Second birthday for third age

From left, Judy Symons, Bev Wood, Annette O’Donohue, Jim Hedrick, Tony Camilleri and Margaret McGregor are looking forward to celebrating Cranbourne U3A’s second anniversary.

CRANBOURNE’S U3A will celebrate its second anniversary tomorrow (Friday) at the Old Shire Offices with the holding of its AGM.
It will cap a successful two years for the not-for-profit organisation, which offers courses and activities for older people who are keen on continuing to learn.
Casey mayor Colin Butler and the secretary of U3A Network Victoria, Deidrie Meredith, will speak at the function.
U3A president Bev Wood is thrilled with the milestone and proud of what the organisation has achieved.
“We have the most wonderful tutors and members, and we are such a happy group of people,” she said.
“The socialising for some of our members is great because a lot of them are on their own or have just shifted to the area and don’t know anybody and are looking for things to do.”
Mrs Wood is also hoping U3A’s myriad of homes will become just one, sooner rather than later, after applying to move into an area at the rear of Cranbourne Library.
Currently, programs are run at Devon Meadows Scout Hall, Devon Meadows Community Hall, the Old Shire Offices and even at Mrs Wood’s house.
“It’s been going on now for 12 months, but we have to be patient and when we eventually get it, whether it is before or after Christmas, we will be grateful,” Mrs Wood said.
Cr Butler moved a motion on U3A’s relocation in September, but the shift will have to wait until the Turning Point Church vacates the space to transfer to its new premises on South Gippsland Highway.
“The scout hall is a great venue – we are very grateful to be able to use it – but it is so perishingly cold,” Mrs Wood said.
“We had 116 members last year, but not all of them have renewed. Many have said they will rejoin when we get to the Cranbourne Library.
“Once Turning Point Church shifts out the councillors will get together and discuss what is available and who gets what.
“It’d be great if we get the area and it would be a very nice second birthday present.”