U3A Blaauwberg News



[pic] U3A Blaauwberg News

March 2019 Web Site:

Monthly General Meetings

Milnerton Library Auditorium, Pienaar Road, Milnerton

Last Tuesday of each month

Meeting starts at 10H30 [unless otherwise stated]

Entrance fees - R 5.00 for members

- R10.00 for non-members

Come early for a cup of tea or coffee - served from 09H45 to 10H15, meet friends and chat.

[PS. We always need assistance with doing the teas and coffees, so if you are able to come along a bit earlier one month to help out please do consider assisting]

General Notices

Dear Members

It is AGM month again. Please attend the meeting on the 26th March, and if you have any nominations or wish to stand for office please contact the committee prior. The Chair and Vice Chair generally do 2 years service and come up from the committee so they have experience of how the U3A is run, but there are other positions. We are in desperate need of a secretary and someone to run the refreshments portfolio, as well as volunteers to help with teas and coffees. We know you enjoy refreshments pre meeting, so please do think of volunteering even if only for one month out of the year. This goes out to you men folk too!

Yearly membership fee increase: with costs rising everywhere, the committee decided not to increase the monthly meeting entrance fees, but to nominally increase the yearly U3A fee - from R40 to R50 per member. You can also pay via EFT. The form with the relevant information is on the website for downloading. Please think of doing this rather, as it saves a lot of time and effort - not only for you, but for Joslyn and the ladies that help her out at the meetings. I am not sure if it has escaped everyone's notice, but often Joslyn does not get to come in for the talks etc.

Speakers

Joy Wellbeloved can be contacted via 021 554 1418 / 074 243 8262  joy.wellbeloved@  with information and contact details of speakers who would be willing to give talks to the U3A. Please remember that we only offer a gift token to speakers as a thank you. We are unable to pay speakers. If speakers have a publication that they wish to promote and sell at the meeting they speak at, they may do so during the early tea/coffee time or after the meeting. Joy is assisted by Sue Beringer.

Speakers over the last two months:

Jan – Terry & Barbara Bell. By Kayak to Africa. A really entertaining and interactive talk on this couple's challenge to kayak to Africa.

Feb -  Dr Leon Geffen ‘Aging Healthily’​ An interesting talk on the subject of aging.

Speakers for 2019:

Please Note: The speakers listed here may change. This list is just a guide as to the talks we will likely be having in 2019. Check the website from time to time to see if anything has changed.

​

March – David Bristow - Writing is Easy

April – Claire McKinnon – Wine, Women & Song

May – Mathew Church – Kgalagadi Leopard Project.

June – Rachel Colson - In a High & Desperate Place

|U3A BLAAUWBERG INTEREST GROUPS AND COURSES |

COURSES/GROUPS

Share your knowledge or interest

AND

Think of starting a group, even if only a small one [4 - 5 people]

Contact Judy Drewienka

judy.drew@ / 072 431 4788

Course/Interest Group Co-ordinator - Judy Drewienka,  judy.drew@ / 072 431 4788

The ethos of the U3A is to continue to learn and keep our brains active, and therefore each area U3A encourages members to have small groups that they can share a passion and interest with. Groups do not have to be big. If you have a small home think of 4 of you learning bridge together or doing something else. The libraries, especially Milnerton, have rooms one can use as well. The Methodist Church over the road from the Milnerton School has a hall that can be rented for a small donation too.

Book clubs are always popular, but think outside the box - think genre for example. Not everyone likes the same kinds of books. And you do not have to spend money buying books either. Maybe start a group where you discuss library books you have borrowed and read. Or use your own books.

And if you are new to the area what better way to get to meet others with like interests than to start a small group yourself. Get a form from Judy, put it up on the wall at the monthly general meeting and see who is interested.

If there is anyone who feels they could take on any courses or start others, please contact Judy. The more that we can offer, the more vibrant our U3A can become.  judy.drew@

A list of current courses/interest groups is on the website and for downloading.

The Egyptian Group: Judy received the following from Jean, so if anyone is interested to join the group please do contact Jean Smith directly.

'The numbers of attendees dropped off after mid-year - mainly due to illness I gather. I am very happy to continue with my course for a while longer. I will be starting 'at the beginning' this month - that is in pre-dynastic Egypt. if anyone is interested in attending, they will be very welcome.'

Kind regards

Jean Smith

amunet73@ / 021 557 5082. 3rd Thursday of the month. 10H00. Bothasig Library

Sharon Horwood has started a Dancing Class New

082 574 4015 /

A fun class for anyone and everyone. A little Zumba, Latin and Line Dance steps to some lively 60s music. Move and

have fun!

VENUE: Milnerton Library

TIMES: 10 – 11 am

Wednesday 13 March, Tuesday 19 March, Wednesday 27 March, Wednesday 3 April. (Future dates to be advised)

​Alison Smith offered a 4 week course on basic Mah Jong. 084 411 1965. 4 weeks only 18 February to 18 March, but excluding 11 March. If you are interested but missed these dates, please let Alison know you are interested. Sunningdale.

Lionel Willis has started a Mindfulness Meditation group Lionel Willis, 082 937 4681. Mondays. 14H00. Initially just 4 sessions but if there is sufficient interest more sessions could be tabled. Table View

Tony Williams started an Armchair Travel group where some of the members show slide shows they have created on somewhere of interest around the world or photos of places they have been to. It is held at the Milnerton Library, once a month on the 2nd Tuesday at 1.30 pm [following the U3A breakfast get together.] It is a very relaxed and interesting afternoon visiting places, very often off the beaten track, learning things you probably did not know, without spending any more than R5! Where can you travel in the world for that? Please support the group.

## Transport is sometimes a problem for members, so it is good to have smaller groups in the different areas the Blaauwberg U3A covers, which includes the West Coast: Milnerton up to Melkbos and further inland covering Tableview, Bothasig, Edgemead, Montevista and so on.

Pensioners Perks, Things to Do, etc.

If you discover new places or things that are cheap or free, please let us know. I can be emailed at corinna.turner@ - please do not send attachments. I do not download anything to my computer, all my work and emailing is done online. Place the content in the body of the email only.

ANIMAL FARM AND FUN RIDES IN STELLENBOSCH

Situated on the well-known Vredenheim Wine Farm in Stellenbosch, this new addition offers a range of activities that will entertain the whole family. There are a variety of tame and friendly farm animals and the kids may feed them too if they wish. The kids can play in the park while mom and dad sit back and enjoy a glass of wine and a snack from the food court. Discover Vredenheim Animal Farm. Vredenheim Farm, Baden Powell Drive | 083 391 5510

Price: 0–12 months: free; children R40, adults R20 (tractor rides cost an additional R20) Hours: Sat–Sun: 10am–4pm 

IZIKO PLANETARIUM AND DIGITAL DOME

This world-class digital exhibition combines art and science and is sure to give kids a great learning experience while being thoroughly entertained. This newly upgraded facility showcases productions not only focusing on astronomy but includes exhibitions on anatomy, marine life and more. With the shows’ picture quality having a high resolution of projection (67.1 megapixels), it would feel as if you’re being transported into another dimension. Read more about the Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome. 

Price: Adults (19 years and older): R60; children, students and pensioners: R30

Hours: Tues–Sun: 9am - 5pm; closed on Mondays, Workers’ Day and Christmas Day. On Wednesday evenings, there are shows ar 7 and at 8 pm.

25 Queen Victoria Street | Cape Town City Centre | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 481 3900

CLAY CAFE

If there’s one thing many kids love, it’s getting messy with art supplies. The Clay Cafe is situated in a picturesque setting in Hout Bay where kids can paint a range of ceramics such as bowls, mugs and plates, have it fired, glazed and take home. The venue has wide open lawns and trampolines for a break from all the active creativity. Although a great way to keep the kids occupied, the activity of painting pottery can be quite therapeutic for adults too. Read more about Clay Cafe.

Price: R40 studio fee + the value of the selected items (the ceramics prices vary depending on size and shape)

Hours: Open every day: 9am–5pm

4080 Main Road | Hout Bay | Cape Town | 076 810 5120

STELLENBOSCH TOY AND MINIATURE MUSEUM

There’s enough to enchant inquisitive kids for a solid hour or two at this captivating Cape Winelands museum. The affordable, family-friendly venue is home to an assortment of vintage playthings and a wonderland of tiny replicas. While fascinating for children, this gem is also a delight for parents, who can reminisce about their toys from the past and reconnect with a time before technology took over.

Price: R5 for children; R15 for adults

Hours: Mon–Fri: 9am–4:30pm; Sat and public holidays: 9am–2pm

Market Street (behind the Information Bureau) | Stellenbosch | +27 (0)21 882 8861 / +27 (0)79 981 7067 

How many of you knew there was a Croc Farm near Paarl? I have been there, but many years ago now. I found it very interesting and there is a restaurant too.

LE BONHEUR CROCODILE FARM

Located just outside Paarl, this family-run farm gives little ones the rare chance to view hundreds of live Nile crocodiles. Le Bonheur runs regular guided tours to view these fascinating, toothy reptiles. Verdant lawns, an outdoor jungle gym and an indoor playpen are also on site for kids. Read more about Le Bonheur Crocodile Farm.

Price: Croc Pond Guided Tour: R66 for adults; R40 for persons under 18 years old.

Hours: Mon–Sun: 9am–5pm

Babylonstoren Road | R45 | Simondium | Western Cape | +27 (0)21 863 1142

STORY TIME AT THE BOOK LOUNGE

The Book Lounge in Cape Town’s East City offers a delightful event that keeps kids entertained. Storytime at The Book Lounge is most appropriate for children older than three but younger than eight, and parental supervision is required.

Price: Free Session time: Every Saturday at 11am

71 Roeland Street | East City | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 462 2425

ROSE PICKING AT CHART FARM

[pic]

Picking your own roses at Wynberg’s charming Chart Farm is a fun activity for children. Between November and June every year, the property’s gardens are in full bloom and guests come to pick roses of their choice. The farm is also home to a quaint café that looks out over the rolling hills and vineyards of the Constantia Valley and serves delicious treats.

Price: R6 per rose Hours: Mon–Sun: 9am–4:30pm 

Klaassens Road | Wynberg | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 761 0434

WATCH THE FIRING OF SIGNAL HILL’S NOON GUN

The daily 12pm blast of the Noon Gun is a sound many Capetonians are accustomed to, and its story is interesting for kids and adults. View the noon firing, a few meters away from the detonation, for free and listen to a brief talk beforehand that explains the history of one of the Mother City’s oldest traditions. Read more about the Noon Gun.

Price: Free Firing Time: Mon–Sat: 12 noon (arrive at 11:30am for the talk and build-up)

Lion Battery | Military Road (follow signs from corner of Bloem and Buitengracht streets) | Bo-Kaap | Cape Town 

INTAKA ISLAND

Intaka Island is a 16-hectare wetland and nature reserve a short drive from Cape Town’s CBD. You can either do a guided stroll along the 2km walkway that snakes around the isle or go at it yourself and, stop at various stations to read up about the plants, marine creatures and birds. There is also a ferry that takes you on a brief ride down the Grand Canal, but pre-booking is essential.

Price: Entrance fee to Intaka Island: R20 for adults and R12 for children. Boat Rides: R60 for adults and R50 for children and pensioners

Hours: 

Intaka: October to April: 7:30am–7pm; May to September: 7:30am–5:30pm

Boat: 9:30am–3:30pm  

2 Park Lane | Grand Central Precinct | Century City | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 552 6889

Small grandkids?

A SHOW AT THE RAINBOW PUPPET THEATRE

This Constantia-based theatre is an absolute must-visit. Follow them on Facebook for the latest news. The team of puppeteers use the figures to tell fairy tales and stories such as The Frog Prince. Read more about the Rainbow Puppet Theatre.

Price: R25

Kindergarten Building | Constantia Waldorf School | Spaanschemat River Road | Constantia | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 783 2063

TAP INTO TIDAL POOLS

Beautifully clean, safe and uncrowded. Fed by the Atlantic and Indian Oceans in some of the most beautiful parts of the Western Cape. And – best of all – totally free to use. Get all the details about our fabulous tidal pools.

VISIT A LOCAL PARK

Cape Town is peppered with an assortment of public parks and considering entrance to all of them is free, visiting for the day is a great option. Fly a kite, explore, watch the dogs or walk yours (where allowed), or feed the squirrels. We have listed a few park options below – all are open every day during daylight hours.

The Company’s Garden in the city centre (take along some nuts to feed the squirrels)

15 Queen Victoria Street | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 423 2919

The Arderne Gardens' in Claremont (see a collection of remarkable and exotic trees. Entry is donation-based)

222 Main Road, Claremont | secretary@.za

Green Point Urban Park (look out for the eco-friendly playground)

Fritz Sonnenberg | Green Point | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 417 0111

De Waal Park in Gardens (let the dogs come along too)

Molteno Road | CBD | Cape Town | +27 (0)84 888 8033

Die Oog Conservation Area in Bergvliet (see how many birds, terrapins and tortoises you can spot – this sanctuary teems with flora and fauna)

6 Midwood Avenue | Bergvliet | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 712 3510

WILLS ARE IMPORTANT! With Proactive, you can get a will drawn up at no cost, any day, any week, any month!

Contact details:  

Paula Bongers, Proactive Wills & Estates  –  personal service with empathy, experience and efficiency.

Telephone:  021-5511741 / Fax:  021-5511742 / Cell:  073 217 2644

Address:  The JFA Building, 138 Democracy Way, Milnerton, 7441

Postal address:  P O Box 300, Milnerton, 7435

Email: legacy@pwae.co.za / Website:  proactivewillsandestates.co.za

Funnies

[pic] [pic] [pic]

Easy Recipe

Venetian Carnival Fritter

[pic]

Ingredients

Serves 4-6

For the dough:

• 400g (14 oz) AP flour

• 3 tsp dry active yeast

• 25g (4 or 5 heaping Tbs) sugar

• A small pinch of salt

• 2 eggs

• 50 ml (1/4 cup) of rum (or other liqueur)

• 250 ml (1 cup) milk, or q.b.

• 100g (3-1/2 oz) raisins

For frying and serving:

• Vegetable oil

• Confectioner’s sugar

Directions

Cover the raisins with warm water and a drizzle of rum if you like [or other liqueur], and leave them to soak until they’ve softened, about 10-15 minutes.

Meanwhile, mix the flour, yeast, sugar and salt in a large mixing bowl. Then mix in the eggs, rum and enough milk to form a very sticky, wet dough, with a texture almost as loose as a dense batter.  (A standing mixer makes short work of this.) Fold in the raisins so they are equally distributed throughout the dough.

Cover the bowl and set in a warm place for the dough to rise. Let it rest until the dough has doubled in volume and full of tiny bubbles.

Heat oil at least 5cm/2 inches deep in a deep fryer or large Dutch oven to 180C/350F. Drop in the dough by small spoonfuls, using one spoon to scoop up the sticky dough and another to slip it off the first spoon and into the hot oil. Deep fry until the dough balls are puffed up and golden brown.

Serve your fritole still warm, covered with confectioner’s sugar.

Recipe courtesy of Memorie di Angelina You can find some history of this Italian recipe at the site.

Care Buddies / Health

At the January meeting Elmara Willis reminded members about the U3A Care Buddies. She has been busy creating a list of buddies within the area that the U3A Blaawberg covers.

[pic]

CARE BUDDIES in the U3A Blaauwberg areas

Please consider volunteering to be a CARE BUDDY for members in the Blaauwberg U3A areas. You might need to talk to someone in a lonely, dark, sad, sick or helpless time. They have volunteered to be there for you to talk to when you are lonely or in trouble.

CARE BUDDIES volunteer to be contacted by phone, by members in your area/suburb, who need some support. There are many people living alone, many elderly, sometimes unwell, or who have had an operation, and to know they can contact a CARE BUDDY in their area, can be a huge comfort. It’s not an onerous task to be a CARE BUDDY and you won’t be called all the time. A few times a year at most. It might involve having a cup of tea and a chat with someone after sad news, or support and encouragement when someone is bereaved, or just being there to share a conversation on the phone with someone feeling lonely or scared. When someone is sick in bed, and needs milk or bread or some shopping done, they can ask a CARE BUDDY. Or they might phone a CARE BUDDY when they want to go somewhere nice (movies, theatre, etc) to share the fun!

Caring for someone in need or lonely, will be an uplifting and heart-warming experience for yourself as well. It’s like being a

family member or old friend to someone you just did not know before.

Please understand that this should not cost you any money. At most a phone call, maybe a drive to see someone. I will email cards to you to take to someone who is sick, etc, and if you visit someone and would like to take them a flower, don’t buy any, take a few twigs from the garden, tied with a ribbon, or a few biscuits – it’s the idea that counts, it’s the caring, not the money, that warms the heart.

So, please email or phone me should you consider to be a CARE BUDDY, and your name and phone number will go on the list, for your area. Do feel free to contact me any time you need advice or help or have an idea to share. I don’t have all the answers, but can find them!

Elmara Willis. (co-ordinator)

elmara@ / 021 554 1786.

For a full list of people who have volunteered to be Care Buddies please go to the website and download.

## If you know of anyone who needs dialysis and feels they cannot go on trips because of this, this might be of interest to them:

## For information on Retirement Villages, Old Age Homes, Frail Care Centres, Nursing Homes, Step-down facilities, etc., go to seniorservice.co.za

Contacts

Committee Members:

Erenst van Niekerk          Chair                                   021 553 1450 / 082 782 1976  mwerenst@mweb.co.za

Joy Wellbeloved              Vice Chair                          021 554 1418 / 074 243 8262  joy.wellbeloved@               

Joslyn Marschal              Treasurer / Membership     021 554 5662 / 072 144 2673  jcmarschal@

Urs Huber                        Dep. Treasurer/Comms      084 713 5545                           uhhuber@

​Judy Drewienka               Course Coordinator           021 552 5923 / 072 431 4788  judy.drew@

Joy Wellbeloved              Speaker Seeker                 021 554 1418 / 074 243 8262  joy.wellbeloved@   

Assisted by Sue Berringer  

                                  

​John King                        General Manager               021 551 5131 / 083 581 6613  johnking@ 

Catherine Mathieson       Refreshments Coord.        021 552 4639                           romat@ 

Beverley Lewis        Raffle Coordinator              073 255 6109                           bevlewcpt@  

                                                                                                              

George Geater                Committee                          021 554 5542 / 071 550 6708  jen.george@hotmail.co.za   

​           

Lorna Schieman              Committee                          021 557 8935                           n/a

Ivar Drewienka                Committee                          021 552 5923 / 082 229 6103  judy.drew@                    

Corinna Turner                Newsletter / Website           n/a                                           corinna.turner@ 

It is preferred that members of the committee are contacted via email unless it is urgent.

................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download