Minutes of a
committee meeting held on Wednesday 1 October 08
at 2pm. in St. Andrew’s Church Hall.
1 Chairman’s Opening Remarks.
The Chairman opened the meeting, welcomed those present and congratulated
Mr.and Mrs. Stainthorp upon the occasion of their marriage.
Apologies were received from Carol Chappell,Olga Hepple, Pat Hewitt and
Neil Cockburn.
3 Members Present
Margaret Scanlon Mary Stainthorp
Maureen Naulls Eric Stainthorp
Wilma Drury Molly Herridge
Adele Timlin (Joined the meeting during item 9)
Ann Wilson
4 Minutes of the last meeting
Having been previously circulated, the minutes were agreed amended and
signed.
5.1 Group Leaders Meeting and Social.
The Chairman thanked all those involved in organising such a pleasant evening,
especially Pat Hewitt. Doubts were expressed as to it’s future as an annual event
The situation will be reviewed in 2009.
a) It was suggested that, as part of her liason role, the deputy Chairman initiate a
circular for group leaders. A draft, including an invitation for feedback, will be
presented by Margaret Scanlon at the next committee meeting.
5.2 Membership List.The master-list has now been finalised.
Membership Review. It was suggested that as part of the membership review,
consideration be given to the introduction of associate group membership,
particularly on group outings where minimum numbers were required.
5.3 Regional Meeting. Maureen Naulls has agreed to attend.
Regional News. Committee members were reminded of the need to contribute a
small article reflecting some aspect of branch activities. Industrial visits were
suggested as an interesting possibility.
Eric and Mary Stainthorp have given their permission for the submission of their
photograph for publication.
. 5.4 Christmas Meeting.The tickets have now been printed and will be available at the
October general meeting.
5.5 I.T.Equipment. Frank Stansfield has agreed to tutor members in the uses of the
new equipment. Eric and Mary Stainthorp have volunteered. More volunteers
are to be sought at the next general meeting.
5.6 Financial Review. The Treasurer expressed concern that no specific dates had
been arranged for the further review. It was agreed that an interim financial
report be presented at the November committee meeting followed by a
discussion of the social group finances with the group leader present.
6.1 Treasurer’s Report
The Treasurer reported the current situation as follows:
Balance in main account £3896.68
Community Chest Account £2238
6.2Community Chest account. The Treasurer has made inquiries regarding the
closure of this account and the transfer of the balance to the current account.
The bank required a letter of intent validated by two registered signatories.
The Treasurer circulated a draft letter, which was accepted by the committee.
Proposed by Wilma Drury. Seconded by Molly Herridge. Agreed.
6.3 Interest bearing account inquiries are continuing.
7.1 Wine Tasting. Only two tickets remain.
7.2 German. The group is continuing as self-programming until a new leader is found.
A letter of appreciation has been sent to the retiring leader, Renate Tompkins.
8.1 The Treasurer requested e-mail details from committee members to facilitate
communication.
8.2 U3A website.
a) It was suggested that the website be amended to reflect the current waiting list
situation.
b) Concern was expressed as to the security risks involved in displaying the
programme which contains personal details of officers. Whilst acknowledging the need for prospective members to access the membership secretary, the committee felt that security was paramount. A solution was suggested in the
possible purchase of a mobile telephone, restricted to voice mail only. Wilma Drury will bring details and costs of this scheme to the next meeting.
8.3 Newsletter. Following discussion, it was proposed that the current situation,
whereby newsletters are not automatically sent to group leaders not in
attendance at the general meeting is continued.
Proposed by Margaret Scanlon. Seconded by Ann Wilson Agreed.
any copies remaining at the end of the general meeting to be made available to
the membership.
Presented by the Chairman in the temporary absence of the Secretary.
In
E-mail from Frank Stansfield regarding a membership application that had not
been processed to the satisfaction of the applicant. Immediate inquiries to be made
. into the situation.
Application for membership. To be sent to Membership Secretary.
Booklets “The Pass”and “Raise”. To be placed on the notices table.
Letter of thanks from Eric and Mary Stainthorp.
Letter of thanks from Marie Shell.
Update of charity status.
Older People Stakeholder Event To be placed on the notice board.
Age Concern. Community Health Care Forum grants available. Details to be
placed on the notice board.
(2)
U3A Insurance documents. To Treasurer.
Third Age Trust educational activities. To be placed on the notice board.
E-mail from Alan Tong re Professor Unsworth. A speaker From the
Northumberland Wildlife Trust will replace him. Topic: Red Squirrels.
Age Concern free speakers available. Pass to Alan Tong.
Third Age Trust accident forms information.
U 3 A calendars available. Display on notice board.
Cass centre will be available in 2009
Out
Letter to Marion Appleton regarding meeting and greeting.
Letter of appreciation to Renate Tompkins.
Completed Cabinet Office Survey
Chairman Margaret Scanlon Raffle As per rota
Treasurer Maureen Naulls Notice Boards Adele Timlin
Secretary Adele Timlin Molly Herridge
Visitor Hosts Ann Rickard Newsletter/I.T. Alan Tong
Wilma Drury Social Events Olga Hepple
Christmas Lunch MaureenNaulls
11 AOB
11.1Some difficulties had arisen at the September general meeting regarding the
dual use of the kitchen. It was suggested that prepared trolleys be identified as
U3A.
11.2 Communication. The Secretary expressed concern at the number and
duplication of communications within the U3A.The matter to be further
discussed.
Wednesday 5th November in St.Andrew’s Church hall at 2 pm.
The Chairman thanked all those present for their attendance and closed the meeting at 3.50pm