Tamborine Mountain U3A      DIARY

Teaching French on the Mountain.

Thanks to U3A ,( University of the 3rd.Age) or “Universite du 3me.Age”,French courses have been offered on the Mountain for some time.

They started with French basic lessons and recently a French Conversation has been added. One may wonder why the interest in learning French by our local community. French has been and still is an international language, only second to English. It is the first, second and even the third official language of many nations in the world and of international organisations such UNO, WHO, NATO, the Post Office to name a few  and it plays a major role in diplomatic circles.

However, more importantly, quite a few residents on the Mountain have studied French at college in their youth. Some have family or friends in France or French speaking countries such as Belgium,   Switzerland, Luxembourg, Quebec, nearly half of Africa and the Caribbean, Pacific islands or Tahiti, la Nouvelle Caledonie   and Vanuatu,  closer to home. In order to improve their knowledge, weekly lessons are available and it makes it easier to communicate and to travel to a French speaking destination.

French is a beautiful language with a rich history but rather difficult to master, grammar in particular.

These local courses are quite different from those offered by the “Alliance francaise” in all our capital cities and even on the Gold Coast but they are sponsored by the French government.

As to U3A, the tutors offered these courses at no charge except for some minor costs to be shared by our older “students”.

Wishing you a “Bon Voyage” and “Bon Courage” perhaps?

Joe Mulders

Tutor.

The U3A Organisation in Queensland now has an incorporated network - U3A Network Queensland Inc. also a U3A online directory. To locate it go to www.u3aonline.org.au and click on the blue Locate a U3A tab at the top of the screen. Courses on line can also be accessed.

There are now 38 subjects including, unleashing your creative spirit, saving the soil, writing family history,continents on the move and 31 other interesting topics.

U3A  2011 Program Symposium - 4th November at 10.30 am St John the Bapist Hall adjacent to the Catholic Church. Followed by Morning tea.

Speakers will explain their courses for 2011 and answer members questions on approach to subject matter.

U3A  Christmas Party - Thursday 2nd December 4.00pm-7.00pm

Wine or other drink on arrival. Hot and cold savoury finger food. Cost $20.00. RSVP 55454178 or 55452986 by Oct. 25th, 2010.

A special Password and User name (for use by Tamborine  U3A members only) are now available on line through Griffith University. Please phone Secretary, 5545 0043 for Information on how  to access courses.

New Course - German language and culture with Mac Meehl Wednesdays 2.00-4.00pm 15 Griffith Street