U3A stands for University of the Third Age. The term third age means no longer in full time work. U3A provides opportunities for people to meet, share experiences and pursue commonly held interests.
The club meets monthly with a guest speaker who has unique experience in their field. Interest (study) groups meet at other times and it is encouraged that members belong to at least one study group.
The annual subscription is $30.
Subscription due on the 1st February.
From the President
Kia ora
Last month we heard about the Air Ambulance Service in Canterbury from Rachel McNutt. Rachel was an engaging speaker and talked not only about the finances of the air ambulance service but also some stories related to the service.
Thank you to those who assisted with putting away the chairs at the end of the meeting.
We need some help putting out the chairs at the start of the meeting. The venue is open from 9.30 am and tea and coffee is guaranteed for those who come early to help.
We do hope that the new sound system has made a difference especially for those who had found some speakers hard to hear.
Thank you to those who made suggestions for future topics. The committee, who organise the speakers, will investigate the suggestions. Our programme is organised by a sub-committee, and we are very grateful for the work they do to produce a varied programme.
In January 2025 we will be having a less formal meeting, and we are wondering if there are any members who have travelled this year who would be prepared to talk about their experiences. Please email me if you are prepared to do so. You may remember that in January this year we had people talking about walking the Camino Trail.
Ngā Mihi
Lynne Bull
Next meeting
Date: 9 October 2024
Time: 10.15 am
Venue: Te Hapua, Halswell
Guest: Dr Lloyd Stringer
Topic: Eavesdropping on Nature’s communication
Our speaker for October is Dr Lloyd Stringer who works for Plant and Food Research, talking about nature’s communication and associated biological processes. He is well known in scientific circles for his work on the use of smell chemicals used by Insects, animals, and plants to communicate or facilitate reproduction. These smell chemicals are called semi-chemicals, and Lloyd has explored the use of these chemicals in the battle to protect NZ borders from invasive pests.
Our meeting format for October will be tea/coffee available from 9.50 am with the meeting commencing at 10.15 am, followed by the speaker at about 10.30 am. We would like to continue this format for a few more months before we evaluate its success.
In keeping with our goal of social interaction, if you are sitting or standing next to someone you do not know or who is new to the club, please introduce yourself.
Likely Future Speakers
These may change, speaker or topic, according to the interests and/or availability of these people.
| Topic | Speaker | Date |
| Carl is a writer of plays, short stories and novels. Five of his plays have been performed at the Court Theatre. | Carl Nixon | 13 November |
| Christmas Lunch | Frieda Looser | 11 December |
| Christmas Lunch Date: 11 December Venue: Hornby Working Men’s Club Time: The venue will be open from 10.30 am, please be seated by 11.00 am which will be the start of the entertainment. Cost: $30 for members, $45 for guests Payment: The payment for the Christmas Lunch must be made by Thursday 21st November. This can be done online into the bank account 38 – 9018 – 0256312 – 00. Please give your name and the words Xmas Lunch 2024. Note: members who are attending the lunch who hold membership of the Hornby Working Men’s Club or affiliated clubs will be asked to sign a list at the meeting on 13th November, or email Lynne atu3a.southwestchch@gmail.com, giving their membership number, so that we can inform the Hornby Working Men’s Club. |
SWU3A online courses
Members can use the on-line courses our group has subscribed to by logging on to our website.
Please ask for the login and password if you are interested. The courses we have subscribed to for the year are free but if there are other courses you are interested in there is a small charge.