VOLUME 19, No. 3 August 2015

NEWSLETTER

U3A MOONEE VALLEY INCORPORATED (A0034837K) ABN: 73 188 473 048

CORRESPONDENCE TO: THE SECRETARY, U3A MOONEE VALLEY PO BOX 459, MOONEE PONDS 3039

PHONE: 9337 7779 (office hours 10.30 a.m. – 12.30 p.m. (Monday to Friday)

WEBSITE: www.u3amooneevalley.com.au

What’s in this issue? Calendar of events

From the President Thu 17 Sep Committee Meeting

Course Co-ordinator’s Report Thu 17 Sep Members’ Lunch at Anglers Tavern

Thank you to John White Fri 18 Sep Term 3 classes finish

Trivia Quiz Report Thu 24 Sep Block Arcade heritage tour

Office News Thu 1 Oct Annual Tutors’ Lunch

Treasurer’s Report Mon 5 Oct Term 4 classes commence

Social Activities Mon 5 Oct MV Seniors Festival commences

The 2015 Victorian Seniors Festival Thu 8 Oct Tour of Community Chef

Moonee Valley Seniors Festival Fri 9 Oct Learning Expo, A’dale Heights Library

Members’ Lunches at Anglers Tavern Sat 10 Oct Community Day, A’dale Heights Library

Learning Expo and Community Day Thu 15 Oct Committee Meeting and Members’ Lunch

Wed 28 Oct Lunch at St Georges Restaurant, NMIT

The authors make every effort to ensure that the information in this newsletter is correct when going to print. U3A MV does not assume and hereby disclaims any liability to any party for any loss, damage or disruption caused by errors or omissions. FROM THE PRESIDENT Welcome to the August 2015 edition of Contact. Thank you to Editor Joan Adams and her team. The U3A Moonee Valley quarterly newsletters are the main vehicle of communication the committee has with all our members. We hope you find the items and reports useful and informative. Many of us particularly look forward to seeing what events Social Activities Coordinator Heather Feldman has arranged for our enjoyment. The popular annual Trivia Day was held on Thursday 9 July. Many thanks go to Quiz Master Liz Lynch, Audio Visual specialist Margaret Majurey and Tech Assistant Maurice Majurey for a most entertaining day. Thanks also to Edith James and Fran Horton who liaised with council’s food services to deliver a delicious lunch.

CONTACT

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The efficient work of the Events Support Team, Edith James, Anne Fkih and Robert D’Silva at both Trivia Day and the July Tutors’ Meeting, is most appreciated. Frances Matters and Mandy Heane were also helpers on Trivia Day and then participated in the quiz. Course Coordinator Geoff Miller arranged a presentation by guest speaker Eda Irfan from Moonee Valley Libraries at the Tutors’ Meeting on Tuesday 14 July at Ascot Vale Neighbourhood Centre. Eda revealed a huge range of online resources available via the library catalogue: http://www.mvcc.vic.gov.au/for-residents/libraries.aspx For example, click on ‘Library Catalogue’ then ‘Online Resources’. Choose your area of interest, let’s say ‘Language Learning’ > ‘Mango Languages’, then log on with your library card number to gain free access to lessons online. In the May edition, I wrote about U3A Network Vic, an organisation we rely for resources and support. In this report I’d like to tell you about how Moonee Valley City Council (MVCC) and U3A Moonee Valley (U3A MV) work together. U3A MV offers around 60 courses over 32 weeks of the year, delivered across 17 venues mostly in the Moonee Valley Local Government Area. MVCC owns and administers the majority of those venues. The halls and rooms at Neighbourhood Houses, Centres and Libraries are available to U3A MV at no cost or very little cost. Our organisation has the benefit of the ‘in kind’ value of $13,000 per year. We are fortunate not to have to bear the pressure of high rental costs for classrooms as many other U3As currently do. As a community group whose activities align with MVCC’s Healthy Ageing Strategy, we also benefit from an annual council grant (see Treasurers Profit/Loss report). This enables us to keep our annual membership fees relatively low. MVCC staff is in charge of managing the venue bookings, maintenance of the buildings, provision of electronic swipe cards and issuing parking permits, all of which support our tutors and the delivery of our programs. Along with many other local community organisations’ representatives, Vice President Edith James attends the annual ‘booking of venues’ day and submits our applications. She also distributes the swipe cards to tutors and committee and liaises with council over maintenance issues. Secretary Fran Horton supervises the distribution of parking permits. We support MVCC when our members attend quarterly ‘User Group’ meetings for Ascot Vale Neighbourhood Centre and Niddrie Hub. We also run stalls to promote U3A Moonee Valley and participate in Council’s Healthy Ageing Expo and Moonee Valley Festival at Queens Park. Recently, some of our members took part in a Council focus-group workshop for ‘Help Make Moonee Valley Aged Friendly’. Coming up on 9 October from 10.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m., MVCC has asked us to participate in a Learning Expo as part of the Avondale Heights Library and Learning Centre’s fifth birthday celebrations. Saturday 10 October will be the Community Day Celebration (see page 14). Thank you very much Moonee Valley City Council, in particular to the staff at the Department of Aged and Disability Services and Councillors Nicole Marshall and Andrea Surace. Robyn Temby president@u3amooneevalley.com.au

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COURSE CO-ORDINATOR’S REPORT Finding Your Way Through World War 1 is a very topical new course which is due to commence on Thursday 8 October – the first week after the term break. Judy Maddigan, who has previously conducted very popular courses for U3A through the Essendon Historical Society, will be the tutor. The eight sessions will be on Thursdays from 10.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon. These will be based at Sam Merrifield Library but there will also be visits to relevant outside organisations. However, although Judy is a former Speaker of the Victorian Legislative Assembly, there will be no helicopter flights. Here is a chance to learn more about the major events of the 1914–18 war and its impact on the local area. Participants will also be shown how to search databases relating to the war. There are still vacancies but I suggest that you submit your applications as soon as possible. With the exception of the above, applications for all 2015 courses – and new memberships – close on 28 September. Until then, the office can advise about any existing course vacancies. John Curwood's enthusiasm must have been obvious from his article promoting Jazz for Pleasure in the last Contact, as the vacancies were quickly filled. Perhaps there is a message there for tutors? It won’t be long before we are seriously into the planning of next year’s courses. The next Contact, in early November, will include the 2016 course descriptions and timetable. I will be approaching all existing tutors in a few weeks for details of (hopefully) their proposed offerings. While the majority of our classes are normally continuations or repeats of those in the previous year, we are always looking for new programs to add to our range. If you would like to discuss the possibility of leading a course next year please contact me through the office. I look forward to meeting our existing tutors, together with Committee of Management members, at our annual lunch, which will be on Thursday 1 October at the Moonee Valley Legends Bistro. Invitations with further details will go out shortly. Enjoy the rest of Term 3. Geoff Miller THANK YOU TO JOHN WHITE We are always sorry to see the withdrawal of a good tutor. John White finished his long-running Cities course at the end of Semester One. His classes have been greatly appreciated by many of our members over the years. Those who were present in his final class presented him with a bottle suitable for a Scot and the following certificate, ably put together by Maurice Majurey. We thank you John and wish you all the best.

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U3A Moonee Valley Region

This Certificate of Appreciation

Was presented to: John White, Tutor.

In recognition of the hundreds of hours that he has devoted to preparing and

delivering the 'Introduction to Cities' course that reached No.221 and which

he has been so ably running since its inception in Semester 1 of 2006. The

knowledge and clarity of information that he has presented to us in such an

enlightening and entertaining manner has delighted, and sometimes, nay often

amazed, his many class members and his erudition will be sorely missed. His

patient forbearance of the interjections that periodically emanated from his

Sassenach projectionist at the back are an object lesson to us all and we offer him

every good wish for his extremely well-deserved retirement.

~ Dated this Friday the 19th of June, 2015 ~

TRIVIA QUIZ - 2015 On 9 July, members assembled once again for our annual Trivia Quiz. The value of the prizes, the entertainment, and the prestige of winning this event have made it very popular with our members. So much so, we now have to limit the numbers attending. Most members arrived early with their intellects sharpened and their competitive instincts aroused. Overall, the members showed a very good knowledge of geography, history and food. It was pleasing to see that all but two groups knew that feeding rhubarb leaves to their nearest and dearest could be fatal. Only two groups knew that the ‘centre niblet’ can be found on a tennis court and most were a bit vague as to what colour budgie smugglers were worn by Superman in his 1938

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comic debut. (They were red.) On the other hand every group knew that ‘Men at Work’ sang about ‘The Land Down Under’ and that the Eyjafjallajokull volcano is in Iceland – perhaps the name was a bit of a give-away. Congratulations to the winners on the day. ‘In The News’ (Frank, Carlene, Geoff and Sue) came first with a very creditable 87 points out of a possible 100. They were followed closely by ‘The Rack Pack’ (Ruth, Colleen, Jan and Brian) with 86 points, and then ‘The Help’ (Pat, Diane, Pat and George) with 85 points. Thanks to Committee Members, Edith and Fran, for organising the catering. It worked very well this year and there was more than enough food. Also thanks to the members who helped in setting up and then tidying up at the end – Anne, Robert, Fran, Amanda and India (who was a special member for the day). Our retiring ‘hooter’, Terry, was a competitor this year, after serving many years in that capacity. Our new ‘hooter’, David, filled the role with aplomb. Many thanks to both Terry and David. And, of course, there would be no Trivia Quiz without Margaret and Maurice. Maurice is our technical expert who ensures that you can all see and hear Margaret’s magnificent and entertaining presentation. Liz Lynch A FURTHER NOTE ON THE TRIVIA QUIZ FROM SECRETARY, FRAN HORTON I regret that, in the rush to pack away tables and chairs and to go home on that Thursday afternoon, there was no time to ‘officially’ thank the presentation team. Next year, this acknowledgement will be made before the first question appears on screen. Yes, a booking for the hall and meeting room will be made for July 2016 and, now that we have learned how much food is required, the day will run smoothly. OFFICE NEWS Thank you to all volunteers at the office for their forbearance and continued attendance despite the disruptions caused by the break-in and subsequent necessary repairs. Your Committee of Management appreciates the resourcefulness of all office volunteers in re-arranging duty days, where necessary, and it is hoped that you will all respond positively when asked to offer your services for 2016. At the end of this year we will recruit more members for office duty. This will provide a larger pool of people to work on regular days and more ‘emergency’ volunteers. The Committee also acknowledges the speed with which Moonee Valley City Council replaced the broken door, changed a blind over and ‘fixed’ all windows so that it is impossible to open them to gain entry to the building. At the time of writing there is a small problem with the lock adjustment on the new door but that will soon be resolved. Fran Horton

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TREASURER’S REPORT

Profit and Loss (with Year to Date) Account Description July 2015 Year to Date

Income $ $ Class fees 0 1,160.00 Donation MVCC 0 2,200.00 Grant ACFE 2,500.00 2,500.00 Grant PGSF 0 1,500.00 Interest received 7.97 736.25

Social Events 0 3,550.00 Subscriptions Associate -18.00 420.00 Subscriptions New 179.00 3,017.00 Subscriptions Renewal 0 14,910.00

Total Income 2,668.97 29,993.25 Gross Profit 2,668.97 29,993.25 Expenses General Expenses Equipment Maintenance 98.00 98.00 AGM 0 896.04 Bank charges 0.70 5.65 Office Expenses 43.00 1,085.78 Meetings 0 162.50 Photocopier rental 229.90 459.80 Postage 182.00 1,266.75 Social events 160.00 4,560.30 Stationery 17.99 505.93

Trivia Day 583.61 1,535.61 Sundry expenses 24.00 607.95

Tutors' Admin 0 80.00 Tutors' Aids 55.28 2,565.01 Tutors’ Meetings 0 667.50

U3A Network 0 984.00 Venues 10.00 3,348.55 Printing 0 1,332.32 Internet 0 632.00 Telephone Expenses 0 152.00 Total General Expenses 1,404.48 20,945.69 Depreciation Expenses Furniture Depreciation 353.00 2,824.00 Office Equipment Depreciation 71.00 442.00 Computer Depreciation 29.00 1,586.00 Total Depreciation Expenses 453.00 4,852.00

Total Expenses 1,857.48 25,797.69 Operating Profit 811.49 4,195.56 Total Other Income 0 0 Total Other Expenses 0 0 Net Profit/(Loss) 811.49 4,195.56

M J Corkill  

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SOCIAL ACTIVITIES 2015 The following social activities have been organised to provide interesting places for members to visit and opportunities to meet and mix with other members. When participating in a U3A social activity, members are welcome to bring non-members with them.

1. Thursday 24 September 2015 at 1.00 p.m. The Block (Arcade) Heritage Tour The Block Arcade, which was erected between 1891 and 1893, is one of Melbourne's most richly decorated interior spaces, replete with mosaic-tiled flooring, glass canopy, wrought iron and carved stone finishings. The exterior façade of the six-storey office has near identical facades on Collins and Elizabeth Streets and is one of Australia's best surviving examples of the Victorian Mannerist style. The tour, which is conducted by a volunteer guide, is for two hours and includes a number of up and down flights of stairs and a slide show. Afternoon tea will consist of a Devonshire tea at the Pickwick Restaurant, Charles Dickens Tavern, and includes a fruit scone, jam and cream and a pot of tea. Location: The Block Arcade is at 282 Collins St, Melbourne, and runs between Collins and Elizabeth Streets. Cost $15.00, which includes both tour and afternoon tea. The tour has currently been booked for a maximum of 20 persons. To participate, complete the booking slip and return this with the payment of $15.00 per person, together with a stamped, self-addressed envelope to U3A Moonee Valley, PO Box 459, VIC 3039 by Friday 11 September 2015.

2. Thursday 8 October 2015 at 2.30 p.m. Tour of Community Chef, the regional organisation that prepares ‘meals on wheels’ for various councils Community Chef, at 43–47 Drake Boulevard, Altona, is a unique and innovative local government-owned social enterprise that provides quality meals at affordable prices for people who are nutritionally at risk. In a ground-breaking move, 13 municipalities from throughout Victoria formed a joint venture, Regional Kitchen Pty Ltd, and became the drivers behind the development and construction of the state-of-the-art food production facility that is leased to Community Chef. The facility was specifically developed and designed for the secure supply of high-quality, low-cost meals that are culturally relevant and fulfil the range of dietary requirements across all communities. The kitchen opened in December 2010 and now prepares and delivers more than 1.2 million meals a year to its 20 local government customer-shareholders as well as hospitals and residential aged care.

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Prior to the tour you might like to join us at the Mosaic Restaurant at 12.30 p.m. for lunch. The Mosaic Restaurant is at 48 Pier Street, Altona (a block and a half from the Altona Station). All of the mains on the lunchtime menu are $15.00. I am sure that those travelling by public transport will be able to arrange a lift from the restaurant to the Community Chef facility. Cost: There is no cost for the tour of Community Chef. If you join us for lunch it will be at your own cost. There is a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 25 places available for this tour. To participate, complete the booking slip, including whether or not you will be joining us for lunch, and together with a stamped, self addressed envelope, and return to U3A Moonee Valley, PO Box 459, VIC 3039 by Friday, 25 September 2015.

3. Wednesday 28 October 2015 at 12.00 p.m. Lunch at St Georges Restaurant at Northern Metropolitan TAFE (NMIT) This restaurant is run by NMIT as part of its hospitality course. Students, under the supervision of their tutors, cook the meals and wait on diners. The lunch will include two courses, main and sweets plus tea and coffee. Participants will be able to order directly from the menu. Location: The training restaurant is part of the NMIT (BUILDING K) 77–91 St Georges Road Preston. Cost of the two-course luncheon is $20.00. Participants will be responsible for paying for all other drinks such as wine or soft drinks and covering their own transport. Transport options for travel to the restaurant are by Smart Bus from Essendon Station, car or taxi. Details will be provided to all participants. There is ample parking available adjacent to the restaurant. This activity provides for a maximum of 15 places. To participate, complete the booking slip and return with the payment of $20.00 per person, together with a stamped, self addressed envelope, to U3A Moonee Valley, PO Box 459, VIC 3039 by Friday 16 October 2015.

4. Wednesday 20 January 2016 at 1.00 p.m. Cats at the Regent Theatre

This very popular musical based on T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, with the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber, is a brilliant song and dance spectacular. Tickets are in rows H, J and K in the stalls. Cost of the tickets is $70.00 per person. Options for how to pay are listed below.

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This activity requires a minimum of 12 persons to proceed, with a maximum of 30 tickets available. To participate, complete the booking slip and return, together with payment of $70.00 per ticket and a stamped, self-addressed envelope, to U3A Moonee Valley, PO Box 459, VIC 3039 by Friday 16 October 2015. Please note:

In relation to all social activities: • Booking forms are on pages 10 and 13. • Payment can be made by cheque, money order, online via the internet or directly to our bank,

the details of which are: Account name: U3A Moonee Valley Inc. BSB: 633-000 Account number: 1540 51213

If payment is made at the Bendigo Community Bank, please ensure that your reference number is written on your reply slip so that we can recognise where the payment came from. • Please include a stamped, self-addressed envelope for each activity as confirmation for the

different activities may be sent out at different times. • Applications will be accepted in order of receipt. If oversubscribed or we do not achieve the

minimum number, a cheque or information on the repayment will be returned in the self-addressed envelope you provided.

• Do not worry if you do not hear from us immediately after sending in your booking. We wait until we achieve the minimum number for the activity or, in the case of theatre tickets, until we have purchased the tickets, before notifying people.

• Information in relation to where to meet, public transport options, etc. will be provided with confirmation of your inclusion in the activity in the self-addressed envelopes when bookings are finalised.

• No refunds will be provided, except when the activity has been cancelled, as U3A will generally have either forwarded your payment to the organisation we are visiting or will have had to pay for the number booked in. If you are unable to attend please arrange for someone else to take your place.

Heather Feldman

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SOCIAL ACTIVITIES BOOKING FORMS 1 The Block (Arcade) Heritage Tour, Thursday 24 September at 1.00 p.m.

(Closing date Friday 11 September 2015)

Name/s__________________________________________________________________________

Address _________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

Contact Phone number _____________________________________________________________

Number attending the tour __________

Please find enclosed a stamped, self-addressed envelope.

Signed __________________________________________________________________________

2 Tour of Community Chef , Thursday 8 October at 2.30 p.m.

(Closing date Friday 25 September 2015)

Name/s__________________________________________________________________________

Address _________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

Contact Phone number _____________________________________________________________

Number attending tour ______ Number joining us for lunch at the Mosaic Restaurant ______

Please find enclosed a stamped, self-addressed envelope.

Signed __________________________________________________________________________

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THE 2015 VICTORIAN SENIORS FESTIVAL http://www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au

The 2015 Victorian Seniors Festival will run during the month of October, with activities being held from 4 - 11 October 2015. The Festival program and online events calendar is available from mid August. Festival Celebration Day at Federation Square is on Sunday 4 October from 10.30am to 4.30 pm. Throughout the day there will be demonstrations ranging from dancing, craft activities, singing and musical performances. Seniors Week Art Exhibition showcasing U3A members’ work, will be held in Queens Hall, Parliament House from Tuesday to Thursday October 6 to 8, 2015. State Parliament will be sitting on these days. Come and find the U3A Moonee Valley marquee in the Square or Riverbank walk. Along with many other U3As, we support this event every year in recognition of the funding we receive from the State Government of Victoria. Take advantage of the free public transport options across the eight days of the Victorian Seniors Festival on trains, trams and buses. Get out and about, discover areas of Victoria you’ve always wanted to visit and go along to some of the fantastic events all over the state.

Maurice Corkill and Fran Horton are prepared for enquiries from the public at the U3A Moonee Valley marquee at the 2014 Festival Celebration at Fed Square

Riverbank Walk

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MOONEE VALLEY SENIORS FESTIVAL 2015 CELEBRATING ACTIVE AGEING

The calendar of events runs from Monday 5 October to Friday 30 October 2015. To find out more about the Moonee Valley Seniors Festival, call Council on 9243 8888 or go online at: http://www.mvcc.vic.gov.au/experience-moonee-valley/events-and-festivals.aspx Also, look for Council’s ‘Valley View’ magazine August/September 2015 in your letter box. Here are just three examples of the program: 1. Morning tea at the Clocktower When: Tuesday 6 October, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. Where: Clocktower Centre, 750 Mt Alexander Road, Moonee Ponds Join us at the Clocktower Centre for a free morning tea to officially launch this year’s Moonee Valley Seniors Festival. No bookings are required to attend morning tea. However, if you’re interested in attending the Morning Music show 'Ian Stenlake in Concert' afterwards, please contact the Clocktower Centre box office on 9243 9191. 2. Healthy Ageing Expo When: Wednesday 7 October, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Where: Wallis Mall, Keilor Road, Niddrie (near the pedestrian lights) Come down to Niddrie shopping strip to find out about the exciting programs, activities and services Council and other local organisations have to offer for senior residents. There will be free information, giveaways and demonstrations.

3. Moonee Valley Men’s Shed Aberfeldie open day When: Friday 30 October, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Where: 5 Rutherford Street (access via Bruce Street), Aberfeldie The Moonee Valley Men’s Shed Aberfeldie will be a hive of activity, with demonstrations, entertainment and a woodwork display. Come and join us for a free BBQ lunch, meet the Sheddies and find out about Moonee Valley Men’s Sheds.

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(Social Activities Booking forms continued …)

1. Lunch at St Georges Restaurant , Wednesday 28 October at 12.00 noon

(Closing date Friday 16 October 2015)

Name/s__________________________________________________________________________

Address _________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

Contact Phone number _____________________________________________________________

Number attending lunch ______ @ $20.00 per person =________

Method of payment for the above amount (please tick) • ( ) Cheque/money order. • ( ) Bank deposit ‒ reference number ________________________ • ( ) Internet banking Please find enclosed cheque/money order or reference number from bank deposit or info. re internet banking and a stamped, self-addressed envelope.

Signed __________________________________________________________________________ 3 Cats at the Regent Theatre, Wednesday 20 January 2016 at 1.00 p.m (Closing date Friday 16 October 2015)

Name/s__________________________________________________________________________

Address _________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

Contact Phone number _____________________________________________________________

Number of tickets required ______ @ $70.00 per person =________

Method of payment for the above amount (please tick) • ( ) Cheque/money order. • ( ) Bank deposit ‒ reference number ________________________ • ( ) Internet banking Please find enclosed cheque/money order or reference number from bank deposit or info. re internet banking and a stamped, self-addressed envelope

Signed __________________________________________________________________________

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MONTHLY LUNCHES FOR MEMBERS Monthly lunches for members are held on the third Thursday of each month except December.

Venue: The Bistro Anglers Tavern

2 Raleigh Road Maribyrnong Time: From 12.00 noon onwards

There is plenty of parking around the hotel and the Maribyrnong tram stops at the door. Lunch dates for the remainder of 2015 are: 17 September

15 October 19 November There is no set menu for the lunch – everyone chooses and pays for their own food and drink. It is up to you to decide whether you wish to indulge in a full meal or opt to choose from the Seniors Menu. Prices for seniors meals are reasonable: 2 courses (entrée and main OR main and dessert) $14.90 3 courses (entrée, main and dessert) $17.90 Servings are generous – you will not have to cook that night! If you are interested in attending these lunches, please phone us on 9338 8715 or email to maggym@optusnet.com.au by the Friday preceding each lunch that you wish to attend so we can reserve sufficient tables. Although these lunches are not ‘official classes’ where you need to enrol or attend every lunch, we do ask you to let us know each month you plan to attend. You may bring along a non-member to the lunches – just let us know the number of those attending when you contact us. Margaret and Maurice Majurey

Essendon Choral Society

Presents

“Singing in The Valley”

Conductor: Greg Hocking Pianist : Graeme Burnham

With Special Guests

“Grace Notes Singers” Conductor Jan Goodall

Pianist Jane Macdermott At: Flemington Primary School

Mt. Alexander Road (Mel Ref: 29A11) Sunday 30th August 2015 at 2.30pm

Cost: $25 Full / Conc $20 Family $45

Afternoon Tea will be provided

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The Avondale Heights Library and Learning Centre 5th Birthday Community Celebration

The Venue: Avondale Heights Library and Learning Centre

Date: Saturday 10 October 2015 Time: 10.00 a.m. – 1.00 p.m.

The Avondale Heights Library and Learning Centre opened in October 2010 and the Atrium extension was completed in November 2012. The Centre is part of the Avondale Heights Community Precinct, which includes an Early Years Centre and Stadium. The Council, with support of its Community Partners, plans to run a week of birthday

activities from 5 – 10 October for this very successful community resource. The main celebration will be the community fun day on the Saturday. What’s happening? Children’s Activities – jumping castle, face painting, drawing workshops by children’s illustrators Roland Harvey and Marc McBride. Sausage Sizzle – supported by East Keilor Rotary. Learning Expo The Expo will showcase the facilities and resources available at the Avondale Heights Library and Learning Centre with a focus on learning providers and education. U3A Moonee Valley will be there along with many other local organisations. The Venue: Avondale Heights Library and Learning Centre Date: Friday 9 October 2015 Time: 10.00 a.m. – 1.00 p.m.

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ESSENDON & DISTRICT DIABETES SUPPORT GROUP A day tour to Daylesford has been organised for Tuesday 10 November at a cost of $43.00 per person based on 40 passengers. Moonee Valley U3A members are very welcome to join us. Departure will be from Cooper Street Essendon car park (next to Buckley Park Bowling Club) at approximately 9.00 a.m. and return to the same place by 5.00 p.m. The coach will travel to the Mt. Franklin Chocolate Mill to view videos that explain how their chocolates are made and how cocoa is turned into chocolate. You can also witness the actual chocolate making process through a window into the factory kitchen. Samples of chocolate will be available. Enjoy the ultimate hot chocolate made with real Belgian chocolate, or fresh roasted coffee or a selection of teas (at your own expense) while taking in the view of the dam and surrounding bushland.

After leaving the Chocolate Mill, the coach will travel into the town of Daylesford for a two-course lunch at the Royal Hotel. There will be two mains and two desserts served alternately. After lunch, the coach will head to Myrniong, nestled in the Pentland Hills, for a visit to St Anne’s winery for tastings at the cellar door. Then it’s back to the car park in Essendon by 5.00 p.m.

Please contact Edith James on 0411 261 017 (leave a message if unanswered and she will call back) or email edithjames1@optusnet.com.au to reserve your seat. Payment is by money order/cheque made out to the Essendon Diabetes Group or if cash is preferred, it must be paid at the latest by Monday 19 October as coach numbers must be finalised by Wednesday 21 October. There will be no refunds. You will need to find a replacement if unable to attend. Edith James Convenor Essendon & District Diabetes Support Group.

U3A Moonee Valley acknowledges invaluable support received from Moonee Valley City Council, Department for Victorian Communities, ACFE,

Hon. Bill Shorten MP, Mr Danny Pearson MP and Mr Ben Carroll MP.