Last Wednesday, U3A Box Hill members gathered for the annual volunteer tutors’ lunch and to farewell someone truly extraordinary. After 27 years of teaching needlework classes to seniors in our U3A Box Hill community, volunteer tutor Charmaine Goodman has stitched her final lesson with us.
Twenty-seven years! Since 1999, Charmaine has welcomed countless members into her home studio – some confident in their skills, others confessing they “couldn’t sew” – and transformed them into accomplished needleworkers.
Offering Personalised Learning for Every Senior
Charmaine’s teaching approach perfectly embodies the U3A philosophy: learning for pleasure, at your own pace. She guided each member towards creating pieces they loved and enjoyed giving to friends.
Beginners and more advanced learners gradually built embroidery skills through some twenty types of stitches and increasingly complex patterns. High level stitchers might quilt, thread paint or stumpwork in 3-D. As confidence grew, so did ambition. Each journey was personalized, encouraging, and rewarding.
A Volunteer Spirit That Inspires
What made Charmaine’s contribution even more remarkable was her generosity. She opened her home studio to our U3A Box Hill members, sharing her extensive library, and samples of materials, cottons, and laces. All this while simultaneously volunteering with three other Melbourne community organizations.
This dedication exemplifies what makes U3A Box Hill special: passionate volunteer tutors sharing their expertise with fellow seniors who want to keep learning, creating, and connecting.
A Legacy in Every Stitch
Though we’ll miss Charmaine’s amazing contribution, her legacy continues throughout our community. Members will keep practicing the needlework skills she fostered, carrying forward techniques and – most importantly – the confidence she instilled.
As Charmaine expands her classes with the Salvation Army, we send her off with heartfelt thanks, warm applause, and our very best wishes.
Enjoy Your Passion at U3A Box Hill
Charmaine’s 27-year journey shows what’s possible when seniors come together to learn and share. Whether you’re interested in creative arts, languages, fitness, technology, or any of our many classes, U3A Box Hill offers opportunities for Melbourne seniors to explore new interests and build friendships.
Thank you, Charmaine, for every stitch, every lesson, and every moment of encouragement. The pattern you’ve woven into U3A Box Hill continues.
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Thinking about sharing your expertise? Our community thrives because of volunteer tutors like Charmaine who dedicate their time to helping fellow seniors discover new passions. Get in touch to join our volunteer tutors.
Explore our courses to find your next learning adventure in Box Hill.