe Davis*
Aileen Harland
Dr Joe Davis, a local historian, has published several books on the Illawarra.
Week 9 – Wednesday 17th June
9.30am
11.00am
Information Update
Health, Science, Education
The Victor Chang
Cardiac Research Inst.
Dr Adam Hill
Dr Adam Hill is a Computational Cardiologist at the VCCRI.
NB – Glad Doherty will be organizing an excursion to the VCCRI on 6th August (Term 3) - Details next
term’s newsletter.
The Wednesday talks program is co-ordinated by Joan Fleming
If you know of an interesting speaker, let Joan know and how to contact the speaker.
You may also have interests and knowledge worth sharing, which is a basic principle of U3A.
Don’t hesitate – you are among friends who will appreciate your presentation, whether it is 15,
30 or 45 minutes. Give the idea of making a contribution some thought, and talk to Joan.
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SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS AND CLASSES DURING TERM 2
Members are entitled to attend any program offered by our U3A. Members are requested to wear
their membership badge to each U3A session they attend, and to record their attendance, both for
administrative and insurance purposes. Visitors are invited to sample our groups, but are expected
to become members if they decide to join in regularly.
______________________________________________________________________________
GROUPS MEETING AT THE THIRROUL COMMUNITY CENTRE
Australian Studies – ( Convenors – Adolph Hanich, Mary Condon) – 2nd and 4th Mondays, 1.30 –
3pm, Black Diamond Room. An opportunity to analyse and discuss aspects of Australian history
and culture, one or two topics per session, led by individual members. Topics for Term 2:
April 27 - 1915: The Gallipoli Story (Guest Speaker)
1915: First Islamic Terrorist Attack on Australian Soil (Mary Condon)
May 11 - Pioneer Women (Lindsay Margaret)
Louisa Lawson (Judy Gibbs)
May 25 - Constitutional Recognition for Indigenous Peoples (Elsa Storey)
Why Australia is not a Republic (Ainslie Lamb)
June 8 – Public Holiday – no meeting
Please give some thought to topics for Term 3. We will discuss these on May 11 to give people
plenty of time for preparation.
Balance ‘n’ Bones – (Co-ordinator – Helen Whelan, helen@dispoiled.com). Gentle exercise
for both men and women weekly during term, Mondays 9.30 – 10.30am commencing on
Monday 20th April , in the Excelsior Hall, utilizing the Beth Denny DVD.
NB – Monday 8th June is a Public Holiday – no class, but final class for Term 2 is 15th June.
Brain Games (Co-ordinator – Ainslie Lamb) – 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 9.30 –
11.00am, in the Ocean Breeze Room.
Term 2 dates – April 28, May 12 and 26, June 9.
A variety of amusing activities and creative challenges to stimulate different parts of the brain.
Creative Writing (Co-ordinators – Judy Gibbs and Ainslie Lamb) - 2nd and 4th Tuesdays
11.00am to 12.30pm in the Ocean Breeze Room.
Term 2 dates – April 28, May 12 and 26, June 9
For writers of all levels of experience, including writing for pleasure. New members welcome.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Current Affairs (Convenor and Chairman - David Goss) - 1st and 3rd.
Mondays, 1.30 - 3pm. in the Black Diamond Room. A participatory group
seeking to enhance our knowledge and understanding of Australian and
World Affairs. For the first 30 minutes we address a Theme important to
understanding current events where the subject is introduced for 5-10 minutes and then
discussed. The Chairman sends out a brief note on the issues he has noted in the past fortnight
as a background to discussion. It strives to be more informative and balanced than the Daily
Telegraph and as non partisan as The Australian! Anyone who wants to receive it should let
David Goss know on daan.goss@bigpond.com and he will put you on the list. [cont’d next
page]
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The theme subjects for term two are
20 April - Trans Pacific Partnership Treaty. What will be its affect on Australia (as far as we
know due to the efforts to keep the contents secret.)
4 May - Whither the Middle East ?
18 May - Europe, Russia and where will the border finish up?
1 June - To be decided at first meeting.
15 June – to be decided at first meeting.
Drama Group - (Convenor - Sylvia Wishart ) – 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, 11.30 – 1.00pm in the
Black Diamond Room. Term 2 dates – 21st April, 5th and 19th May, 2nd and 16th June.
It’s a fun group – members with or without experience in acting or directing are very welcome.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Drawing (Co-ordinator and tutor Jeannette Southam, Ph: 4285 1986) - 2nd and 4th Tuesdays,
1-3pm Ocean Breeze Room. Term 2 dates – 28th April, 12th and 26th May, 9th June.
___________________________________________________________________________
Film Society – film appreciation group –(Co-ordinator and leader Rick Thompson). Meets
weekly on Wednesdays 12.30 -3.30pm in the Excelsior Room. Full program at p.8.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Italian Conversation (Co-ordinator Margaret Stratton,) - Fridays during term, commencing
24th April and concluding 19th June - 9.30 – 11am in the Ocean Breeze Room. No new
members unless you already have some fluency in Italian.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Musical Journeys (Convenor – Alan Taylor) – 1st and 3rd Tuesdays 11.00am to 1.00pm. in the
Ocean Breeze Room. Term 2 dates – 21st April, 5th and 19th May, 2nd and 16th June.
___________________________________________________________________________
Philosophy Forum (Coordinator Roy Tang) 1st and 3rd Tuesdays in the Ocean Breeze Room,
9.30 – 11.00am.
The Philosophy Forum is a self-supporting group who meet to discuss
ideas and philosophical questions. While occasionally there are guest
speakers, all participants are invited and encouraged to be involved in
discussions, in planning the program, and in leading or facilitating sessions. Term 2 topics are:
21st April - What is truth?
5th May - What are the rules for respecting others?
19th May - Where is the line between insanity and creativity?
2nd June - What makes you, ‘you’?
16th June - TBA
THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES ARE HELD AT DIFFERENT LOCATIONS
Table Tennis (Convenor John Ryan) – Weekly Thursdays, 10.00am – 12.00pm at the
Austinmer Uniting Church Hall, Moore Lane Austinmer, commencing 23rd April and
concluding 18th June. All gear (bats, table tennis balls etc.) is provided. Play for fun and
fitness.
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Illawarra U3A Choir (Convenor Margaret Stratton). The choir, under Music Director Yvonne
McColl, continues to grow. We have several bookings lined up for the year. The choir practices
in Room 1-2 , close to the car park at the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music, Glenifer Brae,
Murphy’s Avenue, Keiraville, 1.30 – 3pm on Tuesdays during term, commencing 21st April and
concluding 16th June.
New members very welcome – no auditions. If you enjoy singing but can’t attend every
practice, don’t worry, you are still welcome to come when you can, and join in our ‘gigs’ when
we sing at U3A functions.
Heart Foundation Walking Group – join the Sandpipers every Thursday morning at Sandon
Point car park, 9am for an hour, approximately 4km. walking. Several of our U3A members are
in the group. For further information, talk to Wilma Johnson or Pat Johnston or just turn up.
IPAC - Merrigong Theatre Co. - there are several members who regularly attend the Saturday
2pm matinee sessions of the Merrigong Theatre productions at the IPAC in Burelli Street,
Wollongong, then meet up after the show to discuss the play over coffee. If you’re interested,
obtain a copy of the 2015 Season program, and make your bookings.
Concession prices are available if you book a season package of a minimum of 5 shows.
Upcoming shows are:
23rd May – Storm Boy
6th June – Head Full of Love
20th June - Kelly
STANWELL PARK OUTREACH GROUP
Meets Mondays at “Hillcrest”, 15 Railway Ave, Stanwell Park, 9.30 – 12pm.
Co-ordinator – Jenny Lee-Robins (4294 3475 or 0406 460 025) or email
jennyleerobins@yahoo. com
Talks program from 9.30am, followed by morning tea at 10.30, then each week from 11am a
program of Music Appreciation – ‘ a mystery box of musical delights’ - presented by Collette
Ormonde and Jenny Lee- Robins
All members of Northern Illawarra U3A are cordially invited to attend these sessions.
20th April
27th April
4th May
11th May
18th May
25th May
1st June
8th June
15th June
In Search of Haydn
Kokoda
Genghis Khan
Propaganda in Film
Planets (Sun)
Aboriginal Art/Soul
China’s Forgotten Fleet
Public Holiday – no meeting
Back in Time (Helensburgh Mine)
Collette Ormonde
DVD
David Goss
DVD
DVD
DVD
DVD
DVD
______________________________________________________________________
Excursions Term 2
There are no excursions currently scheduled for Term 2, but announcements may be made from
time to time if any are arranged. Glad Doherty will co-ordinate any such events
Late news- a man who fell into an upholstery machine is now fully recovered.
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U3A NORTHERN ILLAWARRA FILM SOCIETY
Venue - Excelsior Hall, Thirroul Library and Community Centre, 12.30 - 3.30pm each
Wednesday during term commencing 22nd April and concluding on 17th June..
Co-ordinator and Leader: Rick Thompson
Visitors are welcome. Guests not wearing a U3A name tag will be asked to contribute $5 as a
temporary membership. These sessions are about discussing film and film issues, not simply (if
that is possible) watching them. A discussion session follows each screening. Short films or
excerpts may accompany some programs. Those films marked * will be screened with subtitles
for the hard of hearing.
April 22 *THE GUN WOMAN (US, 1918, 50 mins). Directed by Frank Borzage; with Texas
Guinan; and ELEANOR'S CATCH (US, 1916, 15 mins.) Directed by and starring Cleo
Madison. Two examples of the busy cycle of mid-silent period films by and about woman as
central action hero/heroines, one a western, one a contemporary urban drama. (Tie-in with the
11 am Talk on Texas Guinan, same venue).
April 29
THE MAN WHO WASN'T THERE (US, 2001, 116 mins). Directed by Joel
and Ethan Coen. With Billy Bob Thornton, Frances McDormand, James Gandolfini. The Coen
Brothers continue their variations on neo-noir themes: a small-time, small-town barber
tries blackmail and nothing goes to plan. Presenter: Virginia.
May 6 *F FOR FAKE (France/Germany, 1973, 85 mins). Directed by Orson Welles. With
Welles, Oja Kodar, Clifford Irving, Pablo Picasso. Welles plays many games on us and with us
in this "documentary" about famous forgers and forgeries.
May 13 THE HITCH-HIKER (US, 1953, 71 mins). Directed by Ida Lupino.
With Edmond O'Brien, Frank Lovejoy, William Talman. Lupino was also an active directorwriter-producer in the classic film noir period. In the desert, a hitch-hiker preys on two men
who give him a ride. Presenter: Janice.
May 20 SHORTS DAY. Selected short films, to be announced.
May 27 *TEN CANOES (Australia, 2006, 92 mins). Directed by Rolf de Heer. With Crusoe
Kurddal, Jamie Gulpilil, Richard Birrinbirrin. For Reconciliation Day, David Gulpilil narrates
this ancient tale of forbidden love, shot in the Arafura wetlands with the Ramingining people.
June 3 THE WOMEN (US, 1939, 133i mins). Directed by George Cukor. With Joan
Crawford, Rosalind Russell, Norma Shearer. From Clare Boothe's Broadway hit, Cukor and an
all-female cast present a busy, varied image of women's situations and sensibilities in 1939.
June 10 *VIRIDIANA (Spain, 1961, 91 mins). Directed by Luis Bunuel. With Silvia Pinal,
Fernando Rey, Francisco Rabal. Banned by Spain and the Vatican and regarded as a Bunuel
masterpiece, the film centres on a novice nun as she makes her way through a very un-saintly
sample of the society around her.
June 17 *MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO (Japan, 1988, 88 mins). Directed by Hayao Miyazaki.
Two young girls move to the country and discover a forest spirit, the Totoro, visible only to
them. What follows is a highly imaginative re-working of Alice and the Rabbit Hole from
Japan's greatest animator.
___________________________________________________________________
Late news: Police have been summoned to a day-care centre where a three-year-old has
been resisting a rest.
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U3A in Nigeria
Accessed from
www.myu3a.org/groups/ibadan,%20nigeria.htm
By Dr Charles Afolabi JP, Executive Director
of U3A Nigeria.
Nigeria is a diverse country with many
peoples and many languages. U3A
NIGERIA is striving that the elderly
persons will not die with their ideas and
vocations. We are making sure that these
are passed on to the new generation. The
elderly persons are an important resource.
When an old person dies a library vanishes.
We use intergenerational programmes to
break the policy of segregation of older
persons which are replaced with a
strategy of participation in order to ensure a
society of all ages and interchange of
knowledge between the older persons and
the youth.
Our activities include:- Education and
Tourism, Prayer Group, Language,
Beautification and Environment, Culture
and Heritage, Research, Counselling,
Library and Information, History and
Politics, Sports and Recreation, Accident
Prevention, Publication, and Expressive
Arts for all ages to express themselves
through Arts, Crafts, Writing, Music,
Movement and Narrative Arts.
Our greying population in Nigeria is a skill
reservoir which has to be fully utilised if we
really want the ageing society to be
maintained and continue its creativity and
productivity.
PSYCHOLOGY RESEARCH
OPPORTUNITY
Healthy adults aged 65 and older
needed for research study.
Travel Compensation Provided
• Study involves viewing objects to judge
their locations
• Must have good vision in both eyes
(glasses or contacts OK)
• Must walk well without assistance
• Study will be conducted in a single
session (about 2 hours) on University of
Wollongong campus
E-mail: cwallin@uow.edu.au (or call
0451069693 for more information
The Corpus Christi Lifelong Learning
Summer School
30 August – 12 September 2015
Founded in 1352 Corpus Christi College is
the sixth oldest of the Cambridge colleges.
This residential summer school gives
lifelong learners from around the world the
exceptional opportunity to experience
something of Cambridge student life in the
context of a programme specifically
designed for adult learners. Participants can
choose to attend the full two-week
programme, or opt to attend for just one
week.
Academic courses
Each week participants take two courses,
each comprising seven and a half hours of
teaching in small classes. Various courses
are offered in History, Literature, Art
History and Architecture. Course material
is accessible to all, and only an interest in
the subject is required. There are no exams;
participants study for the joy of learning.
Social programme
A varied social programme is offered to
help lifelong learners experience
Cambridge to the full. Options include
visits to one of the many University of
Cambridge museums, punting on the River
Cam, architectural tours, pub tours and a
visit to the magnificent Ely Cathedral. A
day trip to London is also included in the
two-week programme.
College life
Accommodation is available in Corpus
bedrooms and meals may be taken in the
College dining hall or bar. Each week there
is a Formal Dinner held in the College’s
historic dining hall, and an English
Afternoon Tea on one of the lawns (weather
permitting). A series of College tours and
guest lectures help participants to
appreciate the College and its history.
For more information visit
www.corpus.cam.ac.uk/lifelong-learning
and contact Dr Nick Godfrey, the Summer
School Coordinator, at
lifelonglearning@corpus.cam.ac.uk
with any questions, or to simply register
your interest in this or future programmes.
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Management Committee 2015 - Contact Details
President: Peter Wolfe
Tel: 4268 2498 email: peterlwolfe80@gmail.com
Vice-President – Development: Ainslie Lamb Tel 4283 7818 email: ainslielamb@gmail.com
Vice-President – Operations: Special Interest Group Liaison; Health & Safety officer.
Glad Doherty Tel: 4284 4286 email: gladoh@iprimus.com.au
Secretary - Ireena Hardy email: denireen@bigpond.net.au Ph: 4283 2110
Address correspondence to:
The Secretary, U3A Northern Illawarra, PO Box 849 Thirroul NSW 2515
Minute Secretary – Heather Harvey
Treasurer: Chris Thorley Tel: 4267 1577 email: bjthor@bigpond.com
Publicity Officer: Janice Creenaune Email: janicecreenaune@hotmail.com
Committee members
Lillian Bond
Ron Browne
Judy Bull
Joan Fleming
Brian Loughlin
John Ryan
Margaret Stratton
Sylvia Wishart
Tel: 4267 4928 email: lbond007@hotmail.com
Tel: 42837818 email: rbrowne37@optusnet.com.au
Tel: 4267 2417 email:judy.bull@bigpond.com
Tel: 4268 1171 email: jonicat7@gmail.com
Tel: 4284 0684
Tel: 4268 5965 qemail: jj_ryan@bigpond.com
Tel 4267 3161 email: maggistraton@hotmail.com
Tel: 4267 3270 email: sylden@gmail.com
Wednesday Talks co-ordinator - Joan Fleming,
Audio Visual facilities – Allan Taylor
Welfare Officer - Lillian Bond
Stanwell Park liaison: Jenny Lee Robins Tel: 4294 3475
Email: jennyleerobins@yahoo.com.au
Newsletter Editor - Ainslie Lamb
Public Officer - Sylvia Wishart, 3/250 Lawrence Hargrave Drive Thirroul 2515
Website: www.northernillawarra.u3anet.org.au
Web administrator – Lillian Bond
The Newsletter of the U3A of the Northern Illawarra is produced five times a year, providing
advance notice of courses, speakers and topics, and other activities for each Term. Each edition
will be available for collection on the first day of Term 1, and on the final day of each term, to
give advance notice of activities in the following term.
If you wish to have your Newsletter posted to you, hand or send a stamped self-addressed
envelope marked “U3A Newsletter” to Ainslie Lamb, 12 Station Street, Corrimal 2518.
Contributions for the newsletter are invited from members and from other U3A branches.
Contributions should not exceed 200 words, or a half page maximum. Send typed
contributions to the Newsletter Editor, by email – ainslielamb@gmail.com
or to 12 Station Street Corrimal 2518. Email is preferred as it is easy to download into the
Newsletter. Include your own name and phone number.
Deadline for Term 3 2015 Newsletter – Wednesday 3rd June 2015
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