CHAIRMAN'S LETTER

Thank you to the 146 members who came to our AGM and talk in March. We easily made a quorum as well as nearly running out of chairs! I must also thank the three Committee members who resigned this year: Julia Allison, for her work as Secretary and her valuable contribution to discussions; Sian Rolls, for providing lifts and trying to contact members for whom we do not have email addresses; and Vernon Tottle, for 8 years of dedicated service and remarkable commitment, both as Treasurer and a Trustee.
As I mentioned in my AGM report, I do not think that any previous generation has seen such rapid technological progress as we have seen. People are generally able to live longer and the original vision of a university of the third age is a particularly inspiring one, I believe. Whilst the first age is from childhood to adulthood and the second age is that of our working lives, when many of us have also been busy as parents, during the third age of life we usually have far more freedom of choice concerning what we do and how we spend our time.
Every u3a offers its members the opportunity to participate in a wide range of activities so that they can pursue their interests and share their knowledge as well as their life experiences as equals and with mutual respect – whatever their academic qualifications or working-life status has been. Is there a particular subject or topic you would like to explore with others - or an activity or skill you are keen to develop – or a short course you can offer? If so, why not start a new u3a group? First tell John, the group secretary, and then send Vernon and Mike an article that can be published in the newsletter and on the website, with your contact details.
A few weeks ago, I was contacted by Winchester Rotary. They are keen to recruit new members or volunteers who can help with their many worthwhile local projects: from enabling year 8 school students to improve their reading skills to planting elm trees, helping with dementia-friendly Cathedral tours or being a marshal at the Clarendon Marathon, the annual Pancake race or the Christmas Lights event etc. If you are interested and want to find out more, do see their website. We hope to have a new page on our own website soon where local charities as well as upcoming events can be advertised.
Finally, I want to share with you a thought-provoking statement that I came across recently. ‘Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn’. Benjamin Franklin
With best wishes to you all, Ann

Ann Edwards, Chairman, Winchester u3a

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WANTED - HELP WITH PUBLICITY

We are excited to announce the launch of a new Publicity Group to promote Winchester u3a. Our aim is to raise awareness of the wide range of activities and social opportunities available to those in their third age, and to encourage more people to become members.

To make this campaign a success, we are looking for help with a variety of tasks, including:

· Designing and distributing posters and leaflets to local shops, libraries, and community centres

· Assisting with social media and online promotion

· Organising and staffing information stalls at local events

· Reaching out to local media and writing articles or press releases

No previous experience is necessary—just a willingness to get involved and a passion for spreading the word about u3a. Whether you can spare an hour or two, or would like to take on a more active role, your help will make a real difference. If you are interested, please email vicechair@winchesteru3a.co.uk.

Together, we can grow our u3a and welcome even more members to our friendly and supportive community.

Thank you!

Jean Crispin

Vice Chair

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GROUPS SECRETARY REPORT

There are a number of Groups looking for new members. Groups who would welcome new members vary from Allotments, Cycling, Languages, History, Novels to Wine Appreciation - so there should be something to interest you. The Group Listing includes all the Groups looking for members. New Groups are always welcome. If you are Interested in or thinking of starting a group, please contact me: Groups Secretary

TEAS AT GENERAL MONTHLY MEETINGS

Over the years individual Groups have been allocated the role of providing teas at the General Meetings. Now that we are again holding these meetings regularly and providing tea afterwards, it has been necessary for someone to co-ordinate this. I am pleased to announce that Angela Housden has kindly volunteered to do this.

With over 70 Groups the lot should fall on any one group very infrequently. The teas are important part of our socialising, enabling people from different Groups to meet and I hope that all will co-operate with Angela. The task (making tea, etc) is not onerous, with easily used equipment - including an excellent dishwasher - available. It could be regarded as a team-building experience for your group, and for those who do not normally come to our general meetings it will be an opportunity to hear one of our excellent speakers and to meet members from other groups.

John Craig, Group Secretary

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