1

Greater Western Newsletter (GWN)

Editor’s letter. December, 2016.

Christmas is coming, ready or not! So, in keeping with the season, this issue of

GWN a visual feast which I hope you will enjoy. Special thanks to our contributors; Isabel

Halton for her Book of the Year and other thoroughly good reads; Marie Donaldson for her

item on the Family Tree Mysteries Solved group in 2016 (plus three excellent stories and a

happy snap of ‘the girls’); Barry Hanlon for a sneak preview from his course People Who

Changed the World (The Chinese Empress Wu); Georgie Tuck for samples of her classes’

calligraphy; Pam Williamson’s story written almost entirely in clichés; a recipe from Ian

Keith’s Kitchen and photos taken at the AGM 2.12.16. There’s also a Candid Camera

moment worthy of your consideration…

Your captions – and that photo- will be re-run in GWN’s mid-February issue, the first in

2017.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Everyone!

Thank you.

Carmel Liddell.

Email: editor.gwn@bigpond.com

*Please refer to GWN’S last page for links to other region’s newsletters.

Read any Memorable Quotes/Phrases? Tell GWN - tell everybody! Editor’s pick on the subject of Christmas and family:-

‘The juggernaut of Christmas will not be stopped’.

(Marni Jackson, ‘The Mother Zone’, 1992.)

2

‘Family is just accident…they don’t mean to get on your nerves. They don’t even mean to

be in your family. They just are.’

(Marsha Norman, ‘Night, Mother’, 1983.)

Book Reviews. The Book of the Month Club’s course leader Isabel Halton, and course members,

voted this story as their 2016 # Book of the Year.

This non-fiction book was loved by the Book Group and voted the favourite for 2016. It tells

the story of a rogue herd of elephants taken by the author to his game reserve to save them

from being destroyed. He (and we the readers) learnt so much about the elephant lifestyle –

their love and care for each other, their communication skills, their relationships to each

other and to him, when they came to trust him.

The book is easily read but teaches so much about how all nature is connected- including us-

in so many ways. It is well worth reading.

Isabel Halton.

Fiction books – enjoyed and recommended- by Book Club members.

The Guernsey Literary Society etc. By Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows.

The invention of Wings. By Sue Monk Kidd.

The Rosie Project. By Graeme Simsion.

The Cleaner of Chartres’. By Sally Vickers.

A Whispered Name. By Wm. Broderick.

Review and suggested good holiday reads, by Isabel Halton.

The Elephant Whisperer

By Lawrence Anthony

Non Fiction

Available at Parramatta library

# The Elephant Whisperer

By

Lawrence Anthony

Non-fiction

3

Family Tree Mysteries Solved. Course leader Marie Donaldson provides an

insight into what goes on in her sessions. Fabulous!

‘Once again our year has been pleasant and productive with lots of ancestors found and new skills

learned.

Our problem with accommodation for our meetings was solved by the wonderful manager of The

Vibes Coffee Shop at Blacktown library, who offered his venue for us each time the study room in the

library was unavailable. A huge thank you to the generous Andre!

Two of our members commenced the diploma in Family History from the University of Tasmania,

just before last Christmas. They were enjoying their studies so much, and were so enthusiastic, that

two more members began the course during 2016.

Each meeting we have a Show and Tell of about 10-15 minutes per person, and our uni students

share much of what they have been learning with the remainder of the group, so that we are all

benefitting from their studies. The group decided that they would like to submit some of what the

students have been learning, and teaching us.

Attached are three short writing pieces, done by the students when they were studying descriptive

writing, a component of the Writing Your Family History subject.’

(Feel free to use all, or none of these Carmel). Loved each one, Marie! Thank you, Carmel.

Painting a picture: Family Connectedness. © Gail Gillett

Comfort was snuggling, listening to Mum talk about her photo album. Characters, houses and environs came alive. Circumstances meant we had not met her family. So, an invitation to visit a maternal Great Grandmother created much excitement.

Arriving at the house felt like reliving history. The facade sparkled and remembered stories became real. A formidable, proper looking woman greeted us. Fortunately, the twinkle in her eye said that she enjoyed life. GGM easily recognised from photo memories; long grey-white hair drawn back to a bun, a high necked, long sleeved lace trimmed dress, its skirt hung to ankle length. On her stockinged feet, she wore polished lace-up shoes. All spoke of a bygone time, not the late 1950’s.

Rose, lavender and Bees wax aromas greeted us as we were ushered into the parlour. Chintz drapes and lace hung at the windows. Floorboards were stained, highly polished and covered by a central rug. Upright wooden chairs were softened by upholstered seats. Portraits of ancestors oversaw events in the room.

Sparkling silver and best china heralded a feast. Afternoon tea with everything homemade tempted us. Cloud like scones topped with strawberry jam and fresh cream were a perfect accompaniment for the chatter about family.

Later, strolling in the garden I had a flash of recognition. Scalloped tiles edging the path triggered memory of a photo, taken in 1917. It was of my mother at twelve months walking in this place. Shivers ran down my spine and made me glow, feeling connectedness to family.

Ends.

4

Hugs, Tea and a Game of Catch. © Kerry Stevenson

The young girl didn't notice the steep incline as she walked up the hill. She was already anticipating the greeting she would receive when the door of the house would be flung open. She would be met with loving warm hugs from the grandmother and whilst the hugs from the grandfather would be equally as loving, she also knew from past experience that he would almost squeeze the air from her.

Afternoon tea would follow the greeting and all three would sit down together at a table set with a starched and ironed tablecloth, matching china teacups, saucers and luncheon plates with a china teapot filled with the steaming brew. There would be a tempting array of freshly baked cakes and biscuits still warm from the oven.

But what the young girl looked forward to most was the game of catch with the grandmother which always concluded the visit. The little dog would dash back and forth between the two as they tossed the ball from one to the other. The grandmother's face would beam with delight as she chuckled at the antics of her granddaughter.

The young girl became a grandmother herself. Afternoon tea with the grandchildren made way for sizzling bacon breakfasts and games of catch were gradually replaced by games on the ipad. But one thing hadn't changed, what remained constant through the years were the unlimited loving hugs. Times change, as do the games played but what matters most are the bonds established and the memories created during the precious moments of childhood.

Ends.

Warm Damper and Honey. © Marie Donaldson

Ern strode purposefully down the hill, his back straight and his step firm, despite his seventy-five years. His pace never faltered, though he lifted his hat politely to the women sweeping their paths, or gossiping over their fences. “Mornin’ Martha. Mornin’ Ruby. Lovely day!” He might live in town now, but his dress and demeanour still said ‘farmer’ to all who saw him.

“Mornin’ Ned. No time to stop for a cuppa today. Got Nita and the little one coming this afternoon, so must get back. ‘Liza wants a jar of your best.” He put the empty jar, and a bag of lemons, in exchange, on the table. Ned turned the tap and the amber liquid flowed into the container. Carefully replacing it in his coat, Ern hurried back home.

The smell of baking greeted him as he came into the kitchen. ‘Liza wore her usual ‘pinny’. Her face was flushed, her hands covered in flour, and a tendril of her long hair had escaped from her bun. She bustled about, setting the table with a starched white cloth, and the lovely old tea set she had from her mother. “Pour that into the pot, Ern.”

The sound of childish footsteps running along the verandah heralded the arrival of a curly-haired toddler, followed by her young mother. Soon they were seated around the table, drinking tea and enjoying being a family again. After, all, it wasn’t every day that two of the most special people in their lives visited from the other side of the country, and ‘Liza always made their favourite afternoon tea, warm damper and fresh honey!

Ends.

5

The Family Tree Mysteries Solved group held our Christmas lunch this year at Lily’s Restaurant in Seven Hills. Attached is a photo of our group if you would like to use it. (Absolutely! Carmel. .)

Wishing you a happy Christmas,

Marie Donaldson.

People Who Changed the World. Course leader, Barry Hanlon.

All of our topics are people who are unique in their own way. So it's not possible to say one

was more outstanding for the class than another.

In 2017 we will continue to look at exceptional people who have had an impact on the world

as we know it.

* One very unusual and little known one is the Chinese Empress Wu.

(For session dates and times please refer to the 2017 course book).

Best wishes for the festive season,

Barry Hanlon.

6

Calligrapy. Course leader Georgie Tuck. For session times, refer to your 2017 course

book. Who knew there were so many different styles of calligraphy? Below are samples of the

excellent work done by members of Georgie Tuck’s 2016 Calligraphy class. To all readers

titivating their scrapbooks and family trees, writing labels on kitchen gifts, cards and books –

‘WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Call Georgie!

Calligraphy adds a personal touch to every project.

7

Weird and Wonderful Facts. Following on from our trivia about bananas, Sue Brennan sent in this gem:-

* Speaking of bananas…do you know that the strings you pull from a peeled banana are

called ‘phloem bundles’?

And from Mr Google….

* Icelanders have a tradition of giving books to each other on Christmas Eve then spending

the night reading. The Nordic island of only 329,000 people, love to read and write.

According to a BBC article,

‘The country has more books published and more books read per head of population than

anywhere else in the world.’

Fun and Games.

Nothing to report. Anyone out there playing games????

Writer’s Corner.

Stories or Poetry

Ever wonder where writers get their ideas? November’s challenge for the My Word group

was to ‘write a story full of clichés’. The following is Pam Williamson’s stellar effort!

BREAKING UP – CLICHÉ STYLE. © Pam Williamson.

‘I’m at the end of my tether so it’s time for me to bite the bullet because I have a bone to

pick with you. I’m at my wit’s end, with my back against the wall, so let’s talk turkey.

When I was young and foolish, I thought you were the best thing since sliced bread and cute

as a button to boot. Our life was all fun and games and I bent over backwards so you’d ask

me to be your blushing bride. In a nutshell, it goes without saying that it was a labour of love

to be your better half. I thought we’d be together till the cows come home.

But it was only a matter of time until you began to show your true colours. In our salad days

we were joined at the hip which is par for the course I guess. I gave you the benefit of the

doubt when you started to burn the midnight oil at the office. After all, you were bringing

home the bacon so that we could keep up with the Jones’. It was as easy as pie for you to

pull the wool over my eyes. It goes without saying that I avoided the naked truth.

8

Soon it became crystal clear that you, like father like son, were a chip off the old block; that

you would play the pillar of the community while having more affairs than hot breakfasts. If

I may jog your memory, you’ll recall how I begged you to pull your head in and mind your

p’s and q’s. I thought I’d burst your bubble when I caught you red handed but the long and

short of it is that you’re a dyed in the wool Lothario.

You begged me on bended knee to forgive your chequered past; to forgive AND forget.

Words fail me. For what it’s worth, you can eat your heart out, cry like a baby or flip your lid

for all I care. The long and short of it is that our marriage is kaput, over and done with once

and for all. You’ve ripped me off and it stands out like a sore thumb that I should give you

your marching orders a.s.a.p.

And I’ll tell you this for nothing: by hook or by crook I’ll get the lion’s share of your almighty

dollar, so don’t go hiring a slippery eel of a lawyer to muddy the waters. So you can go to

hell in a hand basket and try your cock and bull stories on some other mug. There’s one

born every minute they say. I’m once bitten, twice shy but ready to start again with a clean

slate. Maybe this wake up call’s just what the doctor ordered. It’s never too late and there’s

no use crying over spilt milk. I’ll count my blessings, keep on keeping on and move forward

like there’s no tomorrow.’

Ends.

Storytellers Parramatta. (An announcement about the changes to Storytellers in 2017. Thank you Shirley) Because of circumstances for me next year, I’ve passed the leadership of Storytellers over to

Helen Reardon. Helen, an enthusiastic member of the group, has lead the class on several

occasions this year and everyone is looking forward to where she might lead us in 2017.

The saying ‘To tell a short story long is easy but to tell a long story short, is very skilful.’

These writers do that very well. They have imaginations. First we are a writers group, we do

some serious writing but we also have lot of fun.

This year I asked members of the group to decide what our challenges would be and from

what perspective we might write the stories and they came forth with some very interesting

topics. Also, each of the twelve members were asked to present me with three stories each

and we had these thirty six stories bound into a book.

Parramatta Storytellers are a lovely, lively, clever bunch of writers. It’s been my absolute

pleasure to have lead the group for the past three years and wish you joy in leading us

Helen.

Happy writing Storytellers.

Merry Christmas Everyone.

Shirley Brabham.

9

Photo Finish. Send us your photos taken at U3A sessions or events.

Ian Keith found this recipe in the Coles Magazine, Party Food section. (p. 47 November,

2016)

It comes in two parts, a Basic No-Cook Spinach Dip which may then be used as a pie filling.

Delicious!

Part 1.

# Basic No-Cook Spinach Dip. (Makes 2 cups Prep 10 mins)

250g pkt. frozen spinach, thawed

250g cream cheese

2/3 cup sour cream

½ x 40g pkt. French Onion Soup mix.

1. Place the spinach in a sieve over a bowl and press with the back of a spoon to

remove excess liquid. Discard the liquid.

2. Place spinach, cream cheese, sour cream and soup mix into a processor and blend till

smooth. Season to taste. Refrigerate until required.

The lead up to The AGM is all about the preparation.

While writing groups are putting words together, others

are slaving away on K.P. (Kitchen Patrol).

Our very own Web Editor/photographer Ian Keith

(pictured) had a reputation to uphold. Already known

for his superb handmade sausage rolls, Ian baked the

‘piece de resistance’ for afternoon tea. So well received

were his efforts that Ian and June decided to share their

story… and that recipe.

Take notes people!

10

Part 2.

# The Pie. (Prep 20mins Cooking 25 mins)

2 x Sheets frozen ready rolled puff pastry, just thawed

½ quantity of the Basic No-Cook Spinach Dip above

1/3 cup finely grated parmesan cheese

½ teaspoon smoked paprika and 1 x Coles brand Australian Free Range Egg, whisked

Preheat oven to 220 C and line a baking tray with baking paper

1. Cut a 22cm disc from each pastry sheet and place one disc on the lined tray

2. Place the prepared dip in a bowl and stir in the parmesan and paprika

3. Spread the dip mixture evenly over the pastry disc leaving a 15cm border

4. Brush the border with a little egg

5. Top with the remaining pastry disc and press the edges to enclose the filling

6. Use a glass to mark a 5cm circle in the centre of the pastry, pressing down gently to

mark but not cut through the pastry.

7. Using a sharp knife, score the top sheet of pastry into 12 wedges from the inner

circle to the edge.

8. Brush the pastry with the remaining egg for a beautiful glaze

9. Bake for 20-25 mins till golden. Serve warm or at room temperature.

11

The Annual General Meeting on 2.12.16 was thoroughly enjoyed by all those who attended.

Air-conditioned comfort, sociable round table seating, entertainment on the theme ‘Grand

Designs’, door prizes and a beautifully presented, scrumptious afternoon tea! So much to

choose from…so little time.

Fruit, nuts, gourmet sandwiches, cakes , slices, ‘hot stuff’ from the kitchen guru plus a tea

and coffee station cheerfully manned by June and Linley. What more could one want?

Getting down to business Dorothy Johnson and Ian Thompson

Lucky Door Prize winners Sandra Kenny and Ann Orel were delighted with their $25

vouchers!

To see the full gallery of pictures from our roving photographer Ian Keith, please visit the

G.W. web site.

12

Candid Camera.

Add a caption. What did he/she say?

As promised here is that photo from the November newsletter- with captions.

What was she saying?

Sue Brennan sent in these suggestions:-

Found these under the chair. Who’s feeling a draught?

Sorry, I do most things but not the laundry!

I know some of us are getting forgetful, but this is ridiculous!!

And from an anonymous source at the AGM…

Where’s Tom Jones?

Candid Camera.

This shot was taken at the 2016 AGM… Enough said. ?????????????????????????????????????

13

Letters to the Editor. 20.11.16 - Welcome to our new GWN Editor! A great job Carmel, better ask the boss

for a raise. You’re worth it! Look forward to many more editions.

Sue Brennan.

#Thank you Sue. My first email to GWN. How exciting…Carmel.

2.12.16 - Dear Gwyn,

Here are some photos of the work done this year. Hope this is what you

wanted. Have a jolly, festive season,

Cheers,

Georgie Tuck.

#Thank you Georgie. The pictures are excellent and I hope everyone in the calligraphy class

is pleased with their ‘published’ work… Carmel.

2.12.16.

Hi Carmel,

June had a great idea that we could have a section where you could talk about

the great food we enjoyed at the AGM. There was a lot of interest in the

What did that man

whisper in

Sue Brennan’s

shell - like?

Suggestions please….

14

savoury dish I made. We could include photos and the recipe. What do you

think?

Cheers, Ian. ☺

# Thank you both, I like it! DONE. See pages 9 & 10. Carmel.

Voice your opinion people!

Tell GWN what you like/dislike about this issue. Submissions and ideas for future inclusions

welcome.

Email: editor.gwn@bigpond.com

Up-coming Events ****************************** A new year and new beginnings!

Please check your course books for information on sessions and events scheduled in 2017.

GWN’s Next issue will be mid- February, 2017.

Contributor’s Guidelines. *Items must be U3A related.

* 800 Word limit on stories.

* No advertising, politics or religion. Sex? In moderation…

* Photos must have your subject’s consent and please, no children in the frame.

* For all information on courses and events, please refer to your Course Book.

Sharing knowledge, growing, socialising and passion are the buzz words, Readers. Let’s do it!

Carmel Liddell

Editor.

Email:editor.gwn@bigpond.com

15

The following are links to others region’s newsletters.

Endeavour

Harbourside North

Inner West

Northern Beaches

Upper North

Best Wishes Readers!

Dear Readers,

Best Wishes to you and yours for

Christmas and 2017.

From

Carmel.