Moving Forward

An audio/visual system has been installed in our hall at the Penrith School of arts. This is a state of the art digital pro-logic system and as such should only be used by those who have been shown how to use it. The system comprises a remote controlled ceiling mounted screen and projector, audio equipment and 5 surround sound speakers plus 2 sub-woofers. Jim Tiberi will be conducting a training session soon for those who are interested in using it. Anyone interested please contact Jim Tiberi on 0419 493 959 or by email on jtiberi@optusnet.com.au

This equipment will not be available to hall hirers unless by special arrangement and then a U3A member will need to be present to operate it, at a cost.

We encourage class tutors to make use of it as an audio/visual aid to enhance their class presentations, depending on room availability. The system is not mobile, it is a permanent fixture in the hall. It will recognise audio CD’s, MP3’s, DVD’s and Blue Ray movies, it also has HDMI and VGA connections for computers . It supports 3 microphones - cordless handheld, cordless lapel and plug in, the microphones are controlled via a separate sound mixer. It does not have a VHS or Beta tape player though the facility is there to connect one if we wish to.

Having said all that, the system is reasonably easy to operate, it will automatically recognise the type of CD/DVD and adjust itself accordingly. The computer and microphones are selected with the press of a button as is the projector and screen.

We are looking at presenting a regular “Saturday Night at the Movies” night showing recent releases (from video hire outlets) and a short documentary. This could be a weekly or fortnightly event.

U3A will supply tea/coffee/biscuits, there will be a cost of $2 per person to cover cost of “refreshments”.

Keep an eye on our newsletters and webpage to see “what’s showing”.

General

Your committee can be justifiably proud of what we have achieved so far this year.

We can now focus on the future….one, two and three year plans. What needs to be done, what we can do and what we would like to do. In other words a wish list for U3A. I hope by the next meeting or two to present to the committee my thoughts for the future, I invite you our members, to do the same, your thoughts and ideas will be welcome.

Where do we want to be in three years’ time, how can we improve what we do, how can we better present what we have.

There is a lot of competition out there for seniors, many associations wanting seniors’ time and their membership, we are competitive now and we do get our share of members, we need to remain competitive. The best way to do that is to plan ahead and know where we are going.

Please contribute your thoughts by emailing us at: u3anepean@optusnet.com.au Or by post: PO Box 958 Penrith 2751