Welcome to the Lesmurdie Hills page
Lesmurdie Hills branch meets from 10 am to 12 noon on the first and third Tuesday of the month. On the fourth Tuesday members meet for a Coffee Club. In the months that have 5 Tuesdays, we organise an outing for the members. Visitors are always welcome!
We meet at “Falls Farm”, 42 Cagney Way , Lesmurdie
Contact Heidi on 0437 441 024 or Kay on 9453 1436
Feb – April Program
History of Tea
On Tues the 7th of March Terry Harvey told U3A Lesmurdie Hills Branch the story of the accidental discovery of tea by the emperor Shen Nung to our present time of us enjoying a “cuppa”. Very enjoyable presentation. Terry was thanked by our Club member Tim O’Brien
Whiteman Park
Reg Woods visited our U3ALesmurdie Hills Branch on the 7th of February 2023. He talked full of enthusiasm and knowledge about “Whiteman Park”. How it all started, Lew Whiteman’s and the WA State Government’s involvement with it and how future development will impact on it! Quite an eye opener. Reg was thanked by our member Peter FalconerIsraeli the Nation, from the Past to the Present
Bob Kucera AMP JP visited us on the 21st of February 2023. His topic was ” Israeli the Nation, from the Past to the Present “. He fascinated us with his insight into the problem over there. He also highlighted the numerous inventions that have come from Israel! Bob was thanked by our Club member Mike SalapakWhy West Australians don’t speak French
On Tuesday the 15th of November , Elton Brown made a very interesting presentation to the U3A Lesmurdie Hills Branch. He gave us the explanation “Why West Australians don’t speak French”. Some enlightening reasons! He was thanked by Colin Pember
Catching a Cold Case Killer
On Tues the 18th of October 2022, U3A Lesmurdie Hills Branch had a very interesting presentation by Dr Robert Mead, Forensic Pathologist. With recent improvement in DNA research, he demonstrated the DNA trail through several generations to find a 30 year old Cold Case Killer. We can only admire the researchers tenacity. Tim O’Brian thanked Dr MeadClimate Change
John Happs visited U3A Lesmurdie Hills Branch on Tuesday the 4th of Oct 2022. John has qualifications in hydrology, climate and paleoclimate . He gave us a very enlightening presentation about an alternative view on “Climate Change”. The data he showed us made us question the news presented in the general Media regarding “Climate Change”. Very thought provoking.Vikings
On Tues the 20th of September Niels Dahl gave U3A Lesmurdie Hills Branch a very well researched presentation about the story of the Vikings! How they left their mark between 750AD and 1060AD on many parts of Europe. They even had a large settlement in the South of Greenland when it was warmer and green! Mike Salapak thanked Niels with a bottle of wine.Two Years in the Antarctic
On Tues the 6th of September 2022 Morris Pavlinovich visited Lesmurdie Hills Branch and gave a very informative and entertaining presentation of his 2 years in the Antarctic. He was Officer in Charge of Meteorology in 1995 and 2000. He showed us beautiful photos and amused and amazed us with his stories! Morris was thanked by Peter Falconer .
Wireless Hill
On Tues the 30th of August 2022 , U3A Lesmurdie Hills Branch was on the road again! 15 of us were treated to tour the Wireless Hill complex in Ardross by John Paskulich! John has extensive knowledge of the old wireless station. He showed us the award-winning display of communication devices from Mores Code to modern mobile phones and Modem into our homes! Our next stop was The Round House in Fremantle. The oldest surviving building in Fremantle. Another old history worthwhile looking into! The exciting highlight was the firing of the Time Gun at exactly 1pm. Our members Bev and Elaine pushed the button followed by a big bang and puff of smoke out of the canon and the black ball dropped down from the Mast at the same time! Good fun! Again we had lunch at Kailis’s!Lesmurdie visit the Army Museum
Biggest Morning Tea
On Tues the 2nd of August U3A Lesmurdie Hills Branch had their yearly fund raiser for Cancer Research. 16 of us enjoyed the Biggest Morning Tea. We raised $400 with the raffle and donations. Bev Love has organised this event for 17 years and Kay Fleming has made quilts for the raffle for nearly as long. The happy winners were Kaye Smith with the scarf, Clive Stubbington won the table runner and Elaine Giggins won the quilt. Kay Fleming received a Thank you plant.
Toodyay
On the 12th of July, members of the U3A Lesmurdie Hills Branch enjoyed a great bus trip to Toodyay. The Newcastle Goal Museum was full of interesting artifacts and local stories. After a hearty meal at the Victoria Hotel the ladies chose to browse the treasures in the Christmas Shop while the men explored the rest of the town. A most enjoyable outing!
TE Lawrence – the Man v the Myth
On Tues the 5th of July 2022 the U3A Lesmurdie Hills Branch had a very interesting presentation by Nigel Ridgway about ” TE Lawrence the Man v the Myth”. He painted a vivid picture of the confusing situation in the Middle East at the time, extending into the present. Nigel was thanked by our clubmember Mike Salapak.
Foreign Correspondent
On the 21st of June Graeme Hunt visited U3A Lesmurdie Hills Branch and gave a very interesting presentation about the role of the “Foreign Correspondent “. He paid special tribute to the Australian Neil Davis who was a war correspondent and video journalist in Vietnam and Cambodia. We could have spent hours asking Graeme about his own experiences. Colin Pember thanked Graeme Hunt for his visit.
The Royal Flying Doctor Service
On Tuesday the 7th of June we had a very interesting presentation by Michael Bleus, who was the Chief Pilot for the Royal Flying Doctor Service in WA for 22 years before his retirement in 2017. He received the Order ofAustralia award in 2014. Micheal told us about the different aircrafts from the RFDS’s inception to the present and his involvement with them. He was thanked by our club member Peter Falconer.
Bob Kuchera
The Hon. Bob Kucera APM JP visited our U3A Lesmurdie Hills group on Tuesday the 17th of May. He gave a most interesting and entertaining presentation! We thoroughly enjoyed the visit. He was thanked by Clive Stubbington.
Emergency Preparedness
On the 3rd of May 2022, the U3A Lesmurdie Hills Region had a very thought provoking presentation from Johno Bubb and Dean from the Red Cross about ” Emergency Preparedness- Mentally and Physically “. I am sure we all went home to put our own emergency plan together! Our member Elaine Gigins thanked Johno and Dean.
Creation of Israel – Nigel Ridgway
Today,the 19th of April 2022, Nigel Ridgway gave a very thought provoking presentation about the year 1948 and the creation of the State of Israel! He pointed out that for several hundred years there was a group of English Aristocrats who felt very strongly that it would hasten the return of Christ if the Jewish people were allowed back into their homeland in Palestine! And with that in mind,Israel was created in 1948. But displacing the local Arabs and Palestinians has brought continual unrest to the region and is far from settled! It gave us a much better understanding of the problem!
On Tues the 5th of April 2022, the Naturalist Eric McCrum visited U3A Lesmurdie Hills group at Falls Farm. Unfortunately we could not advertise this very popular speaker as we were only allowed restricted number of visitors because of Covid rules!! Eric gave us a very enthusiastic slide show of his travel to the Kakadu National park. Mike Salapak thanked Eric in this photo.
The Night Sky
Arthur Harvey from the Perth observatory gave us a captivating talk about “The Night Sky” and how to navigate your way around the stars! He was thanked by Colin Pember.
RAC
U3A Lesmurdie Hills had a very interesting presentation by Rashna and Josh from the RAC, called “From Hooves to Highways”. Rashna gave a very enthusiastic talk and involved us all with many questions. Kay Fleming presented our thank you gift for both of themTalk by Neil Giggins
Neil Giggins regailed Lesmurdie Hills with tales of his experience working in aircraft engineering for Qantas including postings throughout the world. An interesting life well told. Member Peter thanks Neil for his fascinating insights and memorabilia.
Lesmurdie and Swan Hills Open Day
Swan Hills and Lesmurdie Hills U3A held a combined Open Day on Tuesday. A very enjoyable time had by all and a number of interested visitors. Looking forward to regular meetings starting for 2022.
AGM
Lesmurdie Hills carried out its AGM Tuesday which coincided with member Tim’s birthday. Partner Lois provided the cake for morning tea which was enjoyed by all.
Swan Hills / Lesmurdie Hills Open Day
Join U3A Lesmurdie Hills and U3A Swan Hills at our Open Day and enjoy a cuppa on us. Discover stimulating and social activities in the Kalamunda, Midland and Eastern Hills area. Interesting Speakers, tea and coffee, social activities and more.
Tuesday 18 January 2022 10:00 AM to Noon
Falls Farm: 42 Cagney Place Lesmurdie
For more information call Heidi on 0437 441 024
Tivoli Club
Lesmurdie Hills enjoyed a Christmas show and lunch at the Tivoli this Sunday. Excellent afternoon.
Talitha Houston
Talitha Houston enthralled Lesmurdie Hills with her story of producing a book on Birds of the Perth Hills before her 17th birthday. A confident and well presented talk captivated members. Member Peter congratulates Talitha on her professional talk.
Melbourne Cup
Lesmurdie Hills U3A celebrated Melbourne Cup Day in style at Falls Farm.
The Wayfairer Program
Andrew Kykerios and Erin Taylor spoke to U3A Lesmurdie Hills about the need to understand what makes paid work fulfilling and the need to plan leisure in retirement to achieve the same goals. Their WayFairer program run in Kalamunda aims to link retired people with opportunities to enrich their lives. Member Colin thanks Andrew and Erin for their interesting talk.
Tour of Mandurah Canals
Lesmurdie Hills U3A had a delightful trip to Mandurah to tour the Canals and finished with lunch at Cicerello’s. Here they are with the charter boat.
AUSLAN
Barbara Alcock explained AUSLAN to U3A Lesmurdie Hills in an entertaining and enthusiastic talk that covered the basics and also gave an insight into deaf culture. Member Clive thanks Barbara for her excellent talk.
Social Morning
Lesmurdie Hills had a social morning for a change and celebrated Heidi ‘s 80th birthday. A good time had by all.
Peter Bifield talks Physics
U3A member Tim thanks Peter for his interesting talk.
Peter Bifield talked to Lesmurdie Hills about what Physics has to say about the world we see around us even though it sometimes seems to defy our reality.
Lesmurdie visits Police Museum
Lesmurdie Hills enjoyed an informative visit to the WA Police museum at Highgate that included a delicious brunch. So many stories.
Scuba Diving
John Paskulish covered all things SCUBA diving in his interesting and informative talk to Lesmurdie Hills on Tuesday. John is thanked by U3A member Tim.
Museum Tour
After COVID-19 delays, Lesmurdie finally got their tour of the new Museum. Very enjoyable with stunning exhibits and something for everyone.
Walking the Bibbulmen Track
Loud Noises
Member Bill thanks Dixie for his fascinating insights.
Dixie Kidd as an Army engineer was an eyewitness to the Atomic Bomb tests in the North West of Western Australia. His interesting, first hand account to Lesmurdie brought this piece of history alive.
From Flags to Facebook
Member Colin thanks Peter for stepping into the breach.
RAC cancelled because of COVID-19 so Peter Bifield delivered Gary Triffitt’s talk on a brief history of communication.
Chalk and Cheese – Stuart and Burke
Clive thanks Terry Harvey for his insightful and well researched talk.
Terry Harvey contrasted the life and experiences of both explorers and showed how one while experienced, resourceful and successful was largely forgotten; the other with only leadership abilities but no bushcraft, being better resourced, having lost many men and getting himself killed in the process is still well known today.
From Farm to Plate
Colin Pember thanks Eric for his informative talk.
Eric Altinier acquainted Lesmurdie with the tricks of the trade to producing fruit for market. A fascinating insight into the industry.
Marvellous Morocco
Mike thanks Judith for an excellent talk.
Judith Amey enthralled Lesmurdie with Tales of Morocco’s past, culture and diversity. Fascinating insight to the country.
Biggest Morning Tea
Lesmurdie Hills held a wonderful Biggest Morning Tea and in the process raised over $330 for cancer research.
Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales
Member Clive thanks Elton for his informative talk.
Elton Brown took Lesmurdie through the life and background of Geoffrey Chaucer as a context for and understanding off the Canterbury Tales. Recounting some of the Tales showed how they are still amusing and relevant today.
Lord Howe Island
Colin thanks Peter for his informative talk
Peter Alcock acquainted Lesmurdie with the history and delights of Lord Howe Island and opined that but for a quirk of history, its presence on the Zealandia continental plate means it should probably belong to New Zealand.
Lesmurdie Tours Kanyana
Lesmurdie visited Kanyana and enjoyed the extensive facilities and animals. A worthwhile organisation with a good story to tell. The day was capped with a delicious lunch at the Kalamunda Hotel.
Days of the Duyfken
Secretary Kay thanks Nigel for the talk
Nigel Ridgeway transported Lesmurdie back to the days when sail was king and wooden ships ruled the seas in a search for the highly valued spices. He finished with a virtual tour of the reconstructed Duyfken. Fascinating!
Swan Hills learn AUSLAN
Denise thanks Barbara for her talk
Barbara Alcock enthralled Swan Hills with what it’s like to be Deaf and the intricacies of AUSLAN. Along the way we picked up enough to say hello and some basic conversational skills. Fascinating!
By Rail through the Andes
Gary O’Hagan regaled 20 members and guests with details of his railway trip through the Andes from Columbia to Chile. Some spectacular scenery, bridges and tunnels to see. Fascinating insight into these South American countries.
Lesmurdie goes Stargazing
Lesmurdie Hills Region finished the week stargazing at the Perth Observatory on Sunday Night. On show was everything from the moon, Orion, jewel box galaxies and stars near and far. Breathtaking.
Geology and Aboriginal Art
Colin Pember thanks Dr Ferland for her talk.
Dr Marie Ferland took Lesmurdie U3A through a fascinating exploration of Australian geology and it’s impact on Aboriginal Art in the Burrup Peninsula, particularly the negative impact of modern industrialisation and what could or should be done. Food for thought.
Coffee and Chat to start the year
Lesmurdie Hills Region enjoyed a coffee and chat at Dome Kalamunda in January. Not long till U3A kicks off for 2021.
Lesmurdie AGM
Lesmurdie Hills held its AGM and final meeting for 2020 and issued certificates of appreciation to a number of members for their long standing efforts on behalf of the club. Well done to all recipients.
Peter Bifield talks about the Internet
This Friday, Peter Bifield took Swan Hills U3A for an overview of the exciting world available on the Internet. Hopefully encouraging members to explore some of the wonderful things on offer. Neils is pictured here thanking Peter for the presentation.
Big Morning Tea
Fossils in Australia
Neils being thanked by Clive
Neils Dahl acquainted Lesmurdie with the mind blowing length of the earth’s life and the fossils laid down in the bit of land that eventualy became Australia. An interesting and informative talk.
Dick Whittington’s Cat
Did you know that Dick Whittington was a real person who’s misfortune was to have a cat that stole the limelight? Elton Brown reacquainted Lesmurdie with the real facts that were fascinating and still having an impact today.
A Trip to Kalamunda History Village
It’s the 5th Tuesday of the month so Lesmurdie enjoyed coffee, a trip to Kalamunda History Village and lunch at the Kalamunda Hotel. Excellent day out for all.
Why things Fail
Peter Bifield spoke to Lesmurdie Region about the causes of failure in the building industry. He then walked them through a number of notable catastrophes and highlighted what went wrong. Members appreciated the insights and had an enjoyable meeting. Here he is thanked be new member Mike.
1st September – Arthur Harvey
Arthur Harvey took Lesmurdie U3A through Captain Cook’s prowess in navigation and why the Transit of Venus was important. A fascinating insight into the early days of science. Here he is with Program Coordinator Heidi Pember.18th August – John Paskulisk
Paul Paskulish today walked U3A Lesmurdie through over a hundred years of history of Telecommunications highlighting how much had changed and in some cases how much was the same. A fascinating insight into this essential technology.
Some Lesmurdie Hills Activities during 2019
Excursion to Perth Observatory