HealthFlex
×
  • Home
    • About U3A Sunshine Coast
    • Management Committee
    • History of U3A worldwide
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Guide to the U3A website
    • Info for Tutors & Volunteers
      • ‘How to…’ videos for Tutors
    • Committee Section
    • Policies & Procedures
      • Policies & Procedures Manual
      • U3A Sunshine Coast Constitution
      • AGM Documents & Reports
      • Safety, Health & Wellbeing Policy
      • Code of Conduct & Grievance policy
      • Anti-Discrimination Policy
      • Privacy Policy
      • Social Media Policy
    • Strategic Plan 2022 -2026
    • Member Login
    • U3A Documents
    • U3A Personalities
  • News
    • Latest News
    • Digital Newsletters
    • eVoice Posts
    • Videos
  • Courses
    • Newest Courses
    • All Courses/Classes
    • Term Dates
    • Lecture Series
    • Life Learning
    • Online Courses
  • Members
    • Join-Renew-Enrol
    • Courses & Classes List
  • Lifestyle
    • Learn and Play with Us
    • Social Photos
    • Book Reviews
    • Healthy Eating
    • Mind, Body & Spirit
    • Fit4Life Activities
  • Events
    • Events Calendar
    • List an Event
    • EXPO23 Open Day Sept23
    • Healthy Ageing Forums
  • HUB
  • Connect
    • Get Involved
    • U3A needs new Tutors
    • Newsletter
    • Success stories
    • Shop
      • Products
        • My account
        • Checkout
        • Cart
  • Contact Us
    • Contact Us
    • We want your Feedback
    • U3A needs new Tutors

Book Review: Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine

November 24, 2022Book ReviewsNews
Book Review: Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine

By Gail Honeyman.  

Reviewed by Lindsay Robertson, Doug Sockhill and Ann Nearchou Sockhill

Well-conceived, well-constructed and a fascinating tale.
This tale explores areas of the mind that perhaps should not be explored. The trauma
and the effects on a life can hardly be understood and this tale has the ability to open
your mind and heart to the characters involved.

Rarely does a book have me so intrigued that picking it up to read the next part becomes
a bit of a priority. The characters are honestly portrayed warts and all and the ending
still has some twists. Potentially the best book this year.

I have no hesitation in giving this a rating of 8.
Lindsay Robertson 

*************************************************************************

They say the first paragraph of a novel should be intriguing enough to get you mystified and hence
hooked. The first two pages were sufficient to make the reader realise E is a very unusual character.
This is the author’s way of enticing you into the novel. From then you are kept thinking,” who is this
weirdo and what’s the story here?”.

The plot’s lack of complexity (I found the book easy and relaxing to read) is more than compensated
for by its strong depth and unusual characters; mainly referencing E here (and her “mother”). I
thought the character development was strong and well done, even if a little slow for my liking, but
that’s probably because I am a bit impatient at times.

I guess it’s a simple and proven strategy in storytelling, you create a really unusual character and
then entice the reader to encourage the said character back to normality and success as a person.
This strategy is solidified by the reader getting filtered glimpses of the very unusual reasons that are
behind the very unusual characters. These glimpses keep the reader guessing and mystified. I think I
enjoyed the book because I am a reasonably curious person by nature.

Hence I found myself keen to keep reading, and it kept my interest. Given I have only read two
books in the last 5 years, this is saying something.

I thought there were some missed opportunities with the extent of plot that could have spiced up
the novel a bit.

For example:

E and the muso could have met up and formed a hot relationship that then goes south badly,
which in turn causes E to derail ???

Raymond could have an affair with Sammy’s daughter which could have in turn tipped E over
The edge as she would be forced to take second place???

I suggest this because during the book I kept thinking more was going to happen in the plot than
what actually eventuated. I think the book lacked some intensity at times and maybe there were
obvious ways that the author could have wound this up somewhat.

Overall a good story with great character development, but maybe could have been enhanced with a
more involved plot.

3.5 stars out of 5.
Doug Sockhill

****************************************************************************************

I really enjoyed this book –
Eleanor is a beautiful human being – but doesn’t know it.
Her clever, questioning mind, and yet her naivety made me smile.
Eleanor’s “teenager” infatuation with the musician; and her changing behaviour/appearance with
the aim to attract him, became a turning point in her life.

Although her careful planning to snare the musician was to end up in disaster, the gradual changes
in Eleanor triggered the interest of others; something she’d never experienced.

Enter the hero, Raymond – not the dashing, charismatic type like Johnnie L ……. But a hero just the
same. The one who saves Eleanor from her mundane, lonely life. And who saves her life literally.

Their beautiful friendship slowly became solid, filling that lonely gap in both of their lives. And the
horrible spell that was cast over Eleanor (due to her difficult childhood) began to eventually fade
away.

8 stars out 10
Ann Nearchou Sockhill

Read More

President’s Report – November 2022

November 22, 2022eVoiceNews
President’s Report – November 2022

An African elephant takes 22 months to gestate its baby; but that’s not a good excuse for taking so long to write your final e-Voice for 2022, which is not as cute but certainly as weighty!

Tutors & Volunteers Luncheon – an opportunity to share ideas:

Our last big event on our annual U3A calendar is the Tutors and Volunteers luncheon on Sunday November 27th at the Kawana Surf Club, when we thank the many people whose energy, time and enthusiasm keep our organisation running.

One of the joys of this function is the opportunity it provides for tutors to meet other tutors, share ideas, and make new friends.

We also invite those members who have achieved their 25th year of membership – this year, four of those are able to attend, namely: Peter Hiddins, Shirley Boland, Barbara Yule and Jan Smith.

Entertainer Rex Egglomese has accepted our invitation to play some Christmas music for us. And thanks to our social photographer Judy Wells, we’ll have some good photos to share after the event.

Annual I Age Well Seniors Festival – an opportunity to ‘strut our stuff’:

The “I Age Well” 4th annual Seniors Festival was held at the Sunshine Coast Turf Club, Corbould Park on Thursday October 13th, with many of our own performing groups present on the day. These included our Tap Dancers, Belly Dancers, two of our Ukulele groups, the Hand-Chimers, Line Dancers, and the Japanese students’ group. A few of us also found ourselves somewhat reluctantly doing a hula dance on stage to accompany a gyrating ‘Elvis’ Pete Memphis.

What a joy to witness our members’ enthusiasm and delight to be on stage, showing off what they have been learning in class.

Our site, provided to us for free, was well attended and over a hundred gift packs were given away. Thank you to our Project Officer Karen Martin and her team for preparing all our giveaways and running the stall all day.

Photos have been posted on line in our Social Photos Gallery here, thanks to our Communication Officer John Armstrong.

Although none of our groups won the $2000 incentive prize, the members of the Zumba group (pictured above) stayed until the end to see the counting of the tokens in the election boxes, to find out that they had received the most votes. Their bright, amusing costumes and lively dancing added to the Kitty Kats’ performances throughout the day.

Staying fit at home over the holidays:

One of the Zumba members is Sigrid Welder. Siggy and her husband John Thoma have developed a health routine in their own backyard to keep fit, with a mini-trampoline, skipping ropes, bat and ball, and stretch bands. John is approaching his 90th birthday so the program is clearly effective! Siggy looks forward to joining U3A herself in the new year.

How can we promote our courses without a January Open Day?

An event we always look forward to at the start of the year is our Open Day, when all our tutors are offered the chance to show off their courses and attract new members.

However, during January 2023, our host venue, the UniSC Innovation Centre will not be available as it will be closed for renovations. Unfortunately, other venues are not provided for free, or they are just too small to accommodate us. This is very sad – and the only plus is that some of us don’t have to spend the Christmas holiday break planning for this huge event!

Tutors may like to consider how else they can promote their classes, and perhaps take advantage of other media, like Radio 104.9’s free 20 second Community Service Announcements. Check out how to do it at:  https://www.sunshinefm.com.au/csa-request

And there are some really exciting new classes in the system for next year, for example there’s a group planning to teach stagecraft and then put on a musical!

But wait! There’s still an Enrolment Day!

Although we can’t host our annual January Open Day, members can renew their membership from December 5th by going online or by ringing the U3A Office which will be open until Friday 9th December.

All 2023 courses can be viewed online after December 16th.

The U3A office will reopen from Monday January 9th to assist with renewing memberships.

Then on Saturday, January 14th, members can either logon and enrol for courses themselves, or they can go to the U3A Office in person, from 9am to 12 noon, to meet with office volunteers who will assist members to enrol for classes.

Refreshments will also be provided on the day courtesy of Di Aspinall.

Midyear U3A Showcase

In lieu of our January Open Day, we propose to run a “U3A Showcase” of our classes and all our tutors will be invited to participate on a Saturday when there are no parking fees during the midyear semester break at UniSC. The day will combine interesting lectures and tutors presenting in market stalls under awnings… We’ll keep you informed as planning goes ahead.

As we all head towards the busyness of the Christmas season, I wish you all the best for a peaceful and happy time, reuniting with family and friends.

Glyni Cumming

President
U3A Sunshine Coast

Read More

We need a new President and Secretary in 2023

November 22, 2022eVoiceNews
We need a new President and Secretary in 2023

At next year’s Annual General Meeting our President Glyni Cumming and Secretary Dawne Clark have to step down from their executive positions on your Management Committee, so we need new people to take on these key positions.

“This AGM is significant as both Dawne and I have completed our three years of service and, according to our Constitution, we have to stand down and give other enthusiastic members the opportunity to make a positive contribution to the organisation,” President Glyni said. “We may be able to keep running without a President; however, U3A Sunshine Coast is simply unable to function legally without a Secretary.

“Please let myself or Dawne know if you are willing to take on either of these executive positions or a committee position and play an active role in your Management Committee next year.”

“Planning has already started for next year’s AGM in April. One of two proposed guest speakers will be from the USC’s Department of Clinical Trials who anticipate setting up a database of members interested in participating in any proposed clinical trials in future.

“Apart from our annual report and the opportunity to meet our chosen bursary winners from UniSC, the AGM provides an insight into the strength of our organisation and our plan for the future so please make the time to come along.”

Photo: President Glyni Cumming and Secretary Dawne Clark will step down from their executive positions on the Management Committee at the AGM in April 2023.

 

Read More

Annual Membership Fee capped for 2023

November 22, 2022eVoiceNews
Annual Membership Fee capped for 2023

U3A Sunshine Coast Management  Committee has capped the Annual Membership Fee for 2023 at $40, and the Committee will decide on Venue Fees for next year’s courses at its final meeting for 2022 on Friday, December 9.

President Glyni Cumming said the $40 per annum membership fee is surely the best value around that money can buy and that venue fees are both subsidised and calculated on the costs of hiring each venue used to run classes.

“Our biggest venue expenses are from large venue activities such as Pickleball ranging down to smaller venues, like libraries, where there has been traditionally no charge,” President Glyni said. “However, there may need to be a small booking charge for use of these ‘free’ venues to account for the underlying costs of reimbursing tutors for expenses and to mitigate instances of people signing up for classes and not attending.”

Read More

U3A Network Queensland State Conference in Rockhampton 8 – 11 May 2023

November 22, 2022eVoiceNews
U3A Network Queensland State Conference in Rockhampton 8 – 11 May 2023

A special date claimer for 2023 is the U3A Network Queensland State Conference to be held in Rockhampton from May 8 – 11. This will be a very significant event as it celebrates the 50th anniversary of the founding of U3A that grew to become a world-wide organisation.

“This State Conference  will attract international guest speakers including Professor Francois Vellas, President of AIUTA (Association of International Universities of the Third Age) and Professor Maria Chester Secretary General of AIUTA,” President Glyni Cumming said.

“In Queensland, along with U3A Brisbane, Sunshine Coast was the first U3A to be formed in 1986. Our Life Members and 25-year members will be given the opportunity to attend this special event, with some subsidising of their expenses to cover registration, transport or accommodation.  Former President Jim Hales is putting together our own history for the conference, assisted by Communication officer, John Armstrong.”

For more information about the State Conference please go to the Network Queensland website page here.

As a major part of the event, U3A Network Queensland is conducting an Art Competition and Exhibition  Prizes for the competition are: Winner $200, Runner Up $150 and People’s Choice $50.

Network President Rhonda Weston AM is delighted that the talents of our U3A members across Queensland will be recognised in the Arts Competition and would appreciate U3A Presidents, Secretaries and Tutors helping to ‘get the word out’ about the Arts Competition and the State Conference.

“This is a great opportunity to showcase the artistic talents of members in our local U3As, and as this State Conference in Rockhampton marks the 50th Anniversary of our U3A movement it promises to be a major event, with international and national guests joining us for this anniversary event.”

For more information about the Art Competition along with links to a downloadable poster, entry form and T&Cs please go to the Network website page here.

 

 

Read More

‘Trivia Arvo’ – a Great Success

October 31, 2022eVoiceNews
‘Trivia Arvo’ – a Great Success

The ‘Trivia Arvo’ held at Millwell Road Community Centre was hailed a huge success by members of the 15 teams who attended this afternoon of knowledge and fun.

Quizmaster and chief organiser for the day, Mike Loftus, appreciated that the contestant teams dressed up for the competition and brought drinks and nibbles. “This made for a fun afternoon in great team spirit,” he said.

Those with the most correct answers to questions in the six rounds of the competition were the ‘Bud Ukes’ from the U3A Ukulele Group (pictured above) who scored a very creditable 65 out of 100, and the “questions weren’t easy” was the opinion of most of the teams.

Second, after a tie-breaker round were the ‘Brain Drain’ team  from the Brain Class (pictured above), and the Best Dresses team were the ‘Sunny Coast Jazzers’ from the Jazz Appreciation class (pictured below).

Undoubtedly, the most colourful and extroverted team was the ‘Badoompoodomps’ from the Line Dancing class who took out the ‘Best Themed Table’  (pictured at top).

Check out our Social Page here for more photos taken on the day.

 

Read More

October 25, 2022eVoiceNews

Bookings are now open for the ‘Healthy Ageing Forum 2022 – Rethinking Ageing – Moving and Grooving into Healthy Ageing’ to be held on Saturday 26 November 2022 the Innovation Centre at UniSC, Sippy Downs.

“You can’t help getting older, but you don’t have to get old.” – George Burns

Following on from the success of last year’s Healthy Ageing Forum, Sunshine Coast Council is excited to stage another forum this year in partnership with the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC).

Want to learn how to maximise your quality of life with energy and vitality, and maintain physical, mental and emotional health as you age? Then come along for a day of learning at the Healthy Ageing Forum 2022, Rethinking Ageing – Moving and Grooving into Healthy Ageing

The forum gives you the opportunity to learn and engage with experts from UniSC, the Sunshine Coast University Hospital and other health practitioners who will showcase the latest research on health ageing. You will have the opportunity to chat with stallholders from local organisations and can join in the fun at ‘Move it and Groove it’ and yoga sessions.

Be entertained by MC Lynda Prout, morning presenter at the Sunshine Coast’s radio station, Sunshine FM 104.9.

Please download and circulate the Event Flyer here.

Book your tickets online here.

When, Where & Cost

Date: Saturday 26 November 2022
Time: 8.30am – 3.45pm (registrations commence at 8.00am)
Location: Auditorium (in the Innovation Centre), University of the Sunshine Coast, Main Entrance, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs (free parking)
Cost: $15 (plus booking fee), includes morning tea and lunch
Bookings: Book now (bookings are essential as there will no tickets available at the door)

This event is presented in partnership by Sunshine Coast Council and UniSC, and supported with funding from Wellways Carer Gateway, and the Central Queensland, Wide Bay, Sunshine Coast PHN through the Australian Government’s PHN Program.

Read More

Seniors Festival 2022 at Corbould Park

October 24, 2022eVoiceNews
Seniors Festival 2022 at Corbould Park

The Seniors Festival at Corbould Park recently attracted large crowds, and U3A Sunshine Coast was well represented with an information stand and a number of classes adding to the entertainment program on the day.

Photos taken on the day may be viewed in the Social Photos Gallery here.

 

Photos: (Top) U3A Belly Dancers entertain with style and colour.
               (Above) U3A Line Dancers in Blues Brothers mood.

Read More

Book Reviews – Mr Rosenblum’s List by Natasha Solomons

October 20, 2022Book ReviewsNews
Book Reviews – Mr Rosenblum’s List by Natasha Solomons

Mr Rosenblum’s List – by Natasha Solomons  Reviewed by Steve Reilly and Ann Nearchou Sockhill

 

Steve Reilly’s review

WARNING SPOILERS

What a delightful little story. We did this book in September 2011. But I really enjoyed this second read even though I knew what was going to happen; I savoured the story telling. With Sadie’s death the story took an unexpectedly dark turn, however it was a passing in the natural order. The fabric of the story, as I perceived it at that point, was violated. But Jack did get his wife back before she died, and what a joy it was to see her come totally on side. I thought the texture of the immediate post-war times was wonderfully rendered, like the difference between the food available in London and the country, a condition I assume to be true.

I was initially disappointed that the story did not end with the golf course in triumphant splendour, a flourishing concern, but upon reflection I realised that “Mr Rosenbloom’s List” is a morality tale. In the end Jack achieved the acceptance he craved not by gaining a position in society, a label, like having the word Englishman tattooed on his forehead, not by having others see him in a certain way, but by what he did, by being the sort of person he was. In fact his wife achieved this acceptance by what she did – the cakes and so forth – before Jack. So, in the end the golf course as such was not important, what was important were Jack’s actions and his relationship with others – his love and devotion to his friends and their friendship – friendship, loyalty, and devotion he earned. A lesson for us all probably. I pulled back one point from a nine because of a couple of niggly little things: some unnecessary bouncing around with POV and a minor author intrusion.

 

Mr Rosenblum’s List – by Natasha Solomons

Ann Nearchou Sockhill’s Review

This story was not hilarious (as stated on the cover) – please tell me if I’ve missed something!

It was told in a light manner which softened the reality of the situation.

There was a sadness for Mr Rosenblum’s need to belong with constant rejection experienced and for Sadie’s yearning for her old life when she felt she belonged.

This is the plight of many refugees and migrants all over the world. The plight of many outliers. In history, today and likely in the future.

For many couples, the relationship between Jack and Sadie is relatable, in varying degrees. In this case, moving in different directions to achieve their respective sense of belonging. One moving forward; the other the need to stay in the past.

As the story unfolded it became more heartening, when one interesting character Curtis?? saw something in Jack, that no-one else saw. Maybe he simply saw a fellow human being on the outer looking for acceptance and had the humanity to reach out. And the ball started to roll.

It was a matter of one step forward and two steps back for Jack, but thankfully good overrode evil in the end. And more heartening was his relationship with Sadie became stronger again.

I did enjoy this book, and I can envisage it as a light-hearted, “feel good” movie.

Rating:  7

 

Mr Rosenblum’s List – by Natasha Solomons

June Young’s Review

Mr Rosenblum’s List provides a feel-good story with an uplifting ending.  The first of two themes is the story of every new migrant – how to fit into the new community and gain acceptance.  Jack, Mr Rosenblum, is of German Jewish background and worked to a formula.

The relationship between Jack and his wife Sadie was the second theme.  Some of the best lines in the book came from the trying relationship.  For example, Sadie in exasperation: “My mother warned me that your family was crazy. But I was young and foolish and taken in by your red bicycle and thick black hair”.  The relationship rekindled as they faced the trials and tribulations of huge undertakings ending with Sadie really supporting Jack and his  dreams.

An easy read and very enjoyable book.

 

Score: 9/10

Read More

Get set for ‘Trivia Arvo’ – Sunday October 30

October 19, 2022eVoiceNews
Get set for ‘Trivia Arvo’ – Sunday October 30

Tutors, can your class meet the challenge and beat the rest? We challenge all class members to compete in the Trivia Challenge.

Tutors may enter a team, or teams, up to a maximum of 6 members per team. Cost is $10 per team member. Participants must be a U3A member. Spouses are invited to come along and be part of the Challenge.

Tutors, please complete the entry form on the flyer and return it to the U3A Office by 1st October. All payments, to be collected by the Tutor, need to be paid to the U3A Office by 22nd October.

View and download the Flyer and Entry Form here

Read More

  • Prev
  • ‹
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • ›
  • »
  • Next

Admin and Tutor Login
Info for Tutors and Volunteers
Contact Us
Copyright
Insurance
Making a Bequest

U3A Sunshine Coast
90 Sippy Downs Drive
Sippy Downs Q 4558
e: u3aoffice@u3asunshine.org.au
p: 07 5430 1123