SARUM U3A

Chairman Neil Russell extended a warm welcome to the 116 members attending the Annual General Meeting. He reported that there were now 326 members and that the forty seven study groups were well supported.

He expressed appreciation to committee members Ena Baldock, Clare Edwards, Linda Farrow, Gill Hinton, Jean McFarlane, Gordon Pardy and Maureen Pardy for their contribution to the work of the organisation. He also thanked Judith Copeland for the Newsletter, Keith Blake for managing the audio/visual equipment, Lucie Smithson for the book exchange, Peter and Joan Tee for organising wine and distribution of the Newsletter, Jenny Mawer and Patricia Russell for maintaining the Register and Alan Wood for examining the accounts. Finally, he thanked Marilyn Beattie and Brenda Whitehead for the catering arrangements and all those who contributed to the smooth running of the coffee mornings and created a welcoming and friendly atmosphere.

He expressed particular thanks to three retiring committee members:  Membership Secretary Phyl Mullins, Speaker Secretary Ena Baldock and Safety Officer Clare Edwards. They were all presented with flowers.
Treasurer  Maureen Pardy reported that the financial situation was healthy and encouraged eligible members to contribute to Gift Aid.
The following officers were elected unanimously: Gordon Pardy as Chairman, Tony Munday as Membership Secretary and Pat Read as Speakers’ Secretary. The remaining existing committee members were voted in en bloc and Alan Wood was re-elected as Accounts Examiner. Gordon Pardy thanked Neil Russell for his powerful and dynamic leadership while in office and presented him with a gift.
Following a video from the Third Age Trust, there was an opportunity for members to look at group exhibits.