Life Member: Ray Matters

Awarded 2022

Since joining U3A Melbourne in 2007 Ray has been an ardent French student and in 2012 responded to the pleas for more French tutors by co-tutoring French Beginners with an experienced tutor, Indra Jury. 

Having enjoyed this experience, Ray has for the past 10 years offered his own yearlong French courses, with an emphasis on grammar at various levels. Beginners Grammar (2013 & 2015), Post Beginners Grammar (2014-2015, 2016 x 2, 2021), Intermediate Grammar (2017, 2022), Post Intermediate Grammar (2018). This volunteer commitment in running one, or two, grammar courses each year has provided students with the wonderful opportunity to progress in their understanding and sound use of correct grammar and vocabulary.   

As one student comments: “Ray is always so well prepared, he is very engaging and relates well to us all, following up where ever necessary. I’ve learned so much in the past two years” 

 In addition, Ray offered Basic Level1 French courses (2020, 2022) and co-tutored with others to provide conversation and general French at higher levels: French Level 2 (2019), French Level 3 (2018-2019), French Level 4 Conversation & Culture (2019).  

Ray has made a significant contribution to U3A Melbourne City’s French program, and been an enthusiastic member of the language tutors’ team.