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COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Chair/Technician Tim Dyke 07925 543333
Vice-Chair Deborah Lal
Secretary John Hampshire
Treasurer Eric Oakley
Programme Organiser/NO Liaison Paul Fitzmaurice
Exe Valley U3A Social Organiser/Minutes Secretary Joan Kelly
Beacon Administrator Sue Phillips
http://u3asites.org.uk/exevalley Membership Secretary Jill Riddiford 01884 258091
Meeting Organiser/Speaker Contact Martine Downes
Facebook Exe Valley U3A Groups Co-ordinator Kathy Senior
http://www.u3a.org.uk/ Publicity Alan Phillips
NON-COMMITTEE
Website Manager Wendy Cook
Newsletter 151 Newsletter Editor Lynne Lyddon
August 2020 Welfare Marilyn Dawson
View from the Chair
“You think at last you see light at the end of the tunnel,
but then you realise it’s a train, and it’s rushing straight towards you”
I don’t know about you, but this seems to sum up my feelings at the moment: we have been through so
much, and the end is still not in sight. But small groups are beginning to emerge, cautiously and outdoors –
just remember to keep a record of everyone’s emails, so they can be tracked and traced if necessary. (The
latest Government advice states that for the over 70s - the so called clinically vulnerable - nothing has
changed: 'They should take particular care to minimise contact with others outside their household.....
If they do go out, they should be careful to maintain distance from others and … they should minimise the
amount of time they spend with others. They and everyone else should continue to comply with any general
social distancing.')
… but at last we are recommencing our MONTHLY MEETINGS at 2pm on August 19th, though only
on Zoom. At this, I shall be asking your opinion on a range of Famous Conspiracy Theories.
I hope to try to recapture some of the feel of a proper meeting, giving you many
chances to chat in small groups so that you can catch up with old friends as well
as saying hello to new ones.
So what do YOU think precipitated the Lynmouth floods? Who killed Princess
Diana? Did they REALLY land on the moon?? All these and lots more to
discuss. But No Right Answers!
Just click (or Ctrl + click) on this link to enter the meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2772605615?pwd=WW9MbVc1Y1piOUdVMHAyWkpQMS9Rdz09
or open the Zoom app, click Join Meeting and enter the Meeting ID: 277 260 5615. Password 471390.
I hope to see you there.
Keep Safe.
A.G.M.
You will know that we postponed our AGM, due right at the beginning of Lockdown. We had hoped to
hold this as the pandemic eased in the Autumn but, with no prospect of a full-scale meeting in the
foreseeable future, we have reluctantly decided to hold it on Zoom, as our colleagues in the Tiverton U3A
did last month, and as National U3A are doing in September. So our Meeting on Wednesday September
16th at 2pm will start with the deferred AGM (should be no more than 20 minutes), followed by a talk on
“Antoni Gaudi and La Sagrada Familia” by Chris Hammett.
Details, Agenda and reports are appended at the end of this Newsletter. Please try to attend. If you wish,
you can send your emailed votes to the Secretary on johnhampshire28@gmail.com. Links and codes to join
will be the same as for the August meeting above. (If you know of any member without access to email,
please give them a copy.)
National High Street Project
Also at the end of this Newsletter you will find a copy of the National Office’s High Street Project. If you
would like to be involved in this, please email (dyke397@btinternet.com) or ring me and I will pass your
name on to Roger Gunn of the Tiverton U3A, who is co-ordinating this locally.
WELFARE OFFICER
Marilyn Dawson
Marilyn prefers to be contacted by email at keithandmarilyn@hotmail.com . If you know of anyone who is
ill or has been admitted to hospital, or anyone who has a special anniversary to celebrate, please email Marilyn
with details and she will send a card on our behalf. We will also add an item to the monthly committee agenda
so that Marilyn can let the committee know via the secretary if she has sent anyone a card. It would also be
helpful if group leaders could keep Marilyn informed of anyone in their group who they think should receive
such a card.
NEWSLETTER
Lynne resumes Editorship next month, so please email her reports and photos as usual.
NEWS FROM THE INTEREST GROUPS
(Many thanks to all who submitted reports.
It could still be some time before Groups can meet in person –
Please let me know if you would like help to start using Zoom or Facebook etc)
Arts Appreciation Gina Brown Keith Bush Catherine Makepeace John Massey Glen Morgan
The choice of topics for July which really captured the interest of Group
members was selecting a picture celebrating summer. A number of the artists
chosen were English, perhaps evoking memories of carefree childhood summers;
but there were also French, Swedish, Dutch and American artists and most were
19th. or 20th. Century. They included Bruegel, Monet, Cassatt, Forbes and
Hockney. Some members also attempted the Picture Quiz, with varying degrees
of success.
Keith has once again been hard at work ensuring that our brains and interest
keep stimulated. So in August we can watch a couple of videos: about Tristram Hillier, an artist native to
Somerset whose works were recently exhibited at the Museum in Taunton; and about Samuel Palmer the
visionary 19th. Century landscape painter. We are also challenged with another picture details quiz, this time
depicting animals, and we’re invited to suggest any other works of art we know of which include animals.
Craft Carol Mcilwrath
COVID-19 has allowed the completion of a major Craft Group Project:
Roughly 4 years ago, it began as a summer holiday project for the children of a
Tiverton School Community Play Scheme: a rag rug for the floor of a treehouse that
was built. Rag rug making is a time consuming hobby, and inevitably the children
did not get very far! To help it along, the rug became the subject of at least two Craft
Group meetings (maybe more!) with each of us doing a “bit” whilst chatting and
drinking tea! Marion Murrell made a big impact, by taking it home to add the sun
centrepiece. The rug has travelled to many a Craft meeting, and been met with plenty
of groans! Thanks to Covid-19, one of our members, Jackie Monahan, has given an
enforced amount of time to complete the rug which was started so long ago.
I know all the current Craft Group members, and many of the past members, will be
glad to finally see the finished product! Thank you to all of you who contributed.
Discussion Irene Oakley A topic suggested for last month, but not chosen, was to revisit Covid-19 and comment on how we see our lives in the ‘new’ normal. To steer clear of harping on the negative aspects of the Pandemic it was suggested that we concentrate on lifestyle changes, changes in attitudes and changes in priorities that have developed through lockdown and made positive impressions on us that we would continue after Covid, if it was possible. Silence. A deserted M5 without traffic noise made walks in the nearby fields so much more enjoyable, free of the continual hum of vehicles. One member hopes that this experience will continue when the era of the electric car brings us some semblance of the pollution free existence we experienced during the complete lockdown. Two members mentioned the enjoyment of the extra walking, especially in the countryside, that changed their lifestyle from a more sedentary one to a more physical, healthier use of their extended spare time. Two members also mentioned their exercise regimes with DVD’s at home. Definitely an option when going to the gym is not possible and having the choice to exercise when you want. Three members commented on the release of stress brought about by stepping off the ‘treadmill’ with more time to relax and no pressure to be somewhere. A lifestyle with no deadlines and commitments is unlikely in the future but learning to say no to jobs and requests from others when inundated with social pressures should be a priority for one’s own wellbeing. One of these members admitted the pleasure of taking time to enjoy her garden instead of worrying about keeping her house shipshape for visitors! She has found getting to know neighbours has been facilitated by the weeks of clapping for the NHS and friendships have developed. She also has become more creative with her cooking as disciplining herself to a fortnightly shop she has experimented with unusual food combinations due to items running out in the fridge. Another member who spent two months not visiting the shops and now shops only once a week or less has saved money and resisted the temptation to buy foods she likes but doesn’t need to eat. The positive outcome of this is that she is losing weight and donating clothes that are getting too big for her to the charity shops. Another member has also saved money on petrol and shopping less and she hopes to continue being more frugal in the future (no doubt good practice for the horrendous recession we are facing). One member has gained much satisfaction from more participation in the growing community spirit and new friendships forged in her village. Altruistic actions have grown during lockdown, according to this member, and she acknowledges that although the British love their queues the patience and tolerance shown with the restrictions imposed for social distancing are heart-warming. This member also admits that with less socialising her enjoyment of wine has been somewhat curtailed but no doubt that will not continue when Covid is thwarted! Until then, dear friend, enjoy the health benefits of less alcohol in your life!! She ends her list of comments with a challenge to us all to grab the chance to create a greener sustainable future. She says we have been given a reset button and it is up to us not to waste it. Our one ‘shielding’ member admits she has struggled with this topic because lockdown is not easing for her as it is for most of us. She feels that we’re not at the end of anything yet. Covid is very much alive and social contact is still very limited for her. She only has a social bubble with her daughter and her family and plans for the celebration of her 70th birthday may have to be cancelled. Her interaction with her grandchildren is a highlight in her life and is one positive to carry through into the future. One thing she will certainly continue is to have her groceries delivered instead of carting heavy shopping a distance to her front door. She would love to look like Wurzel Gummidge all the time as no one can see her as yet. Oh, yes, social distancing and wearing masks has been a godsend for us females as no need for make-up and unwanted facial hair can be hidden from view! Perhaps this is not something that we wish to continue in the future – nice thought though! For one member her home has now become her refuge and not her prison. A compact home with no garden caused this member to suffer cabin fever when staying indoors for more than a couple of days. Now, it is her safe haven to return to after long walks trying to keep distanced from strangers. Abandoned books with book marks crying out to be moved have been taken from the bookshelf and read. Simple things and routines have given solace and the internet and social media are embraced instead of feared. Another member also accepts the need to expand her IT skills as Zooming has come into its own in this physically isolating time.
Yes, it may be that negatives outweigh the positives at this devastating period in our lives but now is the time to embrace change and change for the better. Gardening Joan Kelly, Jo Jeffrey and Carol Powney August is a month for watering, deadheading, trimming, cutting back etc.etc. Lots of work to do but the rewards of harvesting make gardening all worthwhile and we can enjoy the fresh produce and flowers. Last month was successful judging from the lovely photos received of Group members’ gardens. We’re hopeful that we can get together sometime soon. Local History David Meredith With no possibility of meeting together, I have arranged a speaker and talk using Zoom on Wednesday September 9th at 2pm, a day earlier than the usual second Thursday, to accommodate the speaker. Dr Sarah Hotchkiss will speak on, "The use of seaweed past and present - some historical context and local relevance." Sarah, Tiverton born and educated, is the daughter of Local History Group members Rob and Anne Hotchkiss and works world-wide from her base in North Devon. Please let me know if you intend joining the meeting so that the appropriate logging on details can be provided, also if you would like or need help setting up. The session should last about an hour and include time for questions and/or discussion. No charge as Sarah is offering the talk free in support of U3A activities. Lunch Group Suspended at present, of course, but looking for new leaders, with many thanks to Ron & Pat Bawcombe for inspiring it for so long. Members On Their Own (MOTO) Wendy Cook MOTO members are still busy in their gardens growing veg but some have rediscovered dress making and catching up with paperwork. A couple have been to Mad Hatters since it changed hands and is now called the Duck and Bean and has had a lick of paint. Other members have been bubbling with family and have started socialising more. We are very lucky to have some good National Trust properties and gardens locally and other members have been visiting them. I have ventured as far as RHS Rosemoor complete with mask, sanitiser and wipes and it was well worth the effort. We are all looking forward to being able to get together again once we can meet up for coffee. We shall probably have to find a new venue but I will keep you all informed. Keep well
Poetry Margaret Wallwork
We pooled poems from and about childhood this month on Zoom, from
Stevenson’s Swing to Duffy’s Mrs Tilscher via, of course, A A Milne and
not treading on the lines on the pavement! Finally we enjoyed reading one
of Joyce Grenfell’s incomparable monologues… “George, don’t do that”!
Next month, Birds (though with a passing look at the Glorious Twelfth).
Same Zoom as above, or email Tim.
Reading
Reading Group 1 Alison Rice
Damian Barr's first novel You Will Be Safe Here was not a comfortable read.
Several members of the group, while shocked, appreciated learning about the
appalling conduct of the English in the Second Boer War. The story is told
through the diary of a young Afrikaans woman, who, having witnessed the
destruction of her family home and farm, was incarcerated in a British
concentration camp.
This diary form was not convincing to some readers, and even less convincing
was the contrived connection between this outrage and a modern day boot camp,
which brutally prepares young men and boys to rebel violently and re-establish white rule in South Africa.
David Barr is a columnist and broadcaster. Two of the reading group felt they would prefer the author to
have written factual articles about disturbing past and present episodes as his fictional writing was stilted.
Discussion was interesting, the book informative and the facts extremely distressing
Reading Group 2 Chris Redhead
On Monday 3 August our group met on Zoom again. All but three of our group joined – one by holding up
a mobile phone and enduring sustained raised arm torture. After catching up with our news we discussed
the books we remembered reading as children. Many well-loved stories concerned animals – donkeys,
horses, kittens, rabbits – Wind in the Willows, Beatrix Potter, Alice in Wonderland. Another common
theme was adventure and reassuring family dramas – Heidi, Swiss
Family Robinson, Ann of Green Gables, What Katy Did/Next, Lorna
Doone, Robinson Crusoe, Narnia, Enid Blyton, A. A. Milne. Stories
of far-flung places and comics and Annuals were also popular. One
member recalled with gratitude the women left husbandless after the
war who drove the Travelling Library vans and brought books to rural
areas and made books available to children. I remember that also
being valuable to adults in not-so-rural places.
We also discussed what we are currently reading and one member
strongly recommended a book by John Sopel – If Only They Didn’t Speak English.
We are discussing a way to start using the Library Reading Groups Service again without actually meeting –
gardens are weather dependent and unwise with more than six people and houses are out of the question for
the foreseeable future but we are trying to find a way.
In the meantime we will meet again by Zoom on Monday 7 September at 2pm. Thank you to Tim for
making this work. We now have ROOM FOR THREE MORE MEMBERS, if anyone is looking for a
forum in which to discuss their reading, and anything else under the sun.
What We Have Noticed Chris Brown
Our convivial monthly get-togethers provided an opportunity for members to present their newsy
contributions, giving rise to spirited discussions and much merriment.
Regretfully, the malign influence of the Covid 19 juggernaut has taken centre stage in terms of news
coverage, effectively interrupting our supply of carefully considered harvestings.
We hope you can appreciate that although this close group worked really well on a face-to-face basis, this
cannot be achieved during current 'social distancing' restrictions.
Accordingly, and for the foreseeable future, it is regretted that we will not be able to provide a monthly
contribution to this newsletter. With kind regards, Chris Brown.
World History Chris Hammett
The World History group had a Zoom meeting in July, at which 13 members and
guests were told, by the group leader, how the American President is elected and
the story of the Presidency to date. Chris then returned to the first President George
Washington, telling us of his early family life, how he inherited property and slaves
at age 11 and went on to become a General and Commander-in-Chief of the
Colonial army during the American war of independence.
After the death, in 1752, of his older brother, followed two years later by his
brother’s wife and children, George inherited a large plantation called Mount
Vernon.
In 1759 he married Martha Dandridge Custis and they moved into Mansion house
on the Mount Vernon plantation.
Washington had entered politics a year earlier when he was elected into the house of
Burgesses for Virginia. Washington took a leading role in creating the Declaration
of Independence and led the Continental army to victory over the British, in the war
that followed. Washington was again to take a leading role in the Constitutional
Convention that took place in Philadelphia in 1787. Where after four months the
Constitution was created and signed on September 17th.
In the Presidential election that followed, Washington was unanimously
elected as the first President of the United States of America. He is the
only President to be so elected, and he did it twice.
Washington presided over the establishment of the new federal
government, appointing all of the high-ranking officials in
the executive and judicial branches, shaping numerous political
practices, and establishing the site of the permanent capital of the United
States in the town of Georgetown which is now a suburb of Washington
DC.
He supported Alexander Hamilton's economic policies whereby the federal Government assumed the
debts of the state governments and established the First Bank of the United States, the United States Mint,
and the United States Customs Service. Congress passed the Tariff of 1789, the Tariff of 1790, and an excise
tax on whiskey to fund the government and, in the case of the tariffs, address the trade imbalance
with Britain.
He directed the Northwest Indian War, which saw the United States
establish control over Native American tribes in the Northwest
Territory. He issued the 1793 proclamation of neutrality keeping
America out of foreign wars.
He was re-elected for a 2nd term taking office in Philadelphia on
March 2nd, 1793.
Weary of politics and feeling old, he retired at the end of his second
term. In March 1797, he turned over the government to John Adams
and returned to Mount Vernon, determined to live his last years as a
simple gentleman farmer.
He died December 14th, 1799, aged just 67.
If anyone would like a copy of the full talk please email Chris.
Next month on Monday August 17th, Helen Booth will be leading a Zoom meeting and telling us about The
Irish Potato Famine.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
VIRTUAL AGM
2pm on Wednesday September 16thth Meeting ID 277 260 5615, password 471390.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2772605615?pwd=WW9MbVc1Y1piOUdVMHAyWkpQMS9Rdz09
If you are unable or unwilling to attend on Zoom, but still wish to participate, please email your votes to
the Secretary, John Hampshire, on johnhampshire28@gmail.com, on the following proposals (or to add any
other business):
1. To adopt the minutes for 2019. Yes / No Matters arising?
2. To approve the accounts. Yes / No
3. To approve the Vote of Thanks to the Auditor. Yes / No
4. To re-elect the Chairman. Yes / No
5. To re-elect the Vice-Chair. Yes / No
6. To elect the new Secretary. Yes / No;
7. To re-elect the Treasurer. Yes / No
8. To re-elect the other Committee members as listed. Yes / No
Agenda
EXE VALLEY U3A Virtual Annual General Meeting. 2pm Wednesday September 16th
Deferred from Wednesday 18 March 2020 at 2pm.
1. Apologies
2. Presentation and adoption of the minutes of the Annual General Meeting 20 March 2019
3. Matters Arising
4. Chair’s Report
5. Treasurer’s Report and Adoption of Accounts
6. Examiner of Accounts. Vote of thanks.
7. Election of Officers and Committee
8. Any other business
9. Date of next annual meeting: March 17th 2021
MINUTES OF EXE VALLEY U3A AGM HELD ON WEDNESDAY 20 MARCH 2019 AT THE TIVERTON RUGBY
CLUB AT 2 PM
Wendy Cook, Vice Chair, welcomed everyone to the meeting
Apologies: Vicki and Peter Stuckey Ro Darlington Bunty Coffin Irene Oakley Lynne and David Lyddon
Jo Jeffrey Sally Butler Margaret Wallwork Ray Rice Ray Amer Janet Phythian
Presentation and Adoption of Minutes of the 21 March 2018 AGM
The minutes were adopted by the members present and signed by Wendy as a true record.
Matters Arising: None
Vice Chair Report
We have had a successful year, although as a committee we have had some ups and downs. Annette served for a
while as Minutes Secretary, but did not feel the role was for her, we are very grateful to Jo Jeffrey for taking over the
job. Ray Rice resigned as Chair for personal reasons and we all appreciate the hard work Ray has put in over the
years both on and off the committee. We thank Ray especially for the work he did on getting our Beacon system up
and running, it is proving a real benefit to the whole membership.
On the social side, it was a shame that the Quiz night had to be cancelled through lack of support, but hopefully the
new committee will be willing to organise another evening. The committee will welcome any suggestions for other
social events.
Our open day in August was very well attended and resulted in 25 new members. We also held a coffee morning for
those who had joined during this year which was great fun.
In general I feel that the speakers this year have been well received, with perhaps one notable exception!
We have been prepared to pay a little more to get better quality speakers and I think this has paid off.
Joan is handing over the role of Programme Secretary but is willing to give support and advice to whoever takes on
this role.
On the PA front, we are very grateful to Tim and his sterling work in carrying out the challenges thrown at him by our
various speakers who all seem to need a different type of lead to connect to our system. Tim has bought several new
pieces of equipment, including a sheet in case we can’t get the screen to work.
All praise to Kathy, our Groups Co-ordinator for the enthusiasm and involvement she has brought to the role.
Thank you also to the following members
Sheelagh, Gwen, Jill Courcha, Sue Woodard and any others who have helped at the registration table
Greeters: Liam Edwards and any members who have made a point of speaking to new members or anyone sitting on
their own. Tea rota volunteers and food suppliers for special events,
Chair movers at the beginning of meetings and stackers at the end
Marilyn our Welfare Officer, Lynne Lyddon our Newsletter Editor, Carol Powney for doing the books every month
Committee Members standing down:
Jo, in her absence, who stood in at short notice for Joan, who stood in as Minute Secretary when Jo went off to New
Zealand
Annette, who came back to the committee after having been a founder member, to be the Minute Secretary
Tim, for standing in to Chair the February monthly meeting when I couldn’t be there
I would also like to say a special thank you to David Fogg (who isn’t here this afternoon) who as you may know is very
poorly. David is a long standing member of this U3A and until recently has worked tirelessly for Exe Valley, from
starting and leading groups as diverse as mah jong to world history and art appreciation. He has cut down to one
group now. He has also been a greeter for our monthly meetings and many of you will have been made welcome by
his friendly approach and interest in your interests. This U3A is very lucky to have benefitted from David’s dedication.
Finally, as I am standing down from the committee I would like to thank the present and past members of the
committee, especially Tim, for standing in as Newsletter Editor when Lynne was away (and to Kathy Senior for
assisting) and for taking over the printing – of newsletters, name cards, the programme etc
Jill, taking over the role of sending out the monthly reminder email
To Kathy, who stood in for Martine as monthly meeting organiser when Martine was ill
To all of you, a big thanks for all your hard work and for the fun I have had working with you all and to wish the new
committee and you members all the best for the future.
Treasurer’s Report and Adoption of Accounts
The balance sheet as at 31 December 2018 was displayed on the screen at the meeting and Eric gave a brief
resume. He invited questions about the accounts and there were none. The Accounts were duly adopted by those
present and signed by the Vice Chair
Examiner of Accounts: Vote of Thanks. Eric thanked Trisha Clarke for taking on the role of Examiner and for
examining and approving the 2018 accounts. He presented her with a gift of thanks
Elections of Officers and Committee
Nominations for Exe Valley U3A Committee at the 2019 AGM
Position Nominee Nominated Seconded
Chair Tim Dyke Margaret Wallwork Elizabeth Gudgeon
Vice Chair Deborah Lal Sheelagh Bourdon Avril McManus
Treasurer Eric Oakley Vicki Stuckey Paul Fitzmaurice
Secretary Chris Redhead Sheelagh Bourdon Gwen White
Committee
Jill Riddiford Sheelagh Bourdon Gwen White
Joan Kelly Carol Mcilwrath Margaret Townsend
Martine Downes Dee Taylor Jill Courcha
Paul Fitzmaurice York Dawson Sue Phillips
Kathy Senior Chris Hammett Yvonne Tupman
Sue Phillips Paul Fitzmaurice Janet Rosser
Alan Phillips Paul Fitzmaurice Janet Rosser
Each officer was individually named and approved by the members and the Committee were approved by members
en bloc.
Tim then assumed the chair. He expressed his thanks to Wendy for stepping in as Vice Chair and gave her a small
presentation. He also thanked Ray in his absence for his work during his term of office and said he would be going to
see him. He thanked all the committee for their work and support. He apologised that he is unable to socialise during
meetings as a chair should, due to operating the PA System but encouraged members to come to chat to him. He
mentioned that Joan would be grateful for any offers of help with social events.
Any Other Business: None
Date of next Annual General Meeting – 18 March 2020
……………………………………………………………………………………….
CHAIR’S REPORT (as scripted in March 2020 – many details and plans have of course changed since)
I have great pleasure in reporting that Exe Valley U3A has continued to thrive and grow over the past year,
and that membership currently has increased to 255. We have welcomed an encouraging number of new
members, but are always hoping for more, and the proportion of those belonging to both our organisation
and Tiverton U3A has again increased. We continue to foster positive links between the two U3As, with
members attending each other’s interest groups where places are available. I would remind you of the fact
that has been brought home to me in arranging the U3A Day, that becoming an associate member of
Tiverton U3A (and conversely encouraging our friends there to become associate members of Exe Valley),
vastly increases the range of interests and activities available to members, and at the moment only costs
about £10 for both.
Plans had been advancing for the U3A DAY on June 3rd, (now deferred to June 2nd 2021), which we hope
will raise the profile of both our U3As in Tiverton. (There are well over 1000 U3As with nearly ½ million
members nationwide).
Our financial position remains very sound in the hands of our capable and patient Treasurer Eric Oakley. As
a result, we have managed to keep our membership fee at the extraordinary level of £5 for one more year,
but serve notice that this may have to be re-assessed in October.
SOCIALS: It was a great joy to be able to revive the autumn quiz with supper, this year in the Old
Heathcoat School Community Centre for a change. We have also enjoyed a new members’ coffee morning,
a team leaders’ lunch, a golf club cream tea, and a Christmas party – we all owe huge thanks to Joan, Jo,
Martine and Kathy, and all their helpers, for arranging all of these. We plan to offer all of these again this
year.
SPEAKERS – We have had an extraordinary range of speakers and topics, and thanks again to Joan Kelly
and Jo Jeffries for booking these and Martine Downes for organising them. It has been a pleasure to hear
from so many how much they enjoyed their welcome here. We look forward to seeing the new programme
arranged by Paul Fitzmaurice.
INTEREST GROUPS, of which we now have more than 30, continue to be well-supported thanks to Kathy
Senior, who has visited all of them and is now a member of half! Without the efforts of our group leaders
these groups would not be able to function - we thank them all and are always ready to support anyone who
has an idea for a new group they would like to create.
I know you would wish to join me in conveying our sincere thanks to the Committee, but would like to
stress that we are a co-operative movement that exists only through the hard work and dedication of
countless volunteers – I got to 50 people I should really include in a list of thanks before I gave up, so I just
say a huge thank you to all of you who do so much to keep our U3A going in such a friendly and efficient
manner, but perhaps especially to Lynne Lyddon, who each month in the Newsletter reminds us of all that is
going on.
The preparation and clearing of this hall remains perhaps one of the most strenuous jobs we have to do, so
we would appreciate still more furniture shifters and tea makers.
The biggest problem some committee members have had to cope with has been the vicissitudes of the new
Beacon data system, but National Office assure us that the new version, due out soon, should solve many of
the awkwardnesses we have experienced.
MEMBER STANDING DOWN: CHRIS REDHEAD. Five years as Secretary is something of a record, and
it is a huge testament to her industry and patience that we have weathered so many changes and
developments and policy changes so smoothly and undemonstratively. We owe her a huge debt of gratitude.
TREASURER’S REPORT
EXE VALLEY U3A - FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31ST DECEMBER 2019
RECEIPTS 2019 2018 PAYMENTS 2019 2018
Subscriptions 1117 490 Venues & Speakers 1636 1415
Admin &
Meeting Fees 926 673 Equipment 1294 1411
Gift Aid 300 163 Direct Mail 50 45
Events/Funds Raised 921 607 Events/Funds Raised 816 1713
National Office 50 121 National Office 412 0
U3A Capitation Fee 742 665
TOTAL 3314 2054 4950 5249
BALANCE SHEET AT 31ST DECEMBER 2019
2019 2018
Receipts 3314 2054
Payments 4950 5249
Surplus/deficit -1636 -3195
Carried Forward 4421 7616
TOTAL FUNDS AT YEAR END 2785 4421
2019 2018
Current Assets Balance at Bank 2701 4342
Cash in Hand 190 190
TOTAL 2891 4532
Liabilities Cheques not Processed 106 111
NET ASSETS 2785 4421
Exe Valley U3A Financial Statements 2019 Notes to the accounts
As you can see from the figures, we ended 2019 with £2785 in the bank. This was a loss of about £1350 as
we returned to members some of the reserves, which had become excessive, by keeping subs low.
Next year, our best guess today is a further loss of £850, bringing us smack on our long term target level of
£2000.
1) ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
We are a charity registered with HMRC but exempt from registration with the Charity Commission.
We use one bank account with two signatures required for all transactions.
We do not use electronic transfers for either payments or funds.
We have suspended PayPal as a method of paying your subscriptions as it became too expensive.
Expenses are paid to officers for costs incurred in discharging their duties against production of
receipts. No officer receives any benefits from their activities.
It is our policy to write off equipment in the accounts when purchases are made. An asset register is
maintained on all capital equipment.
2) SUBSCRIPTIONS:
(Please note that our financial year is from 1st January to 31st December. Subscriptions are
due by the 1st January, the committee have given a leeway to pay till the end of March)
3) EVENTS:
We did not organise a treasure hunt in 2019 but it will be back again in 2020.
We did enjoy the quiz evening at OHSCC hall which gave us a small surplus of funds.
Another successful event was the tea party at Tiverton Golf club. Another coming up very soon.
The committee are sorry that it had to increase our monthly meeting fee to £2 as the Rugby Club
doubled our rent and our speakers are charging more.
4) ADMIN & EQUIPMENT:
Keeping this under control with a slight deduction from 2018.
5) Group Leaders will collect funds from their members to pay for halls, refreshments, transport cost,
theatre tickets, wine etc. These funds are not included in the U3A accounts, but a record of them is
kept separately.
Thanks to Tricia Clarke for once again auditing the accounts.
Nominations for Exe Valley U3A Committee 2020
Position Nominee Nominated by Seconded by
Officers
Chair Tim Dyke Helen Booth Patricia ClarkeVice-Chair Deborah Lal Sheelagh Bourdon Helen Booth
Treasurer Eric Oakley Yvonne Tupman Wendy Cook
Secretary John Hampshire Chris Brown Gina Brown
Committee Members
Joan Kelly Sue Lyne Margaret Townsend
Jill Riddiford Irene Oakley Wendy Cook
Paul Fitzmaurice Keith Dawson Bunty Coffin
Alan Phillips Janet Rosser Steve Harding
Sue Phillips Janet Rosser Steve Harding
Kathy Senior Chris Hammett Robert T Williams
Martine Downes Susan Robbins Sandra Kapnisi
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The National U3A High Street Project
Background
My name is Peter Cox, from North London U3A. (Peter Cox coxpetern@gmail.com) I’m a member of the
U3A Research Committee and have been asked by Ian McCannah, Trust Chair, to seek the help of Regional
Trustees, Network and individual U3A chairs, etc to launch this national research project, to which the
Covid-19 pandemic has given a sudden urgency.
This summer it has become very clear that Lockdown will lead to profound changes in shopping habits. As a
consequence, every shopping area seems certain to look very different, very soon, which will fundamentally
affect local communities in ways nobody can yet anticipate.
The project is being managed by the Trust’s Research Committee. The plan is to produce a landmark report
for publication by the Trust in 2022, so helping to raise the U3A’s profile in our 40th anniversary year.
This Autumn
The Project will begin with a quick survey to give us a baseline at the beginning of Lockdown in March
2020, against which we’ll be able to measure the changes. The timescale is of necessity short because the
situation is changing rapidly. I appreciate that Regional Trustees, Network and U3A chairs are already
stretched, and that a number of RTs are stepping down at the AGM, but I would be very grateful for your
help, as soon as possible, in encouraging U3As to participate in a simple survey during September.
We aim to produce a report for the Board by the end of December 2020 that describes the pre-Pandemic
state of Britain’s shopping locations. In early 2022 we will then be able to construct a final report that looks
in depth at the impact of the Pandemic, as part of wider research.
The U3A Volunteers’ Task
We would ask participants to choose a small number of shopping streets in their locality. That may mean for
example a main street, a local parade, and a small centre. They would walk along them, noting down three
items of data about each property: street number, name, and type (e.g. 171-5, Budgens, supermarket), and
photographing the shopfront. They do the next stage at home. We’ll provide a list of ‘property type’ codes,
and a simple form on which they will enter their data and the matching code. We would like the majority of
volunteers to complete and submit their data by the end of September. From our own trials we calculate that
a pair of U3A members can survey a street of 100 shops in two hours and do the data entry at home in half a
day.
What we’re asking you to doWe appreciate that there are variations between regions in the country, so you will know how best to achieve what is required in yours. That is: to identify a minimum of a dozen U3As, each with around 5-10 volunteers, willing to participate in the data recording exercise during September. Please ask each U3A to send me a Project Leader’s contact name and email. We will send them a link to an online volunteer registration form to be completed, ideally by the end of August, so that we can send out the information packs in time for volunteers to complete the recording by the end of September. All personal data will of course be subject to standard U3A Data Protection regulations. Conclusion This has the potential to prove a really influential study, one that will eventually allow every U3A the opportunity to contribute. We do hope you agree and can find the time, in your already busy schedule, to encourage U3As in your area to contribute to this vital preliminary survey in September – and help us to get it right.
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