High Tea Celebration 12th May 2023
16 members attended a High Tea at the Tree of Life cafe in Mandurah to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the foundation of the U3A in France. It was also the 33rd anniversary of the founding of U3A Mandurah. A tasty selection of sandwiches and cakes was supplied, along with tea to those present. The opportunity was also taken to present Christine and Rory O’Brien with Life Membership Certificates in appreciation of their time and efforts, over a continuing number of years, in various roles with U3A Mandurah.
Boddington Trip 3rd May 2023
Trip to the Volunteer Boddington Recycling Centre followed by a BBQ lunch beside the Hotham River. 19 members enjoyed a bus ride and lunch in beautiful weather. The Centre collects a variety items, especially plastics, which are recycled saving them from landfill. The Centre also has a community garden, built from recycled materials, which supplies fruit and vegetables to anyone in need. Manual sorting of materials is aided by a small number of machines. The O’Briens supplied and organised the BBQ beside the river which was enjoyed by all. The bus driver added to the enjoyment of the day by recounting his days driving the route from the local mines.
Click on an image to view the slideshow.
Christmas lunch 2019
Christmas lunch was at Café Coast, Wannanup on Friday 6th December. During the dining a number of membership awards were presented. Here are some photographs to remind us of the happy occasion.
Excursion to Penguin Island 19 March 2019
A small group of members had a perfect trip to Penguin Island on 19th March on a hot day with gentle breeze. On a ¾ hour cruise around the nearby islands we were met by a pod of dolphins including a week old calf.
We were taken to cormorant breeding rocks and watched sea lions relaxing and pelicans landing high on the rocks, their breeding ground, before arriving at the Island. Gentle walks were taken up to lookouts or down to the western beach before meeting again at the sheltered picnic area.
Then into the little penguin feeding building where orphaned or injured penguins are fed and looked after with ongoing history given.
Thanks go to Tracey of Mandurah Wines tours for safe travel on the day.
Christmas lunch 2018
Members enjoyed a lovely Christmas lunch at Café Coast, Wannanup on Friday 7th December. Here are some photos.
Life Membership Award at the U3A Christmas Lunch 29 November 2017
On Wednesday 29th November 2017, Pamela Medland was awarded Life Membership of Mandurah University of the Third Age (U3A). at the club’s annual Christmas luncheon.
Pamela has been a member since inauguration in 1990. During those years she has held nearly every executive office including President, Co-ordinator, Group Leader, Presenter and Secretary.
Pamela was congratulated by Mayor Rhys Williams for her long term commitment to life-long learning and friendship amongst Mandurah’s seniors. He said that the most important element to a long, happy and fulfilling life was to stay connected with people and keep the brain active. He said he was aware that many of our older residents find themselves lonely and somewhat isolated. So he commended U3A for ensuring that members enjoyed companionship and a strong sense of belonging.
The photograph shows (L – R) Christine Norman (U3A Mandurah President), Pamela Medland, Mandurah Mayor Rhys Williams.
Reception for the Governor-General 25th August 2017
On Friday 25th August 2017, President of Mandurah U3A Christine Norman, and vice-president Liz Rushton, were pleased to represent Mandurah U3A at a reception, hosted by the City of Mandurah, in honour of a visit to Mandurah by the Governor-General of Australia, His Excellency Sir Peter Cosgrove and Lady Cosgrove.
A morning at the Halls Head Croquet Club July 2017
A dozen of our U3A members were welcomed by Halls Head Croquet Players. We were all given mallets and introduced to the game on a sunny day in July, when our normal lectures are in recess. David Smeeton, Jo and Alan Kreibich, plus Sheila Twine are already members at Halls Head. After this successful introduction, Jenny Ingles and Jock Fyfe were taken with the game and also joined the club. All agreed that another visit should be arranged next year.
Excursion to Perth 31 May 2017
On 31 May 2017 on a bright sunny day, 11 of us went on the Perth Hop on Hop Off bus (with ½ price tickets).
The trip took 2 hours, though we could have got off and rejoined the next bus an hour later.
From the top of the open double decker we had a different view which included seeing the beautiful tops of many old buildings. From Elizabeth Quay, through Northbridge to the Casino, through King’s Park and back to the quay was a very different experience. Then lunch at Annalakshmi, the Indian Restaurant where you pay what you feel the meal is worth. Back on the train arranged by Chris Baker who we thank, after an excellent day.
Birthday lunch 24 May 2017
Excursion to Serpentine 30th March 2017
Thirty members of Mandurah U3A journeyed up to historic Serpentine, visiting St Stephen’s Anglican Church, where the Reverend Lorna gave us a brief account of the parish with its three churches. Wilma Mann then recounted the history of the various buildings and Tup Biggs detailed the stories of some of the area’s pioneers. Sheila then held up song sheets for members to sing about Serpentine.
The buses then took us to the cemetery, where Trevor Senior had copied ancestor booklets for us. We viewed the art work commissioned by the Serpentine Historical Society.
The Bridge School was next, where we all sat in tiny desks whilst Trevor Senior and Ada Fawcett related school experiences from 70 years ago.
We then walked beneath the Bridge to see the construction and sturdy ‘stringers’ made of whole tree trunks, before seeing Turner Cottage (about 1856) and Baldwin’s Cottage (about 1856).
The buses then took us to the old Tavern at Mundijong for lunch. Our last stop before driving back to Mandurah was to the replica of the Diamond Crossing, where the private timber tramway (railway built 1872) and the government railway (built in 1893) crossed, with precedence always given to the timber tramway.
A great day was had by all and the weather was perfect.
The Mandurah U3A Banner at Armadale U3A 5th April 2016
Sheila Twine and Christine Norman gave an “Encore” Presentation to Armadale U3A on 5th April 2016, and displayed the new banner for the first time.
U3A Perth 30th Anniversary Garden Party 13th March 2016
Six members of Mandurah U3A attended the Garden Party at UWA in Nedlands, to celebrate 30 years of U3A in Western Australia.
The Storyville Jazz Band and the U3A UWA singers entertained the party. The guest of honour Dr. Maureen Smith gave a short rundown of starting U3A in Perth 30 years ago.
Australia Day 2016 Award
Christmas Lunch – Friday 4th December 2015
Jarrahdale Excursion – Wednesday 30th September, 2015
Birthday Luncheon – Friday 22nd May 2015
Mandurah U3A celebrated its 25th birthday in fine style with a luncheon held in the attractive surroundings of the Meadow Springs Golf and Country Club.
Excursion to Medical Museum – 29th April 2015
Christmas Luncheon 3rd December 2014
As the accompanying photographs show, members enjoyed a great time at the Christmas luncheon on 3 December 2014, at Mandurah Quay. Kath Dean and David Smeeton gave traditional readings, and Christine Norman “raised” an impromptu choir from ”volunteers” who sang some traditional Christmas songs.
