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Page 1 of 8 Newsletter July 2010
Welcome to the July edition of our Newsletter - we hope you enjoy reading it and find it is a useful way of keeping in touch with what is happening in Thatcham U3A.
Chairman's Report
Dear Members,
The past few months seem to have flown. It is a busy time of the year for me and I guess for many members. Spring and summer are times in the year when we get into the garden and with the warmer and longer days we travel and visit friends, with greater enthusiasm and confidence. Grandchildren are playing an increasing part in many of our lives.
In recent months we have had thought provoking talks. Firstly an inspiring lecture about our children and the link between local schools and local businesses. Then we were given a stimulating address on the challenges faced by children in Uganda, who by any standard live a very spartan and humble existence. It was very rewarding to see your generosity; you gave over £200 at the meeting and a few members also sponsored Ugandan children’s schooling – thank you to everybody. In June we learned about the virtues of aloe vera.
June was our AGM. Firstly, apologies if I ‘droned’ on as one or two members pointed out! There were some important issues to cover; the most important being the continued existence of our U3A. We must have an Executive Committee for the organisation to continue, and without certain posts being filled we cannot function. Fortunately we found not one but two vice chairmen. Could I welcome Tony Collie and Catherine Hamblin to the committee to fill those roles. This raises a point made on previous occasions by Peter Jarvis as well – we are a self-help organisation and depend totally at all levels on the support and help of members. Groups can only continue their vital functions if there are conveners to ensure the smooth regular meetings for each group. Bridge, for example, sadly still has nobody to oil the wheels. Steve Leaver has just indicated that due to the pressure of a busy life he would like to give up the Sunday walkers group. I hope that both of these popular activities can continue.
I would like to thank Val Leaver for all the hard work she has done in her year as Vice Chair, not only did she ensure we kept our eye on the constitution, but she also importantly arranged a valuable grant from Greenham Common Trust for publicity and publishing. We also bade farewell to that stalwart Ernie Prince who has worked so hard, not just on the committee but also catering and walking; hopefully he will continue in these latter roles for some time to come. Pam Fordham and Dorothy Goode also left the committee after a number of years of valued service, their support, advice and hard work has always proved valuable. I am sure you will all welcome Ann Walter who has joined the committee.
Coming soon we have our popular Summer Luncheon organised by Jane Head, if you would like to attend please call (865129) her soon, as there are a limited number of tickets.
From September we will be transferring our monthly Open Meetings to the Frank Hutchings Hall. At the AGM after a little discussion it was agreed that we make the move. One of the strong arguments against the move was one of ease of access, as the Frank Hutchings Hall is not as centrally located and therefore more difficult for people to reach on foot. A number of members with cars kindly offered to form an informal lift group which could operate from the Medical Centre car park. If you need a lift, or if you could offer to take members, please give your names to me or our Secretary.
If you have any useful suggestions or comments please pass them to a member of the committee.
Peter Lavarack
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