U3A Ipswich and West Moreton
a community for life long learning
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To U3A Ipswich Committee
I have just paid my membership fees for 2023 and noted that they have risen by $10.00 this year.
This year I have booked into 4 classes – Current Affairs Discussion Group, Mahjong, Movement to Music and Philosophy with Colleen – so for my $80.00 a year I get to attend 3 classes every week and 1 class every two weeks. Even taking into account breaks for school holidays, public holidays etc this is exceptional value, less than a $1.00 per class. Much less than the cost of a cup of takeaway coffee which is usually used to judge the value of something. Should I have decided to attend one course only, the cost per class would be approximately $2.00.
I would like to extend my appreciation to the committee of U3A Ipswich and West Moreton, tutors, volunteers and class helpers who make this happen at minimum cost to the rest of the members.
Regards
Norah Blunden
New classes and timetables are being posted regularly. These include new weekly classes – Sewing Essentials and Alterations , and, Meditation & Healing for Balance and Harmony.
And now there’s Pickleball, a great new activity sweeping the world. Come along and try it!
Visit the Courses page (click the Courses button above) to see what’s new. Renew or join up to enrol.
There’s so much to enjoy at U3A Ipswich and West Moreton. And its all for just a one-time annual fee; there are no individual activity/class fees (some activities may require a payment to cover additional costs, such as materials, transport, catering, etc).
We’re more than just classes. We’re your community hub for seniors’ activities.
Pluck some strings at Guitar (Easy Strumming) class, swoosh a paint brush across blank canvas in an Art class, shout ‘hula!’ at a Mahjong game. Dissect political power plays in Current Affairs Discussion, or if movies are your thing, Film Discussion. Warble those vocal chords in a French, Italian, or Spanish class, or perhaps turn your scribbles into portraits at a Drawing class. There’s Line Dancing, Yoga and Chair Yoga/Pilates to get your body and soul in sync. There’s Computers, Crosswords and Cards (playing and making!) for those who prefer to be seated.
Ever wondered why there’s a huge train museum in Ipswich? And what’s with the Special Mines Rescue Service in Booval? And are there really more than 600 heritage-listed sites in the district? And why a medieval church of all things? What’s the connection between the local Jagera people’s language and an iconic Aussie workwear brand? All – and more – is revealed in the Local History get togethers at the Booval Campus, and Heritage walks around the Ipswich area.
…and not so weird. Why not find out about Life, the Universe and Everything at our Science classes. And then there’s Arduino… easy to make simple but clever devices for everyday life. All that matters about matter – and other stuff too!
Why not reinvigorate your sluggish mornings in our Walking Group. Or if you prefer to work up a healthy sweat, join Senior Exercise at Woodend Nature Reserve. Come on, get fit and stay fit!
Origami is an ancient craft that challenges the imagination as well as your skills. Find out all you need to know here

Getting started with Windows 11 - A new course with Geoff - coming soon
Geoff’s next course will be a tutorial on how to use Windows 11. If you have purchased a new computer recently and are having difficulty getting your head around the new Windows 11 operating system, then this is the course for you. Geoff will help you understand where everything you were used to in Windows 10 has moved to, so you can use the new features and still use the things with which you are familiar. The 2 hour course will be hands-on using our new computers, and limited to 5-6 students. Classes are envisaged to begin late October. There are no firm dates as our new computers have yet to arrive, so please add your name to the waiting list so Geoff can organise classes as necessary.

Sewing Essentials & Alteration
Weekly on Friday at Booval Campus 10.00-12.00 Margaret Heaven is a qualified dressmaker and pattern maker. This course will help you learn the essentials of sewing, altering and even making patterns. Margaret will teach beginners and experienced in putting in a zip, hemming, alterations and patterns. You will need to bring along your sewing machine, scissors, fabric and sewing necessities. Come along to the first lesson and discuss what it is you want out of the course.

Pickleball
We are offering Pickleball to members starting 15th March 2023 at Ipswich Showgrounds Indoor Sports Centre on Wednesdays from 10.00 to 12.00. There will be a fee of $5 per game to cover hall hire costs. Karen MacLeod and Colin James will be facilitating the course and we have had an offer of free equipment for the first few months. Pickleball happens to be one of the fastest growing sports globally and right here in Queensland, especially with U3A members. A number of U3As in Queensland now offer pickleball. To learn what it is, visit https://www.pickleballaus.org and search ‘pickleball’ on Youtube. Come along and join our happy group.

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Engage with other members with similar interests and goals, share your experiences or discover what others in our U3A community are enjoying. Have a good idea for a new class or activity within a group? Get feedback and maybe you'll start a movement! We are a community - join in now!

Volunteers are our lifeblood. We need your help!
Our U3A only functions by the work of volunteers. There are many roles, from minor to major, but ALL are necessary and appreciated. Even if you only have 30 minutes once a week, there is a role for you. For example, staffing our office; helping with events such as See Create Connect Expo; become a tutor – share your passion; join the management committee. We welcome your involvement, which also offers the opportunity for social engagement and fun. To become a volunteer, please contact the office and leave a message for Jill Gibson, Volunteer Coordinator, on (07) 3282 7484, or email at volunteer@u3aipswich.org.au

Drawing with Ink Pens
Yvonne James is starting a new class: Drawing with Ink Pens. In this class we will use a variety of ink pens in order to gain confidence in using various techniques such as hatching, cross hatching, scribbling and stippling. We will then put our new knowledge and skills to use by drawing and shading a few simple projects.

Craft Dabblers Workshop
Kath Pfitzner has a new course in 2022: Craft Dabblers Workshops. A place to try new crafts, or practice ones you already know. The 2nd Friday of each month will be a chance to have a go at something different. All materials will be provided, so there will be a fee to cover their cost..But the emphasis will be on readily available, inexpensive or recycled materials, to keep this as low as possible. Suggested workshops are: candle making on 11th Feb, bath bombs and shower melts on 11th Mar and Macrame bottle totes on 8th April with discussion about future workshops.
Registering for your choice of classes is easy
Our Health and Safety is in Everyone's Hands
Welcome to U3A Ipswich’s online member services!
Our online system provides the ability for members to select and enrol in any class themselves online. All members are able to see the status of classes and make informed decisions on the spot. You’ll know if classes are open, fully subscribed, or on offer at the tutor’s discretion. You’ll know all the dates the classes operate, and each class’s location. You can also cancel a class you enrolled in, as well as register absence apologies for classes you’ll not be able to attend. You’ll even receive an email confirming your class enrolment and details.
You have instant access to all the start dates for every class of every course at every venue – all at the click of a mouse button or tap on your smart device screen!
Not confident using high tech devices? Our volunteers in the office are able to offer assistance through the whole process.

