U3A Notice Board
The A.G.M. of the South Molton Group of the University of the Third Age took place on Tuesday March 12th, 2013 at Filleigh Village Hall.
The Committee 2013-14
Chairman Claire Parkinson 01769 572160 Vice Chairman Maggie Bell 01769 574499 Business Secretary Josephine Griffin 01769 573368 Treasurer Lin Coombes 01769 573545 Membership Secretary Ernest Davey 01598 760478 Speaker's Secretary Wendy Hards 01363 83497 Newsletter Editor and Sick Visitor Jill Benton 01769 573509 Minutes Secretary and Website Co-ordinator Shirley Bray 01769 572572 Raffle Maggie Bell 01769 574499 New Member's Hostess Norma Sinniah 01598 760478 Bookings Secretary Julie Lines 01884 861594 Chairmans Report 2012/13
This was a year of union jacks and bling, with silver and diamond anniversaries as celebration followed celebration
with special occasions being celebrated locally, nationally and internationally.
To celebrate our 25th anniversary we had a catered buffet which was attended by South Molton Mayor and Mayoress. We were fortunate that founder members Dorothy Williams [who had her 100th birthday this year], Jess Hillier [98 3/4] and Dorothy Watkins were able to come and cut our ceremonial cake. The invitation to members to wear their 'bling' meant that everyone sparkled with flashy ties, brooches, earrings and tiaras !
To celebrate the Queens Diamond Jubilee, the Olympic Games and the 30th anniversary of our National U3A some members joined with Tiverton U3A on their Riverwalk which started at Lynton in May and finished in Exmouth in July. Committee members and myself were invited to Barnstaple and Ilfracombe to celebrate their 25th anniversaries.Unfortunately this was tinged with sadness as we lost Mavis Clarke in May and John Ramsden, Eileen
Wright and Irene Morris in January. John had been Chairman in 1993/4 and in 1996/8. They will all be missed.The two day National Conference at Cirencester was attended by Jo this year who was kindly given a lift
to the event by Peter and Edna Simms. The 2013 AGM will be held at Nottingham on September 13-18th, any member is welcome to attend. We have a new Regional Trustee, Marion Clements, who you hopefully meet at the North Devon Link Study Day on September 30th - subject Exmoor.Our membership now stands at 187 while nationally the membership is 300,000 and rising. As mentioned in last years plan we have succeeded in offering members their newsletter by e-mail. 47 members are now reading their newsletter on a screen and saving paper and postage.This is all thanks to the combined efforts of Ernest Davey, Jill Benton and Veronica Johnston. Shirley tells me our website had a total of 2,193 hits, an average of 183 per month. We need volunteers to build us a new website as our present website provider will be closing down soon, and it would be a great shame to lose such a useful contact. Sound system operator, George and Garden Group Leader Val Widgery, both need assistants.
Members have continued in their quest to develop lifelong learning for fellow members by arranging visits to Stonehenge, Norfolk, Bruges, St Michaels Mount, Muchelney Abbey and Islay Marsh with Jo showing the Amblers the tallest tree in July. Theatre lovers have been able to visit Plymouth, Bristol and Exeter. The newly formed Dance Group were invited to dance with members of the Royal Ballet and met choreographers, Freddie Opalka and Wayne McGregor - what they also learnt was how to drive through floods [they took wellies and an overnight bag to every rehearsal!]. Jonathan has changed his allegiance from British Monarchs to the Kings and Queens of Hollywood. Our newest group, Cycling, is being led by June who also leads the Skittles Group.
Thank you to all those who help South Molton U3A to continue to offer an interesting social coffee morning
[with or without bubbles] as well as fascinating and energising group meetings each month.Keep up the good work
Keep the flag flying !!
Claire
You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.----Mae West
Entrance fee for the coffee morning is £1; this helps to pay for the hire of the hall, refreshments and the Speaker. Raffle tickets are £1.
Claire has volunteered to act as a co-ordinator for people wishing to share a lift to Filleigh for the coffee mornings. Contact her on 01769 572160
If you can help with the coffee making rota, please contact Kathleen Hasler, 550296
Help is also needed with putting out tables and chairs. If you are able to help, just arrive earlier on coffee mornings
If you cannot attend coffee mornings so do not pick up your copy of the newsletter, don't forget that a copy can be obtained at the library. The monthly diary of events is published on the website.
Jo is now taking orders for 2014 U3A diaries, which will be dark red and cost £2. She also has details of the Conference and AGM at the East Midlands /Conference Centre, Nottingham. South Molton U3A pays the expenses of one delegate and anyone can go. These events are very interesting and great fun and gives an opportunity to find out how other U3As manage with over a thousand-plus members!
A reminder that the X7 bus service no longer exists - the service to Barnstaple is numbered 155 - new timetables are available from the Tourist Information Cenre and the Post Office. The No. 19 bus now calls at the Park and Ride in Barnstaple and drops off at the North Devon District Hospital, which means that you can avoid the frustration of searching for a parking space plus parking charges!
National Express Senior Coachcard offers 1/3 off coach travel - after considering comments/feedback from customers the fare once again includes the journey to or from an airport.
Reminder - You can enter an emergency contact onto your mobile phone address book under the name "ICE". In the event of an emergency this will enable, police, paramedics or anyone else to contact the person you would like to be informed. The idea was the brainchild of Ambulance Service Paramedic Bob Brotchie after the London bomb attacks in 2005 and its popularity has spread. For more than one emergency contact number, simply enter ICE1, ICE2, ICE3, etc.
Silver Screen, Barnstaple
Wednesday mornings, tickets £3 - free tea or coffee on admission. Doors open 9.45 a.m., film starts 10.30 a.m.
OLD TOWELS: Diana Lewis of the Animal Ambulance is desperate for old towels. Sheila Farrant (01769 572553) will be pleased to collect these on her behalf. If you have any to donate please bring to the coffee morning or let Sheila know and she will collect them from you.
Head Office (Resources) 0208 4666139 (Tuesday & Thursday) Contacts: Lin Jonas and Elizabeth Gibson