Issue 33
June 2009
Chairman’s Message
I am writing this, my final Chairman’s message, knowing that there will be many activities during the Summer that will not be reported on until the October issue of Stray News. We have a “Day to Remember” at the end of May, and a visit to Bowes Museum in June, as well as group holidays and outings to enjoy.
A year ago Harrogate U3A had 700 members, and we were busy making plans to accommodate a rapidly growing membership. In September eight new groups were launched. By January 2009 a further six groups had formed in an attempt to eradicate waiting lists.
We now have 850 members, and can anticipate continuing growth. This will require a move to more spacious accommodation for the Open Meetings. From October we will meet at the Cairn Hotel, Ripon Road, which has ideal facilities, car parking and is also well served by public transport. The future of Open Meetings will be reviewed during next year.
The Committee has worked hard to keep pace with the demands of change; forming an effective and friendly team. Betty Mallinson is retiring after five years on the Committee, first as Membership Secretary then as Secretary. Harrogate U3A has much to thank her for, and on a personal level I have been very fortunate to have Betty’s unstinting support.
Gordon Darlington is stepping down, after four years dedicated service, as is Eileen Davies who has looked after our Group Leaders for the past three years.
When the AGM papers come out in August you will have the opportunity to nominate new Committee members. Please offer your skills and expertise to take Harrogate U3A forward. Meanwhile, if you would like to know more about what is involved, do not hesitate to contact me. We particularly welcome new members and new ideas.
Thank you to each and every one of you who has contributed to the success of Harrogate U3A.
Enjoy the Summer.
Best wishes,
Janet Coatman, Chairman
AGM Friday 25th. September 2009 – a date for your diary!
We are returning to the Cairn Hotel, Ripon Road, for the Open Day and AGM. The AGM will start at 2pm.
Come along between 11am. and 2pm. and enjoy the Group displays, talk to Group Leaders and decide which of the 45+ interest groups you would like to join. There will also be time after the AGM to look at the displays.
Take the opportunity to catch up with friends after the Summer break, and to meet new members. Coffee/tea will be available during the morning, and light lunches will be served in the lounge area. Following the AGM do stay awhile and enjoy a complimentary tea/coffee and biscuits.
Details of the programme for the day will be sent out in August. As usual we will require the attendance of at least 15% of the total membership for the meeting to be quorate. An important part of the business of the day will be to elect at least four new Committee members/Officers.
[ N.B. If you know, before the AGM, which Group(s) you wish to join do contact the Group Leader(s) as soon as possible when you receive the Group Activities list in August, as some Groups hold their initial meeting before the AGM.]
Janet Coatman, Chairman
