And we all went to the beach!
Ponsonby U3A’s March meeting featured Dr Terry Hume who focused members on what many of them have enjoyed a lot during this beautiful summer - beaches and sand. A marine geologist/coastal oceanographer in interdisciplinary environmental research, Terry has consulted for government departments, local authorities, and private companies as well as working as a scientist in the DSIR and NIWA.
He has been involved in investigations of coastal hazards, water safety on beaches, effects of climate change on coastal processes, offshore and mining, port development and harbour dredging and the effects of catchment sediment on estuaries. Terry has had a love affair with beaches from his childhood days spent for weeks on end at Waihi Beach.
Terry’s enthusiasm was evident as he took members via Zoom through the uses and value of sand and how and why the world is running out of it. He outlined where sand comes from and how beaches are formed and explained why west coast beaches have black sand, and east coast beaches have white sand.
His accompanying graphics beautifully illustrated his themes. In relation to climate change and sea level rise, and how they will affect our beaches, Terry raised the tempo showing horrifying pictures, past and present, of some of our local beaches. He cited a quote by Rachel Carson, the quintessential environmentalist of the 60s who attested, “The more clearly we can focus our attention on the wonders and realities of the universe about us, the less taste we have for destruction.” And as Terry concluded, the challenge for us all is to apply our knowledge of coastal processes and live by the rules of the sea.
Following Terry as general speaker was the ten-minute speaker, Ponsonby U3A member, Carolyn Reid. In this the seventieth year of the reign Queen Elizabeth ll, Carolyn gave an evocative vignette of an event she recollected as an eleven-year-old child.
In December 1953, the Queen and Prince Philip were travelling in New Zealand to mark her succession to the throne.
Carolyn’s parents, Tim and Phyllis Cauldrey, who had owned Wenderholm since 1940 were asked to host the royal couple at a casual and informal lunch to enable time-out from royal duties. Carolyn went with her parents to meet them. She described the Queen as a warm person with the bluest of beautiful, blue eyes.
She also recalled the banter of Prince Philip, who was slightly miffed that his equerry had sailed in the Z boat moored nearby and he had not. The Z boat was hastily trailered down to Moose Lodge for the next royal sojourn. A year later, Carolyn’s parents received a letter enquiring after the family’s health and saying that the Queen and Prince Philip were remembering the beautiful beach and wishing that they were still there.
Unfortunately, in the current 'Red' climate Ponsonby U3A is unable to hold meetings in person and Zoom remains the modis operandi. However, the club continues to welcome new members. It is invaluable for individuals to get together, to meet new people and for new interests and knowledge to be shared. Apart from monthly general meetings there are over 26 special interest groups covering a diverse range of options many of which are operating by Zoom. If you are interested in attending as a visitor, call President Philippa Tait on M: 027 452 3108.
The next meeting of 2022 will be in April and for every month thereafter on the second Friday of the month either by Zoom or at the Herne Bay Petanque Club. The April speaker will be international, foreign affairs print journalist and broadcaster, Wayne Brittenden, speaking on the Ukraine.
(CHRISTINE HART)
NEXT MEETING: By Zoom. 10am, Friday 8 April, 2022
ENQUIRIES: Philippa Tait, President, Ponsonby U3A. M: 027 452 3108, www.u3a.nz
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