It was a smorgasbord of entertainment at U3A Benalla’s monthly Meet and Mingle on November 20.
U3A president Margaret Jenkins said there was something for everyone to nourish and enjoy with an audience of over 50 people soaking up the atmosphere, enjoying the music, singing, handicraft display and a special short film.
“It was an uplifting experience to be in the room and experience first hand the diverse talents on display of our U3A member groups,” Ms Jenkins said.
“Dorothy Webber and her group proudly presented a colourful display of beautifully crafted and detailed patchwork quilts.”
Ms Webber said the Patchwork group had generously donated 15 quilts to local charities and were in the process of making more to help the Benalla Community.
The Recorder Group members, led by Janet Douglas, began the morning entertainment with a number of songs suitably matched to the recorders’ unique style.
The audience was also treated to a foot tapping melody of sing along songs by the Ukulele group, led by Heather Wallace.
Ms Jenkins said the U3A Singing For Fun group performed next.
“They were led by three separate conductors through songbooks of very well-known tunes from the 1940s to the 1970s,” she said.
“The three conductors, Kieran Smith, Brian Greed and Margaret Merriman took turns to rouse the willing voices of the assembled singers to bring a real nostalgic and emotional feeling to the room.
“As a finale, the audience was treated to a short film based around a new and popular U3A segment introduced in 2024 called Cooking Solo.”
“The segment featured participants being taught in hands on sessions techniques of home cooking for one person.”
“The film finished with the participants consuming the meals they prepared.”
Morning tea followed the presentations.
Ms Jenkins thanked the U3A participants for their enthusiasm and entertaining presentations, with the audience feedback being much appreciated.
“The showcasing of the talent within the Benalla U3A community was truly inspiring, of a high entertainment value and worthy of more public exposure,” she said.