U3A Warwick Inc.
U3A Warwick Life Member and nonagenarian Neil Bonnell's memoir about his colourful teaching career has been uploaded to this website to mark his 90th birthday in May.
We published this memoir in newsletters some years ago and now include on the website for the benefit of members, new and old. Essential reading for former teachers and travellers.
The Term 3 newsletter contains an article about Neil's career, which included a six-year stint in Uganda and post-career adventures in China.
Jazz in the Afternoon - UQ Jazz Ensemble to perform at our premises
Keep Friday July 18th free for a special Jumpers & Jazz performance for U3A Warwick members and the public in general. This is the first collaboration between J&J and U3A and allows us to host members of the University of Queensland's jazz ensemble at our premises, 1 Tooth Street. This will be an outdoor event with seating provided. You can pre-book tickets clicking the link below. Tickets are $15 and this includes a sausage sizzle, hot/cold drinks and Devonshire afternoon tea. The ensemble will perform from 12.45pm to 3pm.
We are also holding a Crazy Beanies competition - and you have time to get knitting!
Avis Stehn clocks up 20 years as Tai Chi teacher
U3A Warwick’s long-term Tai Chi tutor Avis Stehn (right) was granted Life Membership at the annual general meeting on November 29, 2024. President Louize Fulton presented Avis with her certificate and invited her to address the meeting.
Avis said that she learned Tai Chi in Brisbane in the 1990s, when her daughter, who was unwell at the time, started it as physical therapy.
After moving to the Southern Downs in the early 2000s, Avis took over U3A’s Tai Chi classes in 2004 from then tutor Nola Elwood.
Since then, Avis has conducted Tai Chi classes at Leslie Park ‘rain hail or shine.’ This year she began a beginner’s class as all of her existing students had attained Intermediate level in 2023.
“We had 32 to start the year and I now have seven regular students. That’s not surprising because Tai Chi is hard; it’s hard to learn and at times I might only teach one movement in a week.
“You have to be dedicated to stick with it.”
Tai chi is an ancient Chinese martial art, initially developed for combat and self-defense. It has evolved into a sport and form of exercise. Tai chi is a gentle, low-impact form of exercise in which practitioners perform a series of deliberate, flowing motions while focusing on deep, slow breaths.