General News
8 September, 2022
U3A farewells tutor Harvey Champness
University of the Third Age (U3A) farewell long serving teacher Harvey Champness.
University of the Third Age (U3A) tutor Harvey Champness has officially retired after 27 years of teaching the Wimmera community.
Mr Champness began his tutoring at U3A in 1995 and, up until his last class in August, was travelling 114 kilometres from Kaniva to Horsham every first Monday of the month to teach.
Mr Champness tutored U3A participants on a broad range of topics in History Class including current and past world events, ancient civilisations, World Wars, monarchies and the formation of nations.
In 2019, Mr Champness delved further into Australian History, where participants were educated on the First Nations people, early colonisation of the country, gold rushes, the formation of Federation, the Great Depression and key political figures.
“The focus of the class changed to Australian History in 2019, I joined the class at that time and was thoroughly annoyed with myself for failing to attend earlier sessions,” former student Rhonda Coffey said.
“One of the features throughout Mr Champnesses’s sessions was his frequent suggestion of books and articles we could refer to later, if interested.
“Mr Champness gave us the opportunity to look further into topics and learn more.”
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Some years ago, Mr Champness acquired a stack of Victorian-era newspapers when the linoleum was removed from a farmhouse floor.
Still in good condition, the newspapers were used on occasion to stimulate discussion of the events of the time during class.
Some of the advertisements caused great hilarity and conversation.
“Mr Champnesses engaging approach encouraged us to be active members of the session,” Ms Coffey said.
“We often had thoughts, ideas and comments to make as active participants, not just receivers of knowledge.
“This aspect of the sessions, including Mr Champnesses generous notes and ability to accurately answer most of the questions asked, often meant that the class continued on after the set finish time.”
Already a U3A Life Member, Mr Champness was also presented with a certificate from the Committee and class member, Bob Redden, thanked Mr Champness on behalf of present and past class participants upon his final class.
All present wished Mr Champness well in his future ventures and sincerely thanked him for his knowledge, encouragement and dedication to members of the U3A Horsham History group.
“We wish him well and sincerely thank him for his knowledge, encouragement and dedication to furthering our understanding of the world we live in now and where we came from,” Ms Coffey said.
The U3A is located at the old Railway station on Railway Avenue in Horsham and continues through the voluntary efforts of members, tutors and office bearers/
U3A is a registered [provider of education under the Adult and Community Further Education Board (ACFE) and covers over 30 courses and activities.
All ages and community members are welcome, however the only criteria for enrolment is that a participant is not fully employed.