GEORGE NEWS - The University of the Third Age programme for June opens on Wednesday the 10th at 10:30 with Armchair Travel, when Diana van Cittert will be exploring the lesser-known areas of north-eastern Croatia.
Cittert was born and bred in Johannesburg. Her father was an immigrant, and her mother a first-generation South African of immigrant Croatian parents. She speaks a Croatian dialect and still uses some old-fashioned words and phrases.
She studied at the University of Pretoria, where she obtained a BSc in Dietetics. She later completed a diploma in Hospital Dietetics. Over the years, Cittert has held a variety of jobs in her field, working part-time after the birth of her two sons. They currently live in Knysna. She and her husband love travelling and have visited many interesting destinations.
In 2022, the couple decided to explore the north-eastern region of Croatia, mainly the Slavonia region, before heading down to the area where her family originated- the Pelješac Peninsula, just north of Dubrovnik.
They based themselves in a few places and explored from there. They started in Ilok, which borders Serbia, and visited akovo mainly to see the Lipizzaner horses.
They took a drive through beautiful forests to Požega. They visited Lonjsko Polje Nature Park, specifically igo, the well-known “stork village”. They explored various areas of the park in search of indigenous or well-adapted animal species found in the region.
On their way back to Zagreb from the coast, they also visited Karlovac, which is not strictly in the north-east but is another lesser-known destination.
Digi Club
On Monday 15 June, Digi Club will focus on ‘A Single Tree’. This meeting starts at 14:00.
The Friday Talk
At the Friday Talk on 19 June, Wendy Hutton will speak on ‘Rowing backwards is the only way forward’.
Rowing is more than just a sport; it blends strength and endurance and is often confused with kayaking and canoeing. She will explain the differences.
Together with her husband, Tim, she has started a small rowing club at the George Lakes Yacht Club on Island Lake in Wilderness. Join them to hear about the marathons she has participated in and the places where she has rowed.
The meeting starts at 10:00 with tea and coffee, and the talk begins at 10:30.
What you never knew about Mutiny on the Bounty
At the general meeting on Wednesday 24 June, Johan Viljoen will speak on ‘What you never knew about the Mutiny on the Bounty’.
Viljoen will discuss the many aspects associated with this ill-fated voyage and its captain, Lieutenant William Bligh.
Viljoen served in the South African Navy for 28 years as an intelligence officer. This promises to be a very interesting talk. The meeting starts at 10:00 with refreshments, and the talk begins at 10:30.
All meetings are held at Emmaüs in Memoriam Street, and visitors are always welcome.
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