Local author guest at literary lunch

This year’s U3A literary lunch was held at the Warragul Country Club function centre recently.

The guest speaker was the talented and entertaining Jim Connelly.

Jim, a long-time member of U3A and a Warragul local, has published prolifically in recent years, mainly books for children.

This year he turned his hand to writing his humorous observations on the local life and idiosyncrasies of Warragul and Drouin.

His first book in this series ‘Talk of the Town’ proved so popular he was encouraged to publish a second volume, ‘Talk of the Town 2’.

The book made its ‘world premiere’ launch at this year’s literary lunch. The luncheon was well attended with more than 90 attendees, who were mainly locals, enjoying an entertaining and informative overview of Jim’s life, career and book publish history.

U3A Baw Baw is a local organisation covering Baw Baw Shire and is part of the Victorian network of U3A’s. The organisation is a volunteer learning cooperative of retired or semi-retired people who share many educational, creative, social and leisure activities.

U3A Baw Baw has more than 150 members in West Gippsland who meet to participate in a diverse range of classes, activities and discussion groups.

Members are encouraged to share their life experiences, skills or knowledge with other members. Those who teach and those who learn are all members of U3A.

The U3A general meetings/gatherings are held on the second Friday of each month from 2pm till 4pm at the Drouin RSL building. Anyone interested in joining is welcome to attend.

U3A is a worldwide movement. For more information visit the website www.u3abawbaw.org.au or phone 0490 770 062.

Concerns about potential drainage issues and residential development in Longwarry have been raised with Baw Baw Shire Council.

Longwarry resident Sharon Jordan asked if council could review its current drainage plan for Longwarry in light of 200 new homes to be built in the area.

Ms Jordan said drainage problems had been impacting their business in the southern part of the town for some time.

Shire chief executive officer Alison Leighton said council did not have any identified project to review the current drainage planning for Longwarry.

She said Melbourne Water was the regional drainage authority within the Longwarry district and it was the responsibility of Melbourne

U3A president Mary Howlett and author Jim Connelly look over his new book, Talk of the Town 2.

Author Jim Connelly signs copies of his latest book during the U3A literary lunch.