U3A Sunshine Coast

Discover your inner poet

16 May 2012 at 10:33 am U3A.marketing No comments

A FEW WORDS ABOUT POETRY and RHYMING POETRY by Jenny Riley.

When we think of poetry most of us think of the poems we had to read at school. A poor introduction usually for what perhaps may have escaped many of us is that poetry is a wonderful way to illustrate the use of words.

But, this ability relies on the use of words. We are lucky that the English language has a vocabulary which surpasses that of any other language. There is almost always an alternative word, nuances of meaning and the option of change.

Poetry is the use of words for a special purpose ̶ to capture thoughts, ideas, and emotions in a form different to normal speech or writing. While this is open to any literate person for some it is easy and for others an elusive goal. Words that rhyme. Although some words look the same when they are written they may not be ronounced the same way. The reverse is also true.

Look at, for example the words enough and plough…they look the same but sound different. Think about: sigh/buy, ford/ board, caught/taut, rough/puff and there are many more. So words which rhyme may not look the same when they are written. When writing poetry, which is usually intended to be read aloud, it is important that the words should sound the same as they do in normal speech. The fact that they look different at the end of the lines does not matter ̶ it is how they sound which is important. Rhythm. This is perhaps the most difficult but most important part of rhyming poetry. This does not mean having the same number of words but the same number of accented syllables, perhaps better described as beats. There is some flexibility about this but try to aim for that ̶ at least at first. The best way to hear if you have too many beats is to read it aloud. Remember your nearest and dearest is rarely your best critic! Caution! How you read may not be how someone else reads your work so you can only make it correct for YOU!

Pattern. Poetry has lines and verses and this usually fits into a pattern, which is repeated throughout the poem. How you set it out is up to you unless you are writing a poem with an acknowledged pattern such as a sonnet. (A sonnet has a rhyming scheme of fourteen lines a-b-a-b, c-d-c-d, e-f-e-f, g-g.)

Verses are set out in a pattern using letters (as seen above) and those which are the same, represent words which rhyme. So the pattern can be: a-b-a-b, or a-b-c-b, or three lines with a-a-a, or a limerick a-a-b-b-a. So you can have two, three, four or more lines in each verse or stanza. The rhythm must fit into your pattern and the words must rhyme. Soooo…once you have started writing that must be part of your aim. To achieve this you may have to choose other words to fit in, you may have to change the word order or write a whole new line. The meaning must be understandable and the words used must not sound contrived. Another part of pattern which is worth remembering is the words which rhyme within a
line. This needs to be intentional! It is really just another way of writing.

Look at a limerick: There was a young man from Bengal

Who was asked to a fancy-dress ball

He thought he would risk it

And went as a biscuit

And a dog ate him up in the hall.

That is five lines.

It could be set out thus:

I was asked
by the duchess to tea,

It was just
as I thought it would be,

Rumblings
abdominal were simply phenomenal

And everyone
thought it was me.

The same a-a, b-b, a in the first but just a-a,b,a in the second, with the b rhyming word in the line.

For a lot more about rhyming have a look at www.loske.org/html/school/english/rhyme/pdf
It tells it all!

The Actual Writing. Choose a theme ̶ Let’s choose RAIN (‘cos that is what it was doing when I wrote this!) Think what might be said about rain…water, noise, darkness, dangers, delays, floods etc. So start with a couple of lines (which you may or may not use and which may or may not be the start).

The rain is falling down in sheets,

The road is like a river, (Thinks…..what rhymes with river….quiver, shiver, deliver, giver, sliver, liver. Hmmm!)

But all this rain that’s pouring down

Could prove a real life-giver. Is that better than Will to the dams deliver. ?

Sometimes it will come easily, sometimes it is harder but it won’t ever come unless you try!

Humour. Rhyming poetry can be a wonderful medium for humour. Just a couple of words in the right place can make your audience laugh. BUT just make sure that is what you intended!

Notes! Know when to stop! Like any other writing don’t go on till you hear the audience snore. Once you have said what you intend…STOP!

NEVER discard a verse till you are sure you have the best ones included. Make sure where you start (and finish) is at the best place.
ALWAYS read your work aloud and edit again if necessary.
NEVER apologise for writing a poem. It is a recognised writing form which not everyone can do!

THE RAIN IS PRECIOUS

The rain is falling down in sheets; the road is like a river,

But all the rain that’s hitting earth can be a real life-giver.

There’s thunder, lightning in the mix but we badly need the rain

It seems a pity that so much will hurtle down a drain.

But all the grass and trees will drink for them the rain’s a must

A pity that unpainted shed will wear a coat of rust!

The radio is telling us ̶ don’t drive through flooded creeks

But folks are going do it while that announcer speaks.

We know water is a danger; it can get us into strife

But it also is essential for it sustains all life.

The grass will soon be greener, and plants will flower and seed

So don’t you whinge about the rain for it’s water that we need.

If this planet had no water

There could be no life on Earth,

And though ‘they’ charge us for it,

Cost is nothing like it’s worth.

FREE VERSE (NON-RHYMING POETRY)

What is free verse? The definition of this is vague ̶ however there are certain things which are obvious.

Firstly it is not prose, so although it does not rhyme it needs an inherent rhythm to make it into poetry. It needs to be something which is obviously poetic. Like rhyming poetry, it needs to appeal to the reader and should send a message,
word picture or thoughts. However this is not true for some writers; they use an inferred theme which needs to be understood by the reader.

Setting up Free Verse. The lines on the page will not usually be even; in fact some lines will be only one word. Even so the words used must work in a way that provides rhythm. Again the use of words must make
the piece come alive and speak to the reader or listener.

How the piece appears on the page must be attractive and should look as if it HAD to be written just that way.

Words. Choose words carefully to fulfil the points above. Read the piece to yourself and listen to the flow. Words at the ends of lines do not usually rhyme, though they can, but this may cause the reader to be distracted. Repeated words at
intervals can work well because they can have impact and serves to focus the reader. We do not normally speak that way so that helps with this type of verse. Your words should make pictures for your reader and make them want to read through to the end.

Subjects. Most subjects are fine but this writing tends to be unsuited to humour. Some free verse is about emotions while other pieces are about tangible things. Free verse may not tell as open or as definite a story as rhyming poetry but it may.

Writing Free Verse. As mentioned there are really few rules about this. One thing you must be sure of is that you haven’t just set a piece of prose out as a free verse. The words must work to make this different, not just in looks and resentation, but in how it works for the reader.

Think of a subject, write a few words about it, as shown for rhyming poetry and start writing. Remember you can change things and add and remove words. To make this work will take time but the end product will be a poem.

Checking. When you have written your piece of free verse you must be satisfied with it. Look for words which don’t fit, read it aloud and listen. It must read as a poem! Don’t delete what you have written till you are satisfied that you have finished. Again, know when to stop, both writing and editing. You must be pleased with what you have written!

I have chosen to write again about rain.

RAIN, GIVER OF LIFE.

Rain, giver of life. Falling down anywhere,

Gathering, running like a river

Hitting earth and flowers and trees

Giver of life.

Rain, giver of life. Flooding creeks where danger lurks.

The water-force…destructive…unrelenting.

Let it flow. Stand back.

Watch in wonder. Don’t accept the challenge.

For water also kills.

Rain, giver of life. Life-blood of our planet.

Do not complain. We need the wet.

So…we are charged for water.

But money cannot buy the rain

And the worth of water is beyond price.

Rain, giver of life. And sometimes the destroyer.

We use it. We need it every day

As do all creatures, plants and crops.

Rain, the giver of life. Could another name for rain be God?

Those are just examples of how rhyming poetry and free verse can be written. With the latter there are far fewer rules. Both are a challenge and both are well worth trying.

Misc

Sath weekly lectures Term 11

15 May 2012 at 1:53 pm U3A.marketing No comments

To 24 June 2012

SATH Talks

at University Campus, Caloundra, Nambour, Coolum, Maleny

Five locations x 8 weeks x 40 Lectures

U3A and Website Visitors Welcome*

Coordinator: Lorraine Quinn 5441 7326 e: lorraineqlivecomau (lorraineqlivecomau)

Deputy: Ted Webber 5445 1891 e: pawebbernetspacenetau (pawebbernetspacenetau)

New members and site visitors are welcome to attend two SATH lectures as U3A guests to see if this weekly lecture or U3A itself is for you.

*As a courtesy please call the Class Captain as listed on each location below so they know you are a U3A guest.

Do you have a good story or experience to tell?

Sath Coordinator (see above) is always seeking new lecturers.

You do not need to join U3A to make a presentation to our members.

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University S.C. on Tuesday @ 9.00 am

Venue: U3A Lecture Room

Location: Admin Building B. Ground Floor. On USC Campus @ Sippy Downs

Class Captain: Ann Main 5479 1808 Deputy: Len Masters 5443 1856

Cost: $5 Term venue fee

1 & 8 May: Guest Speaker: Alistair Pringle:

Subject: Deeds not Words- a short story of the British Suffragette Movement

This SATH lecture reflects a long-standing interest in Social History. In words and pictures it re-tells the history of that brief but turbulent period of extreme militancy, sometimes referred to as the Women’s Rebellion, that
challenged and transformed the face of British politics.

Alistair Pringle has been a SATH presenter with the Sunshine Coast U3A since 1999 and is involved with U3A Online, where he leads on-line courses on Western Philosophy and Political Ideologies. Alistair holds a PhD in Political Science from the University of Canterbury in New Zealand.

15 May: Guest Speaker: Joan Benbow:

Subject: 62 Years in the Outback – Details to come.

22 May: Guest Speaker: Dr Sam Bateman:

Subject: Australia’s Oceans – their importance to our future prosperity and security

Australia is a three ocean country with one of the largest areas of maritime jurisdiction in the world. Dr Bateman will discuss this jurisdiction and its strategic, economic and environmental significance, the importance of the oceans and their
resources to Australia’s future prosperity and security now there is increased concern over the health of the oceans, the depletion of fish stocks and global warming.

The talk also speculates whether Australia appears to have given insufficient attention to the oceans and our maritime interests in the past, and consider if our current foreign policy recognises the leading role Australia to plays in
managing the oceans around us.

Dr Sam Bateman retired from the RAN as a Commodore and is now a Professorial Research Fellow at the Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security (ANCORS) at the University of Wollongong, and an Adviser to the Maritime Security Programme at the Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) in Singapore. He is a former long-term member of the National Oceans Advisory Group (NOAG) established to advise the Federal Government on the implementation of Australia’s Oceans Policy. Sam has written extensively on defence and maritime issues in Australia, the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean.

29 May: Guest Speaker: Cathy Newman:

Subject: Late Effects of Polio and the Importance of Immunization

U3A member Cathy Newman will talk on the importance of immunization. “We, in our Network,’ said Cathy “Know that even today – until Polio is eradicated world-wide, it is only an Airfare away.”

Cathy contracted Polio at the age of 3 years and survived with the support of an Iron Lung in Townsville Hospital. Fortunately, she was treated with the Sister Kenny method of treating Polio which enabled Cathy to lead led a
relatively normal life until she experienced the late Effects of Polio. Not only did Polio effect those who contracted it in their childhood/or adulthood, it unfortunately has many ongoing issues later in life. She is an active member
of the Polio Support Network since 2003 and the Convenor of the Sunshine Coast Polio Support Network since 2007.

5 June: Guest Speaker: Dr Ken Lynn:

Subject: The Rebirth of Astronomical Science. Tycho Brahe & Johannes Kepler-their lives and times 1546 – 1630

The self-styled world’s greatest astronomer, Tycho Brahe, brought naked eye astronomy to a new level. His observations, when combined with the theoretical abilities of Johannes Kepler would allow Kepler to succeed where Copernicus had failed in establishing the sun as the centre of our planetary system. Kepler provided the first accurate planetary laws. These two men fought like cat and dog but neither man could do without the other.

Dr Ken Lynn- received his PhD in Physics from the University of Queensland and spent his working life as a Department of Defence research scientist at what is now the Defence Science and Technology Organisation, South Australia. He has continued as a contractor to his old laboratory in his “retirement” while pursuing a very active research programme of his own with regular scientific publications. His main interest is in the dynamics of the equatorial ionosphere. But that’s another story. He and his wife June moved to Noosa in 1999. Since then he has been a regular lecturer for the U3A on history of science topics and history in general, one of his many interests.

12 June: Guest Speaker: Greg Barrie:

Subject: Understanding Retirement Income Streams (Centrelink)

Retirement income streams are products that provide a regular income from accumulated savings. The most popular are account based pensions and annuities. This seminar will look at what they are, how they work, and the options available,
how to get the best tax, Centrelink pension advantages, investment choices and consequences.

Greg Barrie is a Financial Information Service Officer with the Department of Human Services. In this role he provides free information and education to assist people to make more informed financial decisions. Greg has over 15 years experience with the federal government after having worked as an accountant and company director and small business operator. Greg holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Commerce degree along with other qualifications in accounting, public administration and financial planning.

19 June: Guest Speaker: David Parmiter:

Subject: Six Houses of Shakespeare

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Maleny on Tuesday at 9.30 am

Venue: Masonic Lodge Hall Tamarind St

Class Captain: Margot Saini 5445 7369 Deputy: Marty Foster 5494 1212

Cost: $5 term venue fee

1 May: Guest Speaker: Win Fowles:

Subject: Logistics in the U.S. Civil War – An American would starve on what a Tartar would live with comfort. John C. Calhoun, US Secretary for War 1817-1825,

The most successful military leaders yesterday and today give as much or more attention to logistics as they do to the other elements of military operations. The US Civil War 1861-1865 introduced Industrial Revolution technology to warfare on a scale that no conflict had seen before. This illustrated presentation will highlight the part played by the application of technology and other factors, including leadership, to the logistic fortunes of both sides.

After Duntroon Graduation, Win Fowles’military career which began in 1963 to 1991 included postings to the United States, the United Kingdom, South Vietnam and most Australian states. His final role before retirement was Director of Transport – Army. He became a senior executive with Brisbane transport, became a consultant before retiring to Moffat beach.

May 08: Guest Speaker: Emeritus Professor DAVID POTTS, OAM, BA, MSc (Mass Communication),FPRIA.

Subject: There’s No News in the Truth and no Truth in the News

David Potts has with more than 50 years as a journalist and writer, educator and consultant and is a respected communication practitioner in Australia. His media career took him to the UK, and he joined the academic world in
communications over more than thirty years. His teachings included a period in the USA as a Visiting Professor. In retirement, he is a freelance travel writer, a member of the Australian Society of Travel Writers and was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia on Australia Day, 2012, for services to the media and educator to the community. With wife Wendy, he moved to the Sunshine Coast in 2003.

15 May: Guest Speakers: Gary and Dorothy Flanagan:

Subject: Archaeology- digging up the past in Cyprus and Jordan

Their talk will tell of their exciting life working together as team leaders via the Sydney University.

Dorothy and Gary Flanagan are retired archaeologists. They also bring along some replica artefacts they have collected during their adventures. Meet the Flanagans – are our very own Lara Croft and Indiana Jones.

22 May: Guest Speaker: Carol Palm:

Subject: The Pleasures of Collecting Antiques and Other Treasures

Carol invites you to bring along your treasures and share their stories with your Sath friends as she introduces you to her fascinating world in the antique industry.

U3A member Carol Palm’s journey into the antiques world began during the sixties as a young wife needing to furnish her marital country home. As a child she grew up around family treasures so it was natural for her seek pre-loved pieces from auction houses. She became accustomed to mixing the old and new and grew to love this world. She opened an antiques and collectables store in Rockhampton, and became a known specialist in Royal Doulton and Wedgewood dinnerware, and antique jewellery. In recent years Carol owned and ran a popular antiques and collectables store in Mooloolaba .She joined U3A in 2007 and hosts a popular workshop on the subject.

29 May: Guest Speaker: Helen Neville:

Subject: The Road to Self-Publication

Helen’s talk will include – her journey on the road to self publishing and the processes learned along the way. She never the thought that she would write a book when she started researching her family history, but her office skills gave her the knack of methodically pulling the research together and then she discovered that she enjoyed writing. Whether it is of great literary note is not important to her as Helen considers she has captured a significant Australian story. Helen is a member of U3A, where she enjoys ongoing intellectual stimulation. More information about the book can be found on www.evolutionofafamily.com.au

5 June: Guest Speaker: Tish Lees:

Subject: Author of ‘Lonely For My Land’

Story teller and author Tish Lees will share her experiences of growing up on a remote sheep station in the Pilbara, 1700 kms north of the capital Perth. Back then, the 120,000-hectare property included 60 kms of coastal boundary with islands of the Dampier Archipelago nearby offering recreation and abundant fishing. The mining township of Karratha now sits on the land where she once helped muster sheep and three major ports for natural gas, iron ore and salt dominate the magnificent coastline that was once her playground. Tish tells of cyclones, drought and bush fire that brought devastation, how WWII brought deprivation, and an atomic explosion nearby brought anxiety. But in this physically challenging climate the joy of rain, music, laughter and working the land they loved brought reward. Aboriginal children were her companions, animals her soul mates.

Tish and her husband have now retired to Mountain Creek.

12 June: Guest Speaker: Gus Guthrie:

Subject: The Story of Sugar- and some other sweet things

The talk will cover the 9000 year history of sugar; other natural sweeteners; synthetic sweeteners; what is “sweetness”; and non-food uses of sugar. It will deal briefly with the controversies of sugar and related substances in diet.

Professor Gus Guthrie AM is an academic, educated in the UK, who holds several degrees in chemistry. He has held positions at the universities of Leicester and Sussex in the UK and at Griffith U. in Brisbane. Gus’ last full-time position was as Vice-Chancellor & President of the University of Technology, Sydney, from which he retired in 1996. He now works part-time as a consultant in higher education, both nationally and internationally. Gus’ other interests include caring clowning, and playing the ukulele.

19 June: Guest Speaker: Peter Fisher

Subject: Back Bench – behind the Headlines

Peter will share the story of his time in Parliament and beyond.

Peter Fisher was elected to Parliament on December 2^nd1972 and subsequently faced nine elections until retirement in March of 1993. During his tenure representing Mallee, he was Shadow Minister for Sport and Recreation
in 1983-84. In 1993 Peter began farming again, fattening lambs and growing Lucerne and cereal crops, was appointed the Chief Commissioner of the Horsham Rural Council during the restructuring of Local Government inVictoria 1995 -1997. Today he lives on the Sunshine Coast, plays golf, supports the National Party and Legacy and has recently published his life history.

Nambour on Wednesday @ 9.30 am.

New deputy needed in Nambour

Please contact Dawn Sherwell on 5448 5321

Venue: SDA Church, Coes Creek Rd (opposite No84)

Contact person (Term Two Only): Helen Neville 5450 8275

Cost: $5 term venue fee

2 May: Guest Speaker: Sylvia Tadd:

Subject: Child Protection through the Ages

9 & 16 May: Guest Speaker: Graeme Heap:

Subject: The Matrix System- Organising Thoughts

23 & 30 May: Guest Speaker: Ted Webber:

Subject: The History of Aero Engines (parts 1 &2)

6 June: Guest Speaker: Dr Robyn Redknap.DBA

Subject: Managing International Resorts in Vanuatu & beyond.

From exorcisms to curses ……From suicides to robberies ……From bomb scares to domestic violence …… and volcanic eruptions; earthquakes; cyclones; snakes; deaths; injuries; weddings; major cultural faux pas and masquerades…….

These were all part of Robyn’s former daily life in the hotels she managed around the world.

Robyn is a Lecturer at the University of the Sunshine Coast in Tourism, Leisure and Event Management and is also the Resort Manager of the Oasis Retirement Resort in Power Road Buderim. She has held general management positions in several resorts and outer islands of Vanuatu and has also managed hotels in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and China. Robyn has won many awards including the International Womens’ Day Leader in 2004. She has been featured in the Australian Who’s Who of Women for the past 10 years and last year was in the World Who’s Who of Women.

13 June: Guest Speaker: Pamela Fitzmaurice:

Subject: Teaching in Slum Schools in Bang-ladesh

Recently Pamela Fitzmaurice went to Bangladesh to teach in Slum Schools in Dhakka. This is her story…

She has been a teacher and Learning Difficulty Consultant for many years. She has had 40+ books published for Emergent Readers including several for Aboriginal students in schools throughout Queensland.

20 June: Guest Speaker: Jan Johnston:

Subject: Women in Islam

Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Morocco, Iran, Egypt, Malaysia, Indonesia and now Europe; Muslim women in these and other countries have stories to tell. We will look at how Muslim women have travelled through the years, from the time of the Prophet to the time of the Taliban and beyond. What does their future hold?

Jan helped run a family business in Melbourne before retiring to the Sunshine Coast. She found the variety of nationalities and languages she experienced in Melbourne, thought provoking. It has instilled in Jan a boundless curiosity for multi cultural issues and a library sized bookshelf to match. Her thirst for knowledge and research ability has drawn her to this important cultural subject worthy of robust discussion. Jan is also President of U3A Sunshine Coast and
has held many other voluntary U3A roles over the years.

Caloundra on Thursday @ 9.30am

Venue: Southern Cross Care Village, Village Way, Little Mountain

Class Captain: Frances McKinlay 5492 2594 Deputy: Kit Cameron 5491 5091

Cost: Nil

3 May: Guest Speaker: Olivia Nelson:

Subject: An Introduction to MBTI Personality Types.

Discover why we are different, why we sometimes see things differently. What matters and why …

Olivia Nelson is an accredited trainer of MBTI and will introduce you to this powerful indicator used to reveal strengths and weakness. Before retirement Olivia’s career spanned all aspects of media and communications, mostly in the magazine, retail, and international tourism industry. Her last working role was as a guest speaker on the international cruise ship circuit. She is using her communication skills for U3A on the management committee.

10 May: Guest Speaker: Olivia Nelson:

Subject: Know Thyself – Understand Others (Part 2 of 03 May lecture).

Learn how to protect yourself emotionally, explore your strengths, work on your weaknesses and find friends that you didn’t know you had.

17 & 24 May: Guest speaker: David Parmiter

Subject: The History of the Port of London

David Parmiter will sketch the history of the port of London from the original Iron Age settlement, through the Romans, Normans, Anglo-Saxons and later periods in English history. Over the centuries, the original Celtic Pool of Llyn-Dyn grew
and developed into the biggest and busiest mercantile port in the Industrial World by the 1950s.

Session 2 explores the science, technology and politics surrounding the Port of London. .Also starring will be Geoffrey Chaucer, Samuel Pepys, Elizabeth I, Sir Francis Drake and Sir Francis Chichester. Finally, David will show the massive changes brought about more recently by modern technology and the construction of the controversial Thames Barrier.

David grew up on the Continent, in Portsmouth Dockyard (HMS Victory) and in Greenwich, London (the Cutty Sark). His teenage years were spent in part “just messing about on the river” (Thames).

31 May: Guest Speaker: Tom Hewitt:

Subject: Researching the Antarctic

7 June: Guest Speaker: Jenny Riley:

Subject: Writing Your Life Story

We have lived through a time of enormous changes after reaching THE THIRD AGE. Much of what was normal to us has gone forever. Our working conditions, transport, communication, medical care, recreation; all this has changed. Many people are tracing their ancestors and it is a formidable task. Make a gift to your descendants by telling them your story. Jenny’s talk will help you make your tale interesting and readable. (Please bring writing materials).

Jenny Riley was formerly in the nursing industry but has always had a love of words, in particular poetry. She has taught many U3A members how to write over the years and manages our annual writing competition.

14 June: Guest Speaker: Stuart West:

Subject: Boating on English Canals and Rivers

The English canal and river systems meander for 5,000 kms from York in the north to London in the south, and from Liverpool in the west to Cambridge in the east. Stuart and his wife Angela bought their own narrow boat – the ‘Emily Rose’
and spent six years exploring this myriad of waterways. His power point show will illustrate this unique adventure and historical English story.

Stuart and Angela West left England in 2008 to join their family on the Sunshine Coat. They love their new country – especially the weather! – but miss being on board the Emily Rose. They are looking forward to sharing their story with new U3A friends.

21 June: Guest Speaker: John Wright:

Subject: Gypsy Wagons

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Coolum on Thursday @ 1.30pm

Venue: Lions Community Centre, Russell St

Class Captain: Eric Wynter 5448 1823 Deputy: Dawn Pettifer 5446 3234

Cost: $5 term venue fee

3 May: Guest Speaker: Sarah & Heinz Seeberg:

Subject: Italy: Back Roads to Less Visited Places in the Centre and South

Bypass the big cities and travel the secondary roads to discover the history, culture and everyday life of central and southern Italy with consummate travellers Sarah and Heinz Seeberg. Let them take you to Le Marche, the Sorrentine Peninsula,
Abruzzo, Puglia and Lazio.

Heinz & Sarah have enjoyed opportunities to live, work and travel in various parts of Europe, including many parts of Italy.

10 May: Guest Speaker: John Saint-Smith

Subject: The Ice Ages and Glacial Cycles

“Long before man began to interfere with it, the Earth’s climate was held in the grip of an ice age, with glaciers advancing and retreating on a regular basis. But what caused those changes and what are the implications for the future?”

Former teacher and education activist, John Saint Smith donates much of his time to U3A issues. He is on the Management Committee and runs Free Radicals, a think tank for those who love to debate.

17 May: Guest Speaker: Brian Garsden

Subject: Sustainability: What Then? What Now? What Next?

Sustainability is a term we hear much more lately. Is it a fad? Or will it have a lasting impact on the way we live?

Audience debate will be sought to discuss the difficult issues such as recycling, reduction in consumption of resources and reduction in greenhouse gas emissions that challenges us all today.

Brian Garsden will talk of the emphasis given to this matter over a 50-year period based on the author’s experience, as a civil engineer. He is a member of the Australian Green Infrastructure Council (AGIC),a not for profit organisation
aimed at the development of a world-first rating scheme to help achieve better sustainability in the delivery of infrastructure

24 May: Guest Speaker: Jim Hales:

Subject: New Developments in the U3A Movement in Australia

31 May: Guest Speaker: Neil McGarvie:

Subject: Two aspects of Buderim’s past history: The Tramway & Ballinger Court Park Lands

Learn about The Buderim Tramway its usage, operation and eventual closure and the recent restoration of the locomotive for eventual display on Buderim. The talk will also cover Buderim’s early days, the sugar industry and the role that South Sea Islanders (Kanaka) labour played and will conclude with the recognition of Ballinger Court Park which was once where these workers lived.

Neil McGarvie who has a farming background worked on Aboriginal communities in remote areas and subsequently worked in Indigenous Education in Queensland. On his retirement to Buderim, he joined the Buderim
Historical Society and continues his research and preservation of interesting historical matters.

7 June: Guest Speaker: Prue Cawley

Subject: The Buderim Pioneer Cottage and The Burnett Families

Pioneer Cottage, the former JK Burnett home erected c 1882-3, is important in demonstrating the early development of Buderim Mountain as an agricultural settlement, in particular the early success of sugar growing and sugar milling in the district. It is one of the oldest surviving residences on the plateau, remains substantially intact, and demonstrates the principle characteristics of an early 1880’s farmhouse built of local timbers. The rustic materials, simple form and plan have an aesthetic quality valued by today’s community.

Prue Cawley moved to Buderim 10 years ago and joined the Buderim Historical Society as a volunteer and guide. Her love of this old cottage imbued with local history has resulted in her current role as President.

14 June: Guest Speaker: Kate Wright:

Subject: Gypsies in Australia

Author, storyteller and gypsy Kate Wright will offer a personal insight into Romani life in Australia and travellers history from 330BC through to 1788 up to and including First fleeter Gypsy convicts and free settlers. Her talk will also encompass travelling life in Australia, the settled Romani and how politics and the media stir up strong feelings against the Gypsies.

In recent years Kate and her shadow, husband John, travelled Australia in a gypsy caravan talking to schoolchildren and often as a guest at public events. She is a self-published author and teaches writing for us at U3A.

21 June: Guest Speaker: Ted Webber:

Subject: The History of Aero Engines (part 2)