Curriculum Manager

Keeping a U3A program fresh and exciting is no easy task. It takes imagination, persistence and plenty of searching. Milly takes it all in her stride. She is constantly looking for new classes, new ideas and new opportunities to tempt our members.

For Milly, finding something new isn’t a chore. It is a challenge, and one she clearly enjoys!

An interesting journey

Milly joined U3A in 2010, a few years after retiring from a long and distinguished career as a registered nurse/midwife and educator.

She spent 11 years as a registered midwife at the Royal Women’s Hospital before moving into the tertiary education sector. A scholarship enabled her to study advanced nursing, followed by postgraduate studies and a specialisation in women’s health. Her career took her into midwifery and gynaecology, as well as teaching general nursing and midwifery.

Long before Milly was keeping U3A members busy, she was learning, teaching and caring for others.

Milly discovers U3A

As a new member, Milly joined 2 walking groups, enrolled in a Mandarin class and became a class representative.

In 2012, Heather Ambrose, the Volunteer Coordinator, asked her to become Deputy Course Coordinator and by 2014 Milly was the Course Coordinator.

Milly accepted the challenge enthusiastically and soon joined the Committee of Management.

It seems that once Milly gets involved, there is no stopping her!

Then there’s dancing

Milly has a remarkable range of interests. She enjoys painting in watercolour, Chinese painting, calligraphy and traditional Chinese dancing.

But dancing is clearly one of her great loves. Ballroom, Bollywood and ballet are all on the list. Add her love of music and it’s evident that Milly is not someone who is likely to be found sitting quietly in the corner while everyone else has fun!

Passionate about travel

Travel is another of Milly’s great pleasures. She has travelled extensively and visited many countries, but it is the people she visits that make her journeys special.

With cousins, her brother and friends scattered across Europe, Asia and North America, Milly has plenty of reasons to pack her suitcase and head off on another adventure.

Milly the cook

For 3 years, Milly also shared her culinary talents with U3A members, teaching Chinese cooking during Summer School. Her classes became so popular that they regularly had a waiting list. Unfortunately, the lack of a suitable venue eventually brought the cooking classes to an end.

Current classes

Today she leads a walking group and participates in 2 others. She also enjoys strength training, painting and Chinese traditional folk dancing.

And just in case that isn’t enough, she also takes part in a clinical exercise program.

At this point, most of us are probably wondering when Milly finds time to relax!

Family matters

Milly has lived in Doncaster with her family since 1978. Having her sister, cousins, nieces and nephews living nearby is something she treasures, and family gatherings are an important part of her life.

Family, friendship and keeping active all seem to be important ingredients in Milly’s recipe for a happy life.

Milly’s secret

‘I love life and have fun. I’m lucky to have many good friends, as well as my sisters living with me, and we support each other.’

And that probably sums her up perfectly.

Milly has had an impressive career, travelled the world, taught nursing, cooked up a storm, learned languages, painted, danced, walked, exercised and somehow still found time to keep searching for new classes for the rest of us!

Her energy, generosity and enthusiasm are a wonderful part of what makes U3A Manningham such a lively and welcoming community.

Thank you, Milly, for all that you do. We are very lucky to have you!

Dawn Head
Communications Team