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Centre Talk
30 March 2025
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Friday 11 April - Last day of Term One
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Saturday 12 April - Kalamunda Show Stall
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Monday 28 April- First day of Term Two
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Welcome...
This Centre Talk includes an informative summary from the Executive, touching on both past and future events. There are pictorial records of the General Meeting (words to follow) and Centre Lunch. A theme runs through the two class reports, which both contemplate the world through the zeitgeist of different times; the reflections of the ancients (Philosophy Circle) or the current world (The Week That Was). Mission impossible to make sense of the world sometimes.
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There is an update about Term Two classes; both continuing and new. Mosaics for Beginners (do you have lots of odd tiles and looking for a use) and Sing-Along (move out of the shower in to the KCLC) both start after Easter. The display cabinet is devoted to silver, metals are a passion of mine. Ask me about cadmium sometime if you cannot get to sleep!!
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Editorial musings
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The Philosophy Circle class report sent me searching for images of these famous thinkers. Did you know philosophers, from about 300 BC, and who contemplate the BIG questions, all have beards AND longevity (61-99 years).
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Premise 1: Early philosophers had beards.
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Premise 2: Early philosophers lived for a median of 70 years.
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Premise 3: Early Philosophers queried the big questions in life.
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Conclusion: Querying the big questions in life in about 300BC means you will have a bushy beard and live about 70 years 😂.
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If each premise is true the conclusion must be true.
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From the Executive...
Enrolment Week and Membership Update
Enrolment week went very well, and we are pleased to report that we currently have 700 registered members, including 77 tutors and 113 new members. It was great to see so many returning faces as well as welcome new ones into our community.
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Class Updates
All students have now settled back into their classes with the support of our wonderful tutors. Feedback has been overwhelming positive, and it is fantastic to see such enthusiasm across all classes.
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Facility Updates
In December 2024, new floors were installed in affected rooms, providing a fresh and improved space for our members. This upgrade has been well received and contributes to a more comfortable and safe learning environment. A new whiteboard is now available for use in classes. Tutors are welcome to use it as needed to enhance their lessons.
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Weather Incident
We experienced a huge storm, which resulted in a power outage and an early finish to classes. Whilst unexpected, it certainly made for an exciting day! Thank you to everyone for handling the situation calmly and ensuring a smooth transition out of the centre.
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Fire Drills & Safety
Our recent fire drills have been an important and worthwhile exercise, highlighting a few areas that need improvement. We will continue working on refining procedures to ensure the safety of all members.
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First Aid Training
A group of our members recently participated in first aid training, which was made possible through grant funding. We are fortunate to have this support to help ensure our centre remains a safe place for everyone.
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Upcoming Programs
We will be offering two Master Art Classes during our winter break. This is a trial as part of our Strategic Plan to reach into the wider community. Our vision for the Master Classes is to invite local artists to offer professional workshops during the breaks. Our hope is for attendees to become more aware of what we have to offer and to gain skills that will then allow them to join our regular classes. The course fees will cover the artists' professional fees. For this inaugural event, we will be offering ‘Portrait Painting with Oils’ and ‘Watercolour Painting for Beginners’.
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Kalamunda Show – Saturday 12 April
We are excited to announce that we will be hosting a stall at the Kalamunda Show on Saturday 12 April from 10am to 7pm. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase what we do, connect with the community, and welcome potential new members. We encourage everyone to come along and support our stall!
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Acknowledgements & Volunteers Opportunities
A huge thank you to our wonderful volunteers – your contributions make everything we do possible. If you are interested in taking on a role at the Centre, please reach out to the coordinators to discuss available opportunities.
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Thank you all for your ongoing support!
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Annie, Anne-Marie and Lindsay, KCLC Executive
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General Meeting...
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The General Meeting was held on Friday 28 March, thank you to all those that attended. Minutes will be included in the next edition.
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Centre Lunch...
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The Centre Lunch was held on Friday 21 March. Good food, friends, conversation and humour were in abundance.
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Attendees brought a plate.
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Workgroup volunteers helped it all run smoothly.
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Term Two Continuing Courses on Special!
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We have limited places available at a discounted fee for Term Two in many continuing courses that are not currently full. Please check out the flyer below or view the website to see which courses are available for a Term Two start.
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Courses Commencing Term Two.
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We are very pleased to announce that a new course, Mosaics for Beginners is being offered in Term Two on Friday mornings.
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Afternoon Sing-Along (Tuesday PM) commences in the second week of Term Two (Tuesday 6 May) and has some places available.
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To enrol in any of the above courses, please visit Reception.
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Philosophy Circle
There have been plenty of ins and outs this term with several members departing for other pastures and being replaced by some new thinkers and talkers. Obviously, it's always good to welcome new faces with new ideas and a fresh approach to topics of interest. Sometimes we delve into some pretty heavy stuff and other times we release the pressure valve a bit with some light-hearted banter. Unlike many of the great philosophers we often introduce humour into our contributions. Historically, philosophers have not been known for becoming uproariously amused about life.
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During the past few weeks we have become less of a circle and more of a semi-circle as our tutor, Brian, has required us to face the screen to view details about the lives and philosophies of Aristotle, Plato and Socrates. For the uninitiated, they were three blokes who lived a long time ago and had a bit to say about specific topics and life in general. We have also dabbled in Zeno of Citium, Cleanthes, a range of types of Ethics and Virtue/Morality, as well as Logic, Spirit and Appetite. If this has whetted your appetite for lively debate, you might consider joining the fray.
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The Week That Was
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The current affairs discussion group, convened by Norman Venus, is a dynamic and intellectually engaging gathering that takes place for two hours every Monday. With a membership capped at fourteen, the group strikes an ideal balance, ensuring that every participant's voice is heard and valued.
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Norman Venus, the dedicated convener, plays a pivotal role in maintaining the group's vibrancy. Ahead of each meeting, he carefully selects and circulates thought-provoking articles on diverse topics. These articles serve as a springboard for discussion, allowing participants to familiarise themselves with the subject matter and come prepared with insights and perspectives. This preparatory step not only enhances the quality of the discussions but also fosters a culture of critical thinking and curiosity among members.
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The group prides itself on tackling a wide range of issues, ensuring that discussions remain fresh and stimulating. From global politics and societal trends to technological advancements and environmental challenges, no topic is too daunting or too trivial for this enthusiastic collective. The diversity of subjects reflects the varied interests and expertise of the members, making each session unique and enriching.
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Despite the serious nature of many topics, the group's atmosphere remains light-hearted and enjoyable. Laughter, camaraderie, and respectful debate are hallmarks of their gatherings, creating a space where members feel comfortable expressing their opinions and challenging one another's ideas. This blend of entertainment and intellectual rigor is what makes the group so special.
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In essence, this current affairs discussion group is more than just a meeting of minds; it is a community that fosters learning, dialogue, and mutual respect. The dedication of its convener, coupled with the enthusiasm of its members, ensures that each session is both enlightening and entertaining. Through their spirited discussions, the group continues to deepen their understanding of the world and one another.
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'Brief' reminder about the class news reports
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This can be a class activity, or description, of what happens in the class (or tell us about your wonderful Tutor!). Make it succinct, around 150 words, give or take, and one or two photos and email it to centre_talk@kclc.org.au and it will be shared in Centre Talk when space permits. These guidelines can be seen by clicking here.
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Silver (Ag), a transition metal, often found as an alloy, has characteristics of a 'lump' when first refined as a metal. What we see in the cabinet display is human creativity transforming this metal in superb jewellery.
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My mother, Sheila Hodson, was an enthusiastic attender of the sewing and embroidery group, over many years, making wonderful friends. She made teddy bears for me and my sister’s kids, and other crafty things including a quilt. These are now heirlooms with beautiful memories of her.
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Her essays from ‘Write your Life Story’ group are now a family treasure.
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She would want to send her love to all her friends.
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