U3A BawBaw hosted its 20th literary lunch at the Royal Hotel Drouin to coincide with state wide seniors celebrations and to invite the community to join in celebration.

Members of neighbouring U3A groups as well as the general public were welcomed.
When U3A was discussing inviting an author to present at the literary lunch last year it was suggested the award winning local "Off the Leash" theatre group be approached to bring to life one of Australia's legendary writers. And so "Henry Lawson Legends and Larrikins" was born.
The event was an outstanding success, so Off the Leash was asked to follow on for this year's 20th literary lunch with The Bard From The Bush, an account of Banjo Paterson's life interspersed with readings of his poetry.
About 100 U3A members and guests from the community shared a meal together with a wonderful performance of The Bard from the Bush performed by Off the Leash Theatre. The ensemble, which was composed of six vivacious actors, brought his poetry and stories to life.
The audience was transported to a life gone by, a snapshot of everyday life, the struggles, bushmanship and humour of the late 19th and early 20th century.
Poems included The Man From Ironbark and The Bush Christening as well as Clancy of the Overflow, The Man From Snowy River and readings from the Bulletin Debate. These were only a few of the poems brought to life by these talented actors.
The performance was brilliant and evocative. All were invited to join the cast in singing Banjo's great contribution to Australiana, Waltzing Matilda .
Thanks was extended to the Community Bank Drouin and District for supporting U3A in this special event of the 20th literary lunch and to the Royal Hotel for its ongoing hospitality and co-operation with U3A.
Copies of the course booklet for U3A for term four were available and all present were invited to attend one or some of these with a view to joining.
U3A stands for University of the Third Age. A U3A is a university in the original sense of the word: a community of people devoted to learning. It is a volunteer co-operative of older people who share many educational, creative and leisure activities.
Although it is called a "university", being in your Third Age is the only qualification needed to participate in our U3A. All retired and semi retired residents of BawBaw are welcome.
More information about exciting courses offered is on the webpage U3ABawBaw; phone - 0408 364159; or email - info@u3abawbaw.org.au