Clarence River U3A Inc The Clarion. Issue March 2020

I'd like to wish all our members a Happy New Year and hope that 2020 is a positive and healthy year for all. Many brave souls ventured out on a wild and rainy day on the 18th January to re-enrol in their favourite groups and to apply for membership to CRU3A. As of today, we have nearly 600 members and 40 groups, which is amazing for a community of this size.

My committee's commiserations and best wishes go to all those members affected by the drought, the fires and recently the floods. Our thanks go to many of our members who are members of the Red Cross, Rural Fire Brigades and SES to mention just a few of the hardworking organisations who were involved in the action and provided such wonderful support to those in need.In particular, I would like to mention the donations to the Rural Fire Brigades by our Croquet Group , "Let's All Sing Pub Choir" and ALBOC, demonstrating the community spirit that defines our region.

Sadly, we recently lost one of our long time members, John Moore. John is survived by his wife Beth, children and grandchildren. John was a very valued member of "Let's All Sing" and we will miss him.

Your Secretary Graham La Motte and I joined other office bearers from the Far North Coast Region of the U3A Network NSW Inc at a Regional Forum in February in Lismore organised by Roger Curran, the Region Representative. The President U3A Network NSW Laurene Mulcahy was guest speaker and provided much information on Good Governance as well as leading discussions on what U3A offers to our communities, and how to promote this. The group also shared success stories and other experiences. It was a very worthwhile morning and a full report was given to your management committee in February, so you can look forward to some new projects in 2020.

How many times have you been asked "What is CRU3A". What benefits do you get from being involved in CRU3A?" There is no better way to meet new friends and stave off loneliness and depression than joining CRU3A. Our super friendly organisation caters for S0's and over and we have so many varied and interesting groups conducted by volunteers, you could consider joining. We invite you to check out our website at cru3a.u3anet.org.au to find out more about our amazing organisation and how to join it. Please contact any committee member to find out more about what we do and how we do it. If you are already a member, encourage your friends to give one or more of our groups a trial.

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Since I sent my report to the Editors we have been effected by the COVID- 19 virus and life for us all has changed dramatically.

With COVID-19 we are facing unprecedented and challenging events. As an organisation, a community and Australians, it is important that we support each other. I would like to assure you that the committee is taking all necessary measures to support and protect you. We have instituted a number of actions to keep our members and our wider community as safe as practicable.

As always, the health and safety of our members is of great concern to us. So we have taken the decision to temporarily shut down all of our groups, indoor and outdoor in our commitment to safeguarding your health. We have been assisted in this action by some of our venues closing for the next couple of months. We will definitely not seek alternative venues I thank our Group Leaders for showing understanding of the difficulties for the committee as it makes decisions to support them and our members with everyone's safety and well being in mind.

We will provide further updates to members if there are any significant changes in circumstances. If you wish to discuss our approach, or if you have any questions, please contact me at lbobrien08@bigpond.com or at 0410 896 116.

The Widow and the Sales Manager.

A true story of true romance!

We first met in 1989 whilst working in a busy Sydney suburban real estate office. I was the sales manager and needed to find another sales person to join the team. The office advertised extensively and received a response from a widow with four kids who had never worked in real estate but was desperate to get a job to pay the household bills. We thought given her circumstances and that she seemed to have all the right skills for the position (and no one else had applied for job!) we'd offer it to her. It was a lucky day for both of us. She got the job and unknowingly it was the start of our life long partnership. We continued to work in that office until 2002 when it came time to retire. Right from the start there was an attraction which over time developed into a very strong relationship. Probably fair to say we fell in love.

When in 1998 our 10 year long-service leave came due we decided to combine that entitlement with our annual leave and take a three month holiday. The long holiday seemed to me a perfect opportunity to do something really special. I devised a secret three stage plan. This included a marriage proposal, the buying of an engagement ring and a marriage ceremony. Our friendly travel agent worked out an overseas itinerary with

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tours through Greece, Turkey and Italy staying roughly a month in each country. Perfect for my plan.

Part One - Sydney to Athens - The proposal in Greece

After a week seeing the main sights of Athens, getting accustomed to mid- day siestas and going out for dinner at about 9.00pm, we flew down to the beautiful island of Santorini. We stayed a week in a fantastic Greek style villa perched high on a hill, complete with infinity pool and overlooking the Aegean Sea. This island paradise was perfect for stage one "The Marriage Proposal".

One balmy evening we dined in a small restaurant just a short stroll along the headland from our villa. The courtyard setting featured stunning views with the moonlight shining on the smooth sea below. My intention was to pop the question after dinner and a few wines. All was going well until two noisy extrovert guys seated at a table close by started up a very loud conversation and ruined the mood for my well planned proposal. Frustratingly, postponement was necessary. We departed Santorini and travelled by ferry to the green island of Skopelos which is located just off the north east coast of mainland Greece. We stayed for a week visiting all the sites including two very interesting beaches one called Little Banana (topless) and the other called Big Banana - you've guessed it!

As Skopelos was to be our last Greek stop I was desperate to find another perfect location for the proposal. Fortunately, we found a small restaurant within a beautiful garden setting. After we had finished eating a traditional Greek dinner, I popped the question. She was completely caught by surprise because she never thought it would happen, and accepted my proposal with great happiness. We would have celebrated the special occasion with a glass of champagne but instead had to make do with a glass of port which was all the restaurant had available.

Part Two - Athens to Istanbul - Turkey, the engagement ring.

We stayed a few days in Istanbul before setting off on a three week bus journey throughout the whole of Turkey. We saw some fascinating sights and shared the trip with a great bunch of fellow travelers who had come from all over the world. The most memorable and moving experience was the visit to the Gallipoli war memorial site.

Stage two of my plan, buying the engagement ring, was to happen in Turkey. We had been told the Grand Bazaar was the best place to find a bargain. Although the Bazaar did have lots of modern glitzy jewelry shops the presence of high pressure salesmen standing outside each shop was a put

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off. Eventually we did find a funny little old shop which was not at all flash and decided that it would probably be the best place to find a good deal.

After long conversations with the young owners of the business and many glasses of apple tea a ring was finally chosen. In making this decision there had to be a great deal of trust on our part as we knew absolutely nothing about diamonds! Later valuation confirmed we had done a good deal. Phew!

The store would not accept my credit card so my new fiancee had to pay for her own engagement ring! With the help of the young shop owners we visited an authentic Turkish bath house where we enjoyed the full rub and scrub treatment. Later the boys took us to their local lunchtime restaurant and ordered for us a traditional Turkish meal. Due to the language barrier these wonderful experiences would not have been possible without their help.

Part Three - Istanbul to Rome - Italy the wedding

After visiting the sights of Rome we headed south along the Amalfie Coast to Sorento and Isle of Capri. Then back north to Florence where we bought our wedding rings. It was then on by train to Siena to pick a hire car and discover the difficulties of driving in Italy on the righthand side of the road! We headed for our accommodation located not far from the ancient walled city of San Gimignano. Our villa was one of four situated in the grounds of a vineyard which, when we arrived, was in the middle of the grape harvest.

The plan was to drive around the countryside, enjoy the views and at the same time find a church with a friendly priest who would be prepared to give us a blessing for our marriage. We drove around but surprisingly we were unable to find a church which was open or a priest who was available. Staying at the vineyard with us were a group of seven Americans who were touring together in a small bus. In talking to one of the ladies we discovered San Gimignano had a church which opened each day for the tourists (and also the best ice cream shop in the world). There was a monastery located next door to the church which we hoped would provide the priest we needed. Hooray! We could now make plans for our marriage ceremony.

Next day we were invited to the join the American group for dinner. They were planning to bring all the villas' dining tables together Italian style and cook a traditional Tuscan stew. We explained our marriage plan for that day to which they responded by saying our wedding would be a great opportunity for a big celebration. We headed off, dressed in our new best Italian made clothing to the church, in the hope of finding an available priest to give us the blessing.

Trying to find a priest who spoke English became too hard and we were running out of time to do the wedding bit and get to the restaurant which we had booked for lunch. We decided to sit in the church and say our own made up vows to one another. Trying to be as inconspicuous as possible and speaking very quietly we were hoping not to be too obvious. The church

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acoustics must have been very good because as we stood to leave a woman sitting a little behind us said "What you two just did was really lovely and would you like me to take a photo?"

The evening dinner was a terrific success as the group had gone to so much trouble providing champagne, food, drinks, and even a special wedding cake. We couldn't have wished for a better wedding celebration. We stayed in touch with these lovely people for many years until a big cyclone struck the Florida coast forcing them to move to new addresses. With the holiday now coming to a close, we headed back to Rome for the homeward flight to Sydney.

Sydney - happy ever after!

About a month after arriving home the marriage was made official at the Sydney Registry Office. I am pleased to say we still are very happily married and are enjoying life in beautiful Yamba.

We hope you enjoyed reading our story, that it brought a smile to your face and some warmth to your heart.

Poem by Ros Higgins

Empty Chair

Crossing the sensuous bridge the estuary bleeds into sky. Old cottage. tumbled with flotsam scrambling geraniums folding into mangroves. Slipway empty gone the solid clinker boat, as seasoned as the old man. I miss the ritual, slowly the net set wide deliberate drawing-in of mullet and pelican

Now an empty chair in grassy solitude

Lino Print,

'Leaf' by Suzanne Cole

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Clarion's interview with Patricia Kan. Group Leader for A Little Bit Of Culture.

"Life experiences have made me the person I am today, compassionate, understanding, community minded, hard-working." Those who know Patricia Kan will agree with this description of herself, but few will know the extent of her community activities and achievements.

As a young mum, she was asked to contribute at the school her daughter attended, this started her community involvement and she ended up as President of the Mothers Club. Community involvement continued when the family moved up to the Central Coast in 1970 to live at Gwandalan on Lake Macquarie where, as well as working, she alternated between President & Secretary of the Gwandalan Public School P&C Association and was also on the Committee of the Munmorah Junior Rugby League Football Club.

Unfortunately her marriage ended in 1985. One year later she met Andy and they married in 1987. During those years they built a house and on weekends she and Andy converted a racing catamaran into a cruising catamaran, a project Andy had been working on for the previous four years. They purchased land at Agnes Water, Queensland and when the conversion of "Big Bandicoot" was completed they left the Central Coast and sailed into Round Hill Creek, Seventeen Seventy in December 1990.

The years following proved to be the most amazing period of her life. There she began to flourish as a community 'get things done person'. Her involvement in her community and civic activities in these years enriched both herself and the communities in the area she worked for. In 1997 she was elected as a Councillor of her local Shire and represented the Community for six years, working with enormous energy within the community. Amongst many achievements she instigated the process to establish a local ambulance service, co-edited the Shire paper "The Local Rag/Coastal Rag." She mentored and worked with the local youth in their efforts to raise funds for a skate park and was successful in the establishment of a youth worker for the area.

In 2000 her presentation to the Bundaberg & District Division of General Practice on behalf of the community, started a process which ended in $1.9 million being allocated for Health and allied services in the community. In 2002 she was awarded Citizen of The Year, her certificate is proudly displayed along with many others in her home in Ashby.

One of her happiest achievements was her instigating and coordinating the first 1770 Captain Cook Festival in 1993, still a major regional festival event. She is proud of the success of her approach to the Gurang Gurang people as original owners of the land asking if they would join with the festival, they accepted and have been part of every festival since then.

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The move to Ashby in 2003 was with a promise to her husband Andy to not become so involved with community activities. At first, keeping this promise wasn't too hard as they had designed and were building their home together which took up most of her time, although she still managed to find time to volunteer at the Ashby markets and the Uniting Church Op shop in Maclean.

During this time Andy had joined CRu3a and he, along with Allan Woods, attended a CRu3a Committee Meeting to seek approval to form a Men's Shed group. The Men's Shed was given the Committee's approval and a site was offered to them by Bill Burns on his property at Romiaka Channel. After a lot of hard work to get the disused milking shed up to standard the Men's Shed began operating there in 2006.

The Men's Shed had been active for a while when Council advised by a letter in 2009 that they were not happy with the road access into the property as it was dangerous, and asked them to cease operating. By this time Patricia was on the CRu3a Committee and when she was shown the letter by the then President Alan Woods, Patricia advised him not to shut down. Having been a Councillor she knew the letter had not followed proper procedures, but at the same time she recognised that the Council's argument was valid. With her wide experience of local government law and knowledge of the way local authorities worked she took up the Men's Shed cause, and with the Committee's approval, arranged a meeting with Council.

After much discussion and meetings, the first offer of land was made, however it was not acceptable being close to the Townsend old tip site. On 4th January, 2010 Patricia e-mailed a letter to all CVC Councillors seeking support to encourage Council to provide funding to develop the Community Land in Jubilee Street, Townsend. Council did support the project and made the community land available. Patricia found out that there were grants available from the 2010 NSW Government's Community Building Partnership program and with the help of Clarence Valley Council's Assets Co-ordinator, Toni Hawkins an application was submitted for funding. On 9th December, 2010 the great news came through to say that the application had been successful to the amount of $68,553. At its February, 2011 meeting, CVC allocated about $40,000 to help with the project. Patricia is very proud to have been involved in this project and is now an honorary member of the Women's Shed.

Patricia has spent time on the CRu3a Committee serving for four years taking on a number of active roles including, Publicity Officer, Clarion Editor, Entertainment Officer, Outings Officer and Exhibitions Officer. Long standing members will remember the big CRu3a exhibitions held at the Golf Club organised by her during this time.

The group A Little Bit of Culture has been going for over 10 years and evolved from Patricia's love for the theatre and the movies and wanting others to share this with her. It first started with movie visits and then grew to lunching together afterwards. Through contact with the local bus company she is able to organise for ALBOC members to take part in trips to Brisbane

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for live performances. Activities have grown, as have numbers, now there are around 180 members in the group, not all attending everything of course! Amongst the regular members there is strong bond of friendship which has grown over the years. There is always a variety of things on offer, with generally two activities a month. Last year, not counting the weekly cinema visits, Patricia offered the group over 20 different outings from Brisbane to Coffs, from live shows to excursions. Many being to support the local community groups who are putting on an event or a show in the Clarence Valley, such support being close to Patricia's heart.

As you can imagine, organising all this takes up considerable time, close to three days a week. Is it worth it? Definitely yes! She says she is richly rewarded in seeing the friendship and enjoyment amongst the members.

We asked Patricia what had been the most memorable occasion in ALBOC for her. She replied "I can't say that there has been any one occasion because each outing is different and the enjoyment is in the response of the people and the involvement in the activity. The friendships that have formed through ALBOC are lovely to witness - I have been told that being in my group saved some members lives because they have moved from loneliness to friendship, and that is something I treasure."

ALBOC has its own face book page and will continue to support local and community activities.

ALBOC members in happier days!

Fun! Fun! Fun!

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Time for laughter A Group of guys, all turning 40, discussed where they should meet for lunch. Finally it was agreed that they would meet at Wetherspoons in Uxbridge because the waitresses had big breasts and wore mini-skirts. Ten years later, at age 50, the friends once again discussed where they should meet for lunch. Finally it was agreed that they would meet at Wetherspoons in Uxbridge because the waitresses were attractive. The food and service was good and the beer selection was excellent. Ten years later, at age 60, the friends again discussed where they should meet for lunch. Finally it was agreed that they would meet at Wetherspoons in Uxbridge because there was plenty of parking, they could dine in peace and quiet with no loud music, and it was good value for money. Ten years later, at age 70, the friends discussed where they should meet for lunch. Finally it was agreed that they would meet at Wetherspoons in Uxbridge because the restaurant was wheelchair accessible and had a toilet for the disabled. Ten years later, at age 80, the friends discussed where they should meet for lunch. Finally it was agreed that they would meet at Wetherspoons in Uxbridge because they had never been there before.

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It's limerick time!

The Clarion is holding a limerick competition and even offering a prize besides the amusement and brain stretching. (Prize to be announced!) The rules are: 1. You must be a CRU3A member to submit. 2. Your entry must be original. 3. No more than 3 entries per member 4. Entries must be received by Monday 18th May 2020. 5. Your name must be attached to your submission. 6. Send entries to clarionmailbox@iinet.net.au

or The Clarion, Clarence River U3A, P.O.Box 310. Maclean. NSW 2463 7. The Editors' decision is final.

Winning entries (if not too rude) will be printed in the next issue

Here is an example

There once was a fellow named Hardy Who ordered a triple Bacardi. He knocked it right back, Got as drunk as a sack, And arrived home that night rather tardy.

by Oliver Tearle.luck!

More lino prints by Sue Cole

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The Clarion Photographic Competion

Many of us enjoy taking photographs especially now it is so easy with our mobile phone cameras. Among the thousands stored away on our various electronic devises there must be some beauties. The Clarion is holding a photo competition entitled 'My Best Photo". It can be any subject, any where. It must be your best - not that travel picture that means so much to you but is just another crowded beach scene to everyone else! So why not spend some of this quiet time on searching out your talents for your fellow members to admire. You can send in details about when and why taken if you wish.

Photographic Competition Rules

1. You must be a CRU3A member 2. It must be a photo taken by you 3. No more than 3 entries per person 4. Entries must be received by 18th May 2020 5. Your name and email address/address must be attached to your entry. 6. Send entries to clarionmail@iinet.net.au

or, The Clarion, Clarence River U3A. P.O.Box 310. Maclean. NSW 2463 7. The Editors decision is final

Winning photos will be printed in the next issue. We may even have a prize on offer!

WATER IN THE CARBURETOR

WIFE: "There is trouble with the car. It has water in the carburetor." HUSBAND: "Water in the carburetor? That's ridiculous" WIFE: "I tell you the car has water in the carburetor." HUSBAND: "You don't even know what a carburetor is. I'll check it out. Where's the car? WIFE: "In the pool".

We hope you have enjoyed this issue of the Clarion. As you can see much of the contents has come from members and that is how we want it to be. So, if you have an interesting story you would like to share (thanks, Di & Richard) or a piece of writing, a drawing, a poem a painting or a photo of your group activities then send it in and make the next issue interesting reading too.

With the shutdown of group activities The Clarion is one way we can all keep in touch and we need to keep the Clarence Valley U3A spirit alive in these disparate times.

Our address is clarionmail@iinet.net.au or Clarion Editors P.O.Box 310, Maclean. 2463

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Christmas is long gone, but here are some photos of groups having their Christmas celebrations. Can you work out which photo is of which group? (No prizes!)

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Here is a mixture of photos taken since the last AGM, showing a range of CRU3A activites. Note we can only publish what is sent to us. If your group is missing, when you get back together again take some photos. It would be great to see the smiling faces of members as they get back together again.

AGM

Signing On Day

Shed Ukes rehearsal

The Tea Party

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We are all having to spend a lot of time at home with lessening 'to do lists' no doubt. The editors have produced a couple of puzzles for you. No prizes - just something to do if you get bored. We think they are not too bad, but are sure there are members who can produce some good teasers. Send them in to clarionmailbox@iinet.net.au and we'll ask the Committee if they can be sent around to every one via the Notice Board

ARTIST BOOKS BUILDING CAMPING COMMITTEE COMMUNICATE COMPANIONSHIP COMPETITION CROQUET CULTURE

DISCUSSION ELDERLY EXCITEMENT FRIENDSHIP GARDENING LAUGHTER LEADER LEARNING MAHJONG MALLET

MEETINGS MOTIVATION MOVIES POETRY POTTERY SINGING TALENT TRAVEL UNDERSTANDING WALKING

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More humour

The Importance Of An Occupation After Retirement

As we get older we sometimes begin to doubt our ability to "Make a difference" in the world. It is at these times that our hopes are boosted by the remarkable achievements of other "Seniors" who have found the courage to take on challenges that would make many of us wither. Harold Schlumberg is such a person. This is quoted from Harold: "I've often been asked, 'What do you do now that you're retired?' Well...l'm fortunate to have a chemical engineering background and one of the things I enjoy most is converting beer, wine and whiskey into urine. It's rewarding, uplifting, satisfying and fulfilling. I do it every day and I really enjoy it." Harold Is An Inspiration To Us All.