U3A duo humbled by recognition
orsham University of the Third Age leaders have paid tribute to two of the organisation’s ‘most important people in recent history’.
President Rick Walker presented Helen Fleming with a life membership and Bob Mcilvena with a certificate of appreciation.
Mr Walker said Mrs Fleming was instrumental in the development of the mature-age learning organisation.
“She was very involved with the constitution and the local house rules,” he said.
“She’s been our co-ordinator and a committee member for a very long time.
“We wouldn’t be here today without Helen’s efforts.”
Mrs Fleming said she was humbled by the accolade.
“It’s been a pleasure working for U3A,” she said.
“It’s good to see senior citizens with something to do.
“I don’t feel like I’ve done enough, but I’ve got a few years left.”
Mrs Fleming joined Horsham U3A in 2010, becoming a committee member the following year.
She said she recommended people consider becoming involved in the university.
“There’s great camaraderie between members in different groups and there are so many activities,” she said.
“There’s also a wide variety of people involved.”
Mr Walker said Mr Mcilvena was the university’s most recent past president.
“I think Bob became president the first year he joined,” he said.
“He’s been instrumental in getting to where we are now. He’s spent a huge amount of time here every day of the week and talking to the council and to Victrack.
“Bob’s approach to this has been more than a hobby, it’s been more like his fulltime employment and we so appreciate what he’s done.”
Mr Mcilvena said it was an honour to serve the senior citizens of Horsham.
“U3A is God’s gift to elderly people,” he said.
“It’s the largest not-for-profit organisation of its type in western Victoria.”
People can visit website horshamu3a. org.au or call 5382 5564 for more information about the organisation.