Anton u3a Chair’s Report:
Is it really a year since I had the temerity to put my hand up at last year’s AGM, tentatively asking if you would like me to offer my services as your Chair? The answer was and is Yes.
I only joined Anton u3a in June 2022 and had been made to feel very welcome, so wanted our group to continue. As you can imagine, it has been a year of getting to grips with the role and learning how the organisation works, and I have been very well supported in this by our Committee. I have had to ask them lots of questions, particularly our Secretary, Treasurer and Membership Secretary. They have been very patient and encouraging. Both Jean and Tessa are stepping down from their roles this year and I would like to thank them for all their hard work. Cecil, our Treasurer, has also been diligent in his duties, he has even been keeping up with his responsibilities whilst on an extended holiday. True dedication. He also took on the job of collecting, putting together and adapting a wardrobe donated by Di Burrows. This is now in the store cupboard at BDCC. He also took away the old one. Thank you again Cecil.
During the last year, we have welcomed several new members but have also said farewell to others as they have moved to pastures new, this included Di Burrows & Jan Bentley who had both served on the Committee and been very involved with our organisation. This time last year we had 113 members, this year this is recorded as 127. It has been heartening that we have had members, both existing and new, who have stepped forward to offer to take the place of Officers standing down at this year’s AGM. Please continue to encourage and support them.
We have seen an increase in members attending our meetings and Maggie Cunniffe has taken on the role of arranging speakers for our meetings. It is not easy finding people who have not visited us previously, so please share any suggestions you may have with Maggie.
We have many interest groups who continue to flourish and thanks are due to all leaders who willingly give of their time to organise a varied range of activities. All of you are valued, but I would just like to mention the Questers group who continue to arrange a variety of outings available to all members.
Thanks also to Lynda Stockings and her group of volunteers for organising last year’s picnic, it was a great success despite the disappointing weather. Norma Bryan once again took on the task of organising our Christmas Lunch, it was such a shame that she and Ron were not well enough to join us on the day. Those of us who did attend enjoyed the fruits of your hard work and are very grateful.
This year’s picnic will be on August 13th and will be organised by Barbie Morrey-Stone. The committee decided to try a new venue, and the Abbotts Ann War Memorial Hall has now been booked. Robert Kemp has had his arm twisted and has agreed to organise our Christmas Lunch this year and this is on Monday December 15th at The Abbots Mitre in Chilbolton. Please put these dates in your diary.
I would like to thank all of you who have supported and encouraged me this year. Many of you who attend our meetings will be aware that the Burghclere Down Community Centre is now being run by a new committee who have instigated various measures to groups using its facilities. This has meant that members are requested to assist in ensuring the Hall is left clean and tidy when we vacate. I am very grateful to those of you who sweep and vacuum willingly, as well as those who offer to organise refreshments. This is much appreciated, but perhaps we can persuade some more of you to volunteer please. The Refreshment Rota is available at our meetings.
Many of you are now familiar faces, but I am also aware that many of you are not – so if any Group Leaders would like to invite me to their attend one of their sessions so I can meet more of you, I will do my best to attend.
I trust we will all continue to Learn, laugh and live.
Sharon King