President’s Message June 2018
Old Age is the most unexpected thing that can happen to anyone

This is so true.  I was at a family gathering recently and was amazed that the little tots I remember are now handsome and beautiful teenagers. How did that happen?  I used to feel sorry for my grandparents sitting quietly in a corner and seemingly missing out on all the chat.  Now I really enjoy sitting in the corner and keeping an eye on all the activity.

When I married I could not imagine being 30 let alone over 70.  We just cannot comprehend that this will happens.  All of us look at our friends or partners and the mirror and are amazed at the changes which have crept over us all.   However, no one told me that it is possible to enjoy older age so much.  Of course we are a bit creaky but we can truly enjoy a new baby’s laughter and a toddler’s unfailing energy at play.  We fully appreciate the passing seasons and the beautiful views we have in Tasmania.

As teenagers we worried about personal characteristics we considered as shortcomings without realizing our young perfection.  Now I understand that my friends with their experience imprinted faces are truly beautiful.  Teenagers and babies are exquisitely ravishing beyond description.

Another advantage is that people help you.  At 50 we become invisible (women especially) in queues.  Now as elders we often receive attention and help.

Don’t give up your dreams
Just sleep longer

Jocelyn
president@u3aclarence.com

News
TMAG Outings
We have arranged two conducted tours of TMAG’s special collections. I can recommend their café for morning tea and they have fabulous sandwiches.  There will be booking sheets for names and more details on the notice board in Room 6.  Cost is $5.
Thursday July 5^th 10.30 to 11.30        Colonial History Galleries
Thursday July 19^th10.30 to 11.30       Tasmanian Earth and Life, Thylacine, Islands to Ice
As a coincidence, there is also a special exhibition of the work of Lola Green, the first Aboriginal to be named a National Living Treasure.  She is a shell necklace artist and exhibits the traditional art of indigenous women of Tasmania’s Flinders Island and Cape Barren.  Well worth a diversion at the end of your tour.
Quiz afternoon
Thursday August 9 at the Howrah Recreational Centre 1-3pm.  This is always a fun event and a pleasant afternoon tea. Cost will still be $10.
Anniversary Booklet
Proudly supported by Clarence City Council’s Community Grants Scheme

Clarence City Council has given us a generous Community Grant to offset some of the costs of publication of our Anniversary Booklet.  This will allow us to sell the booklet for $10.
You have until 30 June to submit your pithy paragraph, pertinent poem or piece of punchy prose to be included.  Email contributions to Patricia Corby ppatriciacorby@gmail.com   A box for entries is on the table in room 6.  Details are on our notice board in room 6.