Newsletter February 2010

Presidents report

Thank you to all who came to the AGM and elected your officers for the coming year - another hard-fought election!
Of course, most of the gratifyingly large turnout of about 120 came to hear Rodney Walshe, Ireland’s Consul-General. Rodney did not disappoint our expectations; he was witty and very informative. I am sure most of us had not realised that, however much Ireland has gained by membership of the European Community, the groundwork, especially in education, had been laid decades before.
U3A Tauranga is in a healthy state and much of this success can be attributed to the enthusiasm and hard work of our three new Life Members: Warwick Kingston-Smith, Ken Rose and Peter Simmons. Life Membership in these cases is not only a ‘thanks’ for the offices they have held, but their continued and continual contributions to U3A – as Jean Davis so gracefully described.
Research has shown that members of U3A live longer and happier lives than the average. Actually, I made that up. But I’m sure it’s true. Let us hope U3A Tauranga continues to flourish and that 2010 is another successful year.
Martin Dumbill.

Congratulations

One of our members was honoured in this year’s New Years Honours List. Dorothy Stewart was awarded the Q.S.M. (Queen Service Medal) for her work in the areas of Health and The Aged, ‘Those vulnerable people who don’t have a voice’, she said.
Dorothy belongs to the U3A Book Lovers 1 group, Jazz & Blues and NZ’s First 1000 years.
The Library’s proposed book charge is something Dorothy feels strongly about. She feels literacy in this country needs to be addressed positively rather than adding charges against the minimum incomes of students and the elderly. ‘We have a responsibility to leave a legacy’ she said. ‘No other Library in the world
charges so why should we promote a negative precedent? I want my grandchildren to have the joy of attending their Library without costs being incurred.’
Dorothy is a member of the National Council of Women, Sec of the Tga Council Health Liaison Group, on the Committee for The Aged, on the Board of the National Board of Aged Concern NZ. She is a member of the Tga Elders Forum and of Positive Aging Tauranga.
Dorothy has lived in Tauranga for 33 years. U3A give their congratulations to this hard working lady with her charming and positive attitude. She deserves the honour.

Welcome to New Members for 2010

Neville & Aileen GOODMAN
Susan BARCLAY
Suzanne MacDOUGALL Shirley BRANDER
Vivienne POINTON Audrey BREE
Cedric SUTHERLAND Ruth CLOUGHER
Helen DONALDSON Alan NELMES
Atholene LEWES Peter CARRUTHERS
Karlene BURNS Judy KELLY
Beverley SIMS Joy VINCENT
Diane RHODES Elaine HOLLINS
Gerard MARKS

Date: 19th March 2009
Venue: Wesley Church Hall, 12th Ave.
Time: 10am – 12 noon
1st Speaker: Check the U3A Website for this
2nd Speaker: information
www.u3atauranga.co.nz

Convenors Meetings to be held on 31st March and 29th September, Wesley Church Lounge 10 am. All convenors are encouraged to attend.
New Members Meetings to be held 29th March, 29th July and 29th November.
Newsletter. From this edition onwards the Newsletter can be read on the Website.
Publicity. If you know a spot where an A3 sized U3A poster could be placed please contact Vice President Ken Gillan Ph 572-3467
Information booklet with the application form has been updated. Available from Ken Gillan, at General Meetings, Tga. Library etc. or from committee members.
U3A ON LINE. Letter received from Dianne Delchau, President of U3A Online. Sent to all U3A’s in Australia and NZ advising how U3A Online courses may be utilized by our own U3A. 35 courses are available to members. Each course is fully documented, illustrated and accompanied by writer’s notes and references. Members download the course of their choice and then present it in the customary classroom scenario. These may compliment material an existing member is using. This eases work in preparation. Some are using the courses as a convenient resource. The resulting classes run in a self-directed fashion. Whichever way the material is used, feed-back is that the courses are valuable for ease of access, convenience and quality.
Costs are involved for a Site Licence which can be completed online.
Website: www.u3aonline.org.au
Email contact: dianned47@gmail.com
Executive Committee List will be inserted in this February Newsletter.
Next Executive Meeting: Friday 12th March 1.30pm.

PATRICK NOLAN. Dec 2009
As I sat and listened to Patrick Nolan, I realised what a dull and boring life I’ve led. Despite doing many things I’ve considered exciting, nothing could quite eclipse the life of ‘Beefeater’ Patrick Nolan, one of 35 contemporary historian and tour guides called ‘Yeoman Warders’ at HM Royal Palace and Fortress, the Tower of London.
Patrick is tall and with a deep, booming voice, ideal for the life he led over the last few years. Standing before us, resplendent in his red and blue uniform, I realised how true is the saying that women go gaga over men in uniform. When visiting the Tower, how many of us have meekly followed a warder around and listened to him telling us of its colourful, sometimes notorious, history.
Patrick joined the army at 15 years as a ‘carpentry’ cadet. After the Trade Board Certificate, he went to Papakura, then to Vietnam, Waiouru, Hopu-Hopu, Singapore, Burnham, the Middle East and Antarctica. He retired and went to London where he applied to become a Yeoman Warder. Applicants have to have 22 years of service and Patrick had this. He had retired as a Warrant Officer – A Sergeant Major, and with this background, plus Long Service and Good Conduct Medals, his application was accepted.
It might be noted that a ‘Colonial’ soldier had never been appointed before. Yeoman Warders were originally formed in 1485 as Henry V111’s bodyguard.
As a Yeoman Warder, Patrick and his wife Dawn, lived in the Tower, in an apartment that spanned the depth of the Tower wall, approx. 40ft wide by 30ft deep. It was 1000 years old – Henry V111 had to walk past his stairs to get to the Armoury – so history was always knocking on Patrick’s door, so to speak!
He had to buy his resplendent Tudor State dress uniform, (designed in 1552), also his blue everyday ‘undress’ uniform (granted by Queen Victoria in 1858) plus his hats, at a cost of many thousands of pounds.
He had to remember the extensive tour language and tour guide booklet, so he tried to learn a paragraph a day. He was tested and passed by the Chief Yeoman Warder. A tour would normally last about an hour, so there was a lot of information to learn. He joked that the ‘most dangerous’ person in the Tower on tour is an American girl majoring in Tudor History!
One of his duties consisted of participating in the ‘Ceremony of The Keys’ when the Tower is locked up for the night. Patrick told us anyone can apply to be at this ceremony. Simply write to the Tower of London, stating the times you would be available to attend, how many in the group and enclose an international reply-paid envelope.
He told us about the ‘bad-tempered’ ravens and the ‘fun’ he had trying to stop them swinging on his uniform ‘skirt’ as he gave his tour blurb in front of the tourists. Once he tried to swipe a bird with his hat, but it pecked a hole right through it. Patrick didn’t try that again!
Patrick was the representative in Europe for the Royal N.Z. RSA.
Recently retired and living back in NZ, Patrick has been busy giving talks to groups like U3A – 80 presentations in fact! Patrick is currently the gardener at Legacy Funerals. Although he is very matter-of-fact as he tells us his history, he sounds rather nostalgic for the seemingly glamorous life he led.
We all look back with longing at things that ‘were’ but learning to live with the things that ‘are’ is the challenge for all of us.
By Angela Dold. Ph 571-6767

We are back to our groups and catching up with all our U3A friends. The 2010 Handbook looks great and I am sure you will enjoy your copy which you will receive when you pay your subscription.
Thanks to those Conveners who have returned their group’s attendance sheet for 2009. There are still many groups I have not heard from. It’s not too late to send them to me: 28c Miro St, Tauranga 3116.

Suggestion for a new Group.
A Theatre Group has been suggested by Mary Brooks. As there are a number of members who would like to attend shows at Baycourt, 16th Avenue Theatre, or at other venues, she feels to be able to attend as part of a group would be enjoyed by all.
Mary would do a block booking for those interested. Exact details will be worked out if there is enough interest. Numbers would be restricted to 20. If you are interested contact Mary Brooks, Ph 578-5600 or myself, Thelma Cane 574-6222.

Suggested Anthropology Group I have three members interested in forming this group. Are there any more?

A second Philosophy group is looking at being formed. If you are interested please contact me, Thelma Cane 574-6222.

500 Cards in Tauranga has restarted and would welcome more members. Ph Jill Nutsford 578-0930.

Groups needing more members
Bridge
Music Appreciation 1. Technology Old and New
Antiques & Collectables
German Conversation
Jazz & Blues Apprec.1.
French Conversation
Jazz & Blues Apprec.2
Global Issues
History of NZ – last 1000 years
Current Events E
Music Appreciation 2
Science today. 579-1590 or 576-6267
Wordsmiths

Art Appreciation
This group has changed its name to Art As You Like It. Please change this in your handbook. The group is also changing the format of its meetings. The group will choose a country and study the art, crafts, culture and other interesting things pertaining to that country. An interesting programme has been planned. New members are very welcome.
The convenor, venue, meetings and time remain as published in the 2010 Handbook.

New Groups:

TRAMPING
The aim of the group is to provide fitness and fellowship for all those who enjoy walking for pleasure in NZ’s bush and park environment. We plan to use regional parks, forests, beaches, lakes and areas of outstanding interest. We will undertake moderate to more challenging tramps taking from 2-5 hours.

First tramp – 4th March. Te Waihau Walkway. An easy walk to get the group stated. Duration 3 hours.
25th March. Aongatete Lodge Tracks. Short Loop – 1 hour easy walk. Long loop – 3 ½ hrs – stream crossings.

Convenor: To be appointed
Contacts: Jim Taylor 543-0339
Thelma Cane 574-6222
Keith McLeod 570-2638
Venue: To be arranged each tramp.
Meetings: 1st & 4th Thursday of each month
Time: To be advised, usually leaving between 8 & 9am

..........For the Computer Help Group? Please contact Thelma 574-6222 if you can help this group.

..........Do we have a member who would convene another Computer Help Group? Please contact Thelma 574-6222.

..........Is anyone interested in a Beginners French Group? Contact Thelma 574-6222.

Geology 2. This is a new group that started last year. They are an enthusiastic group with diverse geological interests – but lack expertise. Do we have a geologist in U3A who could help this group so they can keep meeting? Please contact Keith McLeod, 570-2638 or Thelma Ph 574-6222.

Group Changes
Sequence Dancing: Change of Venue to St. Mary’s Church Hall, Corner Girven & Marlin Sts, Mt Maunganui. First meeting is 5th March, 1pm to 3pm.

Art Practical Group 2: Change of Venue to Tauranga Councils Community Centre, Elizabeth St, Tauranga. This is opposite the Arts Centre where they met last year.

Films: Festival & Foreign A.
Venue: 67 Oceanbeach Rd, Mt. Maunganui.

PRESIDENTS REPORT – 2009

Another successful year – 2009 – has passed.
U3A Tauranga remains strong, positive and dedicated to learning.
It was a pleasure to work with a Committee that never questioned any additional workload. All members were motivated and committed to keep U3A the successful organisation it has been in the past.
There are some members of the committee who are retiring.
First of all, Jean Davis, our Past President, thank you Jean for standing in for me, when Vice President Martin and I were away at the same time last year. Jean, you have been a pillar of strength for our committee and U3A for quite a few years and we will miss you. During your presidency in 2008 the executive job descriptions were re-written and the committee adopted the ‘Statement of Our organisation’, Our Purpose’ and our ‘Guiding Principles’.
I would also like to thank our secretary Diana Bergerson for her dedicated service over the past years. Extremely well organised, always timely with the production of reports and minutes. Diana’s ability has been essential to the success of U3A Tauranga.
Ann Rynex, our Publications Editor, gave the Newsletter a stylish, informative and creative ‘image’. Thank you Ann.
To the rest of you who will be candidates for the next U3A year I would like to say thanks for your hard work and dedication to the Committee.
Martin Dumbill, our Vice President, has been a wonderful back-up for me and will have my full support if elected as your next President.
A big thank you to Paul Wooding, who took over from Gordon Brown as Treasurer, in July 2009. I know it took some convincing, but now Paul likes the job so much he will stand again for Treasurer. Thanks for a job well done.
Another especially important Committee member is Thelma Cane, who supervised as Group Facilitator, supporting the entire group of Convenors of U3A Tauranga. The Groups and the Convenors are the heart of U3A and Thelma, you looked after all of them in a caring, understanding, positive and effective way. Thank you. Thelma is assisted by Doreen Anderson. A big thank you also to Doreen.
Our Membership Secretary Janet Ormsby is not only well organised but is always willing to take on extra jobs. Janet will not stand as Membership Secretary but has been asked to take over the position of Publications. Janet will work with the nominee of Membership Secretary, Winn Tipping.
The new Vice President candidate is our always cheerful positive and helpful present Publicity Secretary, Ken Gillan. He will be replaced, hopefully, by Angela Dold.
Thank you to Jim Taylor who has organised speakers for the General Meetings.
Finally, Jean Needham, for looking after the archives so well. Jean will not be standing again so we are still looking for a person to nominate for the position of Archivist.
Thank you to some other people who are not committee members but deserve our thanks: Peter Simmons for many hours applying for and being successful in getting COGS funding for us; Alan Freer, who looks after our Website; And Doris Hamer, our Almoner.
I would also like to thank those people who set up our monthly General Meeting and do the clean-up afterwards. Also thanks to David Walpole, Ken Rose and Warwick Kingston-Smith who are responsible for the sound system and thus essential to the success of these meetings.
Thank you to Nancy Betts for doing a great job collecting the entrance fee. We are also grateful to the Kindergarten ladies as they still supply us with morning tea at a reasonable price.
The Monthly General Meetings have been well attended with some interesting speakers. Last August we held a special morning tea to celebrate the joy of learning. During this General Meeting we were ‘entertained’ by several groups who demonstrated their skills.
Our End of Year Function in the 1920’s spirit was like the previous year, an outstanding success.
2009 was a year of consolidation. In 2008 we attended the 70’s+ Expo as a major membership drive where we had a huge response. The committee decided that in 2009 we would work on absorbing all these new members into existing and newly created groups. We were sometimes not able to accommodate all new members immediately as there were not enough vacancies in existing groups. The year 2008 ended with 630 members. We finished 2009 with 594 members. We believe the apparent reduction was due to the dropping off of those who joined us in a fit of enthusiasm at the Seniors Expo Membership Drive. 107 new members joined during 2009. U3A Tauranga is now one of the largest U3A groups in New Zealand.
U3A was advertised around Tauranga, mainly at the Libraries, the Citizens Advice Bureau and in Community Newspapers. The best publicity is ‘word of mouth’. If you find membership of U3A fulfilling - just spread the word.
Of course, central to U3A are the groups, making the position of Group Convenor the most important of all. Thelma’s capable management of Convenors and the encouragement to develop new groups has caused members to feel confident and satisfied with the work we do, which is the function of U3A. We started 2009 with 60 groups. We now have 69.
In an organisation like ours it is inevitable we lose some members and also this year, among them one of our Life Members, Les Bond.
It has been a privilege to serve you as your President for a group full of positive enthusiasm, and to be involved in the administration of U3A.
I am very conscious of the effort of a number of members who have been involved for a long time. I am pleased to see the contributions of three members, Ken Rose, Warwick Kingston-Smith and Peter Simmons, who have been recognised today.
Thank you all for your support and I wish the incoming committee good luck, and to all members, lots of fun in your endeavour to continue learning.

Thank you.
Uli Hoppe. AGM, U3A Tauranga Inc. 19th Feb.2010.

NATURE STUDY GROUP

Anyone interest in this trip please ring Ken or Kath Rose 572-4472.

Aongatete two night stay.
The Nature Study/Walking group are organising a two night’s stay at Aongatete Lodge in the lower Kaimai Ranges. We need twenty people who are interested in the outdoors. There are five places still to fill before we can make the booking; we are working on 20 people, although we may exceed this number slightly if there is interest.
The planned dates are Monday 21st and Tuesday 22nd November this year.
The programme, although not fixed, will include bush walking, river swimming if there is an interest, evening BBQ’s and some friendly social interaction.
The cost is very reasonable at $15.00 per night, per person. We need $10 of that to secure the booking.
The reason for the long lead time to the scheduled dates is the popularity of the lodge and the need to book in plenty of time to secure the dates.

Location: Situated in a sunny clearing within the pristine bush of the Kaimai Mamaku State Forest Park with clear fresh water streams nearby.
Accommodation: Sleeps up to 92 in three separate areas. Rooms are equipped with bunk beds, each room containing approx six bunks. Self cater with fully equipped commercial kitchen and large dining/activities hall.
Walks around the Aongatete: Aongatete lodge is an education Lodge, in the Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park, which is situated in lovely lowland podocarp-broadleaf forest with a variety of native species. The walks vary from a short nature trail to a more demanding three-and-a-half hour tramp.
Nature trail loop: The loop track starts at the lodge, behind the ablution block. Follow the track to a junction where the nature-trail branches to the right and returns to the lodge.
Loop Walks: Short loop (easy walking, 1hr return). Follow the loop track to a left-hand branch; turn left for the short loop, a well graded walk to another left turn, then to a stile over a fence on the edge of the bush and across a paddock to the car park.
The Long Loop (moderate tramping, 2.5hrs return; Follow the loop track to a left-hand branch, straight ahead is the long loop track; the long loop track is more difficult, with stream crossings. Boots are recommended.
Aongatete River: (Moderate walking, 1hr return) A track from the western side of the lodge leads to the river. A left branch after 15 minutes leads to some attractive swimming holes. Return by the same route. The track may be slippery in damp conditions.

Ken Rose. Ph 572-4472. kenrose@kinect.co.nz

Address: U3A Tauranga Inc. PO Box 14453, Tga 3143
Website:www.u3atauranga.org.nz

Almoner: Doris Hamer. Ph 571-8184. hamer@bopis.co.nz
Please contact Doris if you are aware of a member’s death. Please also advise the Membership Secretary so records can be adjusted.
We consider Doris an important member of U3A, but she can fulfil this position only if she receives the information she needs. Doris, you are appreciated.

Articles in this spot are provided by you and should relate to your group interest. If the article is long it may need to be split between publications. (250-300 Words is preferred).
March Newsletter will contain an article on selenium, sent in from the Health Improvement Group.

Membership as at: 25 Feb 20010 605
Financial Members: 375
Number of groups: 69

Sincere thanks to those who have paid their subs. Be assured your prompt payments have saved time and meant your handbooks have been delivered ready for you at the beginning of the year. The payment of subscriptions by Internet Banking has proved popular and successful.

Here is the second Newsletter for 2010 with a new look. Do you like it?
Please contact me (preferably by email) with items for the N.L. (Newsletter). Send them to me and please be patient. I’ll fit items in as priority and space is available. If you find errors send me an email so I can ensure the master copy remains correct.
Inserted is the 2010 Executive Committee list elected at the AGM. Once again U3A Tauranga has an executive with enthusiasm, expertise and a desire to serve you. This list replaces page 5 of your handbook. www.u3atauranga.org.nz

This Newsletter is
HUGE.
We hope you have
enjoyed it.

HOT NEWS: This newsletter will be placed on our website. Have a look and see what other groups are up to.

Aongatete two night stay.

The Nature Study / Walking group are organising a two night’s stay at Aongatete Lodge in the lower Kaimai Ranges. We need twenty people who are interested in the outdoors. There are 5 places still to fill before we can make the booking; we are working on 20 people, although we may exceed this number slightly if there is interest. The planned dates are the Monday 21st and Tuesday 22nd of November this year. The programme although not fixed will include bush walking, river swimming if there is an interest, evening BBQ’s and some friendly social interaction. The cost is a very reasonable $15.00 per night per person and we need $10.00 of that to secure the booking.
The reason for the long lead time to the scheduled dates is the popularity of the lodge and the need to book in plenty of time to secure the dates.
If you are interested contact Ken or Kath Rose on 572 4472.

Location:
Situated in a sunny clearing within the pristine bush of the Kaimai Mamaku State Forest Park with clear fresh water streams nearby.
Accommodation:
Sleeps up to 92 in three separate areas. Rooms are equipped with bunk beds, each room containing approx 6 bunks.
Self cater with fully equipped commercial kitchen and large dining/activities hall.
Walks around the Aongatete:
Aongatete lodge is an education Lodge, in the Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park, take is situated in lovely lowland podocarp-broadleaf forest with a variety of native species. The walks vary from a short nature trail to a more demanding three-and-a-half hour tramp.
Nature trail loop:
The loop track starts at the lodge, behind the ablution block. Follow the track to a junction
where the nature-trail branches to the right and returns to the lodge.
Loop walks
Short loop (easy walking, 1hr return) Follow the loop track to a left-hand branch; turn left for the short loop, a well graded walk to another left turn, then to a stile over a fence on the edge of the bush and across a paddock to the car park.
Long loop (moderate tramping, 3.5hrs return: Follow the loop track to a left-hand branch, straight ahead is the long loop track; the long loop track is more difficult, with stream crossings. Boots are recommended.
Aongatete River
(Moderate walking, 1hr return) A track from the western side of the lodge leads to the river. A left branch after 15 minutes leads to some attractive swimming holes. Return by the same route. The track may be slippery in damp conditions.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jc-r3IRiweo&feature=related

http://www.destinationoutdoors.co.nz/themedetail3.asp?itord=&mapid=10

http://www.Conveners Record Sheet/Word Conveners page2.htmhttp://www.Conveners Record Sheet/Word Conveners page2.htm

Coming Soon.