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The 2009 ASCCA Conference at the Powerhouse Museum, Sydney – David Evans, Webmaster
This year's ASCCA Conference at the Power House Museum (August 18-19) was nothing less than inspiring. As I begin to write this report, travelling home by train at the end of Day 1, I'm almost suffering from information overload.
Almost!
So that you don't feel the same way, I'll keep it as brief as possible while still trying to be informative. Since this is a personal report on the Conference, I will include my own observations and comments alongside those of the presenters. It's not intended to be a complete coverage—it's a smorgasbord of the talks that I found most interesting, and which I think would be of most interest to you.
I learned a great deal that has immediate practical application, and a lot more that, as useful background information, contributes to my overall understanding of computers and the Net. All this was done in a supportive, friendly environment where I was able to talk to lots of people from different backgrounds and even had lunch with one particularly interesting presenter who was happy to expand on her topic.
Did I say lunch? The food, supplied by the Powerhouse catering staff, was of gourmet standard. It was delicious and plentiful.
If you've never had the opportunity to attend such a conference, I can heartily recommend next year's event.
Details of individual Conference presentations can be seen on our website and on the ASCCA Website.
The Tradition continues for the German Class – Julie Neumann
An end of term party has been a tradition in place long before I joined the German class nearly four years ago. The winter day didn’t deter us and a morning of camaraderie and delicious food was shared by more than 20 members.
The class which is now in two parts, Beginners and Conversation, joined forces in Tench reserve for brunch.
The “tablecloths” were already in place when we arrived. Christa Clarke the class convenor and her husband John inherited the Tischdecken with the position.
Our founding tutor Ursula and her husband Keith Müller were also present. Ursula is well known as a party girl and her presence and warmth infused the gathering with Gemütlichkeit.
Below is a thumbnail photograph of the brunch. Ursula is third from the front in the left row. To see the full sized pic in the U3A photo album please click on the thumbnail; to see all the photographs in the U3A on-line album, please click on the blue writing immediately below the thumbnail.
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| From U3A Nepean Blue Mountains |
Another U3A Eisteddfod Win
Margaret Skiller last year entered the Creative Writing section of the Penrith Eisteddfod and surprised nobody who knows her by winning. Nor did she surprise anybody by taking second and third places as well with her other entries. The story has already been told on the U3A web page and you can read it HERE.
This year she again entered two sections of the Eisteddfod and once again was unsurprisingly the winner of both. She was also runner up in both.
You could be forgiven for thinking there might have been no other entries, but this is not the case. The quality of her writing is such that anybody who enters knows that she has set the bench mark. In a TV series on Dawn Fraser, many years ago, the scriptwriter put these words into Dawn's mouth. "If anybody else wants to win this race they have to do three things. They have to swim a personal best, they have to do it in less than sixty seconds, and they have to beat Dawn Fraser. I only have to swim." It's beginning to look as though anybody entering the Penrith Eisteddfod has to beat Margaret Skiller.
One of her winning entries, published immediately below this report, is indicative of her style, and is typical of the kind of stories she writes week-after-week for her Creative Writing Class.
The competition's judge was in no doubt about the quality of this piece and had the following to say:
What a beautifully crafted narrative! The richness of your description painted a detailed portrait of the events and environments, as well as engaging me completely in the developing narrative.
There is so much to comment upon this space is insufficient! So, simply put, this story is stunning!
"A hot wind loaded with red dust and malevolent promise..."
You have a gift. Thank you for sharing it.
One of Margaret's winning entries, the beautiful story, The Long Walk Home. appears elsewhere on this web page. You can read it by CLICKING HERE.
Photography at Penrith Valley Seniors Computing Club – PVSCC
Many of our U3A members are also members of the PVSCC.
Petr Malek, our U3A Photography tutor, taught members of his class how to use Adobe Photoshop Elements 7 at the PVSCC. He will do 2 more sessions on Photoshop 7 on Tuesdays 1st and 8th September starting at 11am to 12.30pm.
Movie & Supper Night at 136 Jamison Road, Penrith at 7.30pm on Saturday 26th September
Relive and enjoy Old Time Movie Classics from the 1940’s to 1960’s on 16mm film with the Volunteer Projection Group at 136 Jamison Road, Penrith on the 4th Saturday every month.
The program consists of one full length feature film and (if it is less than 120 minutes) a Cartoon and Newsreel. This is followed by supper and a discussion on the presentation. A voluntary donation is requested to cover the cost of the refreshments.
On Saturday 26 September, the Projection Group will be showing “Take the High Ground” (Col). Starring: Richard Widmark, Karl Malden, Elaine Stewart and Russ Tamblyn - plus Newsreel & Cartoon.
U3A members and their guests will be welcome.
If you wish more details, contact John Morehead – Tel: 4721 0518.
Invitation to our U3A 2010 State Conference from our President Reg Grace
I would like to take this opportunity to invite all U3A members to the 2010 State Conference and AGM.
Apart from the AGM of U3A Network NSW, we have put together a two-day programme of very interesting guest speakers and workshops that will be of entertainment to all that attend.
So as not to let the pot go off the boil, we will be hosting a dinner on the Tuesday night, 9th March 2010 that will include a three course meal together with lucky door prizes and live entertainment.
The Venue for our Conference and dinner will be the Penrith RSL Club, conveniently located in the heart of Penrith and close to accommodation.
We have arranged special rates for U3A members at the Chifley Hotel, which is located in the Panthers complex; about 10 minutes walk from the RSL. The rate is $130.00 twin share per night. For an additional person an extra charge of $40.00 per night applies. Other than that Penrith can offer more accommodation venues please check web page Penrith Australia.com.
This Conference will also be a special occasion for our U3A, as we will be celebrating our 21st birthday. To mark the occasion we will be having the traditional cake and trimmings. The cake will be cut by one of our Chapter founders, Ms Freda Whitlam.
If after the two days we have not worn you out, we have arranged two bus trips for the Thursday, 11th March 2010. One will go west to the World Heritage areas of the beautiful Blue Mountains, taking you to all the famous sights of this wonder world. The other will be an historical tour of our Western Suburbs (the cradle of Australia's colonial foundations).
So get your diaries out, mark the dates, arrange to service your car, ring your travel agent or whatever has to be done and come and see us, you are assured of a good time. But above all you will be spreading the word of our wonderful organisation – U3A.
Introduction to Bird Watching: A course for beginners – Julie Neumann
Bird watching is one of the fastest growing hobbies in the world.
Learn how this interest can add a new dimension to outings and trips locally, within Australia and even overseas.
Course starts on Wednesday 21 October 2009 in Penrith School of Arts at 9.30am to 11am, This will be followed by a series of 8 weekly field trips in various locations between Springwood and Penrith. Excursions will be between 7.30am and 9.00am approximately. Final field trip 9th December 2009.
Binoculars would be an advantage. Medium level of fitness some walking involved.
Meeting places and transport will be arranged at the previous week’s meeting.
If you are interested in this course, please contact: Julie Neumann 4739 3063 Email: julieneumann@eftel.net.au
Byzantium – Graham Engel BSc MSc (Hons) PhD
This course starts on Wednesday 21 October 2009 in the Leura Uniting Church Hall, Grose St, Leura at 2.00pm - 3.30pm.
The Byzantine Empire was the longest lasting of all western empires: AD 330 until 1453.
The Roman Empire lasted only half this period. The basis of western law was developed here by Justinian; western poetry flowed from Persia to the Sicilian poets to Dante; Christian and Muslim architecture had its inspiration the Hagia Sophia, the largest church in Christendom for more than a thousand years; the art of icons and mosaics reached its zenith.
Written histories of Byzantium have not been part of the western education system for many centuries. The first modern history in English (A Short History of Byzantium) was written by John Julius Norwich in 1988. Norwich described his education in Byzantine history at English public schools and Oxford as a “conspiracy of silence”. The course will cover the development of the Byzantine Empire centred on Constantinople and the influence of surrounding cultures on Byzantium.
If you are interested in this course, please contact: Graham Engel 4784 2234 Email: graham.engel@bigpond.com
Psychology for Relationships – 2009
The course has been re-structured this year to make it available through U3A Online, as well as the Chifley Chapter. Consequently, the course is now taken by participants throughout Australia, New Zealand and Britain. The topics comprising the course are: Introduction to Psychology; Relational self; Positive relationships; Communication; Relationship skills; Relationship difficulties; Managing difficult relationships; and Interpersonal learning.
The Chifley Chapter participants are provided with the online course notes to study before each meeting. These notes then provide the basis for discussions and exercises which are designed to assist each participant advance their personally selected course goal. These activities give participants an opportunity to use the course content for improving their everyday relationships. Ethical guidelines drawn up by the participants at the beginning of the course provide the foundation for supportive, group learning.
A number of ongoing course participants meet before each meeting to study group dynamics and develop skills for co-ordinating group discussions. Pirie Klemmer, Lois Kirkpatrick, Angela Ilsley and Muriel Tonkin co-ordinate small group course discussions to ensure all participants have an opportunity to discuss their learning.
Angela Ilsley has also set up a course library. Angela has catalogued donated books and articles of interest so participants can study course topics in greater depth.
As a result of the willingness of participants over a number of years to contribute to the course, Psychology for Relationship continues to provide supportive, extensive learning for an increasing number of U3A members.
—Colin Bull
U3A Courses 2010 Handbook
In August, we posted letters to all our U3A Tutors asking them to supply details of their courses for the 2010 Handbook.
Tutors if you have not received this letter, or anyone who wishes to become a new U3A Tutor, please contact Alan Lees as soon as possible on 4736 5541 or alanlees@y7mail.com
We would like all the 2010 course details by mid September so that we can give a draft of the Handbook to the printers by early October and distribution of the printed Handbooks to all members by early November.
New photographs of U3A Classes are required for the 2010 Handbook. Please email them to the Office u3anepean@optusnet.com.au and to alanlees@y7mail.com or hand them in at the Office.
Walking with a Touch of History in September:
Details of all Walks for the current term are shown elsewhere on our website. CLICK HERE to see them.
U3A Members can join any Walking Group. But Walks A and Walks B are for “Medium walkers” and Walks C are for “Gentle walkers”.
A New Series of Presentations by Lucy Bantermalis
Lucy will give a series of three PowerPoint presentations with Handouts, which complement and follow one another.
They may be taken in a series or individually. Each presentation’s duration will be two hours with a break in the middle.
The Enlightenment and the intellectual influence it had on the early European Settlement in NSW.
Friday, 5th February, 2010. Time: 10.30am to 12.30pm at Penrith School of Arts.
The Life and Times of Charles Darwin and his Sojourn to the Blue Mountains.
Friday, 12th February 2010. Time: 10.30am to 12.30pm at Penrith School of Arts.
Week two: 19th February meet at Wentworth Falls (details will be given in Week One as to time and place). The walk will retrace the steps of Charles Darwin in Wentworth Falls.
Egyptology – the Science that Reintroduced Ancient Egypt to the Western World.
Friday, 26th February, 2010. Time: 10.30am to 12.30pm at Penrith School of Arts.
Week Two: 5th March (details will be given in Week One as to where to meet and the place we will visit).
Bridge for Beginners with Merle Nelson
8 Victory St, Penrith – Fortnightly on Thursdays at 10.00am to 12.30pm
Introductory Calculus with Bob Perrie
Uniting Church, 4 Lewin St, Springwood on Wednesdays at 10.15am to 12 noon.
India and her Religions with Freda Whitlam
2/4 De Vilnits Parade, Penrith on Fridays at 9.30am – 10.30am.
Springwood neighbourhood Centre on Mondays at 10.00am – 11.00am
Line Dancing at Penrith School of Arts
On Wednesdays at 11.00am to 12.45pm with Lee Billi.
On Fridays at 11.45am to 12.45pm with Bobbie Kersten.
Practical Psychology for Relationships with Colin Bull
Springwood Uniting Church - Fortnightly on Tuesdays at 2.00pm to 4.00pm
This course is designed to provide an understanding of relationship psychology and opportunities to practise relationship skills. Topics covered include: Introduction to Psychology; Relational self; Positive relationships; Communication; Relationship skills; Relationship difficulties; Managing difficult relationships; Interpersonal learning. A small charge will be made for copying costs. Participants will need a folder for notes. This course is also available online at: www.u3aonline.org.au
Relational Psychology with Colin Bull
Springwood Uniting Church – Fortnightly on Tuesdays, 12 noon – 2.00pm
This course is designed for members who have completed Psychology for Relationships and wish to continue their study of relationship psychology. Notes, exercises and discussions will be used to examine the underlying dynamics of different types of relationships. The course aims to provide participants with ongoing understanding and support for relationship enrichment. A small charge will be made for course materials.
The Nuts and Bolts of the Universe with Graham Engel
The Nuts and Bolts of the Universe - my favourite constants
Some of us were born in the 1930’s and just missed out on the flapper days. By this time, a fundamental description of the physical laws of the universe had been determined. Most of the scientific giants had met together in the Metropole Hotel in Brussels in 1911. From 1880 to the 1930’s this small group discovered the interconnecting links between light, matter, charge, gravitation and other forces. These links were originally theoretical and introduced as “fiddling factors” to ensure that the equations came to the “expected” answers. Later, the fundamental physical constants were measured or calculated with accuracies better than 1 part in a million. These constants turn up in the most unusual places both in the subatomic and the everyday world. This series of ten lectures will cover the discovery and application of these constants.
Curiosity is required. Only very simple maths is expected.
Tutors and Volunteers’ Afternoon Tea at 2.00 to 4.00pm on Tuesday 13th October
This event has been arranged at the Penrith RSL during the U3A holidays and we hope that many Tutors and Volunteers will be able to attend.
Invitations have been posted to all Tutors and Volunteers (we hope). If you are a Tutor or Volunteer and you have not received an Invitation, please blame Australia Post or someone other than us and contact the Office 4722 3405 and let them know if you will be attending.
The Annual General Meeting at 1.30pm on Thursday 12th November
This event has been arranged this year at the Penrith School of Arts.
Newsletters:
The closing date for submissions to the monthly Email Newsletter is one week before the end of each month. However, if you miss the date, your submission will go in the following month’s newsletter – if I remember. Submissions should be sent to the Office – Attention Curriculum Convener or preferably emailed to alanlees@y7mail.com
Next Committee Meeting
The next Committee Meeting will be held at the Penrith School of Arts at 1.30pm on Tuesday
15 September, 2009.
Disclaimer – Articles contributed to this Newsletter and published as a service to members; do not necessarily reflect the opinion or policy of this association. Articles are intended as opinions and items of debate only and should not be acted on without expert advice
200 Club TicketsGet your 200 Club tickets now Tickets are $10.00 each and run for 10 weeks Each ticket has 5 numbers based on the last 3 digits of the first lottery drawn on the Monday morning of the week. The competition commences on Monday 12 October 2009 and concludes on Monday 14 December 2009. There are only 200 tickets, so you have 1 chance in 20 of winning a weekly prize. Contact the office on 4722 3405 for further details or to order your tickets. All proceeds to the U3A 2010 Conference Fund. |
A Very Well-Planned RetirementFrom The London Times: May 15, 2009 And a disclaimer of my own: |
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