University of The Third Age Venue: The Philip Smith Centre, 2 Edward Street, Glebe Website www.u3ahobart.org.au PO Box 71 Sandy Bay 7006 Newsletter No. 115 Patron:Professor Colin Wendell-Smith AO President: Carol Vincent Vice President: Les Crompton Treasurer: Ches Bogus Secretary: Adrian Colman Academic Program Coordinator: Leone Scrivener 6225 2230 Property Officer: John Adams 6272 5761 Newsletter Editor: Biz Ritchard 6224 1182 Committee Members: Jackie Salathé Bryan Pearce Mary Rattray Eric Hayes AO Sandra Halliwell Pauline Dorey November 2014 From the President 2014 is drawing to a close and we can look back on another wonderful year rich with interesting, rewarding courses and cheerful camaraderie. And now is the time to look forward to our social event of the year, our annual Christmas Luncheon. This year the lunch is being held at a promising new venue, Rosny Park Bowls Club, which has ample level parking and pleasant water views. Many of you who will remember the delicious Christmas fare provided by Tornies Caterers in past years will be delighted to hear that we have been able to secure their services again for 2014. I encourage you all to attend this event as it is Enquiries & correspondence to Secretary a convivial, relaxed occasion and a great Adrian Colman email [email protected] Membership & Enrolment Secretary Kate Walpole 6223 2817 email [email protected] Course enquiries to Leone Scrivener 6225 2230 email [email protected] Term Dates 2015 Term 1 Tues 10 Mar – Thurs 21 May Term 2 Mon 15 June – Thurs 20 Aug Term 3 Mon 14 Sept - Thurs 19 Nov Academic Co-ordinators Art & Humanities: Kitty Courtney 6221 5307 (A & H) Languages: Zara Darling 6225 2249 (L) Science & Music: Hilary Wallace 6227 8883 (S & M) opportunity for fellowship with other members. This year it is being held on Friday 28 November. Please see page 3 for details and don’t forget make a note in your diary. We have the Summer Program to look forward to over the Christmas break. As you will see on pages 3 - 4 Astra is again providing us with an interesting range of speakers and topics. This year the Roy and Maureen Davies Memorial Lecture will be given by Dr Alison Alexander and is to be held on Thursday 29 January 2015. Remember to subscribe for 2015. You will find the form on page 7 of this Newsletter. Leone has already been networking successfully on our behalf for next year as you will see from the enticing Provisional Program for Term I on page 6. Finally, as this is the last Newsletter for 2014, I wish you all a very happy Christmas and may you all enjoy good health and happiness throughout the New Year. Carol Vincent Social Science: Rosalie Davis 6225 3565 (SS) Page 1 Farewell Mary Thompson The members of U3A extend sincere sympathy to Graeme Thompson and his family on the death of his devoted wife, Mary. She was loved by all who knew her, a lady of wide interests, a sympathetic listener and a sincere friend, with a great sense of humour. Mary was one of the first pupils at Fahan School, matriculating in 1943, first in class. She and Graeme met at University, were married in 1950, and enjoyed sixty four years of happy marriage. For the last twenty five of those they were keen members of U3A where Mary enjoyed a wide variety of courses and Graeme devoted his considerable energies to the successful management of U3A. He is in our thoughts at this sad time. Membership Renewal 2015 You will find a membership renewal and Christmas lunch payment form at the end of this newsletter. If you wish to attend the lunch, please send your form and lunch payment(s) by or before the closing date. You may pay both membership and lunch fees at the same time. In order to receive a copy of the January newsletter, membership(s) must be paid before 31st December 2014. You will see that we are now offering direct bank transfer as an alternative way to pay your fees. If you wish to use this method of payment, it is very important that you send your membership renewal form to the Membership Secretary’s address first and then you will be given the U3A’s bank details by phone. This method is being used in order to ensure that your direct bank transfer payment is not overlooked. Also, please identify yourself clearly showing your full name(s) on the bank transfer form. Alternatively you may wish to use the online membership form, which can be found on our Website at: www.u3ahobart.org.au/enrol.html . If you use this method, it is very important that you check your “Sent” email box to see if an email has been generated and sent, and that it contains the essential information in the body of the message. If you have any problems or questions, please contact Kate Walpole on 6223-2817. Parking – Good News!!!! Extended Parking Hours 9.OO AM – 3.30PM U3A members are especially asked to use this facility at all times U3A pays an annual fee to hire these premises from Domain Tennis - permission was granted by the HCC who is the actual landlord. The area will support up to 70 car spaces – the aim is to leave more spaces in the region for the benefit of Glebe residents and other street users while allowing us to have the benefit of reliable and safe parking. Reminder - It is also very important to leave the parking areas that are in Edward and Lower Aberdeen Streets free for those members who are not so abled. ENJOY THE BENEFITS OF OUR VERY OWN PARKING SPACE Book Exchange BORROW - EXCHANGE - ENJOY In the foyer at Phillip Smith Centre U3A members have the opportunity of sharing their books - books for both men and women! Contribute and Enjoy! Page 2 Menu for a Taste of U3A Ten courses will be served over five weeks to feed and stimulate the intellect. Monday, 5th January to Wednesday, 4th February, 10 am to 11 am University Life Sciences Theatre Number 1 (see map next page) Convened by Astra Palkovs Monday, 5th January Paul Boam “In Retrospect” Paul Boam looks back on 50 years of his painting in Tasmania. Wednesday, 7th January Arthur Clarke “Journey to the Centre of the Stone” Arthur will show a DVD of his involvement with scientists investigating a unique limestone pinnacle karst in Madagascar. The film features a contrast between the arid hot surface environment on top of the limestone and the cooler dark environment of the caves. Monday, 12th January Heinz Vojacek “Islands as a Destination” From Tasmania, the 26th largest island in the world, we will visit many islands around the globe, including those whose histories go back to ancient times (e.g. Samos, Kos), some exotic islands of the South Pacific and sophisticated islands to be found in some of the world’s greatest cities, such as Paris, Berlin and New York. Wednesday, 14th January Robin Alington Maguire “Food and Nutrition in Ancient Greece” Monday, 19th January Dr George Cresswell “Life and Motorcycling in Antarctica in 1960” Between 1960 & 1980 some thirty motorcycles were taken to the Australian Antarctic stations by young expeditioners from all walks of life. Weather permitting, or not, the bikes were ridden on the sea ice on Sunday afternoons by daredevils and used to tow skiers and sleds, sometimes on thin ice. The riders were lucky, with only two bikes lost through the sea ice. The long winter nights were also used to build some bizarre personal vehicles. George wintered at Mawson station with his beloved 1954 Velocette motorcycle in 1960. Wednesday, 21st January Dr Catriona Hurd “The Secret Life of Seaweed” Seaweed forms hidden underwater forests along coasts. Catriona will reveal some seaweed secrets, explaining how the remarkable diversity of colour evolved, how we use seaweed in everyday life, how the >1500 bioactive chemicals they produce are used in defence against grazers, and how sea slugs can steal seaweed chloroplasts to generate their own solar power. Tuesday, 27th January David and Anne Kernke “Shene” The historic Tasmanian property Shene at Pontville dates back to 1819. The homestead and stable complex were designed by Francis Butler (son of prominent English lawyer Gamaliel Butler), who also designed many iconic buildings in Hobart, but this Pontville Page 3 property was a symbol of the wealth and power of the landed gentry. Maureen and Roy Davies Memorial Lecture Thursday, 29th January Dr Alison Alexander “Tasmania under Attack: Governor Bligh Fires at Collins, 1808” The one time Tasmania has been fired at was in 1808, when Governor Bligh descended on Hobart, shooting at those who opposed him. Monday, 2nd February Robert Jarman “The Isle is Full of Noises” From the ancient Greek playwright Sophocles right down to Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park, dramatic writers have used islands as settings for stories of exile, experimentation and redemption. This session will look at the way islands are used in theatre, and particularly at how Tasmania’s status as an island has influenced the way it has been presented on stage. Wednesday, 4th February Dr James Boyce “Born Bad: Original Sin and the Making of the Western World” According to the Doctrine of Original Sin, humans are born bad and only God’s grace can bring salvation. In this lecture, historian James Boyce will argue that these ideas have shaped the Western view of human nature right up to the present. He will propose that the legacy of original sin takes many forms, including the distinctive discontent of Western people – the feelings of guilt and inadequacy associated not with doing wrong, but with being wrong. University Voucher parking is available in the University car parks. There is free parking in College Road (off the top of the map) and French Street. If catching a bus from the city, get off at stop 14 and cross Churchill Avenue via the pedestrian overpass. All are welcome to these lectures George de Haan As we always say, U3A depends upon its wonderful helpers. Perhaps an innovation for the Newsletter could be a special thank you each term to a long-serving ‘assistant’. Every morning for years George de Haan has been arriving early and putting out the chairs, quietly, cheerfully, without fuss or fanfare. I expect many of you didn’t know this. Thank you, George! Page 4 Annual Christmas Luncheon All members are invited to attend this final social event of the year. Date Friday 28th November 2014 Venue Rosny Park Bowls Club (200 m past Rosny College - see map below) 40 Bastick Street, Rosny Time 11:30 am – 2:30 pm Enjoy a wonderful buffet meal and appreciate the display of works from the Art, Drawing and Calligraphy classes. We will be entertained by the U3A Ladies choir and the Language classes. Cost $35.00 per person for 2 course meal (drinks extra) RSVP Monday 17th November 2014 (acceptance form page 5) NOTE: NEW VENUE Page 5 PROGRAM SUMMARY - TERM I 2015 Note: this is necessarily a provisional program. There may be minor changes in the New Year EASTER WEEK: Good Friday: 3rd April. There will be no classes in the week 6th to 9th April MONDAY 10.00 am-11.00 am 11.00 am-12.30 pm 11.30 am-12.30 pm 1.00 pm-2.00 pm 2.00 pm-3.00pm German Conversation (9.45 am – 11.00 pm) Antje Fox CR Astronomy & Space Science: Updates & Oddities Peter Taylor LR Yesterday’s Hobart Today (4 weeks) (16/3 - 13/4) Colin Denison Th The Last Mystic Place (5 weeks) (20/4 - 18/5) Bruce Davis Th *Choral Music for Women’s Voices Pam Monk/Sandra Rosan * Writing Workshop (11:15 am – 12:30) (max 12) Joan Loudon CR Let’s Talk Books (max 12) (Facilitator) Penny Cohen LR From Cyrus to Islam David Leaman Th Basic Italian Geoff Eade CR Italian Conversation Geoff Eade CR TUESDAY 10.00 am-11.00 am 11.30 am-12.30 pm 11.30 am-1.00 pm 1.00 pm-2.00 pm 1.00 pm-3.00 pm French: Continuation of the 2004 Class The Evolution of Computers Meet the Music Makers (Convenor) Indonesian Let’s Talk Books (max 12) (Facilitator) The Hobart Female Factory (5 weeks) The Italian Renaissance (5 weeks) Four Steps to Art Appreciation: LOOK - SEE - SENSE – THINK Play Reading Drawing for Beginners (max 16) Joan Von Bibra Ian Duffy Hilary Wallace Greg Thé Penny Cohen Alison Alexander Michael Bennett CR LR Th CR LR Th Th Jan Peacock * TMAG Marlene Lette LR Barbara Whitehouse CR WEDNESDAY 10.00 am-11.00am 11.30 am-12.30pm 1.00 pm-3.00 pm French for Travellers Behind the News for Grown-Ups The English Fabians (5 weeks) The Tasmanian Labor Party (5 Weeks) A Fine Italian Hand (max 12) TBA Film and Music, an intimate relationship Drawing (Continued) (max 16) Therese Pearce Adela Morton Richard Davis Richard Davis Christine Farmer CR LR Th Th CR LR Paul Bywater Th Barbara Whitehouse CR THURSDAY 10.00 am-11.00 am 11.30 am-12.30 pm 12.45 pm-2.45 pm 1.00 pm-2.00 pm 1.00 pm-2.00 pm Advanced French Mah Jong Kaleidoscope (Convenor) French (Intermediate) Basic German There are Only Nine Basic Tales Watercolour Painting (max 15) Reading Poetry for Pleasure Circle Dancing Marilyn Pinkard CR Robin Alington Maguire LR Leone Scrivener Th Peta Kelly CR Antje Fox LR Basil Sansom Th Vicki Martin CR Heather Chauncy Com R Krista Sands Th Downstairs: Th = Theatre, Com R = Common Room Upstairs: LR = Lecture Room, CR = Conference Room, * Classes held outside Phillip Smith Centre – see full program for details Page 6