CLASSES

This group will be able to share talents and knowledge of art and design each month in a friendly, relaxing environment. We will incorporate some basic drawing skills depending upon each member’s level of ability and strengthen that through the exploration of subject matter and range of media. This could include a range of still life drawing, portraiture, perspective drawing and drawing of landscapes. Members could regularly attend local art exhibitions and artist’s studios together as well as show their own work in a group exhibition. 

Join Bev and Philip "At The Movies" for an engaging afternoon of cinematic delights!This class is designed for anyone eager to expand their film knowledge and deepen their appreciation
of the magic of cinema. Each month, a diverse selection of films will be screened: latest releases,
timeless classics, world cinema, documentaries and gems from Hollywood’s Golden Years.

All screenings are shown with subtitles, ensuring everyone can enjoy the experience. Class members will receive follow-up information via email after each screening, so access to a working email address is required. Our program seeks to offer something for everyone. We hope you can join us to explore the magic of movies together!

There are some minor changes to the regular viewing times:
In May the movie will be on 14th (2nd Wednesday 2.00-4.00pm, instead of 21st May
In June the session will be held on 18th (2nd Wednesday) in the morning,10am-12pm
The last movie will be on 2nd Wednesday, 10th December, 2.00-4.00pm

THIS SESSION WILL BE STREAMED FOR MEMBERS AT THE RED BRICK HALL VIA ZOOM INSTEAD OF THE REGULAR FRIDAY@U3A

Catherine Brown will present this class. She is a volunteer at Melbourne's Shrine of Remembrance and respected amateur historian focussing on both World Wars. She is an experiences and talented presenter within her own U3A.. 

During WWII 200,00 women joined the workforce forever transforming the role of women in society. Women were needed to take on many different roles during the war. They worked as builders, clerks, drivers, farm labourers, intelligence officers, mechanics, telegraphists and other roles. Many worked in factories that produced ammunition, aircraft, food supplied, uniforms and weapons.

This presentation expolores the historical contributions of women from 1939 to 1945 and their enduring legacy for subsequent generations. It will share stories of the women who served in the Australian Defence Force and on the home front, highlighting their sacrifices and contributions, not only to the war effort, but for their families and the wider communities.

Do you like playing board and card games? If so come along to this group and have a fun social morning playing well known games and some you've possibly never heard about. We play each game for 5-6 weeks to become familiar with the rules. This also means we become more cunning and competitive in the best possible way.

Tutor led discussions about books voted by the group from a broad selection of suggestions. 

No accesss to venue in September or November - Tutor will provide arrangements regarding arrangements for these months.

Everyone wanting to enrol will be initially waitlisted as the course is very popular. DO NOT PAY until accepted into the course. (Once accepted $20 will be the enrolment fee.)

Tutor led discussions about books voted by the group from a broad selection of suggestions.

No accesss to venue in September or November - Tutor will provide arrangements regarding arrangements for these months.

Everyone wanting to enrol will be initially waitlisted as the course is very popular. DO NOT PAY until accepted into the course. (Once accepted $20 will be the enrolment fee.)

The Bushwalking Group offers a great opportunity to enjoy and learn about local and surrounding bushland and forests make new friends and improve fitness and agility. The Macedon Ranges together with the Central Victorian uplands and the Central Goldfields offer many and varied walking trails. The walks will generally be between 6 and 10kms be accurately graded for degree of difficulty and provide ample opportunity for walkers to test themselves physically. Walks are clearly described and include an estimation of the time of return to Kyneton. Most walks will require travel with carpooling. To enjoy the walks a moderate to good level of fitness is needed. Walkers are encouraged to enjoy a coffee and food after each outing.

Canasta is a fun and slightly malicious card game that is usually played in teams of two or three players. It's easy to learn the rules and initial games will be played with hands on the table so everyone can understand the game. Teams are chosen by selecting cards from the pack so there's no need to come with a partner. Instruction and assistance will be offered and beginners are welcome.

No accesss to venue in September or November - Tutor will provide arrangements regarding arrangements for these months.

Coffee Club is a very informal social meeting where everyone is welcome to come enjoy some morning tea and chat with friends.

Australian’s religious affiliations are diverse. This course will examine the historical foundations of our religious affiliations based on data from the 2021 Census (Australian Bureau of Statistics). These data provide us with the opportunity to discuss 17 Christian denominations as well as Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism and Buddhism. In addition, Australians also affiliate with numerous secular, spiritual and non-religious groups.

From creation stories to family feuds and political power plays we will explore the underpinning foundations, similarities and differences of our belief systems.

Following Series 1 – Composers, their Lives, Times and Music, Series 2 concentrates on 10 of the greatest composers, taking us from the Baroque Era music of Vivaldi, to the Late Romantic period music of Rachmaninov.

This series is intended to enhance the participant’s appreciation of music by going into more depth on the lives and compositions of these composers.

Only one composer will be discussed in each session.  There will be several YouTube videos of their music played to satisfy the music lovers.

The composers are: Vivaldi, Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Schumann, Chopin, Brahms, Tchaikovsky, Debussy and Rachmaninov.

THIS IS A ZOOM CLASS and is being managed by U3A Network Victoria. Some details may change.

The sessions will cover 5 centuries of the history of music, beginning with the 15^th century Renaissance period. It aims to satisfy the classical music lover’s curiosity about what was happening in the world at the time of some of the greatest composers, their life stories, and of course their compositions.

We will delve a little into form in music, to better understand the works.  Each session includes YouTube performances of some of the best known and loved works.

We will journey through the Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Nationalist and early 20^th century music, as well as delving into the history of opera.

TO REGISTER, for the class, please follow this link:

To REGISTER go to https://u3anetworkvictoria.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYpceGvrTwvG9SIPCB2WTL8KiDaTlcgRoSN

Bring along your Laptop, Tablet, iPhone or Android device and any other portable gadgets for hands-on problem-solving. Make sure you also bring any passwords and charging or plug-in devices that may be needed.

We need you knitters! The Red Cross have multiple groups around Australia knitting 'Trauma Teddies' which are given to children who are experiencing significant difficulties such as illness loss and relocation. We are very happy that the Kyneton Hospital is excited about us donating our Teddies directly to them. The pattern is simple and there are always others who can help those less experienced knitters. If you're not a knitter you can be sewing the teddies together and attaching the Red Cross labels.

You are also very welcome to join us if you're crotcheing a hat for a grandchild (also a kind act to another) or you're knitting yourself a new jumper (a kind act to yourself).

Croquet is a great sport that combines gentle exercise, mental stimulation, strategic thinking and social interaction. It is a sport suitable for people of all ages in which men and women compete on equal terms. All equipment is provided. The course is run by U3A members in association with Kyneton Croquet Club. Come and try this fun activity!

Using cryptic crosswords appearing in 'The Age' from Monday to Thursday, Leigh will reveal some of the verbal tricks used by the various writers. Older people have an advantage in solving the puzzles, as they have acquired more general knowledge as well as a more extensive vocabulary. Most importantly, it's a matter of letting your mind off its leash awaiting that aha! moment. If you don't want to buy the Age for the duration of the course, let Leigh know and she'll make copies of the puzzles.

Slow-cycling on quiet paths and lanes. For those who haven't cycled for a while or have a new bike including e-bikes. Men in Lycra Verboten! An optional train excursion to Melbourne coastal bike paths. Meet at old Primary School in Ebden Street Heat policy: If over 34 degrees the ride will be cancelled.

Initially for 3 weeks and then additional sessions at the discretion of the participants.

The Cycling Group offers great opportunities to enjoy and ride in your local area make new friends and improve your fitness.

Meet at the Showgrounds in Beauchamp St, Opposite the Hardware Store according to seasons. Start time is 9.30am in Summer and 10.30am in the Winter.

The rides are easy to moderate, and we travel as a group. Trips are generally around 30-40kms at an enjoyable speed on quiet roads. Coffee during the ride or after is always an enjoyable way to finish and we are always happy for input to help and suggest new routes. 

This weekly activity is for both owners and dogs to enjoy socialising with others. Members who do not own a dog who wish to come along for an easy, social walk are also welcome to accompany the group. 

The 'River Walk' in Kyneton meanders through the lovely Botanical Gardens and takes approximately 30-40 minutes. Alternatively participants can walk to a half way mark if desired.

Dogs may be on or off lead and owners are entirely responsible for their pet(s) and picking up after them. All pets should also have a current veterinary C3 vaccine. 

The meeting place is in the car park on the left, just before the Mollison Street Bridge heading towards the station. Please no extender leads. Walks will not be held if the temperature is over 34 C.

This class is aimed at tutors or people with regular interaction with U3A members.

Knowing what to do in the first few minutes following a sudden health crisis or an accident can be the difference between life and death. This session will equip you to give basic first aid response and life support until emergency assistance arrives. It will cover available resources at the Red Brick Hall Presented by John Taubman who holds a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment and has  extensive experience as an Instructor for the NSW Rural Fire Service.

Adjunct A/Prof Warren Canning, Chair Industry Advisory Board, School of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering, UNSW will present this session on flight testing from the Kyneton Aero Club.

The CM234 is a product of Ascent Vision Technologies Australia (AVTA), a Melbourne-based company that designs and manufactures airborne gimbal systems and produces a range of lightweight electro-optic sensors for military air and land vehicles. Warren will discuss the Development Flight trials of the AVT Australia (AVTA) CM234 ISR Gimbal. The CM234 gimbal marks the next generation of imaging systems for ISR and target acquisition operations. To deliver superior capabilities in tactical uncrewed aerial system (TUAS) operations, the CM234 combines 7-sensors in a 4-axis stabilised, compact system. It is  an Australian developed capability that has been selected for integration onto the Insitu Pacific “ Integrator” platform as part of Land 129 Phase 3. Whilst initially destined for use on UAS/RPAS platforms, AVTA determined that it would be more practical to undertake the developmental flight trials on a crewed platform due to the complexity of operating a large enough RPAS in civilian Class G Airspace.

Warren’s presentation will cover regulatory considerations, engineering approvals for carriage of the payload, locating a suitable ground range, operational factors, flight trials campaigns and the successful demonstration of the initial operational capability to the customer.

INITIAL ENROLMENT FOR ALL FRENCH COURSE LEVELS. 
EVERYONE WILL INITIALLY BE PLACED ONTO A WAITING LIST.

Members can either enrol online, on 15 January at the Kyneton Mechanics Institute, or on 21 January at the Grist Bakery.

The Tutor, Simone, to review the enrolments and talk to participants. Each member will then subsequently be transferred into the most appropriate class. 

This Weekly session is open to the public as well as members so bring along a friend and pass the word around. Guest Speakers are invited to give a presentation on a wide variety of topics and will be advertised via the Weekly Wotzon email and also on the U3A Kyneton website under the WOTZON heading.

This is a very informal group which will meet during the spring, summer and autumn months,
travelling to a number of open gardens in the Macedon Ranges region and beyond. A list of the
gardens to be visited will be compiled and added to as the year progresses and more are advertised.
Most outings will be on the weekend (usually a Saturday) and will also involve an optional lunch or
snack afterwards at a nearby café, restaurant or bakery if possible. Visits to garden fairs, nurseries,
botanical art shows and flower shows may also be offered.

Members will generally meet at 9:30am on the day in front of the Red Brick Hall in order to
organise a carpool. Entry fees will vary and members will be informed of the cost involved before
each outing.

NO GARDEN VISITS IN WINTER MONTHS

The Kyneton Library offers a vibrant community hub that provides universal access to information and a comfortable and safe space for social interaction, digital connection, lifelong learning, and rich cultural experiences. Did you know that the Kyneton Library is the oldest continuous operating public library outside the State Library of Victoria?

Please come along on Tuesday, 11th February, 1.30-2.30pm to discover what Kyneton Library can offer you, including local history, access to an extensive collection of books, magazines, audio books, DVDs and digital services including printing, scanning and learning workshops. The Library also has many free online resources that can be accessed 24/7 including films, newspapers, eBooks, language learning and family history resources.  If you haven’t been to the Library for a while you will be surprised!  

A printed book gifts something to future generations. It is an accessible way to preserve your family history, your own story or to consolidate material from your professional life. Perhaps you have letters, journals and diaries or oral history that you would like to preserve and perhaps sell or gift to family and friends. Perhaps you would like to deposit your book as an e-book for perpetuity in the National Library of Australia in ‘Trove’.

This 6-week class will help you reach your publishing goals. Tools you will need to bring along to the course are a smart phone (with an email app and photo app) and a laptop or home computer with Word and email installed.

This will be facilitated by Dr Rose Latimer, Criminologist and published author currently producing family history books.

Rose has published during her professional career and more recently has published books to preserve her family history. Rose is currently writing a book based on 497 letters written by her parents in the 1950s describing life in outback Australia and Northern Rhodesia.

A second course or a support group to help people reach their publication goal may be needed/ provided after the six weeks is over. 

Folk dance is extremely good for the body the brain and the social aspects it offers. Most dances are done in circles and many without partners. Dances selected are from across the globe some fast and some slow some simple and some a bit more complex but all able to be adapted to suit each dancer. Everyone starts with what seems like two left feet but there is no judgement and no requirements to 'get it right'. We all muddle through and try to keep our toes intact. And we do it with a lot of laughing involved.

NO CLASSES DURING SCHOOL HOLIDAYS OR 1ST WEEK OF TERM

Please bring your laptop with power supply, a mouse if preferred, Windows 11 installed, an active Microsoft account, and your mobile phone with internet access for account verification

Proposed topics include:

• Win 11 versions: Home, Pro, S-Mode
• Similarities and differences: laptop and desktop devices
• Manufacturer’s apps and settings
• Settings and Control Panel
• Files and folders
• Internet browsers and search engines
• Microsoft Store
• Microsoft Office and alternative apps
• Connect to additional display, mouse, keyboard and other devices via cable and wirelessly
• OneDrive
• Phone Link to Android and iPhone
• Email - setting up, contacts, sending/receiving
• Storing, editing & sharing photos, videos & files
• Security: on-board and third-party apps

Special requests either in advance or during the session, depending upon time and knowledge permitting

General reference to https://beconnected.esafety.gov.au/topic-library/windows-laptop-getting-started

A Low Impact FUN-filled program suitable for all no matter what age with a skilled professional trainer who can modify exercises to suit everyone. Rear 49 Mollison St Kyneton VIC 3444. Access is via the laneway off Simpson Street. Payment to be made upfront - no payments per class accepted,

10 classes in total 

Please join us for a convivial monthly lunch with fellow U3A members at local cafes and restaurants. We usually choose the next lunch venue based on group consensus and look for interesting places with good quality food at a reasonable price and within a half hour drive from Kyneton. This is a great way to socialise and meet other members.

Kyneton U3A Mah Jong is open to anyone wishing to play the game in a friendly and fun environment. For those who already know how to play the game. Beginners and new members are welcomed at any time.

NO CLASSES DURING SCHOOL HOLIDAYS OR PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.

This course is a partnership between Daylesford and Kyneton U3A's. Each session will feature a different cuisine selected with input from the members. Chef Robert Wooller will guide participants through all aspects of preparation and cooking. Members will then partake of a delicious lunch with accompanying beverages.

The Tutor will advise the location each month as it may vary. Course cost $60 and an additional $10 to be paid per session. There will be a second course in Semester 2.

This course is a partnership between Daylesford and Kyneton U3A's. Each session will feature a different cuisine selected with input from the members. Chef Robert Wooller will guide participants through all aspects of preparation and cooking. Members will then partake of a delicious lunch with accompanying beverages.

The Tutor will advise the location each month as it may vary. Course cost $60 and an additional $10 to be paid per session. This class follows Semester 1.

The Older Person Mental Health First Aid course will teach you how to assist a person who may be experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis until appropriate professional help is received or the crisis is resolved, using a practical, evidence-based Action Plan. This course is based on guidelines developed through the expert consensus of people with lived experience of mental health problems and professionals. Mental health problems covered: Depression and anxiety Confusion and dementia Psychosis Mental health crises covered: Suicidal thoughts and behaviors Panic attacks Delirium Unsafe and challenging behaviors due to confusion. Note: This course is not a therapy or support group. Complete an online assessment after the course to become accredited.

To achieve accreditation, It is necessary to attend all 4 sessions.

Each month a member has the opportunity of selecting a program of about one and a half hours of music to share with others in the group. Vinyl CDs, DVDs, Internet Links to YouTube and Memory Sticks are all playable. Don't be put off, you are not obliged to select a program. Just come along and enjoy a variety of mainly classical music of all sorts and eras.

The purpose of photography group is to enable members to share their interest in photography through photographic excursions and meetings. This is a non-competitive group sharing our photo’s and experiences to help members expand their photographic interests and knowledge.

Mostly excursions are half a day but this year we will plan some full day trips and one overnight trip. Your Tutor will keep you updated regarding dates and details of excursions. Indoor meetings will be members sharing photo’s plus discussions or videos to help improve our photography and held at the Kyneton Football Netball Club.

While most of us have DLSR cameras, those who use their phones for photography will enjoy the outings. Discussions on composition, light, etc will be relevant whether you use a camera or phone.

So if you enjoy photography join us for some fun, sharing and learning.

Poetry Appreciation Group (PAG): 'A poem should not mean But be' Archibald MacLeish (1892-1982) We read published poetry avoiding the sort of analysis that might have put you off at school.

In this series we will explore what is meant by a “good death” and ways in which a
dignified, pain free death may be managed. Topics covered will include:

• Medical Power of Attorney'
• Advance Care Directives;
• Voluntary Assisted Dying; and
• The Palliative Approach to Care.

The Outreach Project is an activity involving residents of the R. M. Begg Nursing Home. U3A members will visit monthly in a small group facilitated by Stephen Carisbrooke to participate in discussion groups with 15-20 residents on various subjects of interest.

No special skills are required other than talking listening and a sense of humour. Only those who are up to date with the recommended COVID vaccinations are eligible to enrol.

Table tennis is played in a comfortable space regardless of the season. We have four tables and play doubles and some singles games. This is a social game and caters for good competition in a friendly environment. All equipment is provided. 

NOT HELD DURING SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

Table tennis is played in a comfortable space regardless of the season. We have four tables and play doubles and some singles games. This is a social game and caters for good competition in a friendly environment. All equipment is provided. 

NOT HELD DURING SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

Table tennis is played in a comfortable space regardless of the season. We have four tables and play doubles and some singles games. This is a social game and caters for good competition in a friendly environment. All equipment is provided. 

NOT IN SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

Table tennis is played in a comfortable space regardless of the season. We have four tables and play doubles and some singles games. This is a social game and caters for good competition in a friendly environment. All equipment is provided. 

NOT IN SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

Originating in China Tai Chi is one of the most effective exercises for the health of the mind and body. The movements are slow and gentle. It is suitable for people of all levels of ability. The health benefits of Tai Chi are: Increased flexibility and muscle strength. Greater fitness; Better body posture; Integration of body mind and spirit; Improved flow of Qi (life energy).

The Advanced Group is from 1pm -2pm and Beginners from 2pm -3pm

All are welcome!

NO CLASSES DURING SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

Originating in China Tai Chi is one of the most effective exercises for the health of the mind and body. The movements are slow and gentle. It is suitable for people of all levels of ability. The health benefits of Tai Chi are: Increased flexibility and muscle strength. Greater fitness; Better body posture; Integration of body mind and spirit; Improved flow of Qi (life energy).

The Advanced Group is from 1pm -2pm and Beginners from 2pm -3pm.

All are welcome!

NO CLASSES DURING SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

A fun and welcoming way to experience the joy of singing with others which will be led by your Tutor using Karafun (a karaoke style program). Words are displayed on the big screen TV for all to read.

No musical or singing ability, or experience is required. Just come along and be together in song!

Russia is often misunderstood. Partly, this is because Russia is huge—Australia would fit into Russia
two and a half times—and remote, with an insular, often secretive, culture. Over the centuries,
Russians have had a deep fear of invasion, a factor still prevalent in Russian strategic thinking. With
Russia having a powerful military, 6,000 nuclear weapons and a permanent seat on the United
Nations Security Council, trying to understand this nation and its people’s perceptions is important.
This course will discuss Russia in three sessions by looking at its history, culture and citizens in the
Tsarist period up to the 1917 revolutions, in the Soviet period between 1917 and 1991, and in the
democratic period since 1991.

Dr Christopher Snedden first went to Russia in 1977. He speaks Russian, which was his major in his
undergraduate degree. In his work as an academic, he also delivered short courses on Russia’s
strategic perceptions.

All members are invited to come to the U3A Kyneton AGM to hear about what's happened during the year, what is being planned for the future and, most importantly, to vote for the next U3A Kyneton Committee.

The content of this class refers primarily to the U3A Kyneton equipment in the Red Brick Hall with reference to other equipment, as applicable

• Set up and operation of Smart TV
• Connecting devices to the TV: Blu-Ray player, Computer, Tablet, Phone, both wired and wireless
• Sound quality and how to improve it
• Streaming services
• Recording live TV
• Retrieving video from legacy devices
• Ripping audio Compact Disks

U3A Kyneton monthly Committee Meetings 

This is a welcoming session for U3A tutors, It will provide information about the operational procedures for classes in the Red Brick Hall..

Tutors can also learn how to login to the  membership system via the Tutor Portal, to view enrolments, how to send emails and print attendance sheets for their class(es).

This course aims to give participants some understanding of the complexity of dementia.  It adopts a bio-psycho-social pathway to understanding the course of an illness that is experienced by people with dementia, their families and those who support them.

The course focuses on the common progressive neurocognitive disorders including Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy body disease and the frontotemporal and vascular dementias: their pathophysiology, presentations, and the impact of these conditions on the person and significant others.

Presenter:

Dr Kathryn Nicholson
Dip Physio, Cert IV T&A, MAE, PhD (Melb)

Kathryn’s working life focussed on physiotherapy, occupational health and safety and adult education. She has diverse experience in health, aged care, tertiary education and numerous industries. 

Following her experience of caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s disease, Kathryn volunteered at Alzheimer's Australia, Victoria (Dementia Australia) and was contracted as a sessional educator.  In 2010 Kathryn completed her PhD - a study of the psychosocial aspects of caring in the presence of dementia with Lewy bodies. She has translated that research into the Lewy body disease resource for Dementia Australia and has presented at numerous conferences. She remains passionate about raising the profile of “the other dementias” and advocating for those impacted by them.

Walking Football is a small-sided low-impact modified version of the game suitable for all levels of ability and fitness from people who are returning to sport after a break or those who have never played before. It is a low-impact team-based exercise utilizing the defined 'Walking Football Rules and Formats' specifically non-contact with the players always having one foot on the ground. The program focuses on passing rather than speed/running. Matches are played with modified formats (5v5/6v6) on smaller pitches with shortened game times Delivered through the Hub format the Walking Football Program ensures the environment is inclusive fun and engaging for both new and returning players.

NO SESSIONS DURING SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

Walking Football is a small-sided low-impact modified version of the game suitable for all levels of ability and fitness from people who are returning to sport after a break or those who have never played before. It is a low-impact team-based exercise utilizing the defined 'Walking Football Rules and Formats' specifically non-contact with the players always having one foot on the ground. The program focuses on passing rather than speed/running. Matches are played with modified formats (5v5/6v6) on smaller pitches with shortened game times Delivered through the Hub format the Walking Football Program ensures the environment is inclusive fun and engaging for both new and returning players.

NO SESSIONS DURING SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

Wine, nibbles and tasting notes will be provided at each meeting.

The wine appreciation group aims to enhance knowledge and appreciation by learning about the history, production and regional characteristics of wine. This includes learning about different grape varieties, wine styles and nuances of tasting.

Wine, nibbles and tasting notes will be provided at each meeting.

The wine appreciation group aims to enhance knowledge and appreciation by learning about the history, production and regional characteristics of wine. This includes learning about different grape varieties, wine styles and nuances of tasting.

These are video lectures about the most amazing geological wonders of the world. There will be time for discussion after each lecture. They include volcanoes, mid-ocean ridges, glaciers, canyons, mountains and caves.