What has U3A ever done for me??
Well, putting all Monty Python references aside, it may have done more than you realise. ‘How?’ you ask.
‘Because it has helped people in your community,’ I answer. In the grand scheme, it may be a relatively small number but it has kept those people in contact with others, learning new things and sharing common interests.
Recently I’ve had the chance to:
• review the impact of the last Ice Age on Australian flora and fauna and human migration patterns.
• become aware of the story of Fabian Ware, a Red Cross volunteer on the battlefield, who, in 1917, started the fight to recognise or give every dead soldier (irrespective of rank) a decent burial. This led to the formation of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
• learn more on the history of Bermagui through the logging industry and Baranguba (Montague Island).
• take a boat journey up the Clyde River to Nelligen.
A sunny day spent with good company, informative commentary and a chance to scratch around the village – full of shipping and bushranger stories. I’ve wanted to do this for ages. Members with other interests have shared in our regular language and computer classes, film days and walks in our natural environment.
We’ve had contributions from the local indigenous community on issues affecting them and the wetlands.
Coming up is a session to discuss more about The Voice to Parliament.
As John Donne wrote 400 years ago, ‘No man is an island’. As social beings the well-being of a small group IS important in the grand scheme.
So, if you are new to the area and want to meet people or just want to learn or share something interesting, consider putting U3A in your world. It’s a world worth sharing.
Bev Holland
U3A member
https://u3abermagui.com.au/
