Summer update from u3a …

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We have a newsletter from the new Chair of u3a, Ed Link …

“I took over Chairmanship of our u3a at the AGM in June.  We have five new volunteers for the committee and with the existing 3 continuing members we have a quorate and functioning committee.

The new volunteers are me, Simon Sanders as Secretary, Jan Williams as Treasurer, Steve McLaren as Groups Coordinater and Jane Berry. The continuing members are Veronica Kirk, Celia Armitage and Pauline Galloway.  My thanks to them all.

The u3a movement is built on the idea of self-help.  And what better group of people to muck in and organise their own activities than people with considerable lived experience from all walks of life.  The u3a attracts people who don’t want to be just handed things on a plate.

Cupar is no exception with active participation in its 50 interest groups and their leaders, without which there would be no u3a.  We also have folk who volunteer to help with things like catering and administering Beacon and the Website.  Together with the committee members who try to ensure we have the infrastructure in place so all members can enjoy a safe and fulfilling experience, we have a successful u3a.

Upcoming events:

It may still be “the holidays” – even retired people have these!  However, there are interest groups which continue to meet over the summer … from walking and cooking to dancing and calligraphy …

 

All these groups and more are meeting. Visit this link to find the group for you.

News from the new Group Coordinator, Steve McLaren

  • I took over as the group coordinator at the AGM in June, a willing volunteer. I wanted to help groups (new as well as long-established) develop and grow.
  • I’d like to talk to each group. Does your group ever discuss its future? What happens if the group contact is unavailable, or the venue is no longer viable, or any other issue that effects the meeting? Does your group need a Plan B?
  • I see my role as someone who can help groups. In my short tenure so far, I have seen one group added and there is another giving serious consideration. My input has been minimal, but it has shown that there is a need for a group coordinator
  • I’d like to think that potential new members find it easy when they make an enquiry on the Cupar u3a webpage.

Monthly Open meetings – from the organiser of guest speakers, David Kirk

  • Monthly Open Meetings will resume on Wednesday 10th The meetings are being held in the Upper Hall of Cupar Corn Exchange.  Newcomers are welcome in addition to our own u3a members. The open meetings start at 2.00 pm to finish at 4.00 pm. There is no charge and booking is not required.
  • The Open Meetings have two parts: firstly, a presentation on a specific topic; and secondly the provision of refreshments and table-conversations amongst members and newcomers.
  • A breadth of interesting topics with knowledgeable speakers have been arranged.
  • The aim is that the presentations will add to members’ knowledge of the subjects and why these topics are important.
  • The programme and the presentations, the speakers and the dates are posted on the website https://cupar.u3asite.uk/events/  There are also reports on previous talks available.
    But to whet your appetite – come along and find out about Health and Well-being. This is the focus for the next three talks in our open meetings calendar.

 

National u3a news:

 

Thank you for reading.

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