Happy New Year!
I hope that by now all new members are happily settled in their chosen groups. The New Members’ Meeting on October 29th , at the Friends’ Meeting House, was so well attended that we may need to consider a more spacious venue in future.
We now have nearly 650 members. The growing membership should be regarded as an opportunity to generate new interest groups, in some cases to overcome the need for waiting lists. Not all groups require “an expert” leader; the U3A ethos is very much that of self help – the social French conversation group “French for Fun” has taken off on that basis. Could those waiting to join, for example, Creative Writing or those looking for someone to chat to in French or Italian, perhaps get together? Do get in touch with me if you would be interested in doing so.
There are some changes in Group Contacts/Leaders this academic year. Sheena Pawson has handed over the reins of the Photography and Science groups after many years of very capable leadership.
Now that Harrogate Theatre has reopened every effort will be made to restart the Play Reading group. Watch this space!
The Christmas Lunch at the Cairn Hotel on December 6th was enjoyed by 110 members. The entertainment, provided by the Harrogate Male Voice Choir, was particularly appreciated. Thanks to Gordon Darlington, Betty Mallinson and Betty Romaniak for organising the event.
We can look forward to three interesting speakers at our Spring Open Meetings.
Janet Coatman.
Roger Wilkins
I was born in Weston super Mare and lived in the West of England (Winscombe, Thornbury
and Cheltenham) for many years. However 16 years ago my Yorkshire born wife persuaded
me that moving North was a good idea and we settled in Harrogate – a decision neither
of us has since regretted.
I retired in September 2006 after a career working in various government departments
– initially Bristol but also London, Cheltenham, Leeds and overseas in Aden and Hong
Kong.
I have one son now working and living in Sheffield.
I have many interests some of which are walking, golf and crown green bowls. I also
undertake voluntary work including locally Age Concern.
The UK U3A now has over 200,000 members with U3As from the Orkneys to Jersey, and from Northern Ireland to the Isle of Thanet.
The National Office has moved back to East Street: Old municipal Buildings, 19, East Street, Bromley, BR1 1QE
An Extra-ordinary General Meeting of the Third Age Trust will be held in Birmingham in May to consider changes to Area boundaries, and voting procedures. These will be explained in a consultation document prior to the EGM.
A booklet is being produced, which will be sent to all U3As, detailing the wide range of support services offered by the Third Age Trust and National Office.
Booklets relating to support services to Group Leaders/Co-ordinators/Facilitators should be available later this year.
National Events.
For Summer Schools see U3A News page 14
July 28th – 31st. 2008, Harper Adams University College, Newport, near Telford.
August 11th - 14th 2008, Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester.
For U3A/Royal Institution Lectures see U3A News page 16
Tuesday 8th. April 2008, 1.30 p.m. for 2 p.m.. The Friends’ Meeting House, 173 Euston Road, London, NW1 2BJ.
Details from Janet Coatman,
Open Meetings, National U3A web site –
www.u3a.org.uk,
Book now!
