PONSONBY U3A: DECEMBER 2022

At its December meeting with new president Dr Ian Smith presiding, Ponsonby U3A closed out the year in a room filled with rollicking good spirits, laughter, and fun. Old friends were reunited, former acquaintanceships were renewed, and new friendships were forged. And it was all generated from within by members themselves. This was the annual Christmas party, and no speakers were arranged.

The day started with a ‘true or false’ game. Members, seated at tables of eight, took it in turns to tell a story about themselves, a story which could be true or false and others had to decide which option. Preposterous stories flew around the room! Revelations abounded, assumptions were smashed, and reputations came close to ruin! Equally revealing and hilarity promoting came a very cerebral quiz where tables of members were pitted against each other.

Lunch followed and, as members sat about, talk gravitated to what had been experienced throughout the year. Members discussed the wonderful smorgasbord of special interest groups available, and the new ones planned for 2023. They reflected on the excellent speakers that had been arranged by member, Marianne Willison in the past year and the exciting line-up Marianne has planned for next year.

Marianne has been in the role of sourcing Ponsonby U3A’s outstanding speakers for years. She never fails to deliver. Not only does she source the ideas for riveting speakers, Marianne consults with members and organises the logistics. Ponsonby U3A is indebted to her for her ongoing contribution.

U3A is an abbreviation of the French words for University of the Third Age, (although in New Zealand it must only be referred to as U3A without reference to the word university) meaning that period when there is more time for exploring one’s interests and further education. Starting in France at Toulouse University in 1972, the movement has spread around the world.

Ponsonby U3A has at its core an emphasis on imparting new knowledge and skills, anchored in a spirit of friendship, informality, and fun. Visitors and new members are welcome. You may be new to the area, a bit lonely or at a point in your life where you are looking for fresh interests and challenges. There is a meeting on the second Friday of each month (except January) at the delightful hall and surroundings of the Herne Bay Petanque Club. A guest speaker drawn from diverse spheres of endeavour is show-cased each month. As well, a member gives a ten-minute presentation on their life and interests, enabling other members to learn more about the talented and creative individuals in their midst.

At the heart of the club are the nearly thirty special interest or study groups that meet once a month. Members are encouraged to join and can choose one or more such groups covering about thirty different topics. Usually held in small groups in people’s homes, this is where the learning and the friendships are made. Topics include gardening, public art walks, gallery visits, dining out, armchair travel, the Ramblers (who gallivant all over the city and beyond), writing, drawing, current affairs, antiques and collectibles, history, and architecture to name a few.

Ponsonby U3A welcomes newcomers. If you are interested in attending, first as a visitor, please call President Ian Smith on M: 021 130 2330. (CHRISTINE HART)  PN

NEXT MEETING: FRIDAY, 10 February at 9.30am.

GUEST SPEAKER: John Reynolds, on ‘Early New Zealand Film'.

VENUE: Herne Bay Petanque Club, 19 Salisbury Street, Herne Bay.

ENQUIRIES: Ian Smith, President, Ponsonby U3A. M: 021 130 2330 www.u3a.nz

HELENE RAVLICH: