U3A

A dear friend suggested years ago that I put my name down with U3A Christchurch Central two years before I left paid work, as at that stage they had a two year waiting list. I failed to heed his advice, and when in September 2020 I made inquiries about joining I was told the waiting list was then 18 months. I knew other U3A groups had shorter waiting times, but I wanted Christchurch Central as its meetings are at the Art Gallery, within walking distance of home.

Last month I received an email advising me a place was available, I confirmed my acceptance, and sent the $50 annual subscription. Further emails gave details of the year’s first three week course, explained numbers at each session were limited because of Red traffic light restrictions, and invited me to book if I wanted to come. The first course was to be Getting to know you – Voices from our members with two people giving half hour talks at each of the weekly meetings. Because I was unsure how much I’d enjoy these, and uncertain what other commitments I might have for future Tuesday mornings, I booked for just the first week, and soon received a message to say that was confirmed, but the other two weeks were fully booked with ten on a waiting list.

They sent a contact details form which offered an opportunity to say where you might volunteer. I ticked that I was willing to help serve tea and coffee, or to thank a speaker, but I did not offer to help organise a course – maybe later. It also asked for previous occupation/area of expertise/current interests, and I imagine these details may be used for planning future courses.

Art Gallery Entrance

After showing my vaccine pass and signing in at the Art Gallery, I signed in for the U3A session and introduced myself as a new member. Because of current restrictions there was no tea and coffee, and no encouragement to mingle beforehand. However, I was warmly greeted by the Membership person, then went in to the theatre, where every second seat had a sign saying Please do not use this seat. Stay safe in Level 2. Everyone was responsibly wearing a mask, many with a medical one under a cloth one. It’s hard to recognise people in masks but I saw at least two women I know.

The first speaker was Jane Ellis who spoke about Memories and Memorials. She started with a quote from Luis Bunuel: “You have to begin to lose your memory if only in bits and pieces, to realise that memory is what makes our lives. Life without memory is no life at all.”

Jane showed photos of memorials at Arthur’s Pass, including a Memorial Book in the chapel. She went on to talk about the development of the 19th Battalion and Armoured Regiment Memorial in Victoria Park, including the addition of a plaque to the Regiment’s mascot dog in 2017. Her talk finished with photos from her garden, where plants hold memories of her mother.

Rosemary Anderson, the second speaker, told about her trip to Uganda in 2015 which began with volunteering for an educational charity. On her arrival in Uganda she found there were no road rules. She stayed in a village near the River Nile, in a room with a strong padlock, and was obliged to wear the key around her neck. After this volunteer assignment she travelled across the equator to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

I thoroughly enjoyed both these talks, and wish now that I had booked for the other two sessions of this course. It’s just a pity the social aspect isn’t easily available at present.

I’m glad that I’ve joined U3A
and look forward to next meeting day