Ramsey and District U3A

UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE NEWSLETTER

A warm welcome to all our members

Our Annual General Meeting (AGM) took place at the Community Hall, on April 11th 2017. Whilst we were waiting for the meeting to start, a ‘Powerpoint’ presentation was taking place, which as well as presenting the Ramsey and District (R&D) committee in action, showed “Principles of theU3A Movement.” The chairman welcomed 63 members to the meeting, notices were read and included the lack of parking spaces, it was suggested that car sharing might be a way of reducing the problem.

The minutes of the 2016 Annual General meeting were approved, by a show of hands, there were no objections.

The Chairman’s report then followed, we welcomed 31 new members over the past year. The Committee have visited several regional U3A meetings during the previous 12 months and ensured that R&D have been at the forefront of technical innovation, whilst involved with “Beacon,” a U3A countrywide project, which will enable us to maintain records of membership, finance, etc.,

Highlights of the past year, included excellent speakers, Queen Elizabeth II birthday and our Christmas pantomime. We have three Committee members standing down now, Nina Akehurst – Groups Coordinator, John Austin – Former Chairman and Committee member and Irene Lugg – Stalwart Committee Member. We thank them all and ask them to receive small tokens of our appreciation. We look forward to working with our new Committee.

Nina then gave the Group Coordinators report for 2016, there are 22 current groups, unfortunately, Bird watching, Food and Cookery have fallen by the wayside! New groups formed included Metal detecting, Table tennis and Holidays, as well as History and Gardening. Don’t forget the creative writing course later in the year. If you have a spare morning or afternoon, please join in, the Committee are always welcome to receive suggestions or ideas for new groups contacting the Committee or by using the suggestion box. A very big ‘Thank You’ to all Group leaders.

Lynda Lewis then presented the ‘Treasurers Report and Accounts’ and as no questions had been raised, a show of hands approved the accounts. A small token of appreciation was presented to David Gilbert-Hill for his examination of the accounts.

The Revised constitution had been supplied to all members, and a show of hands accepted the documentation. New committee members were introduced to the meeting, Mike Lewis, David Gilbert-Hill, Andy Wingham and   Yvonne Graham were accepted. There were no motions from Members or Committee.

John Austin then spoke of day trips which had been planned for the next few months, to Hatfield House on 21st April approximate cost £17.50, £5 deposit required. On 30th May, a visit to the Nene Valley railway, using one’s own or shared transport, bring a picnic lunch and with a conducted tour around engine sheds. Then on 23rd June, an evening visit to Tolethorpe Hall, where “Much Ado About Nothing,” will be performed. Notice was given for a day trip to Southwold on 18th August. In September 2018, the Holiday Group are planning a visit to France to visit WW1 sites, approximate cost £400.

The Letter Competition Quiz winner was David Cusworth, he was presented with £10 as his prize.

We then broke for tea, coffee and biscuits, after which we all took part in a forum in which we were to answer a series of questions. These would be collated and used by the Committee to plan and act on suggestions put forward.

The meeting was formally closed. Thank you for your attendance.

Future Open Meetings

Our next general meeting will take place on Tuesday 9th May 2017 at the Community Centre, when our speaker will be Doreen Reed, Poet and Story teller. Our next letter for the competition is ‘Q’ and will take place at this meeting.

 

Other News

A study day will be held at the Ramsey Community Centre on 22nd June from 10.00 to 16.00.

There will be a guest, Alison Bruce, who teaches at Anglia Ruskin University and is a prolific writer of prose fiction, who will spend the day with us doing a couple of topic focussed presentations, plus joining in with us as we do several fun activities on the spot.  Alison will also tell us about her own experiences of becoming a writer.  There will also be a session on specific areas, including dialogue, genre, mood etc.  There will be a feedback question and answer session to finish off with.

This study day offers members the chance to be with writers from across the region, sharing ideas and experiences, experimenting with different techniques and hopefully moving forward personally.

If you book a place for this study day please let Bill Thompson know, as he is keen to increase the numbers of his group, and he would like to know who is going, ann_bill@btinternet.com Thank you.

SUBSCRIPTION REMINDER

A reminder to members, that their subscriptions are due for renewal on the 1st April and anyone not renewing by 31st May will be assumed they do not wish to renew their membership.

U3A Events

You are invited to attend:

Secrets of Staying Sharp….In Later Life

Wednesday, June 7, 2017 from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

U3A Royal Society Healthy Ageing Lecture 2017 in association with The European Alliance for the Brain
Professor Ian Deary, Professor of Differential Psychology, Director, MRC Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology University of Edinburgh.
Professor Deary is an entertaining and informative speaker, familiar to some U3A members. He will explore the reasons why some people’s brains and thinking skills age better than others, as described in The Disconnected Mind, a research project which is helping to find some answers. The meeting will be held at the;

Wellcome Lecture Theatre

The Royal Society

6 – 9 Carlton House Terrace

London, SW1

N.B.THE ABOVE EVENT IS FOR U3A MEMBERS ONLY.

 

More Other News

Ramsey Rural Museum are currently looking for new Trustees and volunteers. Trustees are needed to join the established and friendly Board who meet regularly, and they would like new members to join to use their skills and experience to encourage team working, problem solving and effective strategic decision making. They need new Trustees to help ensure the Museum has an exciting and sustainable future. Trustees should have excellent communication, team-working, and interpersonal skills, and can demonstrate tact, diplomacy and the ability to build and manage strong relationships. No experience of acting as a Trustee is necessary, as full support and training will be provided, along with a very warm welcome. Volunteers are needed to do a variety of roles around the museum. General DIY skills are always needed to keep the exhibitions and buildings in a good state of repair. Maintenance skills are also needed for working on the farm equipment. Museum conservation activities are always helpful, to preserve the items in the collection. Front of house volunteers are also needed throughout the season when they open to the public, to welcome visitors, answer queries, and operate the café and shop. There is no commitment expected – volunteers offer as much time as they like, and volunteers attend on Thursdays, or Saturday and Sunday afternoons. All skills are welcome, and there is always plenty of tea and cake on offer.  If anyone is interested, they can call the museum on 01487 815715 or by e-mail on ramseyruralmuseum@live.com  or just call in for a chat.

 FREE TV LICENCE

If you are over 75, or live with someone who is, you’re entitled to a free TV licence.  The thing to remember is that it’s not an automatic benefit when you turn 75; if you’re eligible, you’ll need to apply.  The process is simple:  Call 0300 790 6131 or www.tvlicensing.co.u/over75info.

We are looking for volunteers to meet and greet new members by becoming ‘friends’ or ‘Mentors’ and help them settle-in at our U3A. Please contact any member of the committee if you think you can help, thank you.

 

Even More Other News

U3A West End Sing Out 9th May. The Savoy Theatre London. £36.50 which includes sandwich lunch with tea and coffee.

Event Details

THIS EVENT IS FOR U3A MEMBERS ONLY

Working with Louisa Ridgeway.
The Ambassador Theatre Group’s West End Creative Learning team has created this one day bespoke event to bring together up to 150 U3A members from across the UK to enjoy the experience of working together with a professional West End Musical Director.

The group will fill the auditorium of one of our West End Theatres with a series of songs from various West End musicals.  You’ll be taken through a series of warm-up exercises, spend time learning songs, working with the MD on vocal qualities, tone and harmonies in preparation for a recording of the pieces before the end of the day, a CD copy of which will be sent to you after the event.

Previous choir experience and the ability to read music is not necessary and the Sing Out is designed for all abilities and all voices.

The Savoy has various staircases without lifts so please wear comfortable footwear.

Programme

10.30am Doors open

11.00am Welcome. Warm up with Louisa Ridgeway and group begins to learn songs

12.45pm Sandwich lunch (included in ticket price)

1.20pm   Group continues working on songs, harmonies and solo lines

2.40pm   Break

2.50pm   Dress rehearsal

3.30pm   Recording of songs

4.00pm   Workshop finishes.

And Finally

Car Parking – Please remember to park your car considerately and use car sharing, if you are able.

 Jokes:

A mother texts, “Hi! Son, what does IDK, LY & TTYL mean?” He, texts back, “I Don’t Know, Love You and Talk To You Later.” Mother texts him back, “It’s ok, don’t worry about it. I’ll ask your sister, love you too.”

Editor: Mike Lewis