Winter in Melbourne with U3A…
Mystery Train trip in June with Mary
JULY 2014 – CANCELLED
Although raining when we left South Morang, sixteen members joined Mary on her U3A Discovering Melbourne by Train adventure.
Slightly cold when we arrived at Flinders Street, we went to Federation Square and stood around the open camp fire to keep warm. Amazingly a worker was there with a fire blanket to make sure the fire did not spread. After checking the puppets and the “Radiant Lines” light ring, which formed part of the dusk entertainment of Light in Winter, we then continued into the warmth of the Atrium to have morning tea.
The architectural exhibition in the Atrium, which included the new Epping Plaza and other well known landmarks, was an eye opener and revealed how many brilliant design students we have in Melbourne.
Whilst the Australian glass competition at Kirra Gallery was superb; how they were going to choose a winner was beyond us!
Congratulations to Giselle Courtney, Winner of the “People’s Choice Award” for the 2014 #KIGA (Kirra Illuminating Glass Award) with her beautiful sculpture “Blossom”
Then to the Ian Potter at the National Gallery looking at the marvellous paintings; though we think we could paint some just as worthy. We dispersed around the gallery looking at the art and photography exhibition but we were soon rounded up and rode the enormous lift to the third floor.
To examine the costumes and sewing of yesteryear, at Fashion Detective.
We even had a play at charades!
Our next stop was Hosier Lane to examine the graffiti art, what a difference to the National Gallery. Some very exciting colours and shapes, unfortunately some were over-painted with scribble which ruined the effects, however, we took a couple of videos for our memories.
We then continued up Russell Street to see our Collins Street. The buildings and shops were in all their Winter glory. One would need to win Tattslotto to afford the jewellery and the fashion we all admired in the shops along the way. We then took the lift up on the top floor of the Sofitel to see the view from the loo.
The Old Treasury building was our next stop. Sailing into Melbourne showcased approximately 20 major records from the collection of Public Records Office Victoria, covering the devastating shipwreck of the Royal Charter in 1856, grim stories of quarantine and grand voyages from Australia to Europe carrying large amounts of gold.
The exhibition of the 300 voyages from 1858 – 1863 of our Ancestors and even information on the Floating Prisons of 1852 and the Fever ships.
Of course a tour around the gold chambers to look at the nugget replica of Welcome Stranger was an exciting to see, then to marvel at the chambers and history in these underground rooms, it complemented the history of Melbourne.
Walking was the order of the day, most walked back to have lunch at our usual luncheon place at Southbank, after enjoying our food, we took off again.
Tram this time to the Docklands, to see the Steam Yacht Ena. We wondered at the length, the chimney and wished we could see under the tarp. The story of the Melbourne consortium purchasing this restored 1905 yacht and sailing it from Sydney and its history was enthralling.
The new City of Melbourne library was next, new books, new videos, and the view was superb. Back to Etihad and we wondered at the multitude of noisy people breaking the peaceful afternoon. Collingwood supporters with a sprinkling of Footscray came in droves over the bridge; we were the only ones going the other way! Train home, tired, but another enjoyable day exploring areas and landmarks of Melbourne were new to most of us. We enjoyed another great Whittlesea U3A adventure.
