As a thank you to all the Convenors and Committee members for their dedication, Bright U3A organised a BBQ in the new area at the rear of the U3A building. The BBQ was organised by Linda Hayes – Courses Coordinator, along with a number of helpers who either did the purchasing of supplies, helped in food prep, organised drinks or cooked the BBQ.

On Saturday, 28th June, 50 U3A members and guests gathered for a lively “Break the Blues Winter Lunch,” filled with warmth, music, and great food.Entertainment was provided by Olivia Stapleton and her Alpine Voices ladies, who lit up the room in fabulous Rock ‘n’ Roll outfits.

Their singing and dancing had toes tapping and smiles all around.Guests contributed an array of homemade casseroles and cakes, creating a delicious spread that everyone thoroughly enjoyed.

The hall was transformed into a vibrant Rock ‘n’ Roll Café, complete with checkered tablecloths, balloons, streamers, and buckets of popcorn.

The happy, relaxed ambience brought everyone together, making it a truly memorable winter gathering.

Jan Smith – convenor

Break Winter Blues lunch and entertainment was a success right in the middle of a cold frosty winter’s day here in Bright’s U3A Centre. Delicious hot meals and exquisite desserts prepared by members at this social event were just what we needed to break the winter blues. Getting out and mixing with all the U3A members whilst sharing a meal is a cherished time living in our beautiful and safe area. We are certainly very blessed to have had this opportunity. Not only were we nourished whilst socializing, we also got to be entertained by our Rock N Roll Cafe patrons – Alpine Voices, who just happened to be at the Rock N Roll Café. Well, what a ‘HOOT’! Singing and dancing really rocked, whilst the Fonz, aka Freddie or Milton, came out and turned the heat up a notch – and with a bang (balloon popped) got popped back into his box! Must say that the leathers and the blue swede shoes, were a hit.
Following Fonz, was Peter Cage, with beautiful music he created playing the guitar. Peter has just joined the Guitar group run by convenor Greg Withers. You do not have to be a master guitarist like Greg or Peter, to join this group. Come and have fun and learn new songs to play ranging from 3 chords to learning to play others and riffs.
A fun day for all who were able to make it to this social event.
Thank you, Jan Smith, social convenor and her delegates that come prepared to help with the creation and organization of this event.
Many hands make light work but also make our members enjoy what U3A is all about – you, the enrolled members.
I would like to thank the president of U3A, committee members and those committee members with spouses that are dragged in on all these events, plus the volunteers who are so willing to help; they are the backbone of the organization and help to make all these events run smoothly and safely.
Yours gratefully,
Olivia Stapleton.
Thank you, Helen Brecknell, for the media coverage. This event was videoed for those who couldn’t make it.

Our Annual General Meeting on the 7th February had a fantastic attendance by members who all enjoyed a coffee and cake before attending to the business of the meeting. Achnowledgements were made to retiring convenors Cathy Eldred and Glenn O’Connell. Marianne also acknowledged and thanked Judy and Bryan Pirie for the financial contribution which will go to purchase BBQ equipment for the new outdoor area. This area will in constructed using a Tidy Towns Grant that had been approved last year following an application by U3A Bright.

Marianne then formally handed over the meeting to Peter Lukey who then proceeded to read out the nominations for the committee.

What a wonderful celebration we had on Sunday!  Here is the lowdown!
Our event was a true testament to the “spirit of Christmas and community camaraderie”.  From the moment guests were greeted by the delightful Santa cutouts courtesy of Bright Rotary and the Bright United Mens Shed, to being ushered into our beautifully adorned hall by our playful elves (Ann Borschmann and Jenny Swaneveld) there was an undeniable buzz of excitement in the air.

The hall was transformed into a festive wonderland with Christmas trees, greenery hanging from the rafters, and walls draped in seasonal fabrics and our stage  added to the charm with exquisite decorations lent to us by Amanda from our very own Bright Xmas shop, “Making Spirits Bright”.  Bruce McDonald starred in a magical display featuring Santa in his iconic red chair at the North Pole and our guests sleeted confetti snow upon him!

The afternoon was filled with joyous melodies as Alpine Voices, led by the talented Olivia Stapleton, serenaded us with beloved Christmas carols like “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” and “Jingle Bells.” Our MC, Michael Smith, added to the festive spirit by donning a whimsical Christmas turkey hat and guided us through entertaining activities, including a spirited rendition of the Australian version of “The 12 Days Of Christmas.”  Each guest participated by holding an animal profile, enthusiastically waving their “animal” whenever their creature was mentioned—a spectacle akin to a Mexican Wave at the MCG !!. Laughter and cheer abounded.

A sumptuous meal was prepared by Dave McKinnon from The High Country Chef, featuring a delightful prawn cocktail entree followed by a superb buffet roast dinner. 
Continuing with entertainment our poet laureate Penny White swept around the hall reciting her clever poem and later Helen Brecknell presented captivating and beautiful photos of U3A activities on our new electronic screen.

Dessert, tea, coffee, and chocolates rounded off the meal perfectly, allowing plenty of time for mingling and heartfelt conversations among friends old and new.

Special thanks to Jan Smith, our dedicated social convener, and her incredible team including Jenni McFadyen for her creative hall decorations that truly wowed us. We are also grateful to Ann Borschmann, Jenny Swaneveld and Bruce Mc Donald, Michael Smith, Olivia Stapleton and the choir, Jules Thompson, Caroline Riedy, Penny White and Helen Brecknell for their contributions, as well as the invaluable assistance from Rob Riedy, Jan and Andrew Bird, Mirry McDonald and Paul McFadyen. 

Thank you to everyone who made this event possible and to you, our members and friends who participated and a big thankyou to those extending positive vibes to the team.
It was a day filled with laughter, friendship, and the true spirit of Christmas epitomising our U3A Community.

Some images from the Mt Dunn Circuit Walk. Thanks, Barry, for the image of our group at the lunch spot on Wild Dog Plain.

Bright U3A can certainly live it up! Welcome to 2024 was celebrated in style. With Jan organising the dinner and catered by High Country Chef, we all had a great time.

A full house of 62 guests included members from nearly every activity group in U3A, making it a very relaxed, convivial occasion. 

The happy chatter told it all.

A two course, sit down dinner, catered by Dave Mc Kinnon of “The High Country Chef” was an excellent meal of roast meats and vegetables, followed by fruit salad and pavlova.

To be held at Bright Golf Club on Friday 30th June.

9 holes of social play. Bring your own clubs and pay $25 green fees at the clubhouse when you arrive.
Meet at 9:45 and having coffee and lunch at Punkah Pantry after the game.
Further info from Jan Smith — social@u3abright.org.au

The golf event will be on 12th May at 9:30am. The golf course has been booked.

“The social committee would like to start a U3A casual social 9 hole golf group. 
The plan is to meet monthly, probably on Fridays.
Cost will be the fee for 9 holes at Bright Golf course. All are welcome to join, no handicap needed.

If interested please email Jan Smith michaelandjansmith@gmail.com “

Images taken at the Dinner celebrating our move into the new premises at 2 Cobden St.

THIS EVENT HAS CLOSED

Bright U3A has accepted the offer of a community keg on Wednesday 22nd February.

Come along for a beer from 5pm onwards.

Instead of paying for your drink, you make a donation and 100% is donated to Bright U3A.

Several U3A members are staying for dinner. If you wish to join us, please email Jan Smith

michaelandjansmith@gmail.com

and she will book you in.