GRAFTON U3A APRIL 2017 PAGE 1

JABBER JOURNAL GRAFTON U3A INC. (UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE)

PO Box 688 Grafton NSW 2460 www.grafton.u3anet.org.au

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

APRIL 2017

IN THIS ISSUE

ANZAC DAY

COURSES/GROUPS NEWS

DATES FOR THE DIARY

EDITOR CONTACT

GEMS FOR ENQUIRING MINDS

JABBERFEST - APRIL

JABBERFEST – MARCH WRAP

J’FEST MORNING TEA ROSTER

LATERAL THINKING PUZZLE

NEW MEMBERS

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

SENIORS UNDER ATTACK

SENIORS WEEK ACTIVITIES

SNIPPETS FROM THE SHED

TOUCH OF HUMOUR

WORD PUZZLE

JABBERFEST 10 APRIL 2017 GRAFTON COMMUNITY CENTRE

GUEST SPEAKERS – GREG LAKE & GARY BROWN “THE NEW GRAFTON CORRECTIONAL CENTRE”

The New Grafton Correctional Centre will be a safe and secure correctional facility, accommodating up to 1,700 beds, servicing the Northern area of New South Wales and will be the primary correctional complex for the area from Queensland border to the North, Kempsey in the south-east and Tamworth in the south-west. Planning approval for the facility was granted on 14 March 2017. The new centre will be responsible for remand, reception and placement of specified offender groups and will feature state-of-the art security and surveillance. Rehabilitation services will be provided to reduce re-offending. AND SO TO OUR GUEST SPEAKERS…………… GREG LAKE is the project director for the facility. Greg leads the NSW Government Team in developing the specifications for the facility and had managed the process of identifying the preferred tender for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of the facility. GARY BROWN now leads the Northern Pathways consortium, which is made up of a number of organisation, including Serco, John Holland, Macquarie Capital and John Laing. Garry had lead the team through the tendering process and now leads the Northern Pathways consortium through the contract negotiations and into the construction period.

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MARCH JABBERFEST WRAP AND THE BENT BRIDGE FILM FESTIVAL Alysan Pender, courses/groups co-ordinator, welcomed 74 members and guests to March Jabberfest before referring to the observance of Seniors Week, International Womens Day and the French Film Festival held in Sydney. Alysan then commented on Clarence Valley Seniors Week activities as follows:

Shannon Creek Dam picnic. This outing was held in association with the Vietnam Veterans Association (VVA) and from all accounts was a most enjoyable day with glorious weather. Special thanks to Eric and Carol Lind from the VVA who did all the cooking and to the driver of the Community Bus used to transport the majority of the picnickers from and to Grafton.

“God’s Waiting Room” – performed at the Pelican Playhouse South Grafton A Seniors Week project involving four U3A members Dorothy Hillis (playwright), Rita Bullen (director) and thespians Alysan Pender and Helen Tucker. The performances over two weekends broke box office records. The play set in the fictional “Grafton Retirement Village addressed a wide range of issues with which seniors are familiar – loss of loved ones, ageing and facing significant life changes. Congratulations to Dorothy, Rita and the whole cast and crew for a wonderful production.

Mens Shed display at Clarence Regional Library The display of creations by the artisans at the Mens Shed was arranged by Peter Smyth and Robert Montgomery and will be on display for three weeks. Thanks to Peter and Robert for a great effort.

David Thompson then reported on another Seniors Week activity participating in the open day at the Croquet Club at Coutts Crossing. Transported by vintage Rolls Royce several of our members were treated to wonderful hospitality and learned the rules of the game before taking part in live games. The Club’s membership drive was very successful. At February Jabberfest, Expressions of Interest were called for a number of new and/or returning groups. As a result, Board Games, Scrabble and Guitar for Beginners did not attract sufficient interest, however, the other courses are up and running well. If you are interested in joining any course please contact the coordinator to ensure there is a vacancy. A special meeting of group coordinators and tutors held on 20 February was well attended and fruitful discussions took place. Bob Hayes of the South Grafton RSL Sub Branch addressed members providing details of the upcoming re-dedication of the South Grafton War Memorial on 26 March. Stan Mussared addressed members promoting the re-forming of the Chess group. Magda Mussared invited members to join Armchair Travel group to share their travel stories and photos and advised there will be no meeting in April due to Anzac Day. Following morning tea, Guest Speaker Wendy Gibbs was introduced by dear friend Marla Clarke. Wendy’s grandparents were involved in logging in Sydney so her relocation to Grafton was like moving home. She was involved in race cars, albeit at amateur level all around Australia winning the NSW Marque Sports Car Series in 1988 as well as other class trophies in Bathurst and competed in car rallies from Paris to Cannes and raced on the American East Coast. Retiring from her position handling wages and accounts, Wendy decided to take up screenwriting, a craft that involves the telling of a story in a way that captures the imagination of the director and producers after which they fill in the descriptive backgrounds. After studying screen writing online for twelve months and having moved to Grafton it was easy to lock herself away and write. Having a feature length film script under her wing she wanted to learn how films were the Clarence Valley made. She studied Screen & Media at Grafton TAFE and then noted there was nowhere to show their films. A Clarence Valley Regional Film Festival started but lasted only one year before Wendy picked it up eventually re-branding it to become the Bent Bridge Film Festival – the Clarence Valley’s own Film Festival encouraging local film makers to share their work with the community. Previously held initially at the Saraton and then the Pelican Playhouse in 2015 and 2016, it will be held at the Criterion Theatre this year on Sunday 9 April at 2.00pm due to clashing event dates. The Bent Bridge Film Festival in that it likes to share local stories. In 2016 the Festival showcased 15 short films including the ANZAC ride from Copmanhurst, Native Bee Expo held at Graton Racecourse, Alpacas from Lismore area, Freedom Riders from 1965, Days for Girls, Keep on Riding, Midnight in Brooklyn and a drama From the Fire by a TAFE student. Wendy then showed a number of film clips from the 2016 offerings. Wendy concluded her presentation showing two of her films – “South Grafton Breakfast Club” and her major project whilst studying at TAFE – “Soul Bearing”. She then fielded questions from the audience before being presented with a creation from the Mens Shed. The lucky door prize – also a creation from the artisans at the Shed was won by Warren Grant. Next committee meeting 20 March and next Jabberfest 10 April 10.00am.

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PRESIDENT’S LETTER…. Dear Members What a fascinating meeting watching the locally produced movies and short excerpts shown by a very enthusiastic speaker Wendy Gibbs who was very passionate about her topic. The next meeting should be also very interesting about the new Correctional Centre and current Government Policy. Seniors Week saw a small number of members head off to Coutts Crossing to play Croquet each day. Transported either there or back in a restored Rolls Royce and feted to a morning tea or lunch banquet by a very friendly membership who were more than willing to show us the ins and outs of the game everyone from U3A had a very enjoyable time.

(Sometimes there were more outs than ins as our balls were sent flying into the never-never. The response to their membership drive was so good that they have had to restrict new membership until the new croquet lawn is brought into use. I would like to welcome new members who recently joined U3A. This coming Wednesday 29 March at 3.00pm the Mens Shed is dedicating its new mural (weather permitting), which includes the current Mens Shed members. I look forward to seeing you all at the next Jabberfest.

David Thompson Phone – 6644 7782

JABBERFEST MORNING TEA ROSTER 10 APRIL Yvonne Gillette Val Woods Karmen Ward

8 MAY Una Stone Brenda Howe Sue Hereford-Ashley

19 JUNE Colleen Smyth Peter Smyth Eric Schaefer

10 JULY Dot Mears Cave Steiner Fay Martin

Jabberfest coordinator Mary-Lou Brown can be contacted on 6644 5167

WORD PUZZLE Find the RATS? The answer to each of the following ends in “RAT”.

1. This rat believes in Government by the people. 2. This rat is a dictator. 3. This rat is of noble birth. 4. This rat is an official who helps to govern. 5. This rat is rolling in wealth.

Solution to last month’s cryptogram puzzle - I’m at an age when my back goes out more than I do. Phyllis Diller.

LATERAL THINKING PUZZLE THE MAN IN THE BAR II - A man walked into a bar and asked for a drink. The man behind the bar pulled out a gun and shot the man. Why should that be so? LAST MONTH’S SOLUTION – The man had hiccups. The barman recognized this from his speech and drew the gun to give the man a shock. It worked and cured the hiccups, so the man was grateful and no longer need the water.

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COURSES/GROUPS NEWS ARMCHAIR TRAVEL – The group will NOT meet in April as the 4th Tuesday of the month will be Anzac Day. Next meeting will be 23 May. MENS SHED – Snippets from the shed – David Abrahams Photo shows several of our members at the re-dedication of the Glenugie Rest Area on the Pacific Highway. The area is a memorial to Brino and Spiro Notaras who were closely allied to the great timber resource nearby over their lifetime. The ceremony, held recently, was well attended and was a memorable occasion for our Shed, which has had a very close and beneficial association with the sawmill and family that will be ongoing. The table pictured is one of two built by the Shed at the original creation of the Area - well worth a 20 minute drive down the Highway to visit, pay tribute and see the story of these great and remarkable citizens of our valley.

SENIORS WEEK ACTIVITIES MENS SHED EXHIBITION The Clarence Regional Library is presently hosting a display cabinet showcasing creations by the artisans of the Mens Shed. The display was organised by Shed members Peter Smyth and Robert Montgomery. Well worth a visit!

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SHANNON CREEK DAM PICNIC Twenty five members enjoyed a delightful barbeque picnic day at Shannon Creek on a sunny Sunday March 5th. The large shelter with extensive seating was very welcome. Once the food was served the resident goanna (pictured) came around to try and cadge titbits from the participants but I think there was no sharing. The food was too nice to feed the fat goanna. A leisurely coffee or tea followed with some toothsome cakes thanks to Mary-Lou Brown and Leila Thomson. Eric and Carol Lynn organised the food, Jeff drove the bus and Morrie Duggan snapped the photos for us. Our sincere thanks to them all for a well organised, well-cooked lunch, safe driving and successful photo shoot. Fiona Duggan

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A TOUCH OF HUMOUR Four-year-old Megan used to go with her mother to Meals-on-Wheels. She was intrigued by the various walking sticks and walkers of old age. Then one day she was staring at a set of false teeth soaking in a glass. Her mother braced herself for a question but Megan just whispered to her: “The tooth fairy is not going to believe this!” Contributed by Fran Kelly

NEW MEMBERS We welcome new members June Dous, Val McClare, Lynette Sorenson and Glenice Moy. We trust that you enjoy your association with Grafton U3A and take the opportunity to avail of the various courses/interest groups on offer.

GEMs for Enquiring Minds Compiled for U3A Online by Rick Swindell “A CLOSED MIND GATHERS NO THOUGHT”

Cognitive Fitness GEM Your brain on exercise https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/02/170213171459.htm

General GEM Vitamin D protects against colds and flu, finds major global study https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/02/170216110002.htm

Fun GEMS Doom and Gloom. Every so often it’s great to remind yourself to smile, laugh, bounce, and feel good! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXvJ8UquYoo

Don’t forget to visit Google Arts and Culture frequently to browse the many changing exhibitions https://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/beta/

EDITOR CONTACT Contributions to the Jabber Journal are always welcome. We reserve the right to edit or refuse material submitted for publication. Closing date for the May edition of the Journal is Monday 24 April 2017. Editor Dennis Kelly thehifields@bigpond.com

SENIORS UNDER ATTACK THIS IS HAPPENING HERE IN OUR COUNTRY We must stop this immediately!

Have you noticed that stairs are getting steeper? Groceries are heavier and everything is further away. Yesterday I walked to the corner and was dumbfounded to discover how long our street had become! I note that people are less considerate now especially the young ones. They speak in whispers all the time! If you ask them to speak up they just keep repeating themselves, endlessly mouthing the same silent message until they are red in the face! What do they think I am – a lip reader?

I also think that they are much younger than I was at the same age. On the other hand, people my own age are so much older than I am. I ran into an old friend the other day and she has aged so much that she didn’t even recognize me. I got to thinking about the poor dear when I was combing my hair this morning, and in doing so I glanced at my own reflection – well really now – even mirrors are not made the way they used to be!

Another thing, everyone drives so fast these days! You’re risking life and limb if you happen to pull onto the freeway in front of them. All I can say is their brakes must wear out awfully fast, the way I see them screech and swerve in my rear view mirror. Clothing manufacturers are less civilized these days. Why else would they start labelling a size 32 waisted pant as 40? Do they think no one notices? The people who make bathroom scales are pulling the same prank: Do they think I actually ‘believe’ the number I see on that dial? HA! I would never let myself weigh that much! Just who do these people think they’re fooling? I’d like to call someone in authority to report what’s going on – but the telephone company is in on the conspiracy too: they’ve printed the phone books in such small type that no one can ever find a number in there!

All I can do is pass along this warning –

WE ARE UNDER ATTACK! Contributed by Alysan Pender