Despite the recent spate of very hot weather, our courses have been well attended, and successful.

I would like to thank the course leaders for your patience and dedication during the hot weather, as it is always difficult to organise activities and lectures at such times.

We have an exciting new activity starting next term, and one that will be appreciated by all the people with dogs.  Thea Hulley has kindly offered to lead a dog walking group which will be enjoyed by both the owners and their pooches.

We received $13,000 from the estate of the late Bob Moore, which was most appreciated by our U3A. We intend to use some of the money to subsidise a coach trip to Hans Heysen’s home ‘The Cedars’ in Hahndorf.  This will take place on Tuesday, 13th May and will be a great opportunity to see his house, gardens and paintings. We would like to thank Helen McSkimming for organising the trip.

If you were able to get a copy of the ABRA (Aldinga Beach Residents Association) magazine called Coastal Views you would have read the article, written by Ron Wickett, about our U3A Creative Writing Group. The next issue in April will contain an article, written by Chris Patterson, which focuses on the U3A Walking Group. We intend to submit articles by different group leaders over the next year.  We thank Ron Wickett for organising the articles for the magazine.

Sadly two of our U3A members, Pat Jeavons and Elizabeth Heij, have recently passed away. Two of our leaders have kindly written about the two members, both of whom will be greatly missed.

Meredyth Cilento (Willunga Philosophy Group) ‘Many of you will remember Pat Jeavons fondly. She died in December shortly before her 99th birthday and the family, following Pat’s wishes, had a private funeral. I suspect none of you will forget her dimples, the twinkle in her eye, her quick wit or her droll sense of humour. We will miss her.’

Ron Wickett (Creative Writing Group) ‘‘Elizabeth Heij passed away on the 20th January, 2025. Elizabeth was a talented and much admired member of the Aldinga Creative Writing Group for over 10 years. Her rich intellect driven by a highly successful working career shone through in her ability to write both insightful articles on matters of science, through to playful creative stories with rich description. A number of her works have been published. Elizabeth’s friendship and writing contributions will be greatly missed.’

Enrolment dates for next term will be on the 9th April (Willunga) and the 16th April (Aldinga Shopping Centre).

Have a great term.

Nola van Dam

March 2025