It’s great to see our wide range of classes settling in as members get better acquainted. Our 2022 program of Four O’clock Forums is also underway with a great talk by the Director of our Royal Botanic Gardens late last month, and a new Social Committee has been formed with the brief to give members the opportunity to once again enjoy the social side of their U3A membership.
Four O’clock Forums
Our Four O’clock Forums held at the end of the month got off to a great start this year. Dr. Tim Entwisle, Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, gave us an entertaining and informative history and overview of the Melbourne and Cranbourne Botanic Gardens with accompanying photos. It was fascinating to see what the initial garden in Melbourne looked like – all straight lines in contrast to the circular paths and structures of today. Like many in the audience, I was unaware that the Yarra River had been straightened, and a lake created to form the new garden.
It was perfect timing as my partner and I had just arranged to visit the Cranbourne Garden on the following Friday. Tim’s graphic descriptions made me much more aware of the thinking behind the plantings. A major planning consideration now is the impact of climate change and what is likely to survive in the future when temperatures continue to rise.
Watch for our future Four ‘clock Forums including one coming up on March 30, and another on April 27. Please see the article on “A Journey to the Toilet” for more information on our April Forum.
Changes to office procedures
We hope that we are through the busiest time of the year at the office when changes seem to be happening almost daily as we work out the best way of managing our procedures. Thanks to everyone, particularly Reception Desk Volunteers and Leaders, for their patience.
Social Committee
You will all no doubt be pleased to hear we again have a Social Committee. Vice President Gary Walker is the new Convenor who will work with an enthusiastic team to plan a program of fun events for 2022. I am sure that we are all ready for social activities after a couple of years of this pandemic.
Pictured at top at their first meeting are Social Committee members: (front row L-R) Elsie Mutton, Jenny Chalmers, Theresa Eaves, (back row L-R) Gary Walker, Paulina Chong, Carol Clough, Lorraine Fowles and June MacDonald.
Payment options
We are asking members to avoid using bank transfers as a way of paying your subscriptions for U3A Nunawading. Unfortunately, members are forgetting to add their member numbers and other identifying information, and it is taking too much time trying to figure out who this money has come from. You may still pay by bank card online or at our reception desk, or by cheque. Thank you for your cooperation with this request.
Please note that Term 1 ends on Friday 8 April and Term 2 begins on Tuesday 26 April, due to the Anzac Day public holiday on the Monday.
Liz Hooper
President (on behalf of the Committee of Management)