This year has gone so quickly and now I am writing my last ‘From the Chair’. I agreed to take on the role of Chair again for just one year and my main aim was to ensure succession and the continued success of our u3a. Though it was a bit rocky along the way, I do now feel confident in our future.
You should already have received details of our forthcoming AGM and the nominations for Committee roles. I am extremely grateful to those who have put themselves forward and hope that they find it as enjoyable and satisfying as I have done. I also want to thank my fellow Committee members who have been a huge support to me during the year. As well as me, two members are leaving the Committee. Jane has served six years in various roles and has been particularly efficient at organising workshops, and latterly, meetings for new members. I am sure that she will enjoy having more free time! Judy Fessey is also not standing again. Judy has been on the committee for just a year but has had a big impact, mainly in supporting Brian in his role as Groups Coordinator and producing the new newsletter for Group Leaders. They will both be missed!
I have just spent a very enjoyable week with my oldest friend, who I have known since we were six. She has lived in the Netherlands for over fifty years, but we are still very close and, over recent years, have enjoyed the fact that modern technology has enabled us to talk more easily. She does like a challenge! Last year she decided that we should canoe around Copenhagen Harbour, rather than taking a boat trip. I thought that was nerve racking, but this year’s challenge was even greater. We did a ‘Glass Experience’ with Ingrid Pears at Thoresby. When the furnace was opened and we had to try to collect and remove some molten glass, red hot at 1000 degrees, I felt truly terrified! However, by doing exactly what we were told and with quite a lot of help, we both produced a paperweight we feel proud of.
I was also recently challenged in a different way at our Archery workshop. Again, with expert tuition, even I was able to hit the centre of the target on more than one occasion! I am convinced that continuing to challenge ourselves is not only satisfying but keeps us young in spirit.
My involvement in u3a, which began almost eighteen years ago, has made an enormous difference to my life. Becoming the second Chair here at Southwell u3a led to me taking on the role of Chair of the Nottinghamshire Network of u3as, helping to launch several new u3as, and organising workshops. I was the Groups Coordinator in a second u3a, have run several groups and then took on the biggest challenge of all, being Regional Trustee for the East Midlands, on the National Board, for four years. All this has increased my confidence and helped me to make many new friends.
So don’t be shy! Not many members do as much as I have, but helping with your Interest Group, being a welcomer at the monthly meeting or taking on any other task that interests you will surely make your life more satisfying. I plan to continue being involved in u3a. I cannot imagine my life without it!