Burnham-on-Sea U3A AGM
Our U3A’s AGM will take place on Thursday 16th May at the Baptist Church, College Street, Burnham-on-Sea, starting at 10.30 am (note it is not at the Methodist Church this year). Members are urged to attend this AGM, as we will need to meet the figure for a quorum. This is your chance to hear first-hand how things are managed, how we are faring and to express your views. You are welcome to arrive from 10.00 am, when free refreshments, will be available. Please try to bring your membership card if you are attending, although we can manage if you can’t bring it along. Also, we are always interested in welcoming new members on to the Committee; if anyone is interested in joining the Committee please submit a nomination form with a proposer and seconder. Copies of the nomination form are available in this magazine, p26, and also from the Secretary, and should be sent by latest 15th April, to c/o the U3A Secretary, the Community Centre, Berrow Rd, Burnham-on-Sea, TA8 2ET or passed to a Committee member.
The nominations for the Committee at this stage include Gail Norton, Harriet Browne, Allison Glencross and Geoff Banham. Ken Hindle has once again been proposed as President.
At our last AGM, the membership approved an increase in membership of up to £3 per member, this to cover escalating costs and a likely increase in the Third Age Trust (TAT) affiliation fee. As it happens, the TAT have not increased their fee as yet, so we have scaled down our membership increase for this year (1st April ‘24 to 31st March ‘25) to just £1 per member. Membership for the year 2024-25 is therefore £13. More information at the AGM. The agenda for the AGM includes:Trustees’ (Chair’s) Report; Treasurer’s Report; Election of Officers; Open Forum; Financial proposals; President’s Address; Election of President.
We hope to see you there.
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MINUTES OF BURNHAM ON SEA U3A
31st ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HELD 15th MAY 2023 AT METHODIST CHURCH, B-O-S
1. Apologies for Absence: Harriet read out the list of apologies - John Reed, Anne Reed, Brian Hill, Christine Hill, Lily Waller, Peter Waller, Mick Velleman, Doreen Velleman, David Mathewson, Geoff Hollingworth, Jean Hollingworth, Geoff Carroll, Vivienne Aston, Jane Burgess, Linda Sadler, Marilyn Robinson, John Robinson, Robert Bridges, Laraine Bridges, Les Hughes, Annette Moore, Sue Meads, Rosemary Lane, Kath Hoyland, Yvonne Sandiford, Jacky CatleyDay, Pat Nicholls.
2. Minutes: Re the Minutes of our most recent AGM (12th May 2022) – these were printed in our “Spring” 2023 U3A magazine. These were taken as read.
3. Matters Arising from the above Minutes, not being on the Agenda. There were no matters arising. The adoption of the Minutes was proposed by Janet Hill, seconded by John Campin, voted on and carried.
4. Trustees’ Report - Harriet Browne gave the Trustees’ Report.
“It is my job as Chair to give the Trustees’ report on the past year for Burnham U3A.
Covid is still with us, but with the vaccinations, especially for us Third Agers, life has got back a lot to what it used to be. All the same, it has not been a good year.
We have lost members during the year; two I want to mention are Gary Locock and Margaret Budden. Gary died suddenly during a social evening in September; Gary had been Secretary for the full term allowed, and had stepped down from that not so long before. Margaret Budden, who had been a member for as long as anyone can remember and had been on the Committee one way or another for most of that time, died in August. She had been ill and her death was not completely unexpected. Both are very much missed.
The main problem we have had throughout the year has been with regard to money. We are dependent on the Community Centre where most of our groups and social events take place, and they have had massive repairs to pay for during the year. This means they have had to put their prices up, and therefore so have we.
We lost quite a few of members over the first part of 2022, for various reasons. We have had to cut back on the number of magazine editions mostly because of the cost, but also the lack of contributions. This has been a lot better in the second half, as day trips and holidays have returned, and we have gained new members and our finances have improved.
June 2022 was the 30th anniversary of Burnham U3A. A celebration was held beside the recently planted gingko biloba tree in Manor Gardens, this was led by Ken Hindle.
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In August, a new wi-fi system was installed in the Community Centre, a great help for groups’ presentations and meetings. In October, the Northern Somerset Association held a quiz for many local u3as at Wells. This time they had a trophy as well as the prizes and when our team won again we discovered we had to host the next one. So that will be at the Community Centre in October.
We have a private group on Facebook, for our own members only. This is run by Gail Norton.
Our own website www.burnhamu3a.com is still going well and is open to the public as well as members.
I want to thank all the people who have kept us going all year. To all the Committee, with a special mention for Brenda Dibley, who has kept us fed through many special events, as well as ensuring the coffee mornings are staffed. And to Geoff Banham, our Secretary, who has worked hard to keep us all informed and Olive Manning, who has taken on the role of Treasurer with great diligence after Les retired, And to all the Group Leaders for all their work. Please don’t think I would leave anyone out, but this report would be far too long if I named you all.”
Adoption of the Trustees’ Report was proposed by Judith Betts seconded by Joan Locock and carried unanimously.
5. Treasurer’s Report:
Treasurer Olive Manning read out the Treasurer’s Report (below).
Olive’s financial one page summary table for year 2022-3 had been attached to the agenda notes for all attendees. The financial one page summary table for the previous year had also been attached for comparison.
Olive’s report for the year ending 31st March 2023 read as follows:-
“It has been a very difficult year for us financially as it has for many u3as across the country. We have lost approx 100 members overall in recent years, this is due to the continuing effect of covid and accompanying lockdowns.
The loss of membership obviously has affected not only the amounts normally received in subscription fees, but also, with reduced group attendances, there has been less income from group rents, coffee mornings etc, while we have still had to meet our financial obligations.
Unfortunately, membership numbers have not increased this year to the levels we had hoped. Again, this has been the case nationally.
The end of year balance for 2022 was £6364, while for 2023 it shows £8073. We can therefore see immediately we have improved on that by approx £1700, thanks to the price increases introduced, the invaluable fund-raising events and our very careful budgeting. A special thanks is due here to our fund-raising team and all who have helped with our fund-raising events; without their hard work we would not have shown such improvement.
In the period Jan-March ‘22 £3083 was collected in membership fees, mostly renewals. The same period this year has brought in £2872. At this stage we, of course, have no idea how many members in total will renew, however this new financial year will have the full benefit of the price rises we have introduced. Therefore, I feel we are in a much less vulnerable position now than we were 12
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months ago and should be able to withstand any further increase in expenses that may lie ahead; likewise any further drop in membership numbers, which unfortunately seems to be a lingering legacy of covid still felt by many u3as.
Hopefully this more stable financial position we have achieved will eventually enable us to build a reserve of funds again and so shield our u3a from any future problems which may lie ahead.
I took over as Treasurer at the beginning of this financial year facing a very difficult situation. Throughout the year I have continually updated our Committee on the state of our finances and they in turn have taken many difficult decisions to enable us to improve our financial stability.
At this point I would like to say that since I took on the responsibility of being Treasurer as a newcomer to this u3a I have been impressed not only by the warmth and friendliness of our Committee, but also by how hard working they all are. Everyone has a role to which they apply themselves wholeheartedly. We are very lucky to have them all and I thank them all for the support they have given me. Together they have taken steps to strengthen our position and thanks to their efforts we are beginning to see positive results.
I would also like to thank our previous treasurer, Les Hughes, for his support and always being at the end of an “email” whenever I have needed his advice. One point to note is we still have our Gift Aid claim to come. This may amount to approx £1000-£1500 and I hope to be able to put that into our contingency account to begin building some desperately needed reserves. We still need to tread carefully, encourage new membership, generate income where we can and exercise caution in our spending and so continue to strengthen our financial position.”
Adoption of the Treasurer’s Report for year ending 31st March 2023 was proposed by Mary O’Rourke seconded by Julie Esnouf and carried.
6. Examiner of Accounts - Pat Nicholls was confirmed as Examiner of our accounts for 2022-2023; an Examiner for 2023-24’s accounts will be appointed by the Committee.
7. Appointment of tellers - not required.
8. Election of Executive Committee
Harriet Browne read out the list of candidates who had been nominated for election and re-election to the Committee as at 16th April 2023:-
To re-elect Olive Manning, who retires in accordance with Clause 7v and being eligible, offers herself for re-election (proposed V.Richardson, seconded P.Winterburn).
To re-elect Gail Norton, who retires in accordance with Clause 7v, and who being eligible, offers herself for re-election (proposed S.Samways, seconded W.Deahl).
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To re-elect Harriet Browne, who retires in accordance with Clause 7v and who being eligible, offers herself for re-election (proposed D.Velleman, seconded V.Dench).
To re-elect Chris Owen, who retires in accordance with Clause 7v and who being eligible, offers herself for re-election (proposed G.Richards, seconded M.Nicholls).
To re-elect Paul Hambleton who retires in accordance with Clause 7v and who being eligible, offers himself for re-election (proposed D.Norton, seconded S.Meads).
To re-elect Judith Betts, who retires in accordance with Clause 7v, and who being eligible, offers herself for re-election (proposed J.Hill, seconded J.Randall).
Adoption of these candidates was proposed by Joan Locock, seconded by Allen Owen and carried nem.com
9. Open Forum
Jenny Golding asked why the expenditure on rents was more than income. Olive explained the position using the Income and Expenditure Summary, that group rents income is traditionally below rent expenditure, but is supplemented by Coffee Mornings income.
Sue Royle asked regarding the membership fees and the cost of the magazine. Harriet advised that the magazine has now been reduced to four issues per year. It was discussed as to whether the magazine or a newsletter could be emailed out or just put on the website. Geoff stated that there are up to 100 members not on email/not on-line who therefore would not see such. Julie Esnouf suggested whether a cheaper printer could be found; Joan Locock asked whether the magazine might be printed on cheaper paper. Harriet did not think this advisable. Geoff stated that the existing printers printed our Christmas issue at short notice and at a discounted price, which Geoff thought gave a show of loyalty. The Committee will, however, consider other printers. The question of the costs of distributing the magazine was later discussed during the proposal about the magazine (proposal 1).
Sheila Forrester asked if the results of the AGM proposals would be put in the magazine. Harriet advised that they would be.
Harriet read out the Committee’s proposals:-
1) Re magazine distribution – that while our magazine will continue to be hand delivered to the local address (in Burnham, Berrow and Highbridge), that magazines will no longer be posted out to members outside the local areas via the Post Office. For these members there will be four different ways they can receive the magazine
a) switch to receive an on-line/digital copy.
b) collect a hard copy magazine from the Community Centre e.g. at a Coffee Morning.
c) receive a hard copy magazine via a group leader (or another member).
d) provide stamped self-addressed envelopes (4 a year) for posting the magazine.
(cont on page 16)
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Birmingham Bull Ring
We took a risk booking a day trip in January and going north from sunny Burnham but we were fortunate with the weather which although not warm was surprisingly mild for mid January. Many of our members were returning for the day to their roots and others were making a first visit to Birmingham which is a cosmopolitan and a University city. The Bull Ring is full of designer shops, cafes and other outlets. The open air market had a few stalls selling fresh fruit and veg and meat and fish. The city has managed to retain many of its' older buildings alongside the modern. The Tram system is very efficient according to a local resident.
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West Point Arena Christmas Market, Exeter.
This was our second visit to The West Point Arena Christmas Market by popular demand. We were not disappointed. The Arena was full of interesting stalls for Christmas present ideas and for some selfindulgence too. Some of our members chose to remain at The Arena for the day whilst the remainder of the group went on to Exeter for more shopping and exploring. There was a small Christmas Market as usual in the grounds of the cathedral.
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(cont from p13)
After discussion the motion was proposed by John Campin seconded by Jenny Golding and was carried.
2) Proposal Re Membership – that the charge for annual membership be raised (from £12 per year) for “Individual Membership” (from £8 per year for “Dual Membership”. i.e. if a fully paid-up member of another U3A), effective for membership commencing 1st April 24.
The Committee proposes that annual membership be raised by £3 per year, i.e. to £15 per year (from £12 per year) for “Individual Membership” and to £11 per year (from £8 per year) for “Dual Membership” effective for membership commencing 1st April 24.
Comments from the meeting were then taken as part of the Open Forum:-
It was asked by Roger Miller why the membership fees should be increased. Olive Manning stated that the financial position was still vulnerable, just 400 members have so far renewed; she stated that we cannot justify to increase the tea/coffee at Coffee Mornings nor group room rents, as both these have recently been increased. The subscription (previously known as the capitation fee) for Third Age Trust, along with the annual charge for Beacon, is approximately £2500 for the coming year; the future costs for those are not known. Maggie Stewart asked how much was subscription/capitation fee is, Olive advised this is £4.00 per member (plus £1.00 per head for Beacon). Geoff stated both may be increased by TAT in April 2024. Peter Hanson asked regarding contingency funds, regarding putting aside money in reserve. Olive stated that all u3a groups have been advised to keep at least three months expenses in reserve, ideally six months. P.Hanson asked re the low figure of £60 in our contingency account as at 31/3/23. Olive explained that the Income and Expenditure Summary explained that we had to use most of the contingency funds to keep us viable in 2022-23 (Geoff pointed out the balances on the current account figures illustrated this). Harriet thanked Olive for her work during the year as Treasurer.
Julie Esnouf suggested that each member present could look to attract a new member to join our U3A.
Sheila Forrester suggested that members could leave donations in the wills. This does happen occasionally.
After this discussion the Committee’s motion regarding an increase in membership was voted upon; it was proposed by Marilyn Nicholls and seconded by Sue Royle; the vote was carried with one abstention.
Harriet Browne closed the Open Forum.
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10. Re-election of President
Ken Hindle was re-elected as President. Ken Hindle gave his address. It read as follows:-
“The u3a is 40 years old and has undergone a re-branding exercise. Now we are no longer known as the University of the Third Age, but just the u3a. Instead there is a new logo with three words encapsulating the essence of the u3a - ‘Learn, Laugh and Live’.
I believe however there is a fourth dimension to which we could all aspire ‘We do it together’, doing things together are the seed corns of a community.
Where we give as well as take, where we take what we need and contribute what we are able. We then can develop an ethos pervading all our activitieswhere new members are made welcome - and there is a sense of belonging with the belief that the best is yet to come.
As such we develop a positive outlook on life that is grounded in hope. Hope is when we look beyond any present problems and see the grand vista ahead. Glass in the 17th century was in its infancy and consequently almost opaque. George Herbert, the hymn writer, speaks of a man who can merely look at the glass in the window or sees through it to the grand vistas beyond:‘A man may look on glass on it may stay his eye – or through it pass and then to heaven espy’.
May we therefore rejoice with the hope of what we hold, especially the friendships which our u3a brings.
It is reported that the artist Turner painted one of the famous sunsets in Burnham. The poet Wordsworth composed a poem about a sunset in which it created a sense of peace and a belief in all the possibilities that exist.”
Ken’s address was well-received by the members and appreciation was shown. Approval of the address was proposed by Marilyn Nicholls, seconded by John Campin and carried unanimously.
11. A.O.B.
Meeting closed at 11.35 a.m.
Membership
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Your membership renewal for Burnham U3A becomes due on 1st April. We are not asking for renewals just yet, (late February onwards will be fine), but when you do come to renew, the membership rates are now £13 for standard (“Individual”) membership or £9 if you are a fully paidup member of another U3A. These rates are a modest increase (a £1 increase) on last year’s rates (an increase was approved at last year’s AGM). Chris Owen and other Committee members will be at our February and March Coffee Mornings to receive renewals.
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GROUP NEWS
Change of Name
The Group formerly known as Off-Key Singers will now be called the Burnham U3A Singers. We meet once a month in Room 3 at the Community Centre 2 - 4 pm
Future Dates : February 21st, March 20th, April 24th, May 22nd, June 26th, July 24th, August 21st, September 25th, October 23rd, November 20th, December 18th.
Contact Marilyn Nicholls, 01278 780020 email niknak49<a>gmail.com
Holiday Group
Lynn and Richard Mathews of the Holidays group have started taking bookings at the coffee mornings for the extremely popular November trip to Llandudno. This is a “Holly and Mistletoe” holiday running from 5th November to the 9th November 2024 inclusive. The full details are on the notice board at the Community Centre.
They confirm that the intended holiday trip in April to Chichester has had to be cancelled, due to the sale of the hotel! They have been unable to find another suitable hotel in that area at such short notice.
Day Trips
Now booking for:-
13th March 2024 Abergavenny and Monmouth £21
Day Trips Raffle
£2600 raised to date for the U3A
( The proceeds go to the U3A and Community Centre each year alternately. )
Many thanks for supporting the Raffle.
Marilyn Nicholls
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Change of Scene
Jenny was tuning out of her friend Beth’s long story. She was thinking about what she could get her parents for their approaching Golden Wedding, so when Beth suddenly said “What do you think, Jen, would you like to come with me? Charlie’s off to the Cup final. It’s his team versus Arsenal, so I think he arranged this weekend so I wouldn’t be home alone. I mean it’s never really lonely at ours, three teenagers in and out with all their books and music, they’ve always got friends in tow too. I like to make them all welcome, you know how it is”. She made a wide self-satisfied smile. Jen opened her mouth with two options, one being to admit she had not been paying attention, the other to coax the rest of the information out of Beth by other means. “I’m not sure I can afford it..” She threw her hat in the ring to see where that got her.
Amazingly, Beth said “Oh don’t worry about that, Charlie’s paying, he said it would do me good, a night away with a friend. He suggested you, Jen. He knew you liked that kind of place, It’s new, this one, just off the motorway and nestling in amongst beautiful trees and there’s a waterfall too, you’d love that. It’s called Calm Waters. Ooh say yes Jen, it’s all booked in for Saturday night, just pack a few bits and bobs. I will pick you up at ten, we can have a late breakfast and a chat in the car. It’s ages since we had a catch up, “ Her face was so earnest that Jenny immediately agreed, She would have been having a quiet evening anyway. Her son and daughter were both away at a music festival. It would have been a takeaway meal and the one glass of rose she was being careful to limit herself to. But the prospect of a night in a new spa hotel was beginning to sound very attractive.
Beth had been right about the scenery, it was a beautiful peaceful setting, one would never guess it was there. There were quite a few cars but they found a space and took their bags into the reception area. There was soft, relaxing music playing in the background. Huge cuddly armchairs and cushions all chosen in muted colours to match the décor, with indoor water features trickling away.
After they had registered and been handed an old style brass key, the lady at the desk gave a huge beatific smile. “May I take your mobile phones ladies?” she asked while holding her palms upward. “What? Why do you want them?” The woman’s placid exterior did not alter . Jenny looked torn apart and Beth was almost grinding her teeth.“ Well, by choosing our Calm Waters Friday and Saturday Silent Retreat Package and Detox Retreat, you agreed to the policy of no phones, no unnecessary chat, and silence .”
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“But my husband booked it all, he wouldn’t know a detox from an iced ring donut.”
“How kind of him to do that . Positive thoughts always my friends. “
“I’ll give HIM positive thoughts…. Beth muttered under her breath”
They agreed with each other to make the most of it. Dinner was alright but small. They swerved the yoga, Pilates and meditation and headed for the bar. Overjoyed to see it was Happy Hour, their joy was short-lived when they discovered it was a juice bar with plant based cocktails, two for one.
Retiring to their room, Beth grinned as she produced a flask of gin and tonic “What a good job I brought emergency rations.”
“And me, cheers!”
It did make a change of scene, but they collected their phones and left early next morning, stopping off at MacDonalds for breakfast.
Kim Lewis
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22 BURNHAM ON SEA U3A – GROUPS DIRECTORY Name Leader Contact no. Meeting details Venue Book 1 Anne Morris 793355 Every 3rd Fri, 2- 4 pm Private address Book 3 Diane Cruickshank 787856 Last Thurs of month 2- 4 CC Brush Strokes Sue Meads 792021 Fridays10:0 –12.00 CC Canasta Pat Reid 780806 Every Wed 24 CC Classical Music 1 Roy West 324020 2nd & 4th Mon, 2 – 4 pm Private address Classical Music 2 Ken Henton 641278 1st & 3rd Mon, 2 – 4 pm Private address Classical Music 3 - G&S Operetta Paul Hambleton 01278 788452 3rd Friday Private Address Craft & Card Making Jenny Collins 327100 1st &3rd Weds 2-4pm CC Room 3 Creative Writing Kim Lewis 787022 1st Friday, 1012 CC Day Trips Gerry Richards 01278 783372 At Coffee am R4 Exercise to Music David Napper 792371 Every Friday 10 – 11am CC French 1 Kathy Harrison Jane Osborne 07899 922919 789661 Weds 2:304:00 CC French 2 Colette Winfield 238583 Thursday 10 – 11 am CC French 3 Geoff Banham 07766 670737 Tues 10 - 11 am CC French 4 Robert Bridges 641853 Fri 10 -11.30 CC La Table Francaise Robert Bridges 641853 Monday 11 – 12.30 Dunstan ’s Hotel Holiday Group Richard & Lynn Mathews 01278 786012 See desk at Coffee am R3 Keep Fit Rosemary Lane 786054 Thurs 10 am CC German for beginners Gail Norton 07883 005115 Tues 2-3 pm CC Lunch’n Club 2 Maria Tucker 07515682079 2nd Monday, 12.30
23 Needlework Julie Challacombe 323573 Friday 2-4 CC Burnham U3A Singers Marilyn Nicholls 780020 Every 2nd Weds 2 - 4 CC Painting for pleasure Jane Lee 783511 Every Wed 10-12 CC Patchwork Julie Challacombe 07766520781. Every Tues 2 - 4 CC Poetry etc Roger Miller 784658 Every 2nd Thurs 2-4 Private address Philosophy Roger Miller 784658 Alt Thurs 10.30 - 12 Private address Philosophy 2 Margaret Stewart 256376 or 07980001343 Friday Private address Rummikub Pat Reid 780806 Mon 2-4 pm CC Serendipity Singers Anne Hall Brian Foakes 789001 07971 164484 Every Monday : 2:30-4:30 Andrews Ch. Hall Short Walks Julie Esnouf 07916517774 Monday Spanish Sue Royle 07837957588 Tues eve 78pm CC Supper Club Christine & Allen Owen 784500 Last Weds even various Table Tennis 1 J Robinson 787200 Every Wed 2 – 4 pm Bay Club Table Tennis 3 Ian Nield 751533 Friday 24pm Table Tennis 4 Carol Marriott 795773 Every Tue 9.30 – 10.30 Baptist Ch. Hall Table Tennis Beginners Peter Manning 07976408843 1st & 3rd Sat 10.30 –11.30 As above Ukulele Terry Smith 01934 615987 Mon 2 - 4 CC Walking Jean Fincken & Christine Preston 07939 939204 07584016622 Wednesday See prog’me Yoga Laraine Bridges 641853 Every Tues 10 - 11:30 CC
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We have been helping the community for over 5 years now
Crossword Answers
Across: 1) Pigsty, 4) Search, 8) Acorns, 10) Summer, 11) Dance, 12) Saga, 14) Wife, 15) Education, 17) Arguments, 20) Rove, 21) Hear, 22) Flood, 24) Senora, 25) Nature, 26) Shandy, 27) Statue.
Down: 1) Praise, 2) George, 3) Tend, 5) Clue, 6) Remain, 7 Hornet, 9) Sanctuary, 10) Scattered, 13) Adore, 14) Worth, 16) Bricks, 17) Avenue, 18) Sedate 19Crumbs, 22) Brat, 23) Fish.
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