The well attended Monthly Coffee Morning held at St Francis Church Hall on Wednesday 17 March took the form of the AGM.  It was held amid an impressive display of the Talents, Hobbies and Study Group Activities of members.  Displays included; Tapestry, Hand Painting on Glass, Embroidery, Paintings, Photography, Small Collectables, Digital Imaging. Woodcarving, Play Reading Group, Musical Appreciation, Book Readers, Architecture and Bridge. 

    During the short formal proceedings of the AGM Peter Tee was elected to replace the retiring Chairman, Phyll Babb, and Officers and Committee Members were elected; Secretary – Phyll Mullins; Treasurer – Brian Griffiths; Groups Organiser – Jean Lunnon; Committee Members – Ena Baldock, Clare Edwards, Josephine Hawkins, Jenny Mawer, Ray Thomas and John Winders.

    The Treasurer reported a positive financial position due both to an increase in membership and in savings made in the both the Newsletter distribution and expenses.

    Formal thanks and a presentation showing members appreciation of the work done by the retiring Chairman was made by Phyll Mullins and reiterated by Peter Tee as he passed on to other business.  This included points from the Groups Organiser, Jean Lunnon who looked towards the groups for the new season, emphasising that it was an opportunity for a fair chance for members to reapply for groups, to join new groups or change groups when filling in their form giving their preferences and priorities.  She stressed the importance of suggestions for new groups and for volunteers to lead/coordinate groups.  Ideas forms were available for this purpose.  Jean ended by thanking all group leaders for their good work over the year.

    The morning also included an interesting presentation by Sheila and Peter Read of Spire U3A about Digital Imaging.  Their amusing and informative double act gave members a good idea of how they became involved in leading U3A study groups starting from Sheila’s complete absence of computer skills to now being asked to create an on-line 8-unit course on Digital Imaging for use both in UK and Australia.  Their group study sessions include advice on appropriate hardware and software with which group members can make the most of existing photographs, improving old or damaged ones and creating from negatives and prints highly creative projects such as book covers and greeting cards.  Know-how is acquired by watching step-by-step demonstrations of processes and techniques followed by hands-on practice.

    Peter, as web master for the website for the 3 Salisbury U3As reminded members that contributions to the web site were most welcome.

    A rendition of the newly rediscovered U3A song rounded off a most enjoyable morning.