A MESSAGE FROM YOUR CHAIR - U3A Site Builder
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MEMBERS’ NEWS UPDATE
FEBRUARY 2021
GOSPORT
A MESSAGE FROM YOUR CHAIR
Hello Everyone
I trust you are all well and keeping safe. I cannot believe we are in
February and Spring will soon be here. Let us hope that things improve
now with the vaccinations and we can get back to a semblance of
normality.
A speaker has been arranged on Wednesday 10th February - virtually by
Zoom. She will be talking about Children in World War 2.
Jim and I are keeping busy with walking the dogs and practising our
Dancing in the living room to keep us fit. Pat Humphris
GENERAL MEETING TALKS RESUMED ON ZOOM
Members are invited to
A SCHOOLGILRL’S WAR by MARY JONES
Reflections and stories about experiences
of being at school in WW2.
Wednesday 10th February 2021 at 10.30am
To join the Zoom sessions you must email Pat Humphris to request a place.
You will be emailed the zoom link closer to the day of the session. .
Next month there will be another talk on Wednesday 3rd March:
Look out for the invite by email from Pat Humphris
A VERY BIG THANK YOU TO KATE DAVIS
This month we have to say a very big thank you to Kate who has at last been able to stand
down from her role as Membership Secretary – one of the most demanding roles on the
committee. She had completed her 3 years last April but very generously continued in the role
over the last 9 months. For the last 3 years Kate has played an enormous role first with the
careful implementation of all the Data Protection Procedures and then undertaking the
massive job of migrating all the membership data onto Beacon – the secure database
recommended and supported by the National u3a. Kate has always been a thoughtful
committee member highlighting for our consideration many of the complicated implications of
actions we are taking. Her priority has always been to ensure we consider the interests of the
members many of whom she has come to know personally.
Kate has been a committee member for many years taking on other roles with equal
commitment and skill – especially use of her artistic skills in publicity material. u3a Gosport has
benefitted from her years of commitment and hard work and we all owe her a debt of
gratitude. However we must not forget that she has been part of a duo. Many members will
be missing the Monthly Meetings Membership Renewal tables manned by
Kate and her sister Denise who had previously been the Membership
Secretary. Their knowledge of members and their amazing organizational
talents will be sorely missed. Thank you both.
1 05/02/2021MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY ROLE SECURED
Linda Clachan has been working alongside Kate over recent months as Information Secretary
and has agreed to take on the Membership Secretary role. We hope members will support her
as she comes in at the deep end in the membership renewal period. There are full details about
membership renewal below.
MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL FOR 2021-2022
The decision about the fees for 2021-2022 was made by the committee taking account of:-
Members’ responses to the survey Pat Humphris emailed to members regarding fees for
the year 2021-2022
A detailed analysis of the budget including projection of future costs by the new Treasurer.
The views of committee members at a discussion examining a range of options.
It was decided that the fee for the next year would remain at £28
As a committee we know we must do all we can to keep u3a going for the long term because it
has so much to offer our community in Gosport. We know this will involve significant work to
ensure it can reestablish and grow after this hard year. We hope existing members will be
confident that their continued membership will help them look to the future where they will
find friendships, stimulation and all the many opportunities a vibrant and diverse u3a Gosport
can offer.
HOW TO RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP
Membership for the year April 2021 – March 2022 is due by Wednesday 31st March 2021
Renewal at the General Meeting is not an option this year so there are 2 options:-
1. By post to Linda Clachan 77 Grove Road, Gosport. PO12 4JJ
Cheques payable to U3A Gosport (please print your name and/or current membership no
on the back of the cheque)
2. By Bank Transfer Sort Code 30-93-56 Acc No 02123229
Reference the payment with your name and current membership number.
This method may result in a delay in acknowledging your membership
If you are eligible please consider making a Gift Aid contribution – details on the website
Your membership card will be posted or hand delivered with a Members Information Leaflet
as soon as we can organise the printing of the new cards. Please note that your membership
number is the Beacon number and will remain the same each year.
REMEMBER TO REPORT ALL CHANGES OR ADDITIONS TO YOUR CONTACT DETAILS TO
LINDA CLACHAN membsec@gosportu3a.org.uk
GROUPS NEWS
FROM THE GROUP LEADER COORDINATOR
MEMBERS INFORMATION LEAFLET AND THE U3A GOSPORT WEBSITE
With your 2021-2022 membership card you will receive a Member Information Leaflet which
will include the list of all the groups which we hope will be able to resume when restrictions
are lifted. The group list was correct on 31/01/2021. Future changes will always be announced
in the News Update and the website will be updated so for group information always check:
U3A GOSPORT WEBSITE and THE MONTHLY NEWS UPDATE
2 05/02/2021U3A GOSPORT WEBSITE
Jennifer Bellamy has taken over as Website Administrator – we thank her for taking this on.
Over the next few weeks I will be working hard with Jennifer to help her give the website an
overhaul. This will involve removing out of date information, photos and links. All Group
Leaders have been asked to review and update their group page on the website so it provides
an accurate picture of their group at the current time and for the future.
GROUP LEADERS If you have not already done so please contact Jennifer to instruct her about
any page content changes or for help with this if you are (or want to be) page editor for your
group. Out of date photos and other irrelevant content should be removed this month or they
may be taken down. Contact details for Jennifer or Kathy are on page 6
ALLOTMENT
Anne Blunden has taken on being the main contact for the Allotment
Group – we are so lucky to have this green space and it provides real
opportunities for members - even during this pandemic. Anne says:-
‘We need new members in the Allotment Group. I am new to the
Allotment Group and have no experience of vegetable growing, but
I do love gardening. I am looking forward to learning about and growing my own produce - it
will very much be trial and error but who doesn’t love a challenge!
If you enjoy the great outdoors, fancy a go at growing vegetables, fruit and or flowers please
get in touch. You can grow as little or as much as you like, space permitting.
The plot is at The Rectory Allotments, Little Anglesey Road, Alverstoke. It is a lovely quiet,
spacious and interesting area, so no problems with socially distancing. Historically the group
has met twice a month on Monday mornings but other days can be accommodated. During
lockdown periods we can limit numbers or visit on different days in order to maintain the
plot, exercise, remain active, stay safe and socially distanced.
Now is the time of year to start sowing your seeds whether it be tomatoes, runner beans,
dahlias or a new challenge. Let’s get planting.
I can arrange to show you the plot before you commit – just let me know.’ Anne
Anne Blunden 07796 134477 Anneblunden33@gmail.com
CLIMATE CHANGE GROUP ‘During January we looked at how re-wilding can help with
climate change - both the pros and cons and with specific reference to what is happening in the
UK - i.e. reintroduction of beavers for flood control and to increase biodiversity;
investigating the reintroduction of sea eagles to Norfolk to help control the
Canada Geese problem; introducing large predators such as the lynx and wolf
to help control the red deer population; the effects of the long term
experiment in Ennerdale in the Lake District. These are just a few examples of
what is happening here. This is a fascinating topic that other members of our
u3a might like to research. Yvonne Riddell 02392 501232
WORLD FILMS AND WORLD VEGETARIAN FOOD
Each month Neena has been sending details of a film available on Freeview with a review
about the film. Members of the World Veg Food group receive a suggested recipe each month.
Neena is pleased to receive feedback from her members of either group.
Neena Edwards 07766476447
3 05/02/2021GOSPORT WALKERS Ann Sandall is taking one person from her group at a time on a guided
local walk. This complies with the current permitted allowance to meet with one other person
for exercise. For Ann, who started the group in December, it is enabling her to strengthen and
build this new group. Ann Sandall 07856 291118
SEWING GROUP This group is exploring the idea of a joint project which everyone can get
involved in at home. The aim is to bring it all together when they are able to come together
again. We will look forward to seeing the results. Maggie Gavin 02392501505
CRAFT GROUP Jan Almond has continued to keep in touch with the members of this group
over the pandemic. She has been leading the group for many years but, after lots of reflection,
has decided to step back from the leader role and give the opportunity for someone else to
take it on. Maggie Gavin has agreed to take on the role of leader at this stage and will keep in
touch with members. Maggie Gavin 02392501505
We have several very active creative groups who produce some wonderful exhibits across the range
of their skills and interests. Members who came to the Open Day in March will have been able to see
a sample of their talents in their work on display. CREATIVITY is a strength in our U3A
WOMEN SONGSTERS Derry has kept in contact with her group over the last year meeting
for coffee in the summer. Now members are meeting for 1-1 walks. Members are keen to get
back to a good song! Meanwhile their pianist Elizabeth is having zoom piano lessons!!!
WELL DONE ELIZABETH. Derry Rose 01329 668596
EVERYDAY PSYCHOLOGY Su Axten has decided to stand down as Leader of this group. Su
became co-leader way back in 2013 She has been a thoughtful and inspiring leader for many
years, leading in depth discussions which have challenged her members to reflect on life and to
consider all sorts of viewpoints. Su will be very much missed by her group but on behalf of
many past and present members we say a big thank you.
I hope we can maintain a Psychology group in the future so members of the group will be
contacted later to consider how to move forward.
ZOOMING IS BECOMING MORE POPULAR
It is great that we will be having our monthly general meeting talk on line from
this month onwards. The National Third Age Magazine and the National
Newsletter (available on line) tell us about the many ways u3as are keeping going
during the pandemic. Zoom has been such a brilliant and very easy way to set up
meetings for groups. It is an opportunity to see each other over a cuppa or to have a focused
group session. Here are some of the groups that are, or have been, meeting on ZOOM or
similar video conference eg GOOGLE MEET
3 LANGUAGE GROUPS - French Conversation, Get by in French and Intermediate German
CLIMATE CHANGE – very active discussions about the wide range of topics that are part of
this important subject
EXPLORING WORLD RELIGION – continuing their investigations of different faiths
EXTRA MILE WALKING – Get together to look at photos and maps of walks in 2020
PHILOSOPHY & PSYCHOLOGY– meet up and discussions held facilitated by Libby
READING – talking about books they have been reading – until library books are available
GROUP LEADERS If you have not had a go yet do think about it – even if only to have a cuppa
and cake (or something stronger) The sessions are only 40 mins so it is a very manageable
format. Contact Kathy if you want some guidance.
MEMBERS - If your Group Leader suggests this do think about having a go at Zoom. Your
Leaders are still doing what they can to keep your activity alive.
4 05/02/2021HOW TO ACCESS A MEETING ON ZOOM
Zoom works on a desktop computer, laptop, tablet
or phone that has audio and camera. If you don’t
have a camera on an older device, a webcam can
be plugged in to the USB port. Webcams are
available on line eg Amazon.
Google has many sites to show you how to join a
zoom meeting. It’s a good idea to download the
Zoom App before your first meeting then it is very
easy to use the link in the invitation email to join
the meeting.
OTHER COMMITTEE NEWS
ARE YOU MISSING FRIENDSHIP DURING THE COVID LOCKDOWN?
We have a friendly COVID hub which was set up in January for u3a Gosport members. In this
third prolonged period of Lockdown some members may be feeling vulnerable and lonely if
they are not able to meet up with other group members, friends or family.
If you, as a u3a Gosport member, would like a friendly chat you are invited to contact Sheena
Bone (Welfare Officer) in the first instance. Sheena is supported in this scheme by other
members of our u3a and they can be involved in telephone calls, doorstep visits or shopping .
Sheena Bone 02392 602427 welfareofficer@gosportu3a.org.uk
NON u3a EVENTS AND INITIATIVES
GOSPORT CULTURAL CONSORTIUM
Gosport Borough Council, the Arts Council, the National Lottery and Historic England are
involved in funding for different aspects of a High Street Cultural Programme based at Gosport
Museum and Gallery. Because many of our groups are now meeting in SEARCH we have been
invited to be partners in the Gosport Cultural Consortium – a planning group set up by
Hampshire Cultural Trust - the organization which has been nominated as the lead partner for
this Consortium. A bid for specific funding over a 3 years period for the High Street Heritage
Action Zone has been submitted to Historic England. This will provide wonderful opportunities
for our U3A to be involved in the various aspects of these projects. Watch this space Gosport!!
A NATIONAL CREATIVE ARTS COMPETITION FOR OLDER PEOPLE
King Lear Prizes has set up this competition running from January to 19th March 2021 aimed at
65+ age range during the COVID-19 pandemic. Entries in poetry, real stories (short stories from
people’s lives), art and musical performance are accepted. There are over £2,000 of prizes on
offer. The winners will be picked by our panel of expert judges including Gyles Brandreth and
Julian Lloyd Webber.
Find out more on the website https://www.kinglearprizes.org.uk
5 05/02/20212020-21 COMMITTEE ROLES AND CONTACTS
Chairperson Pat Humphris chair@gosportu3a.org.uk 07752 596893
Vice Chair Linda Dorsett vicechair@gosportu3a.org.uk 07763 441602
Treasurer Jim Luke treasurer@gosportu3a.org.uk 07458 129506
Secretary Maggie Gavin secretary@gosportu3a.org.uk 02392 501505
Membership Secretary Linda Clachan membsec@gosportu3a.org.uk 07752 290588
Group Leaders’ Coordinator Kathy Parker grpldrsco-ord@gosportu3a.org.uk 02392 502753
& News Update Editor
Publicity Anne Pirie publicity@gosportu3a.org.uk 02392 358228
Speakers’ Secretary Maggie Gavin speakers@gosportu3a.org.uk 02392 501505
Welfare Officer Sheena Bone welfareofficer@gosportu3a.org.uk 02392 602427
Member Mentor Sheena Bone membmentor@gosportu3a.org.uk 02392 602427
NON COMMITTEE ROLES
Beacon Administrator Yvonne Riddell BeaconAdmin@gosportu3a.org.uk 02392 501232
Website Administrator Jennifer Bellamy WebAdmin@gosportu3a.org.uk 07765 500053
Group Leaders’ contact details are on the website and most group pages have a bluebird link
to the leaders’ email address.
Committee members and other members with a gosportu3a.org.uk email address for their
role will usually check their emails at least once a week. As part of their role many committee
members check their emails more frequently. If members need an urgent reply or do not get
a response to emails, they should ring at a reasonable time or contact another committee
member.
THINK ABOUT MAKING A CONTRIBUTION - JOIN THE COMMITTEE
U3A GOSPORT is run by committee drawn from the full membership. It is always a challenge
to recruit members but this April there will be other committee members coming to the end
of their 3 year term. We will need members to come forward to serve on the committee.
If you want to find out more contact the Chairperson - Pat Humphris
THIS UPDATE HAS BEEN SENT TO ALL MEMBERS VIA THE BEACON DATABASE.
IF YOU FIND ANY INCORRECT INFORMATION IN THIS UPDATE
PLEASE CONTACT KATHY PARKER
The next News Update will be circulated on 5th March 2021
Please send any news items by Sunday 28th February
to Kathy Parker grpldrsco-ord@gosportu3a.org.uk
6 05/02/2021You can also read
