U3A Manawatu

What is U3A?

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Welcome to the 2012 U3A Manawatu website. The U3A (University of the Third Age) movement began in France in the mid-seventies and has now spread to many countries. U3A has hundreds of thousands of members throughout the World and more than 60 branches in New Zealand.

U3A is a response to the idea that human life is divided into three periods: firstly childhood and schooling, secondly child rearing and work, and thirdly retirement (the Third Age).

The third age is seen as an important opportunity for listening, learning and understanding. It is during retirement that people can put into practice the idea of a university as a community of like-minded people who seek a greater understanding of life.

Unique characteristics of U3A

• Taps the reservoir of knowledge, skills and experience of older people through self-help learning.
• There are opportunities for reading, research, discussions and field trips.
• The atmosphere for learning is informal and friendly.
• There are no compulsory activities.
• There are no examinations.
• Costs are minimal.
• Meetings are held in private homes, libraries, art galleries, schools etc.

U3A Manawatu

U3A Manawatu was formed in 2000 and currently has over 180 members. In a recent survey, members told us that U3A:

• Adds value to their lives.
• Provides mental stimulation.
• Allows them to learn from others.
• Is friendly and stress free.

U3A Manawatu is twinned with Durham U3A, England.

Learning groups

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U3A Manawatu is offering 23 Learning Groups in 2012. The aims, venues, times, and co-ordinators for each group are listed below. They commence February except where shown otherwise (*). Please contact the co-ordinator for more information, and to check that additional members can be accommodated.

POETRY FOR PLEASURE
Enjoy poetry as you like it. Write your own or recite the work you especially like of others. The music, mystery and magic of words is an invitation to join the muses in your own way, to relate to the moment or the past and travel on journeys of discovery to the ideas of the mind, and have lots of fun doing it.
Meetings: 1st Monday of each month at 5 Anaru Place, 1-3 p.m.
Co-ordinator: Norma Chick, ph. 357 2371. normal@infogen.net.nz

BOOK DISCUSSION
These are always interest-packed, stimulating meetings as members give resumes of the book each has read during the month. Because tastes in genre range from mystery through sci-fi to medieval history and beyond, discussion is always lively and often robust.
Meetings: 2nd Tuesday of each month at the Hokowhitu Village Centre, 12.45 p.m.
Co-ordinator: June Rigby, ph. 355 4108. june-r@clear.net.nz

VIDEO OPERA
Members of this lively group enjoy video presentations of operas as well as documentaries about operas. A wide-screen, liquid crystal display unit with high fidelity sound is the next best thing to being at La Scala, the NY Met or Covent Garden.
Meetings: Fortnightly on Thursdays, 2 p.m. 3 La Lena Grove, Summerhill
Co-ordinator: Brian Colless, ph. 355 3415. briancolless@inspire.net.nz

VIDEO MOVIES
We share and discuss videos, taking turns in choosing what is to be shown at each session. Some are selected for pure enjoyment, others we review and discuss for their artistic merit.
Meetings: 2nd Tuesday of the month, 2 p.m. 3 La Lena Grove, Summerhill
Co-ordinator: Brian Colless, ph. 355 3415. briancolless@inspire.net.nz

CURRENT AFFAIRS
This is a motivated group that enjoys passionate conversation, debate and argument on affairs of the day - local, national and international. All things topical are fair game for the often poles-apart opinions of our members, but all expounded with the greatest respect for the other points of view. Invited speakers from time to time.
Meetings: Every second Wednesday, 10am-12noon at 173b Victoria Ave., starting February 8th.
Co-ordinator: Bryan Ibell, ph. 358 1032. jean.bryan.ibell@gmail.com

RICHNESS AND PLEASURE OF ART
This is a group dedicated to exploring and discussing the fine arts in their widest sense. Occasional visits will be made to Te Manawa Art Gallery for short talks by gallery staff on current exhibitions.
Meetings: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month, 1-3p.m. Taylor-Jensen Fine Arts, George St.
Co-ordinator: Chris Phillips, ph. 358 1991. cphillips@inspire.net.nz

CREATIVE WRITING
For the pleasure of writing members come together once a month to read and critique each other's work. Short stories, novels, autobiographies, fables, poetry, comedy and tales for children fit snugly in the creative writing mix. Come along and give it a go.
Meetings: 1st Tuesday of the month, 10-noon, at NZ and Pacific Islands section, 2nd floor, PN City Library.
Co-ordinator: Fred Symes, ph. 354 4646. fredsymes@orcon.net.nz

ASTRONOMY
Exploring the vast expanse, beauty and mystery of our universe. Space (excuse the pun) for more members.
Meetings: 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month, 7.30-9.30 p.m., 26 Margaret St.
Co-ordinator: Larry Haist, ph. 354 2626. dlhaist@inspire.net.nz

PHILOSOPHY
The fascinating journey through the twists and turns of philosophical ideas. The 2012 theme is Existentialism. There is much to astound, amuse and possibly dismay in the months ahead.
Meetings: 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month, 2-3.30p.m. 26 Hokowhitu Village Centre.
Co-ordinator: Mike Carter, ph. 357 3941. m.carter@inspire.net.nz

MUSIC APPRECIATION
That great and knowledgeable music buff, John Ward, owner-operator of the Gramophone Room radio stations, has planned another year of wonderful presentations for his U3A group of music lovers.
Meetings: 1st Monday of each month, 1.30pm. 36D Elmira Ave.
Co-ordinator: John Ward, ph. 358 7117. contact@gramophoneroom.co.nz

PLAY READING
Members will keep exploring thought-provoking scripts and continue to develop their own short plays. A great deal of fun and satisfaction for these give-it-a-go thespians.
Meetings: 3rd Monday of the month from 1.30 p.m. at 430 Featherston Street.
Co-ordinator: Alan Cox, ph. 357 0088. awcox@inspire.net.nz

EXPLORING WALKWAYS
Take healthy walks along the good tracks that abound around Palmerston North, especially on the fringes. We occasionally venture a little further afield.
Meetings: Every Thursday, 2-3 p.m. (weather permitting)
Co-ordinator: Lynley Watson, ph. 356 4384. ld.watson@actrix.gen.nz

BOOKBINDING
Under the tutelage of John Garner several members have been learning the intriguing art of bookbinding, often restoring favourite old books to as-new condition.
Meetings: Alternate Tuesdays, starting February 7, 10-12 am., at 430 Featherston St.
Co-ordinator: John Garner, ph. 355 3878. john.garner@inspire.net.nz

SCIENCE FOR ALL
You don't have to be a scientist to enjoy this group. What is essential, though, is an enquiring mind and a wish to understand how science works to comprehend the mysteries of this world.
Meetings: 1st and 3rd Fridays of the month at 2pm, Community Leisure Centre, Fergusson Street.
Co-ordinator: Reuben Leberman, ph. 354 8545. r.leberman@inspire.net.nz

SKETCHING
Ever had a desire to draw? Now is your chance. Let Eugenie show you how to wield a pencil to produce work to be proud of.
Meetings: 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month, 10am, at 61 Savage Crescent.
Co-ordinator: Eugenie Waldteufel, ph. 356 5500

BIOGRAPHY *
Study the lives and times of the famous, infamous and just ordinary people of interest.
Meetings: 3rd Monday of the month, 10am, commencing January 16, 30 Pahiatua Street.
Co-ordinator: Margaret Hazelton, ph. 358 6980. m.e.hazelton@gmail.com

CLASSIC BRITISH COMEDY *
Laugh until you burst while watching on life-size screen and listening via 5.1 surround-sound from DVD to the great British comedy shows of the past four decades.
Meetings: Last Monday of each month (commencing January 30th), 1.30pm at 36D Elmira Ave.
Co-ordinator: John Ward, ph. 358 7117. contact@gramophoneroom.co.nz

NEW ZEALAND HISTORY
Interesting and sometimes controversial topics in New Zealand social and political history are introduced by both group members and invited speakers.
Meetings: First Thursday of the month. On February 2nd members should meet at the Reception Desk on the City Library Mezzanine Floor at about 10.25am.
Co-ordinator: Margaret Tate, ph. 358 6471. mtate@inspire.net.nz

THE CLASSICAL WORLD
A general 'open-sesame' into ancient Greece, Rome and Egypt. Following members' interests we can look at literature, history, philosophy, art - even language.
Meetings: Third Wednesday of each month at 10am, 210 Sandon Road, Feilding.
Co-ordinator: Tim Devlin, ph. 323 4914. devlin@inspire.net.nz

JAZZ APPRECIATION (New Group in 2012)
An invitation for Jazz enthusiasts to form a small listening group and share new and rare audio/video jazz concerts.
Meetings: Please phone John to discuss a convenient day and time. Meet at 36D Elmira Ave.
Co-ordinator: John Ward, ph. 358 7117. contact@gramophoneroom.co.nz

MODERN CHINA THROUGH LITERATURE (New Group in 2012)
China is becoming ever more important to New Zealand. A good way to understand China is through its literature - stories, poems and memoir.
Meetings: Last Thursday of each month at 2pm at Hokowhitu Village Centre.
Co-ordinator: Dong Li, ph. 355 4790. winter_li@hotmail.com

SIR ARTHUR SULLIVAN* (New Group in 2012)
(and some Gilbert too). Over one year (10 sessions) through recording and film, enjoy the surprising varieties of this Victorian musical life.
Meetings: Last Thursday each month, starting January 26th, 10am at 210 Sandon Road, Feilding.
Co-ordinator: Tim Devlin, ph. 323 4914. devlin@inspire.net.nz

SYMPOSIUM (New Group in 2012)
This group aims to share papers on philosophy, researched and written by its members. Each paper is presented for discussion and review. Coffee and tea available.
Meetings: First Friday of each month, 9am-12 noon in the side room at The Cooperage, 723 Main Street.
Co-ordinator: Rolf Panny, ph.326 9080. rolfpanny@clear.net.nz

Seminars

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The first seminar series in 2012, on the Justice System, will be held on five Wednesday afternoons in May. Details will be posted shortly.

The seminars shown below were run in 2011.

Storytelling
October 26: November 2, 9, 16, 23. Wilkins Theatrette, Te Manawa, Main Street. Wednesdays 2-4pm. Free admission. Tea & Coffee provided.

October 26th: Film
Dr Ian Huffer, Massey University
This seminar will introduce storytelling in film. In particular it will examine the tradition of classical Hollywood narrative and consider alternative forms of narrative structure.

November 2nd: The Role of Media in the 21st Century
Michael Cummings, Editor, Manawatu Standard
In this seminar, Michael will provide a historical overview of the press and storytelling, and will look at the use of digital media, and its effect on storytelling in the 21st century.

November 9th: Interuption to a Journey: Poetry and the Refusal of Story
Dr Bryan Walpert, Massey University
This seminar will look at ways poetry refuses to tell us stories we expect and look at the kinds of stories poems ask us to question.

November 16th: Drama
Dr Angie Farrow, Massey University
This seminar will look at storytelling in the theatre, both as an art form and as a way of bringing communities into a deeper connection.

November 23rd: Fiction
Dr Kim Worthington, Massey University
This seminar will consider the nature of fiction, and its reception since it arose as a distinct genre more than 300 years ago. The focus however will be on reading and writing fiction at the present moment.

An Arab Spring?
A one-day seminar in conjunction with Massey University
Saturday 27 August, Social Science Lecture Block, Massey University, 10am-3pm
Gold coin admission. Tea and coffee provided.
Lunch available on-campus.

Topics and speakers:
The Middle East in Relation to New Zealand
Terence O'Brien, Senior fellow, Centre for Strategic Studies, Victoria University

People Power: Standing Tall
Ahmed Zaoui, Businessman and former Professor of Theology

Arms, Oil and Anxiety
Professor Srikanta Chatterjee, International Economics, Massey University

A Strategic-Historical Overview
Alan Millar, Political Commentator and Industrial Disputes Negotiator

Panel Discussion
Chaired by Ashraf Choudhary, MP

Headline Science
April 6, 13, 20 and 27. May 4. Te Manawa Art Gallery 5, Main Street, Wednesdays 2-4pm. Gold coin admission. Tea and coffee provided.

April 6th: Human Genome Project
Professor David Penny, Massey University
What can we learn from the Human Genome Projects? It is a decade since the first draft human genome was announced. Continuing improvements in DNA technology keep accelerating the pace of discovery, and now we have 1000 Human Genome projects nearing completion. We have learned a lot about human genetic diversity, but how do we use this new information to improve human experiences?

April 13th: Nanoscience
Dr Mark Waterland, Massey University
The nascent field of nanoscience is leading to impacts in wide-ranging areas such as biomedicine, communications and environmental remediation. In this talk, Mark will give an introduction to nanoscience, nanotechnology and nanomaterials, will discuss some of their positive impacts, and will examine some of the ethical and environmental issues associated with the use of nanomaterials.

April 20th: Genetic Modification - Plant Biology and Biotech Plants
Dr. Chris Jones, Applied Biotechnologies, AgResearch Ltd., Palmerston North
This seminar will focus on Plant Biotechnology and Biotech plants, and the opportunities afforded by modern science to enhance productivity and improve sustainability in a world with an increasing appetite.

April 27th: Food Futures
Professor Jacqueline Rowarth, Massey University
Amidst concerns about rising food costs, there are also increasing requests for higher standards of environmental protection, animal welfare and working conditions, all of which contribute to increase costs. New Zealand's future could be in providing sustainably-produced premium products to those people prepared to pay for quality, but this will take support from society in terms of the image of farming to ensure not only that our primary product is highly regarded, but also that great people are recruited into the industry.

May 4th: Large Hadron Collider - A short visit to Bensalem
Professor Tony Signal, Massey University
The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) is the largest and most expensive scientific instrument ever built. Why was it built? What does it do? What do scientists hope to discover using the LHC? Is there any New Zealand involvement in the LHC? This talk will answer these questions, and many more, and provide an introduction to the fascinating world of particle physics.

Contact us

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You can contact us for further information at:

Address: U3A Manawatu, PO Box 9076, Palmerston North, 4441
Email: u3aman@gmail.com
Phone: Chris Phillips 06-358-1991

You can join us:

By requesting and then mailing the Membership Form. Membership costs $10 per annum and runs from 1 January to 31 December each year, but you can join at any time. Members receive a free newsletter several times a year.

You can send us feedback through any of the above contact channels.

About us

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U3A Manawatu Committee 2011-12:

Chairperson/Seminar Programme: Margaret Hazelton
Secretary/Membership: Mike Carter
Treasurer/Mailing: Julie Broadhead
Publicity/Learning Programme Coordinator: Bev Charlton
Newsletter/Website/Projector/Enquiries: Chris Phillips
Media Releases (ex officio): Fred Symes
Other members: Eugenie Waldteufel, John Ward