👥 Highlight

A Stroll Beyond the Dance Floor…

Published on August 15, 2025, updated on September 27, 2025
Categories: 👥 Highlight, 📰 All News

On Wednesday, 13 August, the Art and History Documentary class (25ENT07) stepped into a world where sunlight, laughter, and mystery danced together. Renoir’s Dance at Le Moulin de la Galette was our guide—an Impressionist masterpiece that revealed more than a festive Montmartre afternoon. As we looked closer, questions emerged from behind the shimmering brushstrokes: Who were the figures bathed in golden Parisian light? What everyday whispers lay hidden in their gestures? What atmosphere did Renoir capture in that fleeting moment just before dusk? Painted in 1876 and now housed in the Musée d’Orsay, this iconic work still resonates globally. Our […]

🎭 Cantonese Opera Singing

Published on July 29, 2025, updated on July 29, 2025
Categories: 👥 Highlight, 📰 All News

Five of our talented vocalists were all smiles at the Cantonese Opera Singing class on July 28! Under the guidance of Hing Wah Chow, members are progressing from memorising duets to confidently performing solos. The learning journey is simple but effective: Memorise → Sing → Improve → Solo. At this week’s session, the chosen piece touched on a familiar theme in traditional opera: A man goes off to war, while his sorrowful wife longs for them to stay together forever. This course is a wonderful entry point into Cantonese Opera, a UNESCO-recognised Intangible Cultural Heritage. Students learn to read and […]

❤️ Understanding Heart Disease

Published on July 2, 2025, updated on July 3, 2025
Categories: 👥 Highlight, 📰 All News

A Public Talk by Dr. Paul Kertes. On Wednesday, 2nd July 2025, U3A Box Hill had the pleasure of hosting Dr. Paul Kertes, a highly respected cardiologist with over 30 years of clinical experience, for a public talk titled Understanding Heart Disease. Close to 40 members attended this informative and accessible one-hour session. Dr. Kertes delivered a clear, engaging, and thoroughly informative presentation that translated complex medical concepts into everyday language. His ability to explain the intricacies of heart disease in such a relatable and understandable way was greatly appreciated by all in attendance. The talk was structured in two […]

Karaoke Returns to Mecwacare: A Joyful Reunion

Published on June 6, 2025, updated on June 7, 2025
Categories: 👥 Highlight, 📰 All News
Tags: karaoke, Mecwacare, performance, singing group

Since 2018, the Karaoke Entertainment Group has brought music and smiles to the residents of Mecwacare Mont Albert—our lovely neighbours next to U3A Box Hill. Before the COVID pandemic, we performed five times a year: one show each term and a festive Christmas concert. The performances delighted residents and gave our singers valuable experience, especially ahead of the annual Seniors Festival at Federation Square. When Mecwacare’s original building was redeveloped, our connection paused. But in 2024, a familiar name—Meredith Holmes, a former U3A tutor and now Resident Services Coordinator—helped rekindle the relationship. Now performing in the elegant new Simon Price […]

Tom’s Strength and Balance Course

Published on April 3, 2025
Categories: 👥 Highlight, 📰 All News
Tags: fitness, health, strength-and-balance

At U3A Box Hill, we’re fortunate to have a wide range of health and fitness classes aimed at supporting mature adults to stay active, mobile, and confident. One such class that has drawn heartfelt praise is Tom’s Strength and Balance Course. After attending the class this term, participant Norah sent us a thoughtful note of appreciation, which she has kindly allowed us to share (lightly edited for clarity): Tom’s sessions, which concluded for Term 1 after eight well-paced classes, are set to resume in Term 2 after Easter. The course is designed specifically for mature adults and focuses on improving […]

Armchair Travel: A Magic Carpet Ride Through Morocco

Published on March 31, 2025, updated on May 13, 2025
Categories: 👥 Highlight, 📰 All News
Tags: presentation, travel

Armchair travel U3A Box Hill, 27/03/25, Morocco-majorelle blue

On 27 March, the Armchair Travel group at U3A Box Hill took off on a dazzling journey—no boarding pass required. With Dr Paul Kertes as our guide, we soared on a magic carpet through the colours, textures, and spirit of Morocco. Our first stop was the Atlantic Coast, where we wandered under endless blue skies and beside the vibrant sea. Towns painted in vivid Majorelle blue unfolded before us like a dream, each corner more captivating than the last. Markets brimmed with colour and life—overflowing with spices, fresh produce, handcrafted crockery, intricate textiles, and rich leatherwork. You could almost smell […]

Discover Esperanto, A Language for Everyone

Published on March 18, 2025, updated on March 17, 2025
Categories: 👥 Highlight, 📰 All News
Tags: language learning

Box Hill U3A's atient and dedicated Esperanto tutor, Barbara Hatley

We have our own Esperanto community here at Box Hill U3A! It is thanks to Barbara Hatley who expertly leads our small group since she took over from her late husband, Brian Beltcher, 18 months ago. Her patience and dedication have been instrumental in keeping our Esperanto tradition alive. Meet Barbara, Our Esperanto Tutor Permesu min prezenti Barbara, nian Esperanto-instruiston. As Manfred, an Esperanto student from 2023/24, shares: “Barbara is a very patient and dedicated tutor. She uses teaching material from Esperanto magazines and books.” The class utilises accessible resources like children’s stories and travel articles, which are particularly good […]

Brain Boosting Fun On Trivia Afternoons

Published on March 14, 2025, updated on March 14, 2025
Categories: 👥 Highlight, 📰 All News
Tags: entertainment, trivia

Trivia challenge at Box Hill U3A - March 2025

Did you know that playing trivia is not just about showing off your knowledge of obscure facts? It’s actually giving your brain a proper workout! Once a month on a Wednesday afternoon, our Trivia Group gathers for laughs, friendly competition, and mental stimulation. The buzz in the room when someone recalls that elusive answer is infectious. See the leader and other players in action in March. Trivia Challenge In March ! How would you have gone with these five samples from the 60 questions of our March session? … Do you know? Would you hazard a few guesses? Maybe the […]

Art And Fun With Craft Jewellery at U3A Box Hill

Published on March 7, 2025, updated on March 7, 2025
Categories: 👥 Highlight, 📰 All News
Tags: art class, craft jewellery

beautiful necklace by the craft jewellery group at U3A Box Hill

A stunning creation!

As these photos demonstrate, ladies at the jewellery making classes have enjoyed applying their creativity and skills in making beautiful jewellery. The group uses traditional and contemporary methods to produce jewellery as well as non-wearable pieces. Each week, members bring their creativity and refine their skills. They create lovely items with their personal touch. The benefits of our jewellery classes can extend far beyond the beautiful pieces you take home. Did you know that research shows that fine motor activities like craft jewellery can help maintain dexterity and cognitive function as we age? Add the warmth of community, and you […]