INFORM - (U3AUWA) – U3A (UWA)
Transcription
INFORM - (U3AUWA) – U3A (UWA)
INFORM The Official Magazine of U3A (UWA) Inc. Issue 121, March and April 2016 Patron: Emeritus Professor Alan Robson AO, CitWA U3A (UWA) ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING The U3A (UWA) Annual General Meeting will be held on Sunday 10 April 2016 at the State Library Theatre commencing at 1.45pm. Full details of the Notice of Meeting, Agenda and Financial Papers are shown on pages 9-12. Please remember to have at least the quorum of 10% of your Region’s financial members at the meeting. Lodge a Proxy Form if you cannot attend. Following formal proceedings, there will be a talk by Professor Jorg Imberger entitled “What are we doing to our beautiful State?: A look into the future of Western Australia”. Professor Imberger completed his PhD at the University of California, Berkeley in 1971. He is currently an Adjunct Professor at the University of Miami. His research interests include sustainable development and ecology with particular attention on the effect of land clearing on rainfall and fresh water resources in Western Australia. It is widely recognised that southwest Western Australia has experienced a decline in rainfall over the last 40 years. It is generally thought that this decline is due to natural periodic variations and changes induced by global warming, but recently evidence has emerged suggesting that a substantial part of the decline may be due to extensive logging close to the coast to make way for housing developments and the clearing of native vegetation for wheat planting on the higher ground Professor Imberger has published 5 books, 244 papers in international journals, 98 Conference presentations and 145 reports. His publications have received 7,240 citations, 45 of which were in the Hirsch index category. Advance notice is given that the next talk in the U3A th (UWA) City Lecture series will be held on Sunday 12 June 2016 at the State Library Lecture Theatre at 2pm, when there will be a Panel Discussion on “Security, Terrorism and Counter-terrorism” led by members of the School of Management and Governance, Murdoch University. Contacts in your local U3A (UWA) Region: Central 9383 2037 Joondalup 9305 3370 Lesmurdie Hills 9453 1436 Mid-North 9276 9670 North Coast (Hamersley) 9409 1412 Rockingham & Districts 9593 9852 South East Metro 9350 5992 South West Metro 0450198413 Swan Hills 9274 3224 Wanneroo 9206 3440 See page 8 for City Courses and pages 13 to 16 for information on Regional Meetings/Groups. U3A (UWA) COUNCIL President: Peter Alcock (9447 5406) petara@iinet.net.au Deputy President: Dorothy Scott (9419 1397) maldot@iinet.net.au Hon. Treasurer: Jean Duff (9342 0764) jean.duff@bigpond.com General Secretary: Christine Oliver (0402 308 044) secretary_christine@iinet.net.au Membership Secretary: Contact U3A (UWA) Office (6488 1857) info@u3auwa.org Inform Editor: David Phillips (9593 9852) dph87111@hotmail.com Website Coordinator: Geoff Smith (9279 3803) nuthatch77@iinet.net.au U3A (UWA) OFFICE The U3A (UWA) Office is open for business on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 9am to 12noon. Location: Building 7, University of Western Australia, Princess Road, Claremont, WA 6010. Post to: U3A (UWA) Inc, University of Western Australia (M421), 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley WA 6009. Phone: 6488 1857. Email: info@u3auwa.org Website: www.u3auwa.org 1 30TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION To Celebrate 30 years in WA A Garden Party will be held at the UWA Sunken Garden on Sunday 13th March 2016 from 2 - 4pm Qian’s mission to the Western Regions 2100 years ago to Zheng He's Voyages to the Western Oceans 600 years ago, China’s silk, tea and porcelains were transported to countries along the silk road on the land and sea, China’s civilization and friendship also won the appreciation of the people all countries along the route. China’s economy is closely connected with the world economy. China will stay committed to the basic policy of opening-up, build a new pattern of all-round opening up, and integrate itself deeper into the world economic system. Jointly building the Belt and Road is helpful for countries along the belt and road to achieve policy coordination, carry out broader and more indepth regional cooperation of higher standards and will inject new positive energy into world peace and development. 3. Cooperation Principles and Priorities The Belt and Road initiative follows the principle of wide consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits. The Belt and Road initiative is in line with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. It upholds the Principles of Peaceful Coexistence: Entertainment by the Storyville Jazz Band Get your tickets ($10) from Regional Treasurers or the U3A Office U3A (UWA) CITY LECTURE SERIES The U3A (UWA) Lecture held on Sunday 8 November 2015 at the State Library Theatre was presented by Dr Huang Quinguo, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Perth who spoke on the topic “The Belt and Road Initiative - A New Opportunity of Cooperation between China and Australia”. When Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Central and Southeast Asia in September and October 2013, he raised the initiative of building the Silk Road Economic Belt (The st Belt) and the 21 Century Maritime Silk Road (The Road). Dr Quinguo structured his talk into four components, and the following is a summary: 1. A Major Initiative The Silk Road Economic Belt focuses on integrating the economies of South East Asia and North East Asia into a cohesive economy and achieve economic integration of Eurasia in Europe while as the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road is designed to link European, Asian and African continents with Silk Road Economic Belt from the seas, forming in the end a network of land and sea. There are a total population of 4.4 billion people along the Belt and Road, and the economic output is around USD21 trillion, accounting for 63% and 29% of the world’s total. 2. Historical Background and Historic Significance The 6,400 kilometre long silk road on land started in ancient capital of Chang’an (modern Xi'an) in China, crossed Central Asian countries, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq and Syria and went on to the Mediterranean Sea and ended in Rome. The Silk Road on the sea started in Qin and Han Dynasties. The Maritime Silk Road dates back to Qin and Han Dynasties, the starting points are Guangzhou, Quanzhou, Hangzhou, Yangzhou and other coastal cities, it stretches from South Sea to Arabian sea and extends to the east coast of the Africa. It is an important route for ancient China to engage economically and culturally with other regions in the world in China’s south eastern sea area. From Zhang The initiative is open for cooperation. It covers, but is not limited to, the area of the ancient Silk Road. It is open to all countries. The initiative is harmonious and inclusive. It advocates tolerance among civilizations, respects the paths and modes of development chosen by different countries and supports dialogues among different civilizations. The initiative follows market operation. It will abide by market rules and international rules, give play to the decisive role of the market in resource allocation and the primary role of enterprises. The initiative seeks mutual benefit. It accommodates the interests and concerns of all parties concerned, and seeks a conjunction of interests so as to give full play to the wisdom and creativity, strength and potential of all parties. Countries along the Belt and Road have their own resource advantages and their economies are mutually complementary. They should promote the following five major goals: Policy coordination. We should promote intergovernmental cooperation, build a multi-level intergovernmental macro policy exchange and communication mechanism, expand shared interests, enhance mutual political trust and reach new cooperation consensus. Facilities connectivity. Countries along the Belt and Road should improve the connectivity of their infrastructure construction plans and push forward the construction of international trunk passageways connecting all sub-regions in Asia, and between Asia, Europe and Africa step by step. Unimpeded trade. We should strive to improve investment and trade facilitation, and remove investment and trade barriers for the creation of a sound business environment within the region and in all related countries and expand cooperation. Financial integration. We should expand the scope and scale of bilateral currency swap and settlement with other countries along the Belt and Road. We should give full play to the role of the Silk Road Fund and that of Sovereign wealth funds of countries along the Belt and Road. People-to-people bond. We should carry forward the spirit of friendly cooperation of the Silk Road by promoting cultural and academic exchanges, personnel exchanges and cooperation. 4. Opportunities for China/Australia Cooperation Oceania is a natural extension of the ancient Maritime Silk Road and it can still be closely linked with the new Maritime 2 st Silk Road of the 21 century. This year, China Australia Free Trade Agreement was officially singed after 10 years of negotiations, and it has become a landmark for implementing the Belt and Road Initiative. China and Australia can play their complementary advantages in economy, technology, capital and infrastructure construction and inject new impetus into mutual economic development through strategic alignment. David Phillips. meeting for whatever reason, please appoint a proxy to vote on your behalf and ensure the forms are presented before the commencement of the meeting. Let's make year 2016 the best ever for U3A (UWA) by getting involved and contributing to Regional meetings, City Courses and the Claremont office where additional volunteers are always welcome. Peter Alcock. DISTRIBUTION OF INFORM MAGAZINE BETTER BE QUICK – 2016 CHINA TOURS ABOUT TO TAKE OFF! Two tours to China this year are well into the planning stage but some positions are still available. This has been an initiative of the Australia China Friendship Society following Dr Huang’s address at the State Library in November. It is a great opportunity to see aspects of China not available on the usual advertised trips. The first tour runs for 14 days from 16 May and is suited to those who have been to China before. This tour focuses on Southern China and includes Shanghai, Guilin, Langshou-Li River, Longsheng Minority tribes, Kunming and Xian (Terracotta Warriors). The second tour runs from 10 October for 14 days and is more suited to first time visitors to the country. It includes a meeting with Chinese U3A groups in Beijing, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Great Wall, Xian (Terracotta Warriors), Guilin, Langshou-Li River and Shanghai. All-inclusive prices are from $4560 per person with options for various extensions. If interested, please advise me as soon as possible (especially for the May tour) before 29 February 2016, by e-mail at petara@iinet.net.au or by phone on 0421 770 444. Peter Alcock. PRESIDENT’S REPORT Welcome back for another U3A (UWA) year - our 30th year in Perth! Celebrations for the occasion will start with a party on Sunday 13 March at the UWA Sunken Garden, with an opportunity to dress up as for the Ascot races and enjoy the cool sounds of the Storyville Jazz Band. By the time you read this you will already have tickets available from your Regional Treasurers. Our 30th Anniversary year is also another great opportunity to publicise U3A (UWA) by including the theme in events throughout the year and making use of the anniversary logo on correspondence, ax can be seen on the masthead of this Newsletter. Another excellent City Courses program has been prepared by Alan Mortimer, and you will have received the brochure prepared by David Phillips either by post or electronically. I encourage more members to try using the e-mail option which saves handling and postage costs which are now up to $1 for ordinary mail. This edition of Inform includes documents for the Annual General meeting in April. I draw your attention in particular to the notes on proxy voting. If you are unable to attend the In future your Inform magazine increasingly will be sent electronically. Although we have for many years relied on a paper copy, the costs to your organization of printing and postage is now over $8000 per year. This money could be put to better use for Courses and rebates to the Regions. To make better use of these resources the magazine will in future be sent out by e-mail by default unless a request for a hard copy is received. Over time it is expected that only e-mail versions will be sent out and hard copies will be made available for collection at your Regional meeting. Peter Alcock. U3A FILM GROUP - THE THINGS WE DO Making, at the very least, acceptable movies or videos, consists of many individual skills as you have read here in this series of articles. Sometimes we are not familiar with what needs to be done, while at other times we might absolutely revel in a particular area. It’s all part of it, and the finished product makes it all worthwhile. It is a learning experience with a reward at the end of it, and for me it is the world of sound, having spent much of my “previous life” as a broadcast technician. The knowledgeable folks at F.T.I. told us that sound makes up a good 70% of the experience and I, for one, will certainly agree with that! Early days of radio serials and plays come to mind. Who needs the pictures anyway, we made up our own mental images. Then, things were easier. Just set-up a microphone in front of the announcer, or ‘actors’, and let them do their thing. But now there is a video camera watching. I hear cries of “get that microphone out of there”. But it has to be there to get good sound. Fortunately there is technology on our side. Modernday devices are smaller, much smaller, easier to hide and, in most cases, they sound a lot better than earlier equipment. Some age-old problems still exist such as wind noises which are the enemy of any microphone. Someone described it as getting ones elbow shaken while trying to write. Wind can certainly make getting good sound a nightmare. Often it is a matter of trial and error to find just the right spot, just the right situation to guard against the wind while still staying close to the sound. Then there is the recording of the sound. Again, technology has made the job a lot easier. No longer is it necessary to lug huge tape recorders around, although the Nagra did a good job, and it had a time-code track. But now it's just a pocket-sized recorder that will produce a better result that almost any tape machine. You may think that recording the sound separately is problematic and messy, but it holds many advantages over using the sound from camera microphones, and this is the main feature that makes it worthwhile. Try taking a video of someone talking next to a busy road, or on a windy beach. Chances are it will be difficult to hear or understand what they are saying. Separate sound also allows the opportunity to clean the sound up a little before it is reunited with its vision. Finally, there is the final process of post-production, or editing. This is another world, and another learning curve. One is never too old to learn, discover and enjoy. Peter Browne. 3 SCIENCE CORNER – IRON AND IRON ORE Iron is a chemical element with symbol Fe, from the Latin “ferrum” and atomic number 26. It is by mass the most common element on Earth, forming much of Earth's outer and inner core. It is the fourth most common element in the Earth's crust. Iron metal has been used since ancient times, although copper alloys, which have lower melting temperatures, were used even earlier in human history. Iron plays an important role in biology, forming complexes with molecular oxygen in hemoglobin and myoglobin with these two compounds being common oxygen transport proteins in vertebrates. However pure iron does not occur naturally and is produced from iron oxides, and Western Australia is a major producer of iron ore. Contrary to popular belief, it was not Lang Hancock that first discovered iron ore in Western Australia. It was Henry Brown (A Canadian) who first examined an iron ore deposit at Tallering Peak some 45 kilometres north of Mullewa in 1871. His findings were confirmed by Andrew Gibb-Maitland in 1923, who went on to describe hematite (Fe2O3) as the principal ore, with magnetite (Fe3O4) in several places, and minor limonite (Fe2O3.H2O). That was followed by a report in 1890 by geologist Harry Page Woodward who, after his survey in the Pilbara, asserted “this is essentially an iron ore country. There is enough iron ore to supply the whole world, should the present sources be worked out". His report was ignored! Australia is now the second largest iron ore producer in the world and the world’s biggest exporter of seaborne iron ore. The economic benefits of iron ore to Western Australia and Australia are very significant. The recent downturn in the world price of iron ore has made budgeting on a State and Federal level extremely difficult. The following is a graph of the iron ore price in AU$ per tonne from 2009 to 2015 and is self explanatory: Pig iron is the intermediate product of smelting iron ore. It is formed by the reduction of iron ore with coke. The coke burns in air to form carbon monoxide which then reduces the iron oxide to iron metal: 2C + O2 → 2CO Fe2O3 + 3CO → 2Fe + 3CO2 Limestone is also used in the process to remove silica and alumina from the system as a slag: CaCO3 → CaO + CO2 CaO + SiO2 → CaSiO3 CaO + Al2O3 → Ca(AlO2)2 It was, of course, Lang Hancock who discovered the world's largest deposit of iron ore in the Pilbara region of Western Australia on 16 November 1952. Hancock claimed he was flying from Nunyerry to Perth with his wife Hope, when they were forced by bad weather to fly low through the gorges of the Turner River. On going through the gorge, he noticed that the walls looked to him to be solid iron and was particularly alerted by the rusty looking colour showing it to be oxidised iron. Hancock returned to the area many times and, accompanied by prospector Ken McCamey, followed the iron ore over a distance of 112 kilometres. He soon came to realise that he had stumbled across reserves of iron ore so vast that they could supply the entire world, thus confirming the discovery of Woodward. The carbon content of pig iron is typically 3–5% which makes it very brittle and not useful directly as a material. Refinement with oxygen reduces the carbon content to the correct proportion to make steel. The material is significantly hardened and strengthened by this smelting process. A certain proportion of carbon between 0.2% and 2% produces steel, which may be up to 1000 times harder than pure iron. Steels and low carbon iron alloys along with other alloy metals are by far the most common metals in industrial use, due to their great range of desirable properties. At the time, the Commonwealth Government had enacted an embargo on the export of iron ore, while the Government of Western Australia banned the pegging of claims for iron ore prospects. Hancock lobbied furiously for a decade to get the ban lifted and in 1961 was finally able to reveal his discovery and stake his claim which he named "Hope Downs" after his wife. The %iron in hematite is 70% and his deposits average about 68% iron making it some of the most pure deposits in the world. Production began at Goldsworthy (1969), Tom Price (1966), Newman (1969), Pannawonica (1972) and Paraburdoo (1973). This mining boom resulted in new ports, over a thousand kilometres of new railway lines and infrastructure, new towns built, thousands of jobs created, and an increase in the Western Australian population. HIsmelt, short for high-intensity smelting, is the world's first commercial direct smelting process for making iron straight from iron ore. HIsmelt technology brings many advantages to the steelmaking industry, such as lower operating costs; lower capital intensity, lower environmental impact, and the ability to use lower grade iron ores such as goethite (α-FeOOH). The first research and development HIsmelt plant was located in Kwinana and owned mainly by Rio Tinto. It was built in 2003 and hot commissioned in 2005, and the plant operated until December 2008 when the global financial crisis forced the operation to close. Regrettably, the operation was moved to India in year 2014 at Jindal Steel and Power where the technology was further developed and marketed. David Phillips. Some years ago steel was produced in Kwinana at Australian Iron and Steel's blast furnace, however the operation was closed in 1982. 4 A LOST DAY by David Bindley, Central Region They won’t fly. Creeping up on them or rushing at them they just run across the lands into the bush refusing to take to the air. I’d been best man at my mate’s wedding in Broken Hill, the main copper town in Zambia, and the bride’s parents, the Runcimanns, had invited me to stay on their farm for a few days after the wedding. With the wedding over, I motored the 60km out to the farm along a dirt road with heavy bush on each side and was welcomed at the farm gate by Peter and his wife. After a cup of coffee and a chat Peter took me on a tour of the farm explaining how the maize was cultivated and harvested. Returning to the homestead he asked “Would you like to go guinea fowl shooting tomorrow?” I said, “Yes that sounds great”. He then asked, “‘Have you handled a shotgun before?”. I said, “Yes”. Now this wasn’t quite true as I’d only fired my dad’s .22 rifle many years ago on a target range, but I decided that one rifle was much like another so where’s the problem. This proved my undoing later. Early the next morning Peter handed me a heavy double barrel shotgun, a bag of cartridges and the keys to an old farm truck. From the yard he pointed out a farm track I should follow and said there would be plenty of guinea fowl for the taking a few kilometres away. As I set off I felt really grand sitting high up on the truck with the shotgun beside me. True enough after about half an hour there they were among the maize, a group of about a dozen guinea fowl. So I parked the truck, loaded the shot gun and set off to stalk my prey with great expectations. My plan was to creep towards the birds keeping cover among the maize and then once within firing range stand up startling the birds who would take to the air for me to shoot. No way, these birds had seen it all before and ran off at a high rate of knots towards the bush. Undeterred I discarded all the creeping and put plan B into action which consisted of running at full speed towards the birds who would get such a fright they would fly. No such luck. So thoroughly fed-up, frustrated, hot, sweaty and in need of a drink, I headed back to the truck. It was at this point that I made a serious mistake; instead of turning 180 degrees I only turned 90 degrees. After about an hour of tramping through the bush I had not found the truck, a path or any sign of life. The thought then passed through my mind that may be I was walking in a circle. So I chose three trees in a straight line so I could look back and check if I was walking in line with them. The problem was that looking back all the trees looked the same to me. Discarding this plan I looked for a better landmark, but the heavy bush blocked my view. Four hours later, I accepted the fact that I was lost and had no idea where I was, where I had been, or where I was going. One thing however seemed plain, sitting on my backside in the middle of the bush was not going to solve anything. So I continued walking, hopefully, in a straight line to somewhere. Carrying my shot gun was a constant reminder that I had not discharged it and as I was interested to feel and see how it fired, I decided to make a nearby tree my target. Taking careful aim with my cheek resting on the breach and sighting along the barrel as I had done with my Dad’s .22, rifle I gently squeezed the trigger....boom ..a damn great bang and recoil giving me a blood nose, bruised cheek, a cut lip and blood dripping all over the place. I thought, my goodness, that was a bit violent I’ll have to be careful next time. After a bit of patting and feeling revealed only superficial damage I got back to the major problem, where was I? As evening quickly closed in, as it does in the tropics, I came to a well worn path. The question was do I go left or right? Oh well, I’ll go left. Walking along the path in the dark was a bit tricky so I was relieved on rounding a bend to see a light approaching me. It was an African on a bicycle. Stopping he said “Good evening sir can I help you?” and I said, “‘Good evening, yes, can you tell me where this path goes?” In good English he said “It goes to the Umvuvu Swamp”. I said. “Oh, I don’t want to go there, I’m trying to get to the Runcimann’s farm. Do you know the way there?”. “Yes” he said, “‘I teach several of the farm labourer’s children there, it’s about four kilometres along this way.” As we talked he must have noticed me eyeing the pannier on the back of his old fashioned sit-up-and-beg bicycle because he said “would you like a lift sir?” “Oh that’s very kind of you” and off we went. As the bicycle had no gears whenever there was a rise in the path I hopped off and we walked together him pushing his bike and me carrying my shotgun until we came to a down-hill run. About an hour later he dropped me at the farm turn off and I walked the short distance to the homestead. Walking into the kitchen I expected a prodigal son’s welcome, but the only comment was a casual “Did you get lost David?” MID-NORTH TOUR TO NEW NORCIA AND THE PINNACLES IN 33 HOURS Seventeen members of Mid-North Region set out early from Dianella on Tuesday 27 October 2015 on a two-day tour. En route to New Norcia, they had morning tea and delicious cakes at the Bindoon Bakehouse, patronised by Prince Harry while he was in WA. At New Norcia the rooms at the Monastery Guest House were on the south-east side of a courtyard of natural bushland with eucalyptus trees, flowering shrubs, ants and goannas. Leila’s room faced north, white walled, with a 1981 watercolour of bungalows surrounded by trees and greenery. There was also a pen and ink drawing of the New Norcia Aboriginal Cricket Team in their whites, small round caps with many of the team sporting beards. People staying at the Guest House are welcome to join the monks at their prayers and listen to their wonderful chanting in the Chapel upstairs, and did some of our members. To save us some hot walking our kind driver, Christopher Ing, drove us about the settlement on tour after our lunch at the Guest House. We saw the Abbey Church and the Education Centre, where there are some magnificent panels. These were painted by Sheila Humphreys depicting the Aboriginal six seasons of the year. Next, we visited the old St. Gertrude’s College for girls and St. Ildephonsus College for boys, with their 5 beautiful chapels and interesting displays. We were so lucky to be given a brilliant private performance of some piano music composed by Dom Salvado. This was played by Dom Robert Nixon, a young monk who was originally from Queensland. We were also shown the old flour mill, hand ball court, the Monastery Museum and lovely paintings upstairs by our guide, Garry. CENTRAL REGION ANNUAL BUS TRIPS The three tours I have been on since joining U3A (UWA) have all been memorable and informative in their own individual ways. My first, in year 2013 was to the historical (1836) Gwambygine Homestead, south of York on the Avon River. It was an extraordinary step back in time walking through the beautifully restored rooms, gardens and outhouses, and made even more interesting by the welcoming hospitality and tour given by the current owner Pamela Statham-Drew. The next trip in year 2014 was to Lake Navarino Forest Resort, which was written up in Issue #117 of Inform by Gabor Bedo. The happy group at New Norcia On the Tuesday evening we sat in a large circle, bonding. Nick Farr-Jones says Wallabies coach, Michael Cheika gets his world-class team to learn about each player in the team’s family and youth. He feels that it strengthens his team. Daybreak in New Norcia gave us squawking pink and greys, willy wagtails, cockatoos and ravens flashing over the fields. Leila did a Walking Meditation up to the Cemetery looking back past Dom Salvado’s statue, then on to the bell tower of the Church and then the grape vines on the Moore River. Road trains flow through the township disturbing the peace. The Church has a crack running up the side of the clock tower from the Meckering earthquake. All our meals were comprised of local produce, including the fresh bread, soup and Rose wine. Following the previous night’s bonding, we certainly acted more like family on Wednesday morning, as we made toast and tea before heading to the Pinnacles. Ginie and Elaine collected freshly baked buns from the New Norcia Bakery and they were filled with meat, salad and chutney for lunch, together with Bindoon oranges and bottled water. It was then across the Brand Highway and via Cervantes to the Nambung National Park to take a scenic walk through the ancient limestone pillars of the Pinnacles. They are scattered across the desert in their hundreds, creating an eerie, alien-like landscape, with some as high as three and half metres. Some finish in a jagged point, while others have rounded domes, resembling tombstones. The Pinnacles date back millions of years to an epoch when the sand was beneath the sea. We were back in Dianella by 4.30pm on Wednesday 28 October. Several members had ordered taxis and within a few minutes, everyone dispersed for home, tired but having had a most enjoyable and fulfilling 33 hours. Leila Cue. On Monday 2 November 2015 an excited group of our members met at the Claremont Community Centre looking forward to another magical-mystery-tour organised for us by Rae Cronin. The morning tea stop at Guilford gave us an opportunity to browse in the historical buildings namely the Guildford Village Potters Gallery, the Courthouse/Information Centre and the impressive Post Office near the railway crossing. We then drove through the Darling Ranges to the Herne Hill studio/workshop of Antonio Battistessa, a self-styled “wizard of fire” who gave us an introduction to his family history in the Swan Valley, and the changes in viticultural activities from table grapes/dried fruit to the current wine production from 57 vineyards! In the foyer we could appreciate the intricate metal sculptures and hand-made wooden furniture, and a large folio of photos/drawings of many of Antonio’s earlier projects. In the workshop we were surrounded by new metal rods, agricultural and industrial rusty metal pieces, logs of wood and an amazing array of things hanging from the rafters, attached to the unlined walls and in heaps on the floor – a “real” Men’s Shed! Antonio lit up the forge fire (charcoal brazier) and commenced working on a steel rod, with much patience and a lot of patter, and finally turned out two elegant longhandled marshmallow toasting forks, which were promptly purchased by one of the members as a much-needed adjunct to her barbecue tools! Next we had the opportunity to wander through the nearby garden which was full of Antonio’s workmanship, natural stone walls, a gazebo with natural wood sculptures as well as many forged pieces. His elderly mother was working in the front garden and was happy to answer questions and accept comments on the fascinating place she was living in. Lunch was at the old Parkerville Tavern well known for its weekend musical soirees. It was quieter on the day before Melbourne Cup, and we were fortunate to have the full attention of the staff who produced a very enjoyable meal. th In this our 30 Anniversary year, members will surely look forward to another exciting and well-organised bus trip! Yvonne Paterson. 6 U3A CHOIR A picture paints a thousand words! The colourful collage below shows our U3A Choir members at their performance in November. A happy and joyful afternoon was shared by the Choristers and their audience. The Choir sang three brackets of three songs which were interspersed with solo performances by our Musical Director Gioisa Papillon. Gioiosa sang two operatic pieces in German and Italian. Xing Yuan Lee, the Choir's piano accompanist also performed two solo pieces. The audience were highly delighted by these two professional artists. The Choir sang traditional numbers, including the “Humming Chorus” from The Mikado, through to a range of popular musical songs, such as, “When Your Smiling”, “Scarborough Fair” and “Singing in the Rain”. All the songs were warmly applauded by a very enthusiastic audience. The performance concluded with a delicious afternoon tea where choir members and their guests and U3A members could share the friendship the performance had generated to everyone in attendance. An invitation is extended to you all to come along and join the Choir next year and experience a happy afternoon with fellow members. 7 CITY COURSES – FIRST SEMESTER 2016 Courses are run at locations in the Perth CBD, mainly in rooms at the State Library, TAFE or Citiplace Community Centre. General inquiries to Alan Mortimer, Course Coordinator on 9450 2398 or 0401784777. All enrolment inquiries to the office on 6488 1857. COURSE/DATE(S) TIME PRESENTER/VENUE 1.00 – 2.00pm Rosemary Grigg Central TAFE, Northbridge ART APPRECIATION 2nd Wednesday, 13 April - 14 Sept BAD BOYS AND WOMEN OF THE BIBLE: PART 1 2nd and 4th Thursday, 10 Mar – 23 June 11.30am – 1.00pm Rabbi Sheryl Nosan-Lantzke State Library North West Room 2.9 11.30am – 1.00pm Teneal Davidson State Library Kimberley Room G3 CARING FOR OUR ENVIRONMENT 3rd Tuesday, 15 Mar – 21 June CLIMATE CHANGE Don McDonald 1st and 3rd Tuesday, 1 Mar – 23 June 9.30 – 11.00am State Library North West Room 2.9 Please note: Thursday 24th March 11.30am – 1.00pm in lieu of April 5th in the Kimberley Room G3, and Tuesday 15th March in the State Library Mid-West Room EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE 11.30am – 1.00pm Lorraine Simons State Library Kimberley Room G3 9.30 – 11.00am Nicky Dair State Library Kimberley Room G3 2nd and 4th Thursday, 10 Mar – 23 June 9.30 – 11.00am Rabbi Sheryl Nosan-Lantzke State Library North West Room 2.9 LEARN ABOUT YOUR i-PAD 9.30am – 1.00pm 2nd and 4th Thursday, 14 Apr – 23 June FILM DISCUSSION 1st Tuesday, 1 Mar – 7 June JESUS AS A JEW Two double sessions 5th and 19th April LECTURE SERIES OF EIGHT ‘ONE OFF’ LECTURES ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS 1st and 3rd Tuesday, 1 Mar – 21 June 1.30 – 3.00pm John Leach Citiplace, Perth 11.30am – 1.00pm Helen Baker State Library North West Room 2.9 1.00 – 2.30pm Maureen Thompson Citiplace, Perth LITERATURE 1st Tuesday, 1 Mar – 7 June MAH-JONG 2nd and 4th Thursday, 10 Mar – 23 June Roger Watson Citiplace, Perth PHILOSOPHY Hans Hoette 2nd and 4th Thursday, 10 Mar – 23 June 9.30 – 11.00am State Library Kimberley Room G3 Please note: Thursday 10th March session in the State Library Mid-West Room U3A CHOIR 2nd, 3rd and 4th Tuesday, 9 Feb - 22 Nov 10.00am – 12.30pm Wendy Harris, Marg Petrovich The Guild Room, Wesley Church, corner William and Hay Streets, Perth 8 UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE (THE UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA) INC. TWENTY-NINTH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING To be held on Sunday 10 April 2016 at the State Library Theatre, Perth commencing at 1.45pm AGENDA 1. OPEN AND WELCOME 2. ATTENDANCE AND APOLOGIES 3. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES OF A.G.M. HELD ON 12 APRIL 2015 Moved ........................................ Seconded ......................................... 4. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES 5. HONORARY TREASURER’S REPORT Moved ........................................ Seconded ......................................... 6. PRESIDENT’S REPORT 7. ELECTION OF PRESIDENT 8. APPOINTMENT OF TRUSTEES 9. INTRODUCTION OF REGION DELEGATES FOR THE 2016 COUNCIL 10. GENERAL BUSINESS 11. CLOSURE OF MEETING Following the official business, there will be a presentation of U3A (UWA) “Certificates of Appreciation” followed by a talk by Professor Jorg Imberger entitled “What are we doing to our beautiful State?: A look into the future of Western Australia”, so please stay and enjoy the talk and fellowship at the conclusion of the formal business. 9 UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE (THE UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA) INC. TWENTY-NINTH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING To be held on Sunday 10 April 2016 at the State Library Theatre, Perth commencing at 1.45pm Notice is hereby given to all members of the University of the Third Age (The University of Western Australia) Inc., that the twenty-ninth Annual General Meeting will take place on Sunday 10 April 2016 at the State Library Theatre, commencing at 1.45pm. Please note that only financial members are able to vote, so please update your membership prior to attending. Registration will commence at 1.15pm. Please arrive early. Every member attending the A.G.M. must sign their Regional Register as this will become part of the record of the meeting. A quorum of 10% of the membership is the minimum requirement, so we urge you to be one of the 100 or so members to attend. Members unable to attend the A.G.M. in person may assign to another financial member the authority to vote as a Proxy on the assignor’s behalf. Please note that “no member shall appoint more than one Proxy simultaneously. No member may act as a Proxy for more than one assignor at any meeting”. (Standing Orders 9.1.2). Authority to act as a Proxy must be in writing on the form provided by the Association. The Proxy Voting Forms will be available from Regional Secretaries, or may be requested from the General Secretary prior to 12noon on Monday 4 April 2016. All Proxies must be presented to the General Secretary at the A.G.M. before the commencement of the meeting. Nominations for the election of President of U3A (UWA) Inc. may be lodged with the General Secretary prior to 12noon on Monday 4 April 2016. Nominations for President can be taken from the floor on the day of the meeting. The Officers of the Association will be appointed at the first meeting of Council following the A.G.M. The Region Delegates will be introduced to the membership at the A.G.M. and assume their role as Councillors at the first meeting of the Council following the A.G.M. Peter Alcock. President. 10 U3A (UWA) Inc. Balance Sheet as of 31 December 2015 Assets Current Assets Business Bank Account #1 Total Bank Accounts Other Current Assets Members Total Other Current Assets Total Current Assets Non-Current Assets Office Equipment at Cost Computers at Cost Film Group Equipment Total Non-Current Assets Total Assets Liabilities Current Liabilities Next Year’s Subs in Advance Unspent Lottery Grants Unpresented Cheques Total Current Liabilities Total Liabilities Net Assets Equity Prior Year’s Surplus Retained Earnings Current Year’s Surplus Total Equity $ 41,784.60 41,784.60 1,260.00 1,260.00 43,044.60 6,318.53 3,615.57 12,970.00 22,904.10 65,948.70 24,680.00 3,600.00 110.00 28,390.00 28,390.00 37,558.70 21,884.10 11,600.06 4,074.54 37,558.70 U3A (UWA) Inc. Statement of Assets and Liabilities as at 31 December 2015 Council Regions Total 2014 $ $ $ $ Membership Funds: Balance as at 1 January 2015 10,340.06 43,787.84 54,127.90 70,136.95 Variance: Surplus or (Deficit) 4,074.54 (2,146.96) 1,927.58 (15,250.16) Debtor’s Ledger 1,260.00 1,260.00 Accumulated Equity 21,884.10 1,877.17 23,761.27 23,992.19 Balance as at 31 December 2015 37,558.70 43,518.05 81,076.75 78,878.98 ═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ Represented by: Current Assets Cash at Bank 41,784.60 34,562.87 76,347.47 45,044.77 Receipts not Banked 136.00 136.00 508.13 Term Deposit 10,100.00 10,100.00 30,111.98 Cash on Hand 383.55 383.55 Debtor’s Ledger 1,260.00 1,260.00 Total Current Assets 43,044.60 45,182.42 88,227.02 75,664.88 Fixed Assets (estimated wdv) 22,904.10 1,922.00 24,826.10 22,904.10 Total Assets 65,948.70 47,104.42 113,053.12 98,568.98 Current Liabilities Subscriptions in Advance Unpresented Cheques Lotteries Grant Total Liabilities 24,680.00 110.00 3,600.00 28,390.00 (3,586.37) 24,680.00 (3,476.37) 19,650.00 40.00 (3,586.37) 21,203.63 19,690.00 Net Assets 37,558.70 43,518.05 81,076.75 78,878.98 ═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ 11 U3A (UWA) Inc. Profit & Loss Statement January 2015 to December 2015 Income Member Subscriptions Seminar Bankwest Interest City Courses U3A Choir Total Income Total Cost of Sales Gross Profit Expenses Administration Expenses Volunteers/Delegates Allowance Telephone Internet Printing and Stationery MYOB Software Miscellaneous Computer Maintenance Total Administration Expenses General Expenses Council Payments to Regions Affiliate Memberships Inform Printing $5,719.80 Inform Postage $2,611.34 Total Inform City Courses U3A Choir State Library Lectures Seminar Total General Expenses Annual General Meeting Regional Distribution Bank Fees Insurance Postage Copyright Licenses Publicity/Website Total Expenses Operating Profit Total Other Income Total Other Expenses Net Profit (Loss) $31,250.00 $3705.00 $700.78 $16,535.00 $3,573.45 $55,764.23 $0.00 $55,764.23 $1,930.00 $272.02 $3,006.39 $530.47 $355.68 $2,536.55 $8,631.11 $5,130.00 $1,079.64 $8,331.14 $13,639.58 $2,295.50 $1,210.00 $3,344.27 $35,030.13 $734.99 $5,095.00 $44.50 $1,242.75 $280.00 $84.01 $547.20 $51,689.69 $4,074.54 $0.00 $0.00 $4,074.54 Please note: These Financial Statements had not been audited at the time of going to print. They will have been audited in readiness for the February Council Meeting The Balance Sheet and the Profit & Loss Statement include year-end adjustments. 12 REGIONAL PROGRAMS – MARCH AND APRIL 2016 CENTRAL REGION Meets on alternate Mondays from 1-4pm at the Community Room of the Grove Library, corner of Stirling Highway and Leake Street, Cottesloe. 14 Mar 28 Mar 11 Apr 25 Apr 1pm An Expedition to Antarctica during the 1958 Geophysical Year; My Father's Personal Account 2.30pm Physiognomy - Face Language EASTER MONDAY - NO MEETING 1pm Sailing around the World 2.30pm The History of Railways in Western Australia ANZAC DAY - NO MEETING Jocelyn Everett Sylvia Marina Margaret Putt Geoffrey Higham Meets on alternate Mondays at Mount Claremont Community Centre, 105 Montgomery Avenue, Mt. Claremont 1- 2pm Current Affairs Discussion 2- 3pm Literature and Music Group Meets on the first and third Thursday of the month at Drabble House, Nedlands. 10-12am Spanish Conversation - Contact Jean on 9284 1731 or at jeanr64@bigpond.com JOONDALUP REGION Meetings take place at the Rob Roddick Community Centre, Dampier Avenue, Kallaroo (opposite St. Ives Retirement Village). Meetings are held from 11am to 3pm on the second and fourth Mondays, with a social BYO lunch and refreshment break between 1pm and 1.30pm. This is followed by a Guest Speaker. There are no meetings on Public Holidays. The Special Interest and Discussion Group facilitator is Terry Westmoreland (9304 8426). The Mah-jong Group meets every Monday at 11am, except on Public Holidays, and the facilitator is Trish Lau-Veach (0422 st 318 304). The 1 Book Club meets at 11.45am on the second Monday of the month, and the facilitator is nd Brenda Hugo (0418 859 955). The 2 Book Club meets at 11.45am on the fourth Monday of the month, and the facilitator is Janet Clark. The Gardening Group facilitator is Clive Paternoster (9305 7231) and the Group meets by arrangement with members. The Creative Writing Group facilitator is Patricia Lysons (9309 1607). The Happy Wanderers and Digital Camera Group facilitator is Janis Davis (9305 3370). Social Events are posted on the noticeboard and read out in notices. The Region has an e-mail address u3ajoondalupregion@outlook.com for member queries, and the Region contact person is Janis Davis (9305 th 3370). Every 5 Monday there is a Luncheon at the Currambine Grill and Bar. If you intend attending, please call Patricia on 9309 1607 by the previous Sunday evening. 14 Mar 11.30am 11.30am 11.45am 11.45am 12.30pm 2pm 21 Mar 11.30am (note change) 11.30am 11.45am 11.45am 12.30pm 2pm 11 Apr 11.30am 11.30am 11.45am 11.45am 12.30pm 2pm 18 Apr 11.30am (note change) 11.30am 11.45am 11.45am 12.30pm 2pm Special Interest Group Mahjong Creative Writing Group st 1 Book Club Discussion Group Holding out for the Emperor Special Interest Group Mahjong nd 2 Book Club Creative Writing Group Discussion Group To be announced Special Interest Group Mahjong st 1 Book Club Creative Writing Group Discussion Group Geoffrey Chaucer Special Interest Group Mahjong nd 2 Book Club Creative Writing Group Discussion Group The Zoo to You Terry Westmorland Trish Lau-Veach Patricia Lysons Brenda Hugo Terry Westmorland Stuart Usher Terry Westmorland Trish Lau-Veach Brenda Hugo Patricia Lysons Terry Westmorland Barry McMahon Terry Westmorland Trish Lau-Veach Janet Clark Patricia Lysons Terry Westmorland Elton Brown Terry Westmorland Trish Lau-Veach Janet Clark Patricia Lysons Terry Westmorland Bev Haynes 13 LESMURDIE HILLS REGION Meets on first and third Tuesdays from 10am-12noon at Falls Farm, Cagney Way, Lesmurdie. Inquiries to Heidi Pember on 9453 9813 or e-mail at heidipemb@gmail.com 1 Mar 15 Mar 22 Mar 29 Mar 5 Apr 19 Apr 26 Apr Sea Levels – Evidence from Rottnest An Australian Republic – Is it Desirable? Coffee Club Outing to the Bickley Observatory History of Tasmanian Aboriginals C Coffee Club Peter Alcock Arthur Tonkin Members Members Terry Harvey M Members MID-NORTH REGION Meets on alternate Mondays at the Church of Christ Community Hall, 68 Waverley Street, Dianella (opposite Centro Dianella) 7 Mar 21 Mar 4 Apr 18 Apr 11.45am 2pm 11.45am 2pm 11.45am 2pm 11.45am Impromptu Talks No External Speakers – Labor Day Two Women of Letters Secrets Revealed - the Background Story Behind Her Historical Novels and Writing Career Raggle-Taggle Gypsies, O The Influence of Italian Migration on WA Discovering Dalwallinu 2015 2pm Members Carol Hudson Linda J. Bettenay Sonia Kellett Terry Harvey Margaret Kuhne and Marolyn Hamilton Julie Hutchens The Western Australian Heritage Festival Music Group Meets fortnightly on Tuesdays from 1.15 – 3.15pm at Dianella Community meeting rooms, 18 Kerry Street, Dianella (alternate week to Mid-North meetings). Contact Ann on 9444 7782. Film Club Meets on alternate Monday mornings to view a recently released film, with coffee afterwards. Contact Carol on 9370 5692. Discussion Group Meets monthly on a Tuesday for coffee/chat at 10am, upstairs at Myer Morley in the coffee shop. Contact Margaret on 9276 3081. Excursions Will be discussed at meetings or contact Ginie on 9271 7263 for further details. NORTH COAST (HAMERSLEY) REGION Meetings are held every Friday at the Stirling Leisure Centre Hamersley, corner of Belvedere Road and Lampard Street, Hamersley. Contact Terry on 9409 1412 for further information. The Walking Group meets at the Stirling Leisure Centre each Friday and other times by arrangement. Please contact Nina (9309 5560) or e-mail nbronks@bigpond.com. Check the Website www.u3auwa.org for changes. On the fifth Friday of a month, outings are organised and announced at the regular meetings. 4 Mar 11 Mar 18 Mar 25 Mar 1 Apr 8 Apr 15 Apr 11.30am Music Appreciation – Mozart 12.30pm Walking Group 1.15pm Comparison of Australian and French Wine 11.30am Book Club 12.30pm Walking Group 1.15pm Member Contributions – 5 minute max 11.30am Committee Meeting 12.30pm Walking Group 1.15pm Email and Internet Security GOOD FRIDAY - NO MEETING 11.30am Music of Europe 12.30pm Walking Group 1.15pm Tales of a Geologist in the Solomon Islands 11.30am Book Club 12.30pm Walking Group 1.15pm Walking Together- Belonging To Country 11.30am Committee Meeting 12.30pm Walking Group Mart Rogers Nina Gerard Roussilhes Anka Babich Nina Members Nina David Cook Anka Babich Nina Dick Thompson Anka Babich Nina Dr Robertson Nina 14 22 Apr 29 Apr 1.15pm 11.30am 12.30pm 1.15pm 11.30am 12.30pm 1.15pm Sailing Across The Top Poetry Walking Group Helping Us To Enjoy Art Music from the Movies Walking Group Cornwall - Pasties and Projects Nigel Ridgway John Buxallen Nina Wal Dawes Terry Harvey Nina Peter Merralls ROCKINGHAM & DISTRICTS REGION Main meetings are held at Masonic Hall, Wanliss Street, Rockingham, first and third Fridays commencing at 1.30pm. For Group Studies meetings contact the Group leaders as listed below. (ML indicates Murdoch Library is the venue.) 4 Mar 18 Mar 1.30pm 1.30pm 1 Apr 15 Apr 1.30pm 1.30pm nd 2 Mon rd 3 Mon th 4 Mon nd 2 Tues rd 3 Tues st rd 1 /3 Wed th 4 Wed nd 2 Fri th 4 Fri Mar, Apr Mar, Apr Mar Mar, Apr Apr Mar, Apr Mar, Apr Mar, Apr Mar, Apr Walking the Camino de Santiago Dr Heather Lamont Renaissance of Traditional Chinese Culture The Shen Yun Performing Arts Company HMAS Sydney Memorial Brian Clausen th Running away to Sea in the 20 Century in Tall Ships Fran Taylor Group Studies Meetings 10am WA History (ML) Ann 9592 7386 2pm Poetry/Play Reading (ML) Diana 9593 2313 2pm Music ONE Iris 9592 2483 times vary Cinema Visit Liz 9527 9471 2pm Book Club 1 Gary 9550 4920 10am Open Learning Liz 9527 9471 1.30pm Scrabble Group (ML) Wendy 9527 1560 10am Coffee Group Wendy 9527 1560 12noon Lunch Group Colleen 0423 393183 SOUTH EAST METRO REGION Meetings are on the first and third Fridays at the East Victoria Park Family and Community Centre. Inquiries to Norman on 9367 5904. 4 Mar 10 Mar (Thur) 18 Mar 1 Apr 15 Apr 2pm 11am Physiotherapy–Based Health Care for Seniors (Part 2) Perth Concert Hall – Kazuki Yamada Conducts Paganini’s First Violin Concerto No. 1. Ning Feng Violin: Saint-Saens’ Organ Symphony #3 (Bookings at SE Metro Region by 5 Feb meeting) 9.40am Pre-Concert Talk 2pm Forgotten People: Naming Graves – Australian Pioneer Burials in Isolated Locations 2pm Parks and Recreation 2pm Ageing In Place Ronnie Naughton Margaret 9398 1141 Trevor Tough Nicholas Evans COTA Presenter The following Group meets at East Victoria Family and Community Centre on first and third Fridays of the month from 11.30am - 12.30pm unless otherwise notified Qigong: An easy-to-follow sequence of gentle movements to increase body/mind energy-flow to enhance well-being. This is suitable for all and the Tutor is Doreen Boss (9472 5072) The following Groups meet at McDougall House, Clydesdale Street, Como st 1 Mon 1.30pm Current Affairs Maureen 9350 5992 rd 3 Mon 2pm Philosophy Julia 9472 3015 th 4 Mon 2pm Play Reading Alan 9450 2398 The following Group meets at a members’ home th 4 Sat 2pm Book Club Maureen 9350 5992 SOUTH WEST METRO REGION Most regular meetings are held at the Miller Bakehouse Museum, 7 Baal Street, Palmyra. History, Mahjong, World Happenings and Games are held at Kadidjiny Park Hall, 72 Kitchener Road, Melville. Some meetings are held in members’ homes. Please contact the appropriate person below for meeting and venue information. The Region now has a mobile phone contact number on 0450 198 413. rd 3 Mon th 4 Mon 10.30am 9.50am Women’s Coffee Club Looking at Books Judy Ann 0427409791 9457 1879 15 Every Tues st 1 Tues st rd 1 /3 Tues nd 2 Tues rd 3 Tues th 4 Tues st 1 Wed Every Wed Every Wed nd 2 Wed nd 2 Wed rd 3 Wed rd 3 Wed th th 4 /5 Wed th 4 Wed Every Fri Every Fri nd 2 Fri rd 3 Fri 1pm (time varies) 9.30am 10am 1.30pm 10.30am 9.30am 1pm 1pm 9.30am 1pm 9.30am 9.30am 9.30am 9.30am 9.15am 9.15am 9.45am 2pm Mahjong on Tuesdays Going to the Movies Writing Life Stories 1 st Reading 21 Century Writing Poetry Men’s Coffee Club Current Affairs Forum Beginners Mahjong Learn to Play the Ukulele History Book Group No. 2 World Happenings Music Appreciation Writing for Pleasure Games Group Mahjong on Fridays Mahjong for Beginners Writing Life Stories 2 Melville Lecture Phyl 9364 3604 James 9272 4929 Gaye 9313 8308 Ann 9457 1879 Daphne 9364 3583 Dennis 9317 7919 Dawn 9317 7687 Rhys 9335 6703 Erin 0416100146 Phyl 9364 3604 Sue 9364 2610 Judy 0427409791 Louise 9330 2630 Beryl 9339 2858 Alice 9364 9511 Terry 6250 0579 Rhys 9335 6703 Mike 9450 2373 James 9272 4929 The Melville Lecture is held in the Apollo Room, Melville Recreation Centre, corner Stock Road and Canning Highway, commencing at 2pm. Visitors are welcome. Entry fee of $3 includes afternoon tea. Friday 18 March Stedman Ellis, Chief Operating Officer, Western Region of Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration, “The Complexities of Modern Techniques of Drilling for Oil/Gas with Attention on Fracking”. Friday 15 April Rhys Gray, The Adventures of the Narrow Boat "Freo"- Ten Years of Discovering the Canals of England and their History”. Advance notice is given that on Friday 20 May, Professor Ralph Martins of Edith Cowan University will speak on “The Latest Findings in Preventing Alzheimer’s Disease”. He had been expected to speak last August but was forced to cancel. You now have the opportunity to attend this lecture. SWAN HILLS REGION Meets at 1.30pm on Fridays at Polytechnic West, Eddie Barron Drive off Lloyd Street, Midland (formerly Swan College of TAFE) in Lecture Theatre, Block “D”, behind the Administration Block “A”. 4 Mar My Journey through Libraries Susan Courtland 11 Mar Alaska Denise Beer 18 Mar Come Fly With Me! Robyn Talbot 25 Mar GOOD FRIDAY – NO MEETING 1 Apr April the First Brian Loader 8 Apr A Backward Glance Phil Dale-Jones 15 Apr ‘Monkey Town’ – Birth place of the Northern Railway Jude Carr 22 Apr Why is Shakespeare Still Famous? Gillian Ashton 29 Apr a) Visit to Enderslie Farm, Chittering Valley Members b) At Midland: A Local History Talk Maxine Mack WANNEROO REGION Meets at 1.00pm on the last Thursday of each month at the Wanneroo Recreation Centre, 275 Scenic Drive, Wanneroo. Discussion Groups are held on the second Thursday of each month at 1.00pm at the same venue. Inquiries to Ann or Dave on 9206 1550. 10 Mar 31 Mar 14 Apr 28 Apr Discussion Group WA Politicians I Have Known Discussion Group The Zoo to You - Marsupials Members Peter Kennedy Members Gordon Johnson ________________________________________________________________________________________________ BAROQUE GROUP You are invited to join a mature recorder group playing Baroque music, a Group that meets in Nedlands twice monthly. Any level of experience would be most welcome. For further information please contact Paula on 0406 298 404. Keith van Driel, Joondalup Region. _______________________________________________________________________________________________ 16 CORONATION OF QUEEN ELIZABETH II ON JUNE 2ND 1953 by Helen Leach (Nee Henderson) with preface by John Leach I recalled some of the highlights of my wife’s life, one being present at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. It transpired that she had a diary entry for that memorable day, so I typed it out and sent it to Melbourne for the said child. It seemed fascinating for me, and very topical last year. John Leach. From the time of our arrival in London in April, great preparations were going on right throughout the city for the Great Day in June: streets and buildings were being cleaned and decorated: stands were erected at every possible vantage point along the route. Instead of the usual Grenadier Guards on duty at Buckingham Palace each day there were representatives of the different forces of the Commonwealth. What pride surged in our hearts the day we passed by and saw our own “Diggers” on duty, it somehow seemed so right. Despite my anxiety that I would be unable to sleep because of the anticipation and excitement, it was nevertheless a deep sleep from which I was aroused at 5.30am on that historic morning. After a quick breakfast, laced with much hilarity, we gathered up our cushions, rugs, cameras, umbrellas, notebooks etc, and enormous quantities of food and laden thus, staggered out into the damp, frosty air, feeling rather like a group of arctic explorers. Public transport could only proceed to within a certain distance of the route and there was quite a walk from our bus to our stand, but we enjoyed it very much as the large gleaming Daimlers and Rolls Royce’s passed slowly by, bearing the peers, peeresses, diplomats and various officials in all their splendour, to the Abbey, we were able to get a preview of their magnificent robes and jewels. The organisation of the crowds and traffic was a credit to the police. We arrived at our stand in East Carriage Drive which runs parallel to Park Lane from Hyde Park Corner to Marble Arch and found our seats without any trouble. Opposite us were crowds of spectators settled on Hyde Park, many had been in their places for two days. There were loudspeakers at each block of seats giving out news items alternated with music, it was then that we heard of the conquest of Everest. We also received descriptions of the Procession from the Palace and the Service in the Abbey. At about 8.30 am we were excited to hear cheers in the distance and wondered what was happening so early. We strained forward to see and there trundling down the decorated street with thousands of people cheering either side, was a loan garbage truck! Standing on top of the rubbish was a little fat man, graciously bowing and doffing his hat, much to the delight of the crowd. An hour later the various, picked troops arrived to “dress“ the route of the Procession, they were very smart and well trained, and it was a treat to watch them moving into two lines, facing each other across the street. Soon the rain commenced, just showers at first, then more constant and heavier and so it continued for the rest of the day; however our spirits were not to be dampened by this even if our clothes were soaked. At 3pm the Procession began to pass moving as one magnificent, colourful body: the khaki, grey and black uniforms contrasting vividly with scarlet coats, gold braid and gleaming helmets and swords. They all moved with such precision and ease, it was hard to believe that they were nearing the end of a thirteen mile march. It was indeed a grand experience to be one of a vast crowd that day, to know that the millions that were present, though differing in race, colour and creed were united by the fact that their thoughts and prayers were centred around one young woman, young indeed to be taking on such responsibility. All too quickly came the carriages bearing representatives of many countries: Kings, Queens, Princes, Sultans, and Prime Ministers. The only open carriage was that of Queen Salote of Tonga. She seemed to quite enjoy the inclement weather and the crowd was quick to show its appreciation. Then came the carriages of the British Royal Family, followed by, at last, the State Coach which was described as the jewel of the procession. It certainly was a thing of splendour, and as it came into view there were gasps of awe from the crowd before they even caught a glimpse of the radiant young Queen and her handsome Consort. Suddenly it was all over, that great day for which so many had planned and waited for such a long time. Although the procession had taken an hour and a half to pass by, it had seemed like only minutes. We gathered our belongings and made our way into the streets, those streets which only moments before had formed the stage for an incomparable display of Majesty and Splendour, now served only to make us realise fully that the final curtain had been rung down, we trod through muddy litter at times ankle deep. And so back to our rooms after a long walk during which very little was said; we were all busy with our own thoughts, and foremost in my mind was the realisation that I had been present at the Making of History – the birth of the second Elizabethan Era. HUG ME WITH WORDS Hug me with words. Scribble them down. Let me read them Over and then over again. However brief. Haiku will do. I love you on a beer–mat. Or perhaps an epistle of memories and loss, on expensive hand-made paper, too late. Angela Pritchard, SW Metro Region. 17 UTTERLY CLUELESS #121 20 1 4 22 14 1 16 7 22 9 1 17 1 18 12 25 22 18 12 3 9 1 5 15 11 25 1 7 12 24 11 25 9 4 12 3 3 1 25 12 13 12 1 11 10 22 5 12 3 3 1 5 16 4 12 1 14 3 5 12 8 8 16 7 1 25 12 8 13 19 10 1 5 12 7 1 3 12 4 11 26 12 17 12 25 8 8 12 21 22 7 3 10 4 1 5 8 5 22 1 9 12 10 17 22 10 2 11 1 5 10 12 10 11 10 10 12 5 8 15 1 16 19 6 25 1 2 A 14 10 15 24 23 8 9 8 22 9 14 12 25 1 1 4 10 10 15 16 8 15 12 12 14 10 12 25 14 22 16 25 12 12 8 5 4 1 10 14 11 8 15 12 5 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Q 15 O SUMMER SCHOOL AT CORPUS CHRISTI COLLEGE, CAMBRIDGE If you have ever had a wish to go to University and, like myself, had parents who thought education of girls was a waste, there is a fantastic opportunity to do Summer School at Cambridge University in 2016. Accommodation is available at Corpus and meals are taken in the College Dining Hall or bar. Each week there is a formal dinner held in the College's historic dining hall. A series of College tours and Guest Lectures help participants to feel part of the ambience of the College and its history. I enjoyed the experience last summer and thoroughly recommend the varied courses where the lecturers were all Fellows of Cambridge. In addition, there were architectural tours and visits to many of the Cambridge museums and libraries. A full social programme was also available to all the participants. I had the opportunity to meet adult learners like myself, from Australia, America, Canada and New Zealand. The Lifelong Learning Programme will run from 28 August to 10 September 2016. You will have a unique opportunity to experience student life in the context of a programme specifically designed for adult learners. If you think you could be interested the website is www.corpus.cam.ac.uk/lifelong-learning and the Summer School Coordinator is Dr Nick Godfrey. Val Goff, Joondalup Region. VALE IRENE GREENSHIELDS Irene was active and enthusiastic member of Rockingham & Districts U3A for over 20 years. She held a number of Committee positions including Secretary and Treasurer and, with husband Keith, arranged the Speakers Program. However Irene will be best remembered for the course she presented in 1999 on “The Australian Constitution Prior to the Republic Referendum”. A gentle and caring lady, she is sadly missed. 18 CRYPTIC CROSSWORD No.121 by Sonia Kellett 1 2 3 4 7 5 6 X E C 8 9 10 11 N 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 25 O T V 24 I Y _______________________________________ _______________________________________ _______________________________________ _______________________________________ _______________________________________ _______________________________________ _______________________________________ _______________________________________ _______________________________________ 26 Across: 1. March on to become ruler (7) 4. Have a spat over the Italian dish (5) 7. When you are on trial it can be a formality (6) 8. Feel nothing but pain when this is played badly? (5) 10. Female vessel for one entitled (8) 12. Initially finding you with me hot with anger (4) 14. Nola has clear diction with some reservations (11) 18. Seen at the window or waist (4) 19. You need the right dialect somehow to be a legal trainee (8) 23. Nay he doesn’t neigh but the animal has a raucous laugh (5) 24. A fine-looking cab! (6) 25. Use sonar equipment to find the burner (5) 26. Find someone! (7) Down: 1. Is upright mainly when spoken (5) 2. 10 across is eminent (5) 3. The harp plays madly in so dynamic and emotional music (8) 4. Could be a young dog, perhaps, but in fact a young insect (4) 5. Paul sat uncomfortably on a kitchen utensil (7) 6. Stated the marriage would be in the afternoon (6) 9. Sharp wading bird (7) 11. Flash by a sparkie? (3) 13. Stray oil combined becomes isolated (8) 15. Climb some storeys to find the seafood (7) 16. Horizontal tall story (3) 17. A maths puzzle can cause difficult breathing (5) 20. Girl with a ring noose (5) 21. Perhaps ‘…a little teapot, short and stout’ (5) 22. She rises early (4) WORD JUMBLE No. 9 How many words of 4 letters or more, including at least one nine-letter word, can you compile from the letters in the grid below? All words must contain the centre letter and each letter may only be used once. There must be no plurals or verb forms ending in “s”, no hyphenated words, no proper names and no swear words. Good 22 words, Very Good 27 words, Excellent 32, Genius 37. Solutions to Crosswords: Cryptic #120: Across: 1. Frantic 5. Tacos 7. Amended 8. Broth 11. Plies 12. Capitol 14. Dictatorial 16. Haricot 18. Agate 20. Girth 22. Break in 23. Fence 24. Spinney. Down: 2. Rumbles 3. Nondescript 4. Ibex 5. Tab 6. Outdo 9. Raising Cain 10. Talon 13. Wagon 15. Latrine 17. Abide 19. Crop 21. Hue. Utterly Clueless #120: Across: Tsar, gasps, kiss, tiara, eat, judges, aluminium, thuds, sage, awry, issued, navy, lot, besta, extra, easel, had, numb, forays, gent, ship, theorems, brains, cap, inlet, orgy, tryst, lust. Down: Quits, student, aids, rag, gas, sea, pal, studio, knits, relayed, jug, modal, haze, writhes, stem, ups, ashy, lantern, befit, sir, absents, epic, aspect, agony, phone, lieu, mar, spy, bit, all. Word Jumble #8:. Ache, anechoic, cache, chain, chalice, chance, chancel, chela, chic, chicane, chin, china, chine, choice, cholic, cinch, clench, cliché, clinch, cloche, coach, COCHINEAL, cochlea, conch, conchie, each, echo, ehoa, hail, hale, halo, heal, hole, hone, inch, inhale, leach, lichen, loch, lochia, nacho, niche. From the Editor: To all contributors, be you scribes, poets, travellers or a Region correspondent, please do not wait until the next deadline to send already prepared articles or Regional programs. It is of great assistance to have them earlier, and it saves having to send reminder e-mails to Program Coordinators. The deadline for the May to July 2016 issue is 5.00pm on st Friday 1 April 2016. E-mail: dph87111@hotmail.com Mail: Dr David Phillips, 100 Proserpine Loop, Port Kennedy, WA 6172. Telephone: 9593 9852. 19 ACTIVE MEMBERS IN NEW KEY ROLES Husband and wife team Terry and Jacqui Harvey were both elected unopposed to key positions at the recent North Coast (Hamersley) Annual General meeting. Terry, a former North Coast Treasurer and current Program Co-ordinator is the new Chairman. He is a popular presenter at Probus clubs as well as U3A Regions, and a passionate advocate for the development of in-house public speakers. New Secretary Jacqui has also been an active member since the pair joined North Coast in 2009. She was hostess for three years and believes strongly in the importance of meeting and greeting visitors and new members in order to maintain a steady increase in membership. Says Terry, “It’s an honour to be elected Chairman in th this our 30 anniversary year, and I feel confident 2016 will be significantly important to U3A. “I am keen to see North Coast Region continue to provide an environment and activities which encourage knowledge transfer, participation and fellowship for our current attendees, whilst attracting new members who are willing to attend our meetings and participate.” SAILING MEMORIES FOR NORTH COAST (HAMERSLEY) A presentation last year by yachting adventurer and author Fran Taylor evoked more than a passing interest for two members of North Coast (Hamersley). Fran gave an entertaining account of her voyage from Cape Town to Fremantle aboard the 100-year-old tallship Europa, and this triggered memories for Meryl and Grahame Manoy of their own tall-ship adventure in the 1990’s. A large and appreciative audience heard Fran, a veteran tall-ship sailor and author of the yachting classic Wind in My Wings, describe her unforgettable and sometimes hair-raising voyage on Europa, a three-masted barque built in 1911. “It was a saga that brought back wonderful memories for us, and prompted us to go searching for our old photo album documenting our adventure cruise on the tall-ship Endeavour,” said Meryl, a member of the Endeavour’s guest crew who had braved wind and rolling seas to climb to the heights of the ship’s rigging. “A wonderful not-to-be missed experience,” is how the Manoys remember their cruise through the Kimberley islands on the Endeavour replica of Captain Cook’s famous original. The three intrepid sailors: Grahame Manoy with Meryl (left) and author Fran Taylor _________________________________________________________________________________________________ If undelivered return to: U3A (UWA) Inc. University of WA M421 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA 6009 “INFORM” PRINT POST 100005033 POSTAGE PAID AUSTRALIA 20