U3A GOLD COAST INC.

SOUTHPORT
NEWSLETTER - AUGUST 2022
Level 1, Shop 1074, Margaret Street Campus
Australia Fair, 3 Margaret Street
Southport, QLD 4215 Southport.
Ph: (07) 5591 6671 ABN 17 993 804

Email General Enquiries: u3agoldcoastinc@bigpond.com

Email Attendance Sheets: u3agcfrontoffice@gmail.com
Email Class apologies: u3agcfrontoffice@gmail.com
Website: u3agoldcoast.weebly.com
Facebook: U3A Gold Coast Inc Southport

Executive Committee

President: Lou Stevens

Vice-President: Wendy Barker
Secretary: Amanda Cowser
Treasurer: Jan Scott

Committee Members: Claire Potts

Robyn Renneberg
Margaret Karakatsanis
Greg Barnes
Gordon Cowser

Class Co-Ordinator: Lou Stevens

Social Committee Co-Ordinator: Margaret Karakatsanis/Pat Jones
Office Manager: Wendy Barker
Newsletter Editor: Lou Stevens
Class Administrator: Kim Carter

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• NEW COMPUTER CLASSES STARTING– details inside

• MONDAY 1ST AUGUST – SEMESTER 2 BEGINS – classes resume
SEMESTER 2 NEW OFFICE HOURS: MONDAY TO FRIDAY - 9.00AM TO 1.00PM

Acknowledgement: The U3A Gold Coast Inc. Southport Newsletter is kindly printed
By the office of ROB MOLHOEK M.P. Member for Southport.

LEARN, LAUGH, ENJOY

 U3A GOLD COAST INC. SOUTHPORT
NEWSLETTER - AUGUST 2022
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE AUGUST 2022

Unfortunately, due to personal circumstances, Peter Gillmore is not able to continue as President and
driver of our Strategic Plan. Peter has been a driving force in his role as President with his capacity to see
beyond the day-to-day minutiae of guiding a volunteer organization and look at the big picture and how
we can shape our future. We shall all miss his enormous contribution to U3A Gold Coast.

As this position is a legal requirement under Incorporated Association law, it necessitated the Management
Committee to elect a new President at the monthly meeting. As Vice President, I was nominated by the
committee and accepted the role, somewhat reluctantly. My role of choice is Class Coordinator, even
though the workload is huge, I enjoy working with dedicated Tutors and seeing the pleasure, camaraderie
and social interaction our classes bring to our members. I will continue in this role but, hopefully, with
some assistance.

LOU STEVENS
PRESIDENT- U3A GOLD COAST INC

CLASS COORDINATOR REPORT

NEW CLASSES
PHOTOS – SAVING, STORING AND PHOTOSHOPPING THURSDAY 4TH AUGUST – 11.15-12.45

INTROUCTION TO EMAIL: THE BASICS THURSDAY 11TH AUGUST 11.15 – 12.45

CLOUD STORAGE: ONEDRIVE, GOOGLE, iCLOUD WEDNESDAY 17th AUGUST 1.30-2.30

iPAD AND iPHONE FOR BEGINNERS 5 WEEK COURSE

Thursday 18th August to Thursday 15th
September
11.15am – 12.45pm

ANDROID PHONES & TABLETS FOR BEGINNERS 5 WEEK COURSE

Thursday 22nd September to Thursday 20th
October
11.15am – 12.45pm

BASIC COMPUTER SKILLS FOR NEW USERS 5 WEEK COURSE

Thursday 27th October to Thursday 24th
November
11.15am – 12.45pm

COFFEE AND CULTURE – SOUTHPORT LIBRARY 2nd Thursday of the month 10am – 12 noon

All above computer classes held in the Australia Fair Study Room
Enrolments for these classes are required – please advise the office if you wish to join a
class. Further computer classes will be scheduled over the next few weeks.

LEARN, LAUGH, ENJOY

 U3A GOLD COAST INC. SOUTHPORT
NEWSLETTER - AUGUST 2022

CLASS CHANGES
TRIVIA – cancelled for Semester 2 due to insufficient numbers

SCRABBLE - cancelled for Semester 2 due to insufficient numbers

ART HISTORY - cancelled for Semester 2 due to insufficient numbers (Coffee & Culture may be an option)

FRENCH ADVANCED – the last class will be 26th August unless another Tutor is available

ITALIAN BEGINNERS – Class will commence 4th August with substitute tutor for first few weeks

PILATES A & B – Tutor will recommence classes 2nd week of September

FAMILY HISTORY – Recommences Monday 8th August – 2nd, 3rd and 4th Monday of the month

FRENCH BEGINNERS PLUS – Changes to Monday 1.00-3.00pm Community Centre

CAMERA ENTHUISIASTS – PRACTICAL AND THEORY – Now combined and will be held 4th Tuesday of the
month in the Australia Fair Study Room – 1.30pm

MEDITATION AND MINDFULNESS – Due to current tutor illness, we have found a new tutor , however,
class time and day has been changed to Monday 9am-10am. Location will still be Margaret St upstairs.

MEMOIRS – the search continues for a new tutor

LOU STEVENS
CLASS COORDINATOR

LEARN, LAUGH, ENJOY

 U3A GOLD COAST INC. SOUTHPORT
NEWSLETTER - AUGUST 2022
SOCIAL COMMITTEE – Margaret K. and Pat Jones

BRUNSWICK HEADS M/TEA ECO CRUISE

& OCEAN SHORES LUNCH
Tuesday 9th August 2022
Today after our southbound pickups we make our way to
Brunswick Heads and board the Byron Bay Eco Cruise vessel,
the “Jasmine”. A magical way to explore the calm waters of
the Brunswick River as we enjoy morning tea, with
homemade cakes, while hearing the stories of this ancient and extraordinary region. Keep your eyes and
cameras ready for some bird watching and unique wildlife in the beautiful mangroves and rainforest along
the river bank. After a great morning we tour through the village of Ocean Shores and onto our Lunch
venue today at the Ocean Shores Country Club with sweeping views over the ocean from the new deck.
We enjoy, Main meal and Dessert plus Tea/Coffee. Sit back and enjoy a few cool drinks while admiring that
spectacular view. We head for home with a comfort stop along the way.

COST: $90.00 includes Coach trip, Cruise, Morning Tea, and Lunch at Ocean Shores
REGISTER: Full cost at time of registering with reception.
MAXIMUM NUMBER: 10 REGISTRATIONS CLOSE: 26 JULY 2022
PICK UP: Southport RSL Club Bus Stop. 7am. Sharp
ENQUIRIES U3 Gold Coast Southport Ph. 55916671, or call Margaret K on 07 5572 6050
EMAIL: u3agoldcoast@bigpond.com

GET TOGETHER LUNCH - SATURDAY 27TH AUGUST

WHERE: ANGLERS ARMS

50 QUEEN STREET, SOUTHPORT
TIME: 11.30 FOR 12 NOON
Rump & Prawns (3) 200g graziers rump with garlic cream prawns $25
Rump steak 200gm with choice of sauce, garden salad and chips $19
Salt and pepper calamari chips, salad, lemon, aioli $14
Roast Chicken Maryland w/ roast potato, pumpkin, peas & gravy $14
Battered Flathead fillets and chips garden salad, lemon, tartare sauce, chips $14
Chicken schnitzel gravy, lemon, garden salad, fries $14
SENIORS MEAL DEAL: CHEFS DESSERT with any main course - choice of - Pavlova, Trifle, Bread & Butter Pudding $5

LEARN, LAUGH, ENJOY

 U3A GOLD COAST INC. SOUTHPORT
NEWSLETTER - AUGUST 2022

OUTBACK SPECTACULAR
Matinee - Sunday 28th August 2022

With more drama, action, humour and excitement than ever before, Australia’s favourite dinner
and show is more than just a day out. After our northbound pickups, one hour LATER, saddle up
for a truly remarkable journey. The Australian Outback Spectacular’s new show will propel you into
an extraordinary experience of the Australian bush and outback life. From dust and beauty, fury
and calm, drought and rain then hardship and triumph you won’t want to miss this amazing show.
There will be stampeding cattle, amazing horsemanship, plus a stirring musical score composed
especially for the show. This new story follows some true Australian characters as they battle a
heartbreaking 5-year drought and show the real meaning of friendship and life in the Australian
Outback. Speed and precision is not confined to the arena with true Aussie hospitality, as 40
stockmen and women are on hand to serve up a gourmet Aussie feast with beer, wine or soft drink
to every member of the audience. All in record time of course. Don’t miss the bravery, courage
and beauty of this Australian story.

Coach Transport, Lunch, Show & Beverages all included in cost.

Pick-up: 9.15am RSL (SOPO) Scarborough Street, Southport

Cost: $115.00 ***Payment due by: 15/08/2022
REGISTER: Full cost at time of registering with reception.
ENQUIRIES: U3 Gold Coast Southport Ph. 55916671, or call Margaret K on 07 5572 6050
EMAIL: u3agoldcoast@bigpond.com

LEARN, LAUGH, ENJOY

 U3A GOLD COAST INC. SOUTHPORT
NEWSLETTER - AUGUST 2022

REMEMBERING…
VALE MERV SCOTT – TUTOR FOR BASIC DRAWING, PICTURE FRAMING AND LEATHERWORK
“Merv took over the class during 2008 after the previous tutor stormed out one day in a fit of pique. Merv
was a huge asset, as he was very talented and knowledgeable, with the ability to pass on that to his
students. He was a very kind and gentle man, and much loved by all who knew him.
He told me once that he loved the class too, so much that he “would walk over broken glass to get there”.
And indeed he did keep going long after his health should have stopped him.
His wife, Win, was our treasurer for a few years also.
Merv will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Vale Merv Scott.” Valerie Richardson

“It is with deep sadness for me to write on the passing of Merv Scott on 12 July 2022.
Merv was a very talented and much-valued member of our Leatherwork class. He was most generous with
his time and knowledge which were greatly appreciated by the class and I.
Beside leatherwork, Merv was also very skilled in other crafts, was an Art tutor and was teaching framing
for many years . He was very passionate with what he was doing at U3A and ended his involvement with
U3A only due to illnesses.
Merv is a great loss to our Leatherwork class and will be sadly missed. R.I.P Merv.” Lynda Chapman

VALE BILL TODD – a member since 2006 and loved husband of current member, Helen
VALE LOIS FLETCHER – a member since 1997
VALE LOUISE MANTHEY – a member since 2017

LEARN, LAUGH, ENJOY

 U3A GOLD COAST INC. SOUTHPORT
NEWSLETTER - AUGUST 2022
How to ease arthritis
Around 456,000 people in Australia suffer from inflammatory rheumatic diseases. These diseases can cause fatigue,
discomfort, and difficulty sleeping, which can in turn affect a person’s ability to concentrate, work, and live
independently. Studies have found that four out of five of such patients suffer from fatigue daily.

Researchers from the universities of Aberdeen and Glasgow investigated three different types of care offered to 368
people with a range of rheumatic diseases, including arthritis. They wanted to see which types of care improved
symptoms the most. Participants were split into three groups and assigned either exercise sessions, talking therapy
or usual care. Talking therapy included a type of psychological intervention that “targets unhelpful beliefs and
behaviours” and aims to replace them with more flexible and positive approaches. The patients in this group
received an average of eight sessions on the phone over 30 weeks.

Those in the exercise group had five one-to-one 45-minute sessions over 30 weeks, providing tailored advice. The
patients under usual care were given an educational booklet. The study found that those who were prescribed
exercise or cognitive behavioural approaches fared much better than those on standard treatment. The group
prescribed exercise sessions saw a slightly greater impact on pain levels, fatigue and productivity, while those given
talking therapy saw the greatest improvements in sleeping patterns. The benefits continued for six months following
the completion of the courses of treatment. Many participants in the exercise and talking therapy groups also
reported improved mental health and quality of life, compared with those who received usual care.

Lead investigator Professor Neil Basu, who carried out most of the research at the University of Aberdeen, but is now
at the University of Glasgow, said: “Our study provides new evidence that some non-pharmacological interventions
can be successfully and effectively delivered by non-specialist members of the clinical service. It has been
encouraging to see that the interventions have led to improvements for participants even six months after the end
of the treatment.

“It’s also great to see that these steps were impactful even when delivered via telephone,” Prof. Basu said. “Since
the onset of the pandemic, healthcare services are being reimagined to incorporate greater remote care, however,
the evidence base to support this shift has generally been limited.”

Many people with inflammatory rheumatic diseases – including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and axial
spondyloarthritis – could be missing out on an easy way to reduce symptoms and improve their lifestyle.

Here are seven other lifestyle changes that can help to ease symptoms of arthritis.

Maintaining movement - Regular exercise will keep your heart and your joints happy. There is a common
misconception that using your joints too much can wear them out. Experts now understand the importance of
keeping the body physically mobile for as long as possible. Remember, just getting outside for a daily walk counts –
think in terms of being generally active, moving your body regularly and avoiding being too sedentary.

Maintaining a healthy body weight - When you exercise, the amount of pressure felt by your knee joint is estimated
as being the equivalent of seven times your body weight. Therefore, if body weight is kept within the ‘healthy’ body
mass index (BMI) range, you’ll be putting less pressure on your joints.

Keep your muscles working -Maintaining good musculoskeletal strength will help to keep the bones and joints
healthy. As well as helping prevent arthritis, good muscular strength can help to reduce the chances of lower back
problems, osteoporotic fractures and other muscular-based injuries. Ways to improve or maintain musculoskeletal
strength include weight-bearing exercises, such as weight training, walking, jogging, climbing stairs, tennis, and
dancing.

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 U3A GOLD COAST INC. SOUTHPORT
NEWSLETTER - AUGUST 2022
Don’t overdo it - A moderate level of exercise, five times a week, is usually ideal for most people and will help
ensure joints remain healthy.

Look out for food triggers - Certain foods or food groups can trigger inflammation – the primary cause of arthritis.
Some things to look out for include sugar, saturated fats, refined carbohydrates, gluten, and alcohol.

Do your best to avoid injury - Make sure you always use the correct equipment when playing sports, and ensure
that when exercising, you’re using the correct techniques.

Seek medical help if you do injure yourself - Repetitive traumas are a key driver of the condition, so if you don’t get
an injury treated properly right away, you could cause yourself significant damage further down the line.

Disclaimer: This article contains general information about health issues and is not advice. For health advice, consult
your medical practitioner. Information courtesy of YourLifeChoices

Healthy foods that trigger arthritis symptoms

Not all healthy foods are created equal, with some known to trigger arthritis symptoms. Essentially, arthritis is a
general term that refers to more than 100 different types of arthritis and related conditions, explains Brendan
Howell, director of Arborvitae Health and Wellbeing. More commonly known as joint inflammation, arthritis causes
pain, swelling and stiffness throughout the body and the symptoms worsen with age. As a result, arthritis sufferers
experience a reduced range of movement that affects their ability to perform everyday tasks. Mr Howell says certain
foods, such as fried food, alcohol, sugar and processed meat, are known to inflame the symptoms of arthritis, but
there are also some healthy foods that people with arthritis should avoid eating. This is his guide.

Tomatoes -Tomatoes may be a good source of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, potassium, vitamin K and
folate, but they also form part of the nightshade family of fruits and vegetables. Nightshade foods contain solanine,
a chemical that many people believe triggers arthritis pain. The family of plants includes tomatoes, eggplant,
potatoes and peppers. Tomatoes are known to raise levels of uric acid in the body and elevated uric acid can trigger
gout, which is a form of arthritis that affects the joints of the toes, wrists, fingers, knees and elbows.

Pasta - Pasta forms part of the Mediterranean diet, which is considered one of the healthiest in the world. Pasta is
low in sodium, cholesterol free and also a good source of several nutrients including iron and B-vitamins.
Unfortunately products like pasta, bread and crackers can trigger arthritis symptoms, especially if you have
rheumatoid arthritis. Wheat contains gluten, which is a protein that can irritate inflamed joints. Opt for other
substitutes such as polenta, quinoa or brown rice. They are all free of gluten, rich in fibre and taste great.

Cheese - Cheese is full of goodness and is a great source of calcium, fat and protein as well as vitamins A, B-12, zinc,
phosphorous and riboflavin. Calcium is a key nutrient for healthy bones and teeth, wound healing, blood clotting and
maintaining normal blood pressure. Unfortunately, cheese is high in both saturated fats and advanced glycation end
products that are significant inflammation triggers and should be eaten sparingly.

The best way to approach your diet when living with arthritis is to remove foods from your diet that may trigger
arthritis symptoms. Find substitutes and add the other foods back in slowly in a staged way so you can gauge the
impact on your body. Mr Howell says arthritis affects people in many ways. The key is to ensure you are aware of the
foods you eat and their potential impact on your health so you can fill your diet with foods that are known to be
anti-inflammatory in nature.

“In addition to food, finding the right supplement to aid in the management of arthritis is important also. Follow the
management plan provided by your doctor and only include supplements in your diet that are listed on the
Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG),” he emphasises. Article with thanks to YourLifeChoices

LEARN, LAUGH, ENJOY

U3A GOLD COAST INC. SOUTHPORT
NEWSLETTER - AUGUST 2022

*** History Matters! ***

Doug Oliver’s World History Class
Friday morning 9:00 am to 11:00 am
Study Room, Australia Fair
Reckoning With The Past

New students are very welcome to come along and enjoy one or more sessions.

Doug Oliver has been telling stories from world history at U3A Gold Coast since 2015.
He is a 71-year-old self-funded retiree. He had a 45-year career 1967 to 2012: 23 years
Regular Army, retired Lieutenant Colonel; 3 years management consultant; 16 years
public sector Australia & England. Married 47 years. Lives in Pacific Pines with his wife
Terry; daughter Eliza-Jane lives in the United Kingdom.

Be entertained – and keep those brain cells working

LEARN, LAUGH, ENJOY

 U3A GOLD COAST INC. SOUTHPORT
NEWSLETTER - AUGUST 2022
JUST FOR FUN!

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