This is the second of a series of articles by previous Chairs of Southwell u3a, as we celebrate our 20th anniversary year: This time we travel back to 2011, and Roger Bennett, whom we all know and love as the mastermind behind our Concert Coaches. How many of us know just how deep his association with our u3a is? Roger writes:
I was Chair of Southwell u3a for just one year from 2011 to 2012 but my association with this incredible organisation has lasted for every month but the first of its 20 years. I missed month one because the launch meeting in February 2006 was so popular we couldn’t get inside to join up!
Most of you will know me because I stand up at most Monthly Meetings and promote the Concert Coach Scheme I started just after I handed the Chair role over to Peter James in August 2012.
I retired from my career in IT and Business Management in February 2005 and after a year travelling, the start of the u3a in Southwell in 2006 provided an ideal opportunity for my wife Chris and I to get involved and enjoy learning and sharing something new. Quite quickly I was asked to join the Committee and soon set about helping with the IT and the meeting technology we needed, as we went through rapid membership growth. We also threw ourselves into probably too many groups and I helped start the Bridge and first Birdwatching Group whilst Chris initiated a very successful Armchair Travel Group.
We both were involved in the editorship and production of Newsline, and I remember many trips into the Reach offices in Southwell with the next edition to get it printed. We also became members of at least 10 or more groups and found our monthly calendar was full, a perfect example of what great opportunities the u3a offers.
I ended up as Vice Chair under Jean Hogg’s leadership and in 2011, when there was no one stepping forward to take over, I said I would do the Chair role for just one year. I also had a period when I had to take over the Treasurer’s job due to illness of the incumbent at the time. It was all in all a very enjoyable period although quite exhausting and I must praise the dedication and energy of all the Committee, Group Leaders and helpers who are volunteers and give their time so willingly.
It has been really satisfying to help grow the u3a into the big, successful organisation it is today, of more than 900 members, and I hope every member can in some way share in all it offers and look themselves to contribute towards its continuing growth.
Roger Bennett