Text Box: July 2008

Text Box: Weymouth & Portland u3a We meet the third Friday of every month (August excepted) at the Salvation Army Citadel, Westham Road, Weymouth at 10 am until approximately 12 noon. approximately  

NEWSLETTER Text Box: Some words from the Chairman. Sitting at the keyboard on a wet day in May you have to forget the disappointing weather and look ahead; sunnier times are on their way and we will soon be taking our summer break and maybe a well earned holiday, retirement can be quite hard work.  But, looking even further ahead, this November it will be five years since many of us stood outside the old Arts Centre on a blustery morning while Paul Brickell addressed us from the fire escape about what the U3A was all about.  On that first meeting an embryo committee was formed (and some of us are still on it).  From that meeting something good has grown, of which all the members can be proud.  We are slightly down on numbers since this time last year but we do have a healthy intake of new members.  A new group, digital photography, formed this year and I understand another group for basic digital photography is likely to start after the summer break, so we continue to develop new interest groups, which is what we are about.  As a change from previous Christmas        entertainments, and to celebrate our fifth anniversary, Tim Laycock, the local singer, actor and story-teller, will be on stage.  Tim royally entertained the U3A last year at Poole’s celebration of the U3A’s silver jubilee, and I know we will not be disappointed.  Enough from me though, enjoy our coming meetings and the summer break. Peter flannery, chairman                   Peter flannery, chairman, Weymouth & Portland u3a

Text Box: BUSINESS MATTERS A reminder to all members who attend interest groups to carry their membership cards with them so that the group           coordinator can record their membership number on the meeting register. Just in case you were not at the June monthly meeting, will group coordinators please note that all invoices, receipts and expenses claims should now go to the new Treasurer: Michael Miles, 13 Wyke Oliver Road, Preston, DT3 6BW Ron Gill. Vice Chairman and Membership Secretary

Text Box: SECRETARY’S NOTES ‘THE LORD HELPS THOSE…..’ I recently had a note from a lady who was not renewing her membership “because you don’t seem to welcome new members”. And that seemed really sad!  I think there are two ways of ensuring that new members feel at ease.  First, if you are already a member, don’t just get your coffee and sit down with your usual group of friends – wander round, and if you see someone sitting alone, introduce yourself.  You may make a new friend.  Second, if you are new - and I know how daunting it can be to enter a room full of strangers – find any committee member and say this is your first visit.  We will be really happy to give you a programme, the latest issue of U3A News, answer any questions and find someone for you to sit next to.  Indeed, Weymouth isn’t that big – keep your eyes open and you’ll probably see someone you know.  Do join some interest groups, as that’s the best way of getting to know people in a small group.  My old granny used to say “the Lord helps those who help themselves”! To encourage socialising, we will be having regular “social meetings”, as we have this month.  A few groups of chairs to rest awhile, but no rows.  No speaker, but time to circulate, to talk to group coordinators, your committee, and each other, and to enjoy the latest newsletter. And, for members old and new, PLEASE take time to look at the    Information Board.  It really is the best way of finding out what’s happening. Carol Green, Secretary                       Carol Green, Secretary         Carol Green,  Secretary                                   Carol Green, Secretary