This is the first of hopefully several articles by previous Chairs of Southwell u3a, as we celebrate our 20th anniversary year: Jean Hogg, our Chair 2008–2011, and 2024–25 has this reminiscence:
I became the Chair of Southwell u3a when Clive Bates, who had set up our u3a, unexpectedly decided not to stand for a third year. I had been a member of u3a for ten months and on the committee for six! With the help of a wonderful team, I began to find my feet. As well as taking on the role of Chair I became the Speaker finder, but only one booking was in place, for September. My first few weeks became a frenetic challenge to find speakers to fill the next few months. Fellow members were kind with their suggestions and we had some wonderful talks. The other issue that I managed was the rapid growth we were experiencing. At the time, membership was below 300, but, following a successful open morning we had fifty new members in two months. There were mixed views: some felt we should close the books, others that we could open a new u3a in Farnsfield, and some were of the opinion we should manage the growth. We held a meeting for members to discuss the issue, that was sparsely attended when it snowed, but the decision was that we must keep the u3a open to everyone who wanted to join and that our existing members would not move to a new u3a. We agreed to keep working to ensure there were enough Interest groups and activities for a growing membership and that is what has continued. The monthly meeting moved from the small hall at the Leisure Centre, then to half of the Sports Hall, before needing it all.
We all have to remember that u3a is a self-help, volunteer organisation, and we have had some wonderful Committee members and Group Leaders over the years, not all of whom are still with us, but who are remembered. New members still come forward to help on the Committee and to run groups, as well as to do all the other jobs, such as membership and helping with the monthly meeting. However, as I discovered last summer, sometimes our members need a bit of persuasion!
Becoming Chair completely changed my life because, as a result, I met a man who was Chair of another u3a and the representative for the East Midlands on what was then called the National Executive Committee. He and I ‘clicked’ instantly and were together until he died nine years later. Through him I became involved in the wider u3a. So, though I am proud of the contribution I have made to Southwell u3a, I also know that I have gained far more in return. That is what volunteering does. So if you are wondering about doing something, go for it! It will be worth it.
Jean Hogg