ABN 42 123 530 408 Reg No A00193187

N E W S L E T T E RN E W S L E T T E R

• 1 •

president’s reportIn this issue of our newsletter there are a number of matters to cover.

Accommodation:

Since the last newsletter we have made representations to the Federal member for Flinders, the Hon. Greg Hunt and the new State member for Nepean, Chris Brayne, concerning the lack of suitable accommodation facilities for our activi-ties. We have sought funding from both levels of government to enable the Mornington Shire Council to provide for the activities of community groups like U3ASP because of the important role we play in keeping citizens socially active, healthy and involved.

We have also actively engaged with the Council, and the Association for the Betterment of the Community of Dromana, on the need for better facilities. Currently U3ASP is operating from 17 different locations due to the limited facili-ties available at the Old Shire Offices Dromana, which are even more restricted this year due to the limit placed by Council on the number of people who can be seated in rooms 4 and 7. The flooding of room 8 at OSOD in June resulted in severe disruption and the cancellation of several classes for an extended period. This is not the first time this has occurred and it is simply not good enough.

Issue 172, Aug - Nov 2019

U3A sp is grateful for the funding support provided by:

AGM 27th March 2019

GALE FORCE WINDS HIT DROMANA: Lorraine Dodd managed to capture the devastation caused by the gales we endured in early July. Just across the road from our Dromana offices at the Information Centre, this massive old tree was completely uprooted.

• 2 •

N E W S L E T T E R

Issue 172, Aug - Nov 2019

• 2 •

The accommodation issue is also being pursued by our peninsula representative on the council’s Positive Ageing Committee. It will take time to resolve and can only occur if a significant number of our members make further and continuous representations to our local politicians and councillors so that the message gets through. The voters of Nepean have been neglected for too long by govern-ments and it is time that changed.

review of Fees:

The majority of U3As in Victoria have a single fee that covers membership and enrolment in courses and activities. For some time there has been concern regarding our fee structure. Your Committee has reviewed the situation and discussed the alterna-tives at length knowing that UMAS cannot cover a multiple fee structure and that whatever was decided, there would be members who would not be happy.

I will be paying $25 more, that is a whole 62.5 cents a week for 40 weeks of activity, but when I look at what it would cost me to partic-ipate in the activities of the Council for Adult Education and similar organisations, remaining a member of U3ASP is far cheaper.

Our annual fee includes accident insurance cover and one of our members has received a considerable sum following an injury while participating in one of our outdoor activities. We have received feedback from many of our members and the majority support the proposed new fee structure whilst there are a number who do not. Even if UMAS could provide a two tiered fee structure, it would be necessary to manually vet every enrolment prior to a course to check whether the member has paid the correct fee. On top of this, there is a large amount of work for our volunteer office staff in counting coins received by each class and reconciling these with receipts, as well as banking the coins.

Under our Constitution the determination of fees is a matter for the Committee. The increase did not come without any warning. I stated at our AGM that fee review was underway.

30th Anniversary of U3Asp:

U3ASP turns 30 this year and I am delighted to announce that to commemorate this momentous milestone, we have produced a special edition 30th Anniversary book which will be launched at our celebration party to be held in September (date to be advised) and all members will be invited.

COME CELEBRATE30th ANNIVERSARY& BOOK LAUNCHwith a WINE & CHEESE afternoon at which you will be invited tocheck out our 12 sq. inch special edition 30th Anniversary hard cover book, and place orders for a copy if you wish.Showcasing over 60 pages of: Magnificent photos of scenery in our region & our activities A summary of U3ASP’s news since 2014 Major world news headlines over the past 5 years.It is sure to be the perfect book for your coffee table.MEMBERS WILL BE NOTIFIED OF THE DATE

• 3 •

N E W S L E T T E R

Issue 172, Aug - Nov 2019

Our newsletter editor, Andrea Osborne, has worked hard for several months writing, designing, collating and editing this beautifully presented hard cover special edition, show-casing suberb photography of our region and activities, as well as a summary of the events over the past five years that have shaped the changes and evolution of our organisation. Members interested in buying a copy of the book will be able to place orders for it at, or after the event.

Committee and Tutor/Activity Leaders:

U3ASP is dependent on people volunteering to be committee members, tutor/activity leaders, and office/catering people. These roles involve time and commitment and as we age, that gets more difficult. Our future depends on our members becoming involved and being willing to understudy those who currently lead us.

Having been on the committee for three years this will be my last year as a committee member, so U3ASP will be looking for a new president and other committee members for 2020.

Course coordination is a big job, certainly too much for one person which is why we have three people involved and we could do with more to learn what is involved and assist.

The management and administration of UMAS requires computing skills. Ernie de Vlieger and Dennis Wright have been doing it for years and could do with some help.

Distance learning requires someone with computer and communication skills. If these roles can’t be filled U3ASP will not be able to function as well as it does.

Don’t forget to mark in your diary our free Seniors Morning Tea on Tuesday 8th October, 10.00am-12.00pm at the Dromana Community Hall. Last year it was the party of the decade but maybe we can surpass that this year. Bring your non-member friends. All seniors are welcome to join us and celebrate. Bookings are essential.

Lee Chapman president

S E N I O R S M O R N I N G T E A

ALL WELCOME

Invites you to our free annual

S E N I O R S M O R N I N G T E ATuesday 8th October 10.00am -12.00pm

at Dromana Community Hall2 Verdon Street Dromana

ALL WELCOME both members and non-members

BOOKINGS ESSENTIALOur catering team need to know so if you haven’t booked wemay not be able toprovide for you

Please RSVP by 24th September email: u3aspevents@gmail.com

• 4 •

N E W S L E T T E R

Issue 172, Aug - Nov 2019

CoUrse CoordinAtors report For full course information, check UMAS or email: courses@u3asouthpen.org.au

Firstly, thanks so much to Kath Murray for doing a sterling job filling in for me while I was away in June and July.

It may be cold outside but remember we never had any heating at the OSOD and now we have! How fortunate we are to have heat. Our lovely tutors/activity leaders have plenty of interesting things for you to learn and do, so why not keep a look out for the Course Vacancy list that Dina prepares and displays every month just outside the office door. All new courses are published by email monthly in What’s New @ U3ASP. Please share with friends and enjoy these new courses that our dedicated members present for you.

If you are heading north to keep warm, don’t forget to log on to your U3A Membership and use the “Report Absence” so your leader knows you will be away.

The Course Coordinators will soon be working on courses for 2020. Where did that time go? If you have a hobby, passion or want to share a special project, consider being a leader in 2020. The rewards are immense and you will make a heap of new friends.

We have some great new Day Out events scheduled, so please have a look and book quickly because they are sure to fill up soon. Next year we will be conducting day tours to be called Out and About, to country towns, National Trust estates, garden displays and art exhibi-tions, etc. These, as well as Day Out, will replace those previously known as Let’s Go. We would appreciate suggestions from you as to where you would like to go and what you would like to see. You are most welcome to bring a non-member friend.

Please email your suggestions to: courses@u3asouthpen.org.au

19DAY007 Day Out - Glenn Miller Orchestra 27/10/2019.

Join the Glenn Miller Orchestra for a spectacular concert of big band hits! The world-famous orchestra returns with a brand new programme, featuring 21 musicians, singers and dancers on stage. Expect all the famous Glenn Miller classics including ‘Moonlight Serenade’, ‘Tuxedo Junction’ and of course, ‘In the Mood’. With special guests and Broadway dancers in gorgeous costumes, swing to all your favourite big band songs.

19DAY009 Day Out - Chicago the Musical 5/2/2020

A true New York City institution, CHICAGO has everything that makes Broadway great. A universal tale of fame, fortune and all that jazz; one show-stopping song after another; and the slickest dancing in town. Created by the musical theatre talents of John Kander, Fred Ebb, and legendary choreographer Bob Fosse, The sexy, sassy score includes “All That Jazz” and “Razzle Dazzle”. No wonder it has been honoured with six Tony awards, two Olivier awards, a Grammy and thousands of standing ovations. It would be a crime to miss it!

DO YOU LOVE U3A AND WANT TO ENGAGE WITH OUR NEW AND EXISTING MEMBERS?

A special member is required to act as Member Coordinator/Liaison to look after our members enquiries and give them the special attention they deserve. You need to have excellent computer skills though you will receive UMAS training and be able to work from home to check emails from members, liaise with the office volunteers and course coordinators.

For further information, please email: courses@u3asouthpen.org.au

rosalie Arnold Course Coordinator

• 5 •

N E W S L E T T E R

Issue 172, Aug - Nov 2019

19DAY010 Day Out - Aviation Museum Moorabbin 23/10/2019

The Australian National Aviation Museum is located at Moorabbin Airport. With one of the most important collections of historic aircraft and engines in Australia, it is a fantastic place for those interested in aviation technology, and a great place to wander around and look inside a number of aircraft. Unlike most museums, you can also sit in the cockpits to interact with the aircraft.

(Although the date of commencement of the next two courses has passed, it may still be possible to enrol. Check UMAS for vacancies.)

19CRF004 Quilling (Starting 8th August for 16 weeks)

Quilling (also known as Filigree) is the art of rolling strips of coloured paper and manipulating them into all kind of shapes which may then be glued down to form cards or anything that the quiller chooses. A degree of hand/eye coordination is needed but it is not difficult and you will be surprised by what you can achieve in a short space of time.

19CRF003 Knitting for Beginners (Starting 1st August for 4 weeks)

Always wanted to knit well? It’s not too late to challenge yourself and learn how to knit to a presentable level.

19OTO009 Kayaking & Canoeing (Starts Sat 21st Sept for 20 weeks)

This is an opportunity to join with like-minded others to explore water-ways on the Peninsula and other parts of Victoria. The emphasis is on touring and recreation.

MANDARIN: Expressions of Interest are required by any members wishing to learn Mandarin. Please let your course coordinators know if you are interested.

We know our tutors/activity leaders work hard spending countless hours preparing courses and activities often with little recognition. We have received an email from Marilyn Pritchard with regard to our Italian Tutor, Cathy d’Orio, commending her teaching methods, patience and the enjoyment she provides for her students.

If you feel that your tutor deserves a commendation, please let them know and write to your committee via the office with your feedback.

COURSES WITH VACANCIES Have you considered joining the following groups?

19DIS004 Discussion Group at the Village Glen (1st & 3rd Wed)

19MUS003 Sing Till You Grin (Mondays)

19WAL004 Rosebud Ramblers Walking Group (Mondays)

19OTO008 Redux Cycling Too (2nd & 4th Friday)

189ICT012 Beginners Guide to Adobe Lightroom 2/10/2019 Over five weeks, our photographers learn how to professionally edit and organize digital images with Sally.

19HEX016: Balance in Focus (Mon from 5 August)

19DIS018: Investing in Shares (Wed from 28 Aug)

Course Coordinators:

Rosalie Arnold & Kath Murray

It is with great sadness that we let you know that Jock Fletcher passed away on 31/07/2019 after battling cancer for many years.

He was the leader for Contemplating Contemporary Ethics from 2015 -2017 and a long term member of our Happy Wanderers walking group.

Jock was loved for his wit, friendliness and great knowledge and will be greatly missed.

Our condolences have been sent to his wife, Gwen, on behalf of all members.

LOSS OF A HIGHLY RESPECTED LEADER: Dr. JOCK FLETCHER

Jock delivering to his ‘Contemplating Contemporary Ethics’ group in 2015.

• 6 •

N E W S L E T T E R

Issue 172, Aug - Nov 2019

COURSE/ACTIVITY NEWSENVIRONMENT CIRCLEClass held every 4th Thursday. New members are welcome.

Next topic: Conservation management in the Mornington Peninsula National Park

Thursday 22nd August 3.15-5.00 pm at Old Shire Offices, Dromana

Our next presenter will be: Holly Barker, Parks Victoria ranger discusses conservation management including how to protect threatened species.

This speaker will present her work in the management and conserva-tion of threatened species including the beach nesting hooded plover and identify key issues for discussion. She has a background in zoology and has worked with bush crews and on a number of research projects for the conservation of threatened species.

Previous speakers at the Environment Circle have included:

Dr Jan Smith on Paths to a peaceful place•

Gidga Walker on Creating biodiversity in the home garden•

Mark Dunball on Sense of place and sustainable development - • the nature/human relationship

Amaya de Silva on the role of the Mornington Peninsula Shire in • protecting the environment

Louise Page and Dale Stohr on how a local residents group is • opposing plans by energy company AGL to import and process liquefied natural gas in Westernport Bay.

Two more sessions are scheduled for 26 September and 24 October. The Environment Circle raises awareness of environmental issues and promotes informed discussion. A final session in November is planned for a panel discussion with this year’s presenters.

Group Leaders: Helen Kimberley and Inez Dussuyer

LAUGHTER YOGAFeel good and have fun with Laughter Yoga. It provides easy and effec-tive stress relief for everyone. Based on the scientific fact that the body cannot differentiate between simulated and genuine laughter, it’s fun and there’s not a yoga mat in sight!

Laughter is playfully generated using guided laughing exercises, clap-ping and eye contact interspersed with deep breathing. The “simulated” laughter soon becomes real, spontaneous and contagious. Our bodies and brains are oxygenated and feel-good hormones are released to lift our spirits.

This seven week class is held in the Youth and Band Hall located on the Rosebud foreshore commencing 10am, Tues 8th October 2019. New members are welcome.

Activity Leader: Debbie Peters

eAsY riders

To go or not to go, that was the question. The jinx seemed to be happening again. On May 24th, and for the third time, the Dromana to Martha Cove bike ride looked to be in jeopardy. The forecast indicated showers but eight brave souls arrived at the meeting point. Radar maps were checked and eyes were cast to the skies.

Seven dedicated souls decided to give it a go. One ‘sook’ (said sook accepted the definition) decided against this adventure. So off we set and onward we went. Yes we did get a bit damp but rain jackets and bike helmets saved most of our bodies from the rain.

The sea was rolling in and we had a head wind. At the half way point, the question was asked: “does anyone want to turn back?” Of course not! Onward march, or ride as the case was.

An interesting and picturesque ride around the boardwalk at Martha Cove and a close look at the magnificent boats moored there, left some of us drooling.

What a surprise the café was! Good company, a good laugh and chat over a coffee revived us and the dampness was forgotten.

The question had arisen: Who was going back to get the cars? As we sat, and sat a bit longer, the showers cleared so it became clear all of us were going back. Really what choice did we have? So off we went on the return journey.

With the wind behind us, no rain and noting the seas had calmed some-what it was a most pleasant ride home and by the time we got back to the cars we were dry as a bone.

The jinx had been lifted. The ride was most successful and all agreed it was well worth the effort.

For those wanting a ‘daring adventure’ not to mention good company, a laugh, coffee and a chat, then come along to our next bike ride.

Thanks to Ray and Barb for leading the ride.

Margaret Morgan

Easy Riders relaxing at Martha Cove. Photo: Carol Joyce

• 7 •

N E W S L E T T E R

Issue 172, Aug - Nov 2019

MOUNT MARTHA SOCIAL GOLF

During the 15th century, three Acts of Parliament under James II, III, and IV, of Scotland, banned golf as it interfered with archery practice. It was James VI of Scotland who finally lifted the ban and took it to England when he became James I of England in 1603, and created the first golf course in England at Blackheath outside London.

Golf was already established as a royal pastime when Charles I received news of the Irish rebellion in 1641 on the links of Leith outside Edinburgh. The first appearance of golf at St Andrews was in January 1552 when a local shepherd was granted a licence to graze sheep on the Links.

It was on the same course, centuries later, that Mt Martha’s oldest member first lifted a golf club at the tender age of seven. Ian Suren celebrated his 90th birthday earlier this year, for which he received his NBN (Now Bloody Ninety) medal, and still hits a mean ball, although nine holes is his limit these days, as it is with many of us in the club.

We can still surprise some of the young bucks, as Brian Cary did in May, with an eagle on the par four first hole. Our wealth of octogenarian members increased this year with two more members receiving their OBE (Over Bloody Eighty) medals.

A birdie with a difference

One of our members, who always takes a bag of lollies with him when playing golf, was awaiting his approach shot to the first green when a crow flew down and unzipped the pocket of his golf bag, stole the bag of lollies, and flew to a high tree. The crow then turned the bag upside down and shook the contents all around the base of the tree. Not to be outdone, our intrepid golfer picked up the lollies (all wrapped) put them back in his bag and proceeded with his shot. Completely nonplussed!

Plans are advancing for our annual golf excursion to the Murray River courses, with a repeat visit for four days to Cobram Barooga, in September.

Ted Pearce

PHOTOGRAPHY GROUP A

The group was treated to a fun filled day on a Scavenger Hunt organised by Jim Carr in March and we went on a four day photographic trip to Toora, Wilsons Promontory and Tara Bulga National Park in April.

We also visited the William Rickett’s sanctuary in April and practised our panorama skills at Flinders pier and beach in May.

June saw the group take on Real Estate photography in a beautiful home in Martha Cove and in July Jim Carr gave a well thought out practical presentation on still life photography.

The range of the group’s photographic skills are expanding with fun and practical experience still at the forefront.

Ernie de Vlieger: Group Leader

HAPPY WANDERERS

Trip to Bright: Poem and photo supplied by group member Jim Carr

“We’re going to Bright”, said Dennis, “… and at Big 4 we shall stay.” So we packed our cars and caravans and set off on the 7th of May. We were full of apprehension ‘cause of the lousy weather report. We packed winter wear and umbrellas so in the rain we wouldn’t get caught.

Bright did its usual autumn thing in its streets and avenues, The poplars and oaks and maples galore glowed with the most lively hues. Some of us shopped and some explored the town or relaxed when we were parted. Three guys had a game of golf and said they should never have started.

We shared a hearty barbecue with salads and wine and cake. But I wasn’t ever so happy cause somebody stole my steak. Bobby was our co-ordinator extraordinaire and Marg the 2IC. They told us where we ought to walk to explore the Bright country.

We set off each day and overhead was a grey and gloomy sky, But ‘twas not as cold as we dreaded and was unexpectedly dry. We followed the Ovens river and walked around Lake Bogong, And counted ourselves several times cause to lose someone would be wrong.

The bonhomie and conviviality were abundant with much laughter and elation. Happy Wanderers is such an empathetic group, we’re all of the same generation.We arrived home safe and sound after having such a fabulous time. Marg and Matt were forced to stay on, and I’m unsure how to finish this rhyme.Wilsons Promontory cruise: Photo Barb Phillips

• 8 •

N E W S L E T T E R

Issue 172, Aug - Nov 2019

A MESSAGE FROM THE EDITORYour newsletter will be published quarterly in February, April, August and November.

Tutors/activity leaders are encouraged to provide news items and photos to the email address below, particularly those running unfilled groups.

The newsletter now has a greater print run at high quality for larger distribution; to local libraries, retirement villages and council offices. As a result of this, we are likely to receive a lot more interest from the community so your submission can encourage new members and future leaders.

WE WELCOME YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS

Please forward letters, articles, interviews, poetry, short stories, photos, items of interest etc. to the editor: aosborne08@gmail.com.

Text and pictures should not be embedded together within a document. Pictures need to be supplied individually in jpeg format and text can be sent in an email or as a MS Word document.

Please supply images in medium to high resolution, ie. for one column wide, at least 2mb. More is good.

U3Asp editor Andrea Osborne

DISCLAIMER

From time to time your committee gives space in this newsletter to community events or notices which it believes, in good faith, are worthy of being brought to the attention of members.

ContACt:Old Shire Offices: 359a Point Nepean Road Dromana 3936

PO Box 396 Dromana 3936

Ph: (03) 5981 8777

Email: office@u3asouthpen.org.au

Web: www.u3asouthpen.org.au

Office Hours: 9.30am - 1pm Tuesdays and Thursdays.

As a service to U3ASP members, we publish information about the latest scams in each newsletter to keep you up to date and aware of these insidious phone, door-to-door, postal and internet issues. We are appreciative of this service to the community from the ACCC and consumer watchdog Choice.

Register on scamwatch.gov.au. and community@choice.com.au, to receive email alerts re the latest scams and tips to avoid being a victim.

If you come across a suspicious encounter, please report it to the ACCC by email: www.scamwatch.gov.au/about-scamwatch/contact-us.

Scams purporting to be from NBN, Commonwealth Bank and the • Australian Taxation office are still doing the rounds by phone, email and in the case of NBN, door to door as well. Ignore them and phone or email the office for verification.

LATEST SCAMSA new scam pretending to be from McAfee Internet Security, was • discovered recently to harvest credit card details and personal infor-mation from its victims. If you have your support with this company and receive an email purporting to be from them, do not follow the renewal link. Check your account by logging onto their website.

A software vulnerability discovered in Microsoft Windows could be • used to execute a global ransomware attack. Older versions of Windows, such as Windows 2000, Vista, XP, Windows 2003, Windows 2008, or Windows 7 are at risk. Windows 8 and Windows 10 are not affected. Microsoft has issued a patch for the bug, but many systems are still believed to be at risk. The bug, known as BlueKeep, is in Microsoft’s Remote Desktop Protocol, a tool for users to access their systems remotely. This bug is especially dangerous because it is “wormable”, meaning that it could spread malware from one computer system to another.

BlueKeep is a ticking time-bomb, but the good news is there’s still • time to defuse it. If you are running an older Windows system, copy this link into your search window and follow the prompts to become safe: support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4500705/customer-guid-ance-for-cve-2019-0708.

A well-designed email scam purporting to be from PayPal has been • trying to steal the confidential data of users. The scam sends a message to intended victims that a new email address has been added to their PayPal and gives them the chance to make it their primary address or to report the email if it has been added by mistake. Unsuspecting recipients who click on the “let us know right away” hyperlink are taken to a copy of the PayPal website where they are asked to login using their email or mobile number. After clicking “next’” the user is led to a similar page that prompts them to enter their password, billing address and credit card information before being redirected to the actual PayPal website. Ignore and delete this email. If your contact details have changed, log on to your Paypal account to change them.