U3A Seniors Variety Concert a crowd pleaser in Port Macquarie

THE Port Macquarie Hastings University of the Third Age (U3A) held its annual Seniors Variety Concert on Friday 21 November at the Tenison Woods Centre.

Chris Taylor, the newly elected President of the U3A, welcomed the crowd of nearly 80 guests.

Christine Battison, the coordinator of the concert, said, “The concert gave me such joy and personal satisfaction to see so many happy, smiling faces in the audience.”

Regulars at this event, the U3A International Dancers opened the concert with a polka.

The performance was dedicated to Irene Woods, a member of the dance group for 10 years.

Originally from Poland, Irene loved the polka, but became ill during rehearsals and passed away in late September.

U3A guitarists and vocalists Dave Smith and Carol Baker have been performing together for the last 12 years.

Their repertoire of songs from the 60s and 70s was popular with the crowd.

Guest artist Carol Irving played the clarinet and saxophone.

Her performance of the Glenn Miller Band’s “In the Mood” was a toe-tapping favourite.

Craig Wood, a Tasmanian-born composer, musical director, singer, songwriter and pianist, sang popular hits such as Billy Joel’s “Always a Woman” and Elton John’s “Your Song”.

U3A member Gail Mendoza said, “We are so fortunate to have someone of Craig’s calibre here in Port Macquarie.

”He is a real asset to the community and loved by audiences of all ages.”

Lyn Brown and Patty Mullin had front row seats to the show.

“I have such fond memories of being part of the dance class and enjoyed seeing them today,” said Lyn.

“Such clever musicians,” Patty said, “Carol on the saxophone was superb.”

The next Seniors Variety Concert is on Friday, 20 March 2026 at The Glasshouse, featuring the U3A International Dancers, Hastings Koala Orchestra and vocalists Cathy and Rob Porter.

By Pauline CAIN