While most current programs are still carried on to next term, there are a number of new, challenging and stimulating courses on offer, such as:

“Needleworkers' Circle”  - a collective space for needle-workers, including embroiderers, black workers, cross-stitchers, huckers, etc. to get together over a cuppa to share ideas, stories and skills.

“Reflective Journeys in History” - a trip back to our political history with Stephen Rigby,  exploring the rise of Gough Whitlam, and the history of what came after Gough.

 “Ukulele - Beginners' Course” with Paul Daynes, an accomplished Ukulele player and teacher who, before coming to live on the Sapphire Coast, led the U3A Sussex Inlet , NSW, Ukulele Band.

“Writing Mechanics: The Nuts and Bolts” - where you will explore the art of written storytelling, fact and fiction with Bridget O'Hanlon.

Always very popular with our members, the “One-off events” for Term 3 are:

“Creative Writing Workshop” with Christine Goonrey.

“The Cold War: Lessons for today?”-  Paul Strutynski draws on a wide range of sources to query whether the Soviet military threat during the Cold War was as real or imminent as we were told.

“Wildlife Crime” - looking at wildlife protection and conservation issues  with Don McDowell.

New members are always welcome. For more details on those new courses, or to enrol for next term, please go to our website and go to ‘Courses’, then ‘Courses A-Z’. Find single event courses at ‘One-Off Courses’.

There has also been a changed arrangement for Week 1 only of Term 3 of the Yoga class, which has moved to Tuesday, July 24, at Tura Murang Library, 3pm-5pm. 

Bega & District Garden Club’s next meeting is on July 14 where we will meet with Lesley Baird at 37 Strathmore Cres, Kalaru. You won’t get lost. The Bega Garden Club sign will be on the nature strip to identify her property. Guest speaker is David Hof, the undisputed expert on bonsai.

The last month has been a very busy time for the members of the Bega Hospital Auxiliary catering for functions. Nine of our members were delighted to attend the Christmas in July function organised by the Tathra Hospital Auxiliary which we all enjoyed.

Recently the outdoor furniture for the Oncology Ward arrived, which the auxiliary had bought, using some of the money donated by the Commonwealth Bank staff. Four  of our members were pleased to see it with Rachel Holt the manager of the Bega Branch of the Commonwealth Bank.

The auxiliary AGM will be held on Friday, July 20, at Club Bega in the meeting room on the lower level. The usual monthly meeting will be held at 10am followed by the AGM at 11am. Please note the change of venue. We invite all our members to attend.

The Bega branch of the CWA will hold its Annual Soup & Slice  Day on Thursday, July 19, at the CWA Rooms, Church Street, 11.30am–2pm. Cost is $10 and proceeds will go to Medical Research and Bake for Babes. All are welcome to come and enjoy a great day. Takeaway meals will be available.

The July meeting of the Bega Valley Parkinson Support Group saw two new People Living with Parkinson’s Disease join the 21 members who attended the meeting.  A no show from the guest speaker resulted in the meeting becoming a question and answer time which the members enjoy as they are able find information about problems they have with their Parkinson's.

A bonding luncheon has been arranged at the Tura Beach Golf Club on July 23 starting at noon. Our August 6 meeting at 10.30am at Bega Golf Club will have as guest speaker Martine Mathieson, Health Promotions Officer for the Bega Valley. Members are encouraged to attend this meeting as Martine will have a wealth of information for the group. Members are invited to make a trip to the Unity Walk in Sydney on Sunday,  August 26. Information about the walk  can be arranged by contacting Bob McDonald 0448 325 002.