Newsletter

 

76th MONTHLY NEWSLETTER, August 2008

 


THE AUGUST MEETING IS AT BRENTON

On Thursday, 28th August 2008

 

Please note that the meeting will start promptly at 10.30am and that refreshments will be served between 9.30 and 10.15am.


Our speakers this month are our very own, Ian and Joan Huskisson who will be giving an illustrated talk on their recent U3A Reciprocal Cultural visit to Central Europe which included an obligatory week's Memory Training/Mind Jogging Course in Prague. By all accounts, they had a wonderful visit and were royally entertained – this promises to be a most interesting talk and you may be sure they will not be forgetting their lines !!

 

COURSE COMMENTS - Do remember that the attached Course List covers events in SEPTEMBER

Members should check the Course List before setting out as times and venues do change from time to time.


On The Wildside - we will have "an interactive discussion" with Dr Steve du Toit of WESSA on “the impact of man’s activities on the coastal zone”. Meet at the Knysna Library on Monday, 8th September at 10.00am


Science Discussion Group - Will members of the group please note that the meetings return to their normal venue at the home of Eric Bult.


Exceptional People - Two Churchills, presented as a double act by Jo and Allan Hardie and telling the fascinating story of two amazing people who, jointly and singly, influenced the future of two great nations. At Belvidere Manor on Monday 1st September at 2.30pm.


Collisions at Sea – “Two submarines collide” is the second in the series presented by Theo Honnibal. At night a submarine leaving harbour collided with another submarine entering harbour. There were two investigations: one to determine who was to blame for the collision, and the second to examine the actions of one of the submarines that resulted in the death of six persons on board after the collision. At the Knysna Library on 4th September at 11.00am.


U3A Authors - On Tuesday, 30th September at 10.00am at the Knysna Library, our U3A author is Jo Davis who has written a number of books and who will discuss writing her recent book “Aromas of Knysna”.


U3A Film Club – This month’s film is Scent of a Woman, a 1992 film which tells the story of a senior school student who takes a job as an assistant to an irascible, blind, medically retired Army officer. It stars Al Pacino, and Chris O'Donnell. It won the Academy Award for Best Actor (Al Pacino) and was nominated for Best Director, Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay. The film was also the big winner at the Golden Globe Awards winning three for: Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Actor, and Best Picture of the Year. The film does contain a fair amount of profanity.

At the Knysna Library on Thursday 18th September starting promptly at 2.30pm - please note that seating at the Library is limited so be there in plenty of time because once the maximum number has been reached, late comers will be turned away.


Know your Neighbourhood – We will be visiting the Fire Station which we couldn’t do earlier this month and then will proceed to the Sea Cadets hall for a presentation by the cadets under the command of Commander Steven Eriksen. Join us on Friday, 12th September at 2.00pm. The presentation by the cadets is quite lengthy and, although some moving around is necessary, seating will be available. PLEASE NOTE THE AFTERNOON STARTING TIME OF 2.00PM


Armchair Travel – This month’s talk is by Mike Lawson and has the intriguing title of “A Troubled Trip to Namibia” At the Knysna Library on Wednesday 10th September at 2.30pm. All welcome.


U3A Theatre Club – the Club will next meet at the Knysna Playhouse on Sunday 24th August at 2.30pm for a performance of “I, Claudia”, The play starring Susan Danford has played to capacity audiences at the Baxter Theatre in Cape Town and to reviews such as “...Susan Danford’s astonishing performance blends comedy and pathos so successfully that you end up laughing while your heart is breaking” and “...a magical, intimate theatre experience, you’d be crazy to miss it” For more information contact Brenda Falconer on 044-3841121.

PLEASE NOTE THIS MEETING IS IN AUGUST NOT SEPTEMBER!!


Birding - John Bircher will host a visit to the Thesen Islands bird sanctuary on Thursday, 18th September. Members to meet at the main entrance to Thesen Islands at 9.30am


DVD Club – the fourth episode of “The Story of India” which runs for an hour and which covers the Golden Age of the Gupta Empire of the North (5th Century A.D.) and the later Chozhan Tamil Empire of the South will be presented on Wednesday, 3rd September, at 2.30pm at the Knysna Library.


Non-Fiction Book Club – Due to space constraints, the Club is unable to accommodate any more members but it has been decided to open a waiting list. Any interested members should contact either Irene Wustrow (044-3827741) or Jennifer Wilkinson (044-3825090)


NEW COURSES

POETRY – Sheila Eagle will present an 8 week course on the poetry of Emily Dickinson at Belvidere every Tuesday at 10.00am commencing Tuesday, 9th September. Material for study will be made available but because there is much to be covered and some expense involved, members who are interested will be asked to make a firm commitment to attend the full course. Names will be taken at the August monthly meeting.


MUSIC APPRECIATION - Louis Matthee will present a series of three sessions on the third Wednesday of the month at the Knysna Playhouse on symphonic and orchestral music. The first will feature the music of Mozart, the second Beethoven and the third Tchaikovsky. Commencing Wednesday, 17th September at 10.00am.


ONE OFF LECTURE - INTRODUCTION TO THE ENNEAGRAM - Presented by Frances Hills at the Knysna Library on Thursday, 11th September at 10.00am. Frances Hills says “The Enneagram is an ancient system which depicts human nature to be reflected in nine different personality styles.  Each style has its own strengths and weaknesses. Once we understand our own style (way of dealing with the world) we can embrace our gifts and temper our personal struggles.  I have been internationally trained to help you uncover untold potential in your everyday dealings with people in your life.”


GENERAL

Would Course Co-ordinators please ensure that the equipment requirements of Presenters are established well in advance so that suitable arrangements can be made for their needs to be met.


Please remember to present your current membership cards at all meetings of U3A or you will be expected to pay the “Visitors” entrance fee.


If at first you don't succeed, find out if the loser gets anything - Bill Lyon

The biggest lie humankind has told itself in the past 50 years is that happiness is available without effort.
- Steve Chandler


Until the next time, take care out there


Yours sincerely

Gerald Guy