MARCH 2019 Page 1 of 5 GRAFTON U3A

GRAFTON U3A INC. Po Box 688 Grafton NSW 2460

“Sharing our knowledge, skills and experience in a friendly convivial way”

March 2019 www.grafton.u3anet.org.au info@grafton.u3anet.org.au

JABBERFEST 10AM - 11 MARCH 2019

NEWLIFECHURCHCENTREARTHURSTREETGRAFTONSESSION 1

“THE SENTIMENTAL BLOKE”

Kevin Dixon will be reciting excerpts from

“HITCHED” as Part 2 of his recitations from “The Sentimental Bloke” by C J Dennis.

Background

In 1915, The Australian poet and journalist C.J. Dennis published a book of verse called The Songs of a

Sentimental Bloke. It is a love story about an

uncultivated young

man, Bill, and his

sweetheart, Doreen.

Bill was an Australian “larrikin” and he has fallen for his Doreen to whom he proposes and marries.

So do come along and enjoy Part 2 of Kevin’s recitations from the Sentimental Bloke. His final reading entitled “Our Son” will be performed at our September Jabberfest.

A HISTORY OF SMALL BUSINESSES

IN NORTH GRAFTON

In 2014, the History Group decided to put together a list of small businesses that once operated in Grafton after World War II but are no longer in existence today. The members involved in the project comprised Nola Mackey, Nancye Eggins, Robyn Higham and myself. Considerable research has been undertaken for this project with approximately 150 businesses being identified in North Grafton. South Grafton and Prince Street Grafton have not been included. Having been raised in Grafton, I believed that I had an extensive knowledge of old businesses, but came to the realisation that such was not the case. The extensive research over these past four years has culminated in a publication containing a comprehensive and detailed history, including photographs, of these many businesses. The book will be available for sale at March Jabberfest for $30 approx. with the actual price to be confirmed on the day. Peter Smyth

SESSION 2

GUESTSPEAKERS–NSWFAIRTRADINGTHERESAKELLY

Community Liaison Coordinator North region

GERARD DUNLOP

Senior Rights Service Advocate

AMANDA WILKINSON

Program Manager My Health Record

With the advent of My Aged Care around the country. NSW Fair Trading is embarking on a program to educate consumers of their rights regarding purchases of goods or services within their My Care package to empower consumers to make informed choices and to know their rights to complain, if needed. IA shift of mindset is required for consumers to know that they are not recipients of a service, but are consumers of a product and therefore have rights under the Australian Consumer Law.

Seniors Rights Service is a community organisation that supports the rights of older people through legal advice, aged care advocacy, social support and education forums. Our services are free and confidential. We welcome all older people across NSW to access these services. Please make contact with us if you require advice or information based on the services we provide. We are here to assist. YOUR RIGHTS. YOUR VOICE. Phone 1800 424 079.

My Health Record is an online summary of your key health information. When you have a My Health Record , your health information can be viewed securely online, from anywhere, at any time -even if you relocate or travel interstate. Opt in or Opt out of My Heaalth record at any time in your life. It’s your choice. A My Health record was created for every Australian who wants one after 31 january 2019. Have your questions answered and learn more about accessing your information and keepig it safe.

1Bill and Doreen are "hitched"

MARCH 2019 Page 2 of 5 GRAFTON U3A

PRESIDENT’SLETTERDear Members February Jabberfest started with a fascinating speaker, a past Vice-President of

Southern Cross University Emeritus Professor Leon Zbys Klich. Born in England,

the son of Polish refugees, he went on to experience and achieve more than most

people do in a lifetime. He certainly held our attention and I hope we will return

to tell us more.

Morrie Duggan’s group on volcanoes and tectonic plates with a bang with a

considerable number in attendance. The course is certainly generating much

interest especially as it seems we read of new volcanic eruptions occurring

around the world almost daily. Even Krakatoa, which erupted in the 1800’s and

killed thousands, erupted again recently causing another tsunami and

significant casualties.

Be aware that there are many groups ranging from Armchair Travel to Craft, to Computers to Table Tennis so

you should be able to find a group that will interest you. Check the last page of the January Jabber Journal for a

complete list of courses/groups.

At our March Jabberfest, Peter Smyth will be updating us on his new illustrated book “A History of Small

Businesses in North Grafton” and he will be taking orders from anyone interested.

David Thompson 6644 7782

CONGRATULATIONSJOHNSTONE-OAMMember John Stone was awarded the Order of

Australia Medal (OAM) in the Australia Day Honours

list in recognition of his service to the community for

many years. John arrived in Grafton in 1970 with his

wife and four daughters to take up a position with the

then Ulmarra Shire Council. As a member of Lions

International and with a keen interest in target

shooting, the Grafton community was able to

accommodate his interests and he was able to accept

executive positions with both organisations. He

accepted an invitation to join the Board of Grafton

Base Hospital in 1977 serving as a director for twelve

years and as chairman from 1985-1989. In 1994, John

established his own planning and development

consultancy which he conducted until 2004 when he

retired from active service but continued on a “pro

bono” basis until 2012.

Following a major restructure of North Coast

Community Housing (NCCH) in 2005, the department

of Housing appointed seven-person skills-based

Board. John was appointed a director and chairman, a

position he held until his retirement from the Board

in 2017.

When he joined NCCH, social and affordable housing was being provided to 400 families between Tweed Heads

and Grafton. When he retired that number had grown to almost 1000 families.

John is grateful to the organisations that accepted him, namely Lions, Grafton Rifle Club, Grafton Base Hospital,

Ulmarra Shire Council and North Coast Community Housing for providing him the opportunity to become a useful

member of the community.

John & Una Stone

MARCH 2019 Page 3 of 5 GRAFTON U3A

COURSES/INTERESTGROUPSUPDATEArmchair TravelArmchair TravelArmchair TravelArmchair Travel Please note that the group has changed to the 4thMondayofthemonthfrom2:00-4:00pm(in an effort to avoid the dancers

from upstairs).The next monthly get together will be held on Monday 25 March. Alysan Pender will be speaking about her

recent travels through Jordan and Oman. All welcome. Enquiries to Magda Mussared phone 6644 9309. Alysan Pender

Mens ShedMens ShedMens ShedMens Shed The Men’s Shed presented Maree Burrows from “Wraps with Love” a $500 cheque at the annual Christmas

Luncheon and at present are arranging another $500 donation for the Grafton Community Bus. The shed also

donates to various institutions by way of reduced costs. An example is the current requirement for Wooli Camp

Quality that requires 15 small jacaranda stands with their details engraved onto them as a reminder or keepsake

of their camp.

The membership has grown over the last six months, with Warren, Chris, Neville & Ken and the work undertaken

by them has already shown them to be an asset to the Shed.

We were exceptionally busy leading up to Christmas and it really hasn’t slowed down in the intervening period

with about thirty jobs on the books to be completed.

The men have been repairing and making the following items:

Ashes box, 2 large planter boxes, 3 rabbit boxes that fit on top of each other, a box for a wedding present

Construction of an open cubby house for a pre-school and currently building them a mud kitchen.

A clothing stand and a child’s play item for a returning customer

A Lazy Susan, utensil holder and carry tray for a lady’s BBQ area.

Cleaned and painted a cot for a young couple about to have their first child.

Restored a 100-year-old timber trunk.

Completed a cupboard & two shelves for another young couple about to have their first baby also.

In our own premises over the last eighteen months we have been able to build a disabled ramp, retop the floor

to have an even surface throughout the premises. The office has been updated with cupboards and flooring as

well as building a new kitchen and installing a toilet. The walls and ceiling have also been redone to make a

comfortable meal/meeting room. Just recently we also had the floor painted and purchased 40 new chairs. All

this was possible by applying for grants, a number of which were successful.

Anyone interested in becoming a member of the Mens Shed just needs to call in and have a chat and see what we

do and how we work. Come on- give it a go! Bruce Carle

Poetry ReadingPoetry ReadingPoetry ReadingPoetry Reading Is moving to a new timeslot: 10:00–12:00 noon on the 4th Monday of the month. The venue remains unchanged

at the U3A rooms at Dougherty House. Our next get together will therefore be on Monday 25 March. Please bring

along a couple of favourite pieces of poetry or prose to read to the group. All welcome. Enquiries to me at 6644

5397 Alysan Pender

BRIDGEforBEGINNERSBridge is an exciting game with plenty of challenges and mental stimulation.

You are never too young or too old to learn to play bridge. If you grew up

playing Euchre, Canasta, Rummy, Five Hundred, Poker ... and have never

tried bridge ... it is for you. If you have never held a pack of cards in your

hands it is for you too. Grafton Bridge Club has welcomed beginner players

who are well into their 80s – and some younger ones too.

Bridge for Beginners will be offered over ten Wednesday afternoons

beginning on 1st May and concluding on 3rd July, from 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm.

Grafton Bridge Club will organise and run the lessons which will be held at

South Grafton Ex-servicemen’s Club. Bridge is a game played by four people comprising two partnerships. However, for the

lessons you may attend with or without a partner. A charge of $30.00 pp will cover participants’ lesson text book, weekly

notes and other materials such as cards. A member of the Grafton Bridge Club will be on hand at the next Jabberfest to take

expressions of interest and respond to questions.

MARCH 2019 Page 4 of 5 GRAFTON U3A

Jenny Russell

Publicity Officer

Grafton Bridge Club

FEBRUARYJABBERFESTWRAPPresident David opened proceedings for the new year by welcoming new members and congratulating members

Pat Connelly and John Stone, each of whom were awarded the Order of Australia Medal in the Australia Day

Honours list. In addition, Stan Mussared was congratulated upon recently receiving the prestigious Alan & Beryl

Strom Volunteer Occasional Award from the National Parks Association of NSW.

Alysan Pender Courses/Interest Groups coordinator then provided an update including details of two new

courses namely Crafts and Geology/Volcanoes/Tectonic Plates. Social functions organizer Vanda provided

details of an upcoming luncheon at the Village Green Hotel in late February. President David then informed

members details of upcoming author visits to the Grafton Library.

Rita Bullen then performed two poems by Pam Ayres – I’m going to kill my husband and Sling another chair

leg on the fire, mother. Members then took part in a Heads & Tails quiz by Kevin Dixon with the last person

standing being Bev Fountain who received a box of chocolates as her

prize.

Morning tea followed after which President David introduced guest

speaker Emeritus Professor Zbys Klich, a former Vice-President of

Southern Cross University. Zbys took us on an interesting and at times

humorous journey from his early family childhood in a refugee camp in

England through school, university and early working life. Then

followed details of his volunteer work in New Guinea for two years,

travels through the Australian continent, meeting his wife Mary before

raising a family of three children and settling into an academic career at

the Universities of New England and Southern Cross. Upon attempting

retirement in 2007 his efforts failed as he took on the role of CEO of SAE

Institute in Australia and the United Kingdom and finally Chair of the

Board for Airways Aviation. He rounded off his presentation with a very

enjoyable Guitar rendition. All in all, an entertaining presentation of a

life rich in experience and achievement.

Following his address, there was a palpable sense of enjoyment from all

of the sizeable attendance and the promise of a return visit to continue

his life story later in the year will surely attract more members. The

lucky door prize, a creation from the artisans at the Mens Shed, was won

by Dorothy Hillis.

Welcome new members Leslie Neville,Teresa Maddison,

Barry Robotham, Sue Hutchison and Louella Lyons. We trust

that you enjoy your association with Grafton U3A and take the

opportunity to avail of the courses/interest groups on offer.

“DEFY EXPECTATION”

2019 U3A Network NSW Conference

TAMWORTH NSW

10 – 12 APRIL 2019

Keynote Speaker: Dr Kay Patterson AO

Age Discrimination Commissioner AHRC

Full registration is only $110 including refreshments and

lunch on the Thursday. You can also add attendance at the

Conference Dinner. A full list of speakers and sessions

MARCH 2019 Page 5 of 5 GRAFTON U3A

together with details of a link to register for

the Conference can be accessed at

https://conference.u3anet.org.au/

EDITORCONTACTContributions to the Jabber Journal are

welcome, however, we reserve the right to edit

or refuse material submitted for publication.

Closing date for the April 2019 edition of the

Journal is Friday22March2019.

Editor – Dennis Kelly

thehifields@bigpond.com