Lucky Dips - Rowville Lysterfield Comunity News

The U3A Knox term will begin on February 6th with a
record number of more than 120 subjects available. At
Rowville, the U3A Tennis program will continue, and
at least two more subjects will be available from the
start of Term 2, after some delay in obtaining suitable
accommodation for them. Tutors (nearly 90 of them
currently, some leading up to 3 sessions a week) are
enjoying the break, are busy preparing for the new term.
One of these is Alan Black, (photo) who first came to
U3A Knox as the result of a personal challenge, to better
understand and appreciate language after taking little
interest in the subject in his school days. Specifically he
looked for a Poetry appreciation class, and the only one
offering a suitable programme was Alastair Hopkins’
class at Knox. Alan was very pleased to find it met all his
expectations and he thoroughly enjoyed it. (this class is
continuing in 2012).
Belonging to a volunteer organisation encouraged him to
offer his services in return, teaching in a subject he knew
and loved, ‘Ancient Trade Routes’. He had come to study
this area when he was intending, some years ago, to visit
China, and began a course at C.A.E. in preparation. There
he met two ladies, Myra Roper, former head of Melbourne
University Women’s College , who had travelled widely
in China and many other countries and the former Deputy
Head, Muriel Crabtree, who was then teaching courses in
Ancient Trade Routes.
Much later, Miss Crabtree gave Alan her course notes,
Knox Home
Garden Club
Your garden. It is your own special
place. However, there is much more to
plants and gardens than what is in our
backyards. Our home gardens are just a
minor part of the bigger picture. Think
of all the places where you can see
and � enjoy plants such as international
and local flower shows, world famous
gardens, botanical gardens, metropolitan,
local, ���������������������������
state, national, marine and coastal
parks, sanctuaries and reserves.
� Wherever you go, be it locally, interstate or overseas,
there is sure to be an opportunity, if not several, to
explore � our world’s wonderful and diverse flora. When
travelling overseas, depending on your destination, there
�
�
Are You In Pain?
Is Your Pain Interfering With Your Life?
Don’t let it, come see your local Osteopaths at
Dr Justin Tate, Dr Kylie Walsh, Dr Lachlan Allen
Government Registered & AOA Members
Located at Suite 8 of Wellness on Wellington
1101 Wellington Road, ROWVILLE VIC 3178
Ph 03 9780 8980 Web www.familyosteo.com.au�
and the two ladies gave him
slides taken on their travels,
plus artefacts such as goat
skin (vellum) scrolls inscribed
in the Ge-ez language from
Ethiopia, with Bible references.
These have been donated to
the State Library for display
during their current ‘Mirror of
the World’ exhibition. Some of
the slides and the course notes,
form part of the courses Alan
now teaches at Knox.
Alan had had some early
experience in teaching when he
worked in the 70’s, developing training programs. Joining
the Junior Chamber of Commerce (JCI), he became
President in 1975, and worked for that organisation for
several years, becoming a full time officer. Afterwards
he moved to Canberra for three years taking his family
there and developing training programs and organising
conferences including some to China.
He went to China with a group just 12 months after
the death of Chairman Mao, and on the 9 th September
1979, (coincidentally also his birthday), his group met
with guides late one night for a tour and were overjoyed
to discover that the group (with guides) would be given
the great honour of being allowed to pay their respects
to Chairman Mao’s body, the first westerners (except for
President Tito of Jugoslavia) to be given a glimpse of
the body.
At a conference in Japan, he met a fellow JCI member
from Malaysia, and kept in touch with him for some years.
Later, this friend asked for help for a relative who needed
open heart surgery, something that was only available in
are many fabulous and famous gardens
to visit. Gardening tours led by our high
profile gardening gurus are another popular
way to enjoy overseas and interstate
gardens. Local garden clubs also organise
some very enjoyable gardening tours.
How long is it since you have visited
our superb Royal Botanic Gardens in
Melbourne? Founded in 1846 by Baron Sir
Ferdinand von Mueller, the gardens are 38
hectares of pure delight with about 10,000
species from all over the world. William
Guilfoyle was also instrumental in creating
these magnificent gardens. Many events
including theatre (The Wind In The
Willows for example) are held in the
gardens and guided walks are very popular.
The fun Children’s Garden is a delightful place to visit with
your family, but check for opening hours before you go.
The Royal Botanic Gardens in Cranbourne is another
wonderful place to visit. Of particular interest is the Australian
Our Osteopaths are manual & physical
therapy specialists trained in helping
people of all ages with all your pains:
Back pains, Neck pains, Headaches, Arthritis,
Tendonitis, Muscle strains, Joint Sprains,
Trapped nerves, Motor vehicle accidents,
Work-related injuries, Posture Problems,
Sports & Trauma injuries, Chronic fatigue,
Fibromyalgia, Asthma, Sinusitis, Pregnancy
Mention this advert when booking and get
a free ½ hour preventative health session
after your first visit (normal initial fee applies)
Please phone 03 9780 8980 now to make an
appointment or visit www.familyosteo.com.au
for further information.
three or four countries at that
time.
With cooperation from other
JCI members, a surgeon was
found, and with government
support the surgery was carried
out successfully. Some years
later there had to be repairs to
the original operation, and once
again JCI cooperated. Although
there were complications, with
time in intensive care, the result
was again good and the patient
went home in good health.
Alan was Business Manager
of Lions International Diabetes Institute (although not
himself a diabetic) an organisation which researches and
treats diabetes and both he and his wife are Life Members
of the Australian Plastics Pioneers. In more recent years,
Alan had health problems and worked only part time for
a while, finally retiring in 2005. He joined U3A Knox in
2008.
Alan thoroughly enjoys teaching at U3A and will be
covering two subjects in Term 1, both under the umbrella
of Ancient Trade Routes and destined to be much enjoyed
by his very keen pupils. His Monday class will start with
‘Caves of the Silk Road’, followed by ‘Tang Dynasty
(618 to 907AD)’ in Term 2. His Tuesday class will study
Ethiopia, followed by Jade and finally Afghanistan.
He was due to have a hip operation in December and
has been quoted as saying he confidently expects to be
able to dance on the tables in Term 1.. hopefully!
See the U3A website www.u3aknox.com.au for details
of U3A registration and all enrolments in classes.
Garden which has many different landscape displays
and exhibition gardens. Geelong and Ballarat also have
excellent botanical gardens and are just a short drive away.
Parks and gardens are there for all of us to enjoy. Remember
to do the right thing when visiting them, take out
everything that you brought with you and as they say,
leave nothing behind except your footprints. Pets aren’t
always allowed so check before you go or leave them
at home just in case. Most gardens have free entry.
While it is our just reward to sit back in the shade
with our cup of tea or a coldie and admire the results
of our labour, take some time out to experience and
enjoy the wonderful parks and gardens that have been
created for us, our children and future generations.
Knox Home Garden Club meets 3rd Monday of each
month at U3A Parkhills Campus, Park Boulevard, Ferntree
Gully, at 8pm. Visitors welcome, supper afterwards.
Editor’s Note:- I have visited many of these gardens and
attest to their beauty. They are well worth the effort.
Free Baby & Young Children’s Clinic
Every 3 rd Saturday of Month (places limited)
Specialise in Cranial Osteopathy for:
BABIES – birth trauma, head shape & neck
issues, colic, reflux, feeding & sleep problems
KIDS – ear infections, development & learning &
postural issues, sports & trauma injuries
PREGNANCY – help body adjust to changes
plus prepare & recover from child birth
Rowville-Lysterfield Community News, February 2012 — 19