The May monthly meeting contained all the
elements that make
the U3A such a stimulating organisation for the retired.
Members were given a glimpse of the courses
to be offered starting in the autumn.
Over 70 are on offer ranging from walking, bird watching
and cookery, to
singing, foreign languages and bridge, not to mention painting,
pottery,
scrabble, literature groups, studying landforms and “green”
issues. And there’s an internet
based course
exploring the solar system. Every course
is led by a member sharing their expertise and interests.
Many are held in the homes of members and the
only cost is a small donation towards refreshments and any materials
required.
There are links to other U3A
groups. Photos were on display of the
recent visit to
Salisbury of Launceston U3A, which the committee had planned. Notice was given of a hog roast in September
for members of all three Salisbury U3As.
The speaker was the oldest member of our
U3A, Jack Osborne,
soon to celebrate his 100th birthday. Jack
enthralled his audience recounting his
memories of Burma
as an army officer during the Second World War.
He brought those far off days vividly to life without
needing to refer
to notes – for he is now alas severely visually impaired. Nor did he need visual aids, for his
spellbinding tales brought scenes to life in the imagination of his
hearers. So delighted was the
audience that he has
agreed to speak again in October, this time of childhood memories
during World
War One and after, “If I am spared” he said.
June’s speaker was, as is
more usual, a visitor, Dr Nicholas
Grey, who with his theologian wife Mary, founded the charity Wells for India over twenty
years ago, with the aim to bring water security and dignity to the
poorest
communities of rural Rajasthan. He
described how it is trying to alleviate the devastating effects of
climate
change, working with local partners to provide year round access to
water, a
basic need for survival. After this
moving presentation there was a spontaneous collection for the work of Wells. More
information is at http://www.wellsforindia.org.
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Secretary’s Notes for June 2009
Local
A lunch was
held in May for
Tutors/Leaders as an expression of thanks on your behalf. Chris Dickson
was
thanked by our chairman for her services in organising the courses and
producing the programme for 2009/2010.
Chris
Dickson will be
representing the Group at the Third Age Trust AGM to be held in Edinburgh on 4
September (see the two proposed resolutions on the notice board)
Please
let me know if you
would like to order a U3A Diary for 2010. I have placed an order for 10.
National
We have received detailed
papers relating to the National AGM as referred to above.
Every U3A
Group is being
requested to nominate individuals who have carried out duties beyond
the normal
call of duty. These individuals will be recorded on a Roll of Honour
(see page
12 of U3A News) Your Committee has suggested the following
names:
Chris
Dickson
Bob Pearce
Joan New
Please
let me
know any other
names with details in writing for consideration by your Committee.
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