U3A Baw Baw

Under the present COVID-19 restrictions U3A Baw Baw members have been very busy in the background as no formal meetings or classes have been possible.

However there was a recent task instigated by long term member Jim Connelly to reformat a well know John Masefield poem. ‘Sea Fever’,

A new composite poem was written by a number of U3A members who each added a line until the poem was completed

. The first line of the John Masefield poem reads “I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky”. The new very topical U3A composite poem follows.

C FEVER

I must go down to the shops again, to the crowded city street,

And all I ask is the chance to find old friends to meet and greet.

Now the time’s come and we’re free again and the lockdown’s ended,

With a big smile on the people’s face and our hearts are truly mended.

I must go down to the shops again, to the scenes I hold so dear,

To volunteer just to reappear and say hello to a real cashier,

To hear once more the children call and the sound far off of the traffic roar;

Though it’s been a while, I can say with a smile, ‘We now know what’s worth living for’.

I must go down to the shops again, to my own little corner in town

And hope to see a familiar face with a smile instead of a frown

And all I ask from this kindly friend that I’ve so been longing to meet

Is a long chat with a flat white and my joy will be complete.

For those who are not aware of what U3A is; the easiest way to explain is that it’s a volunteer learning and social organisation for retired or semi retired people who are keen to share educational, creative and social activities.

All U3As in Australia and around the world are run as a not for profit learning organisation.

Joining U3A is a great way for retired or semi retired people in the Baw Baw Shire to be part of a growing social group of like minded people. U3A is also ideal for retired people who have made a ‘tree change’ and are new to the Warragul, Drouin or Baw Baw area.

Courses at U3A vary each term and cover many interests such as computers and tablets, history, music, hobbies, photography, travel, civic affairs, mahjong, literature, and many other learning and skills opportunities that you wish to refine or continue in your retirement.

Members have very diverse backgrounds and life experiences... and it’s not all about learning as there are regular guest speakers at monthly meetings and activities not requiring too much ‘grey matter’.

Anyone interested in joining U3A Baw Baw to participate in a course or discussion group or expand their social network can find details on the U3A web site www.u3abawbaw.org.au

Live, Learn and Enjoy... in a great social atmosphere! Phone 0490 770062 or membership@u3abawbaw.org.au