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NEWSLETTER
DECEMBER 2014
Inside this issue
A Point of View ············· 2
Maroondah Festival ········· 3
Season’s
Greetings
to all
members,
their
families
and
friends
Thank You ··················· 4
Changes to 2015 Classes ··· 5
Expressions of Interest ····· 5
Eastland Expo ··············· 6
Bushwalking ················· 6
Cheong Park Track ········· 6
Transferring Photos ········· 7
Welcome New Members ··· 7
Volunteer Coordinator ····· 7
For Sale ······················ 7
Cycling ······················· 8
Getting to Know You······· 8
Volunteer Morning Tea ···· 8
Watercolour by Vivienne Newton
U3A Shirts Wanted ········· 9
Deakin University··········· 9
The Johnston Collection ··· 9
Thinking of You ············ 9
Wanted ······················· 9
Vale ··························· 9
As most of you would know, we are saying Farewell to Wendy who
will shortly be departing the shores of Victoria to make landfall in
Tasmania.
Wendy has been a tireless Office Manager at U3A Croydon for many
years and her skill , expertise and ever helpful manner will be
greatly missed.
However, I am sure we all wish Wendy and Ernie every success in
their new venture, and hope that all goes well with the move, which
is no small undertaking; shifting across Bass Strait.
Au Revoir Wendy & Ernie and Good Luck!
Office:
Keystone Complex
1 Civic Square, Croydon Vic 3136
Postal Address:
PO Box 816, Croydon 3136
Phone: 9724 9544
Special Points of Interest:

Cycling—25 Nov, 4
Dec

Bushwalking-7 Dec

Leaders LuncheonMon 8 Dec

Expressions of Interest For 2015 classes
and some Changes
Office Hours:
10:00am to 12:30pm Monday to Friday during U3A term times.
Closed Public and School Holidays.
Email: u3acroydon@bigpond.com
Website: www.u3acroydon.org.au
ABN: 12 643 602 869
Incorporated Reference:
A 0026437S
Page 2
“The Only Degree you Need is a Degree of Enthusiasm”
December 2014
A POINT OF VIEW
October and the first part of
November have been an
incredibly busy time. It
started with the annual
launch of Seniors’ Week at Fed Sq. We
did not acquit ourselves well at the Seniors’ Festival this year. We had a 3 bay
marquee and only creative cards on display. It is important that we match the
enthusiasm of other U3As, and assist Network in their negotiations with the State
government through participation, so that
the organisation as a whole receives the
maximum possible financial assistance.
Thank you to the ladies from creative
cards and our line dancers who made the
effort to represent us.
I had hoped to visit the Nature Park at
Chitwan, but instead I spent two days being shown the major sites around Kathmandu and, in the process, had a crash
course in Nepalese culture and the fundamentals of Buddhism and Hinduism.
Walking IN the traffic was a new and interesting experience!
The information gained in the two days
enabled me to understand the emphasis of
the Asia Pacific conference I was there to
attend. Elsie Mutton (Network President)
and I had struggled to put together a presentation on U3A in Australia that addressed the theme of the conference,
which was “Active Life for Social Change:
Promoting Multi-Generational Learning
The following day was the combined U3A and Sharing.”
choirs performed at the Melbourne Town The reason we found it difficult to address
Hall. There were not as many singers as
the theme is that there is a fundamental
two years ago, but 300 voices still make a difference in the operation of U3A in Newonderful noise! We had our one and
pal and India and Australia. In a big genonly combined rehearsal in the morning
eralisation I could say that in Australia we
and preformed in the afternoon. We were are financially independent when we retold that some of the audience gave us a
tire, or we are supported by a government
standing ovation! That was a bit over the pension. In Nepal and India that is not the
top perhaps, but nice to hear.
case, and the majority are dependent on
their children to support them once they
Two days later some of the Committee
retire. As many of the children are now
attended a morning tea put on by Council moving overseas to find work, the older
to acknowledge and recognise the Mental people no longer have that support. The
Health Week Art Prize won by Rowena
U3A movement in conjunction with SenSchroeder. That was a much appreciated ior Citizens organisations are working
gesture by Council, and gave us the oppor- hard to try and bridge that gap and find
tunity to talk about our U3A to the Mayor solutions to this massive social upheaval.
and Councillors as well as senior Council
Officers.
There were about 250 delegates at the conference almost all of them from Nepal or
Later that evening I was off to the airport India and, while a couple of the papers
on my way to Nepal. The 4 day trek into presented were very dry and academic,
the Annapurna Foothills was amazing, not there were also a couple of thought proonly for the incredible scenery, but also for voking ones. None more so than the conthe interminable rough uneven steps encept of “Learning to Live on Less”; in
countered. We seemed to be either going essence, learning to live carefully to leave
up or down steps the entire trip! I was
resources for the generations to come.
nowhere near the snowline, but the dramas
in the high country where so many were
Two days after my return we were again
killed did affect my plans. I was supposed part of the Maroondah Council’s Seniors’
to fly back to Kathmandu the day after the Wellbeing Expo at Eastland. There were
weather closed in, but all air travel was
about 20 displays or exhibits, and demoncancelled so I made the 200km trip by
strations on stage throughout the day. We
road. It took 6 hours which perhaps will
shared a stand with Ringwood U3A and,
give an idea of the state of the roads in the we both had a fairly busy morning with
torrential rain.
lots of interest in what we had to offer,
although the numbers of seniors in the
centre were down on previous years due to
the reconstruction of Eastland. Our guitar
and ukulele group, line dancers and the
U3A Singers performed on stage. Thank
you to those groups and to those who volunteered to help on the stand during the
day.
We then moved on to the Maroondah Festival which was not so well attended by
seniors this year. It seemed to be the year
for young families. Thank you to the
groups who displayed in our tent and to
those who were there to talk to the public.
The guitar and ukulele group performed on
the main stage while the Croydon U3A
Singers were packed onto the rather small
cultural stage. Thank you to all of you
who gave up your Sunday to promote our
U3A. I thought it was a good day, I hope
you did also.
We are already at the end of another year
so I would like to say on behalf of all of
you “Thank you” to our course leaders.
The effort put in to create interesting
classes for us is quite amazing, and the
U3A just would not exist without their
dedication and enthusiasm.
I would also like to say thank you to the
volunteers who do that extra bit to make
our organisation work smoothly. I had the
chance to say that personally at a morning
tea a few days ago. The bigger we become, the more important are the tasks the
volunteers perform to assist the administration of the organisation.
Finally I would like to thank the members
of the committee for their hard work in a
very busy year. We continue to grow in
size and the tasks grow with the increased
membership, even though we continually
try to do things smarter.
I hope you have all enjoyed your year and
gained from your participation in U3A.
The long break is ahead of us with time to
recharge our batteries ready for new challenges in 2015. I wish you all a safe and
happy Christmas and every good wish for
an interesting and exciting New Year sharing skills and knowledge.
Geoff Steventon
There have been notices in the last two newsletter alerting members to the fact that new committee members will be elected in 2015.
There is also a notice on the our website with a brief description of the various roles. The holiday break over Christmas/New Year
is an ideal time to consider standing for a committee position as the AGM will be coming up in the early part of next year.
Page 3
“The Only Degree you Need is a Degree of Enthusiasm”
December 2014
U3A Croydon at Maroondah Festival 9 November 2014. Thank you to all those who gave up their time to be there showing the
community what we do at U3A. Thank you also to Beth Barnes and Paul Kiesskalt for the photos.
Page 4
“The Only Degree you Need is a Degree of Enthusiasm”
December 2014
To the leaders, office volunteers and all of the volunteers who
help in so many ways at Croydon U3A, a sincere ‘thank you’ for
all your effort and hard work in 2014. It is very much appreciated as, without you, the organisation would not be able to
function.
Wishing you all very happy holidays
From the Management Committee of U3A Croydon
EVENTS COORDINATOR
To the following leaders who
have retired this year. We
wish you success in your future pursuits, and give our sincere thanks to
you for the time you have dedicated to being
a leader with U3A Croydon.
I would like to say a big thank you to all
those who have used their skills to produce this year’s events. I am looking
forward to working with you in the coming year to promote the good work that you are undertaking.
Have a good break, a Happy Christmas and a great New Year.
Antonio Gambino, Elisabeth Gillespie, Laraine
Kent, Isobel McLean, Coral Phillips,
Phil Stephenson, Ian Whitehill.
Line Dancing
Leadlight Candle Holders
Don Thacker
Events Coordinator
Hello to all my lovely Line dancers and thank you all for the
fun we have. In particular I wish to thank Thelma, Elly,
Marlene, Kay, and others. Because of our large group it would
be impossible for everyone to follow the steps shown by one
person, so many thanks for your help.
Oxfam
More thanks needed for all your donations to Oxfam, I have
just received a new booklet of ideas to choose where you
would like our donations to go to, so with your continuing
help, money into the jar at Line Dancing, we will play our
small part in helping to reduce poverty.
Dot Ward
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“The Only Degree you Need is a Degree of Enthusiasm”
December 2014
CHANGES TO 2015 CLASSES
NO
CLASS
CHANGE
18
Oil & Pastels
This is no longer a U3A Croydon class, but some of the members
meet privately. There could be room for one more and, if interested,
please contact the office for a telephone number to call.
20
Watercolour -Monday
The pre-requisite for this class has changed as it is for beginners
with some experience and advanced painters.
24
French Intermediate Continuing Due to popular demand Marianne will continue her French class, but
at the new time of 11:30 to 1:00pm, Wednesday in the Keystone
Clubrooms. If you wish to enrol in this class, you will need to put it
on your Enrolment form (note new number)
37a Line Dancing—Thurs
Commences Term 2 = 3 terms in 2015
71
Gardening Club
Amended description:
Meets once a month on a Monday between 2-4pm. The dates
change each month. In 2014 the activities included talks on bulbs,
Salvias and Chrysanthemums, making garden junk art, making a pot
from clay, creating a terrarium, making a Kokodame and a trip to
‘Pete the Permies’ farm. It is an opportunity to spend a couple of
hours with like minded people, share plants etc.
An email address is required as communication within the group
regarding venues is sent by email.
Cost:
Meetings have a $1 donation to cover speakers etc.
Class is run regardless of the weather.
No pre-requisite skills and can join during the year if there is a vacancy.
77
Numerology in Your Life
Class is for one term, running in term 1 and term 3 in 2015
97
Transferring Photos from
Camera
New Time: 11:00 to 12:30pm Monday.

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST FOR 2015
VENUE
DAY & TIME
69b
Digital Photography, Advanced—Term Kent Ave Scout Hall Room 1 Friday 1:00 to 2:30 pm
2
87
Mahjong—Two Beginners will be
accepted in Term 1, 2015
Kent Ave Scout Hall Room 3 Monday 1:00 to
3:00pm
103
Buying a Tablet. A course for those
considering buying a tablet-it is not a
course on how to use a tablet. What to
buy, iPad or Android, do I need a tablet, what would I use it for? A six week
course and not for those who already
have a tablet.
The venue, day and time is yet
to be decided. Put your name
on the list and, if there is sufficient interest you will be contacted with details of time/day
etc.
Term 2
TBA
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN ANY OF THE THREE ABOVE , THERE IS A
FOLDER IN THE OFFICE WHERE YOU CAN HAVE YOUR NAME PLACED.
Page 6
“The Only Degree you Need is a Degree of Enthusiasm”
December 2014
COMMITTEE MEMBERS 2014
President
Geoff Steventon
9879 6718
Vice President/Venue
Coordinator
Ruth Crichton
9725 4440
Secretary
Beth Barnes
9723 3375
Treasurer
Barry Turnor
9723 2221
Office Manager
Wendy Sinfield
0438 083945
Class Coordinator
Kaye Crettenden
9722 9626
Publicity Officer
Trevor Bellinger
9729 9308
Volunteer Coordinator Pat Moseley
9725 9549
Events Coordinator
Don Thacker
9727 0675
Course Admin
Doris Hötzel
9870 5819
Electronic Communications Coordinator
Barbara Allen
0402 406077
BUSHWALKING
Hello Bushwalkers!
At the Maroondah Seniors Wellbeing Expo on Thursday 23
October at Eastland, Stephen Kernahan, AFL Legend and former President of the Carlton Football Club, talked about the
benefits of keeping fit and healthy as you grow older.
A photo of the Ukulele group at Eastland can also be seen on
the Maroondah Council Facebook page together with other
interesting photos.
ReDiscovering Melbourne Ramble Group
Well once again we are almost at the end of another year. I
have just been looking at our outings in 2014 and remembering
all the interesting places we have travelled to, and all the
lovely people who have taken part of these outing. I hope you
all enjoyed them as I did.
I also wish to thank Wendy and office volunteers for help with
collection of money for these outings-thank you all.
U3A is wonderful in this regard, bringing together like
minded people, sharing enjoyable activities, making new
friends, no need for boredom or loneliness these days. If you
know anyone in this sad state, introduce them to U3A.
Just to wish you all a Happy Christmas and a New Year full of
good health and happiness.
A wish for Christmas happiness
A wish for Christmas Cheer
A wish for many, many joys
Throughout the coming year
Dot Ward
Our last walk for 2014 will
be a short one for both
groups on Saturday, December 7, starting from Croydon
station at 9:00am. After the
walk in Sherbrooke Forest, we'll meet in George
Tindale Garden for our Christmas Party, to
which you are invited to contribute in some way
if you wish. For more details ring me on 9725
9389.
I would like to thank you all for participating in
such a committed and enthusiastic manner
throughout the year, without ever getting lost or
left behind. Thanks to my diligent support
group, Meredith, Geoff and Roger, who have
helped me find and check out the walks and, at
times lead one too. We shall continue next year
and hope to see many of you back on track.
My best wishes to you all for a wonderful and
blessed Christmas and a happy and healthy New
Year!
Cheers, Trudi
Cheong Park Walking Track & Fitness Circuit
There is now a walking track & fitness circuit at
Cheong Park. It is a flat, all weather track of approx
800 metres, around the perimeter of Cheong Park.
At intervals adjacent to the track there are three fitness stations suitable for users of all ages and abilities. Why not check this out when next in the vicinity?
Page 7
“The Only Degree you Need is a Degree of Enthusiasm”
December 2014
WHERE’S MY CAMERA?
A familiar question when you are
ready to go away for the day, or just a
weekend. Even more so when you are
going on holidays. To capture the
wonderful places; whether it be Niagara Falls, The Great Wall Of China, Disneyland or
something more close to home, like the family. Photographs are very pleasant memories of special occasions
captured. I am sure many of you would have these wonderful memories, but they are still in your camera. I can
show you how to transfer those precious memories to
your computer, to put them in folders so you can locate
them easily and to burn them onto a disk, plus so much
more. I have a course called ‘TRANSFERRING
YOUR PHOTOS’ which I take on Mondays at 11.00 –
12.30pm. Of course before you put your skates on there
are a few pre-requisites that are required. As we teach
with Windows 7, it is important that you have this operating system. Please understand if you have Windows
Vista or Windows 8 it will be very different and, may be
difficult for some to follow on your computer. You
must be familiar with Windows Explorer/ File Management/ File Explorer (that is not Internet Explorer)
and, to have taken a basics course with Trevor, as this is
all included in his course. If you have ticked all the
boxes above, then call me on 9723 7775 after 6:00pm,
and let’s see if we cannot get you ready for a memorable
time.
Volunteers for special
events
There are at least three yearly
events which occur and need
planning. Would you be willing
to be part of a volunteer team
assisting me with these events in 2015? I would like to
plan for a team of members to work with me for the following events which usually occur in October and November:
Senior Week
Federation Sq
Requires members on a roster basis for
one hour from 9:00am to 4:00pm.
Senior Week
Eastland
Requires members on a roster basis
from 9:00am to 4:00pm.
Maroondah
Festival
Members needed on a roster basis for
one hour from 10:00am to 4:00pm.
The above special events are an opportunity for us to present the face of Croydon U3A to the public, and assist in
securing government funding for U3As in general.
The following are ‘in house events’ which also need to be
planned and catered for:
U3A Croydon AGM
This entails kitchen duties and help from
the Men’s group.
Meet &
Greet
Occurs once a term and requires volunteers for kitchen duties, setting up tables
& chairs, and a welcome person at the
door.
Concert
(Usually
September)
This requires:
4 welcome members at the door.
2 members at a ticket table.
4 for kitchen duties.
2 from the Men's group.
Dotti
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
To the following new members we
say ‘welcome to U3A Croydon’.
Jude Aston, Gemma Baker, Denise
Hoare, Dot Houldcroft, Toney
Knowles, Jill Lovett, John Moore,
Bruce Nilsson, Mike Quin, Lois
Saleeba, Judy Seregin and Karen Temminghoff.
We look forward to meeting you at one of our
‘Meet & Greet’ mornings teas.
We already have a dedicated team for newsletter folding
and this works really well, with everyone aware of their
responsibilities and keen to participate. I should like to
have in place something similar for all of our events
throughout the year. So please contact me, so that we
can discuss your involvement in any of the above.
FOR SALE
Artist’s Easel, with Carry Bag.
Chrome, very good condition, 3 way action.
Suitable for drawing and or painting.
$50.00
Phone: Jean 9723 4521 or 0408 100 455.
Pat Moseley
Volunteer Coordinator
9725 9549
Page 8
“The Only Degree you Need is a Degree of Enthusiasm”
December 2014
GETTING TO
KNOW YOU
CYCLING
2014 has been a growth year for
both the Tuesday and the
Thursday groups. We have
gained some new regular members, and had several who came
along intermittently; all welcome. Thank you from Rob Elliott and Helen Girschik
to all who participated. It makes our efforts worthwhile. Well done to all who attended the Maroondah
Festival to advertise our cycling group, and to Allan
Hawkins for the photo display.
Nov 25th - The last Tuesday ride is on the Warburton
rail trail. Details of starting points are in the previous
newsletter.
Leader: Henk Zwiers 9725 1414 and
0409 725 140.
Dec 4th - The final Thursday ride, Yea to Tallarook, on
the Goulburn Valley rail trail.
This is a long ride of 70+ km, but options are available
should you choose to do less.
Leader: Allan Hawkins 9725 5104 and
0439 301 133.
Meet at Yea Historic railway station, Mel X 910 Q7 at
9:30. Take lunch; Yea to Tallarook and return.
We hope to see you back cycling with the group in
2015.
Coordinators: Rob Elliott 0419 569 573 and Helen
Girschik 9870 2593.
Geoff, Wendy & Ruth at
the Volunteers Morning
Tea, 7 November in the
Swim Log Cabin. All
three will not be standing
for committee in 2015 and
replacements for Wendy
are urgently being sought
as her permanent departure
for Tasmania is imminent.
Ruth took the opportunity
to wish Wendy & Ernie
happiness in their new
venture, and to thank
Wendy for her outstanding
contribution to Croydon
U3A; with our loss most
certainly being Tasmania’s
gain.
My time with U3A began
back in 1993 when I
learned that U3A Croydon
held Computer classes. I
joined to attend a 3 week
Computer class for Microsoft Publisher. At the time
I had already volunteered to produce a monthly church
bulletin with a local church and was desperate to learn
how to use Publisher. I then followed this up with other
computer courses with Eric Lock, one of which included Photo Manipulation. With the intention of writing my biography one day, I also attended Marianne’s
Life Story Writing Course. Mind you, other than collecting snippets of information, photos, etc I still haven’t started it yet.
In first term of 2005, I accepted the challenge of leading a computer class on Microsoft Publisher with U3A
using the TAFE computers. At this time I was also
assisting in the U3A office. In the number of years that
I have lead classes, this has certainly developed my
character, especially my patience; confidence in my
abilities and learning to go with the flow when things
didn’t run smoothly. I developed the attitude of ‘so
what; if not everything worked as I wanted it to, we still
had the use of computers and the pupils still learnt. ‘
From my last year at school I had always wanted to be a
teacher and, although late in life, it has been achieved.
Once settled in to leading the Publisher class, I took up
the challenge of leading Beginners Computers and
PowerPoint for a period. This introduced new and fresh
challenges to me which I thrived on. Drawing on my
own knowledge, experience and research I progressively prepared my lessons complete with written notes
for the pupils.
Once U3A set up their own computer room I used their
computers for my classes instead of TAFE. I have noticed though, with improved technology at U3A Croydon, teaching is less stressful now.
Over the past few years, not only have I been leading
computer classes, I have been employed in retail, selling Manchester & Bedding, three days per weeksometimes more. For a short period I was working full
time and therefore took a break from leading computer
classes.
More recently, with the need to develop my creative/
artistic skills, and no long doing the church Bulletin, I
decided to take up Charcoal Drawing Classes at U3A.
But this only lasted a few terms.
In my spare time from leading computer classes and
working part-time, I am an avid book reader of biographies. I enjoy working in the garden, especially our big
vegetable garden on beautiful sunny days, and on cold,
wet days, designing publications and working with pictures on my computer. I also enjoy restoring furniture.
In my time with U3A, I have become more confident,
gained computer knowledge by conducting classes,
improved my skills, met many people and gained new
friends.
Joy Bellinger
Page 9
“The Only Degree you Need is a Degree of Enthusiasm”
December 2014
WANTED
THINKING OF YOU
Get well wishes to
Iven Santurini who is in the
Guitar group and has been admitted to hospital. Also to
Jenni Pollock who is having a
hip operation 27 November.
PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR A
TELEPHONE-BASED MEMORY
STUDY
What is the study about?
Researchers at Deakin University are investigating
whether a telephone interview is reliable when assessing
the memory performance of groups of older Australians.
Who can participate?
We are looking to recruit males and females aged 60
years and over, who are in good general health.
What will participation involve?
Participation will involve two brief telephone interviews
with a research assistant to assess your health, general
knowledge and memory. Each interview will take approximately 15 minutes.
Participation is voluntary and all information will be kept
confidential. You will be provided with a $20 gift
voucher as compensation for your time.
Further Information:
For more information please contact Catherine Cash at
Deakin University by email at c.cash@deakin.edu.au or
phone (03) 9251 7154.
This collection runs from Thursday 6 November
2014 to Tuesday 24 February 2015.
It features artisans and craftspeople from the Geelong, Bellarine and Surf Coast area as part of the
Geelong Artisans Group, with over 180 exquisite
new creations.
Individual and Group Bookings essential.
Phone: 9416 2515.
Email: info@johnstoncollection org.
Website: www.johnstoncollection.org.
PO Box 79, East Melbourne, Victoria 8002.
All guests collected by a courtesy bus from the
foyer of the Hilton on Park Hotel, Wellington
Parade, East Melbourne.
WANTED
The Croydon U3A Line Dancers are
looking for any unwanted white polo shirts with the
Croydon logo, as they are needed for public performances.
Contact Dot on 9728 6966
To all who attended Italian classes with Lyn and
Sirio, we have heard that Sirio is seriously ill. We
are thinking of you Sirio and send our best
wishes.
If you hear of any member who is not well or has
suffered a loss, please contact Trish Davies our
Welfare Officer on 9736 4510 or the Office
9724 9544.
VALE
Our sincere condolences to
Trish Davies on the recent loss
of her mother, to Jane Jones on
the passing of her father, and
to Heather Stewart on the
death of her daughter.
A GAELIC BLESSING
Deep peace of the running
wave to you,
Deep peace of the flowing air to you,
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you,
Deep peace of the shining stars to you,
Deep peace of the infinite peace to you.
The text reads,
“Friends are angels who
lift us to our feet, when
our wings have trouble
remembering to fly”
Thank you Joyce Baston for the
leadlighting photos p.4 & p.9
~ Editor ~~
FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER due to be posted
week commencing 27 January 2015. Contributions due on Monday 12 January 2015 and any
items received after this date will be held over to
the next newsletter.
We welcome contributions which may be left at
the office and labelled “Newsletter” before this
date or emailed to :
u3acroydon@bigpond.com or to the Newsletter
Editor.
NEWSLETTER EDITOR
Doris Hötzel
Can also be sent to:
U3A Croydon Inc
PO Box 816
CROYDON VIC 3136
Email: oddsox56@tpg.com.au
Phone: 9870 5819
Croydon U3A 2015 Term Dates
Term 1:
Term 2:
Term 3:
Term 4:
2 February to 27 March
13 April to 26 June
13 July to 18 September
5 October to 4 December
Full Member:
$50.00 per annum
Associate Member: $30.00 per annum
Published by:
U3A Croydon Inc
ABN 12 643 602 869
Incorporated Reference: A 0026437S
Office Hours: 10:00am to 12:30pm Monday to Friday
Closed School & Public Holidays.
Tel: 9724 9544.
Email:
Website:
u3acroydon@bigpond.com
www.u3acroydon.org.au
THANK YOU TO MAROONDAH COUNCIL FOR PRINTING OUR NEWSLETTER