Minutes of the Committee Meeting Held on Tuesday February 28Th 2017 at Westbank, St Ola

Orkney U3A

______

Minutes of the Committee meeting held on Tuesday February 28th 2017 at Westbank, St Ola.

Present: Tim Wright (in the Chair), David Appleton, John Graham, Sally Hallam, Trevor Kay, Fiona Knox, Liz Lea, Sally Mackintosh, Beryl Matthews, Hilary Morrell

1. Apologies for absence were received from Allan and Angela Way.

2. The minutes of the meeting held on 18th October 2016 were accepted as an accurate record

3. Matters arising a. The Gairloch exchange visit was no longer being pursued. b. General meeting speakers. The Chairman reported that he has speakers booked until August, and a possible speaker for September. He also has a list of other potential speakers to be passed on to the new Chair after the AGM. c. The Christmas lunch was deemed to be a success and having a fixed price menu with reduced choice had made organisation considerably easier for the secretary. It was felt that we should book the Kirkwall Hotel again for the 2017 Christmas lunch.

4. Chairmanship. Tim was to stand down as Chair at the next AGM, having served for three years and therefore ineligible to stand for a further term. So far no-one from the Committee or the wider membership had expressed an interest in standing for the position. The consequences of failing to elect a new Chair, which would result in the calling of an Extraordinary General Meeting and the possible dissolution of Orkney U3A, was discussed. Given the success of Orkney U3A at Group level and the quality of general meetings, this would be a disaster.

5. Financial Report. The Treasurer discussed the Annual Report to be presented at the AGM. Funds were currently healthy, with a small deficit of £64.65 and assets of £1212.75. Current membership was 91. Thanks were expressed to Gavin Cullen who audits the accounts.

The question of non-member experts was raised. It was felt that if an expert was helping or accompanying a group on a regular basis, then that person should be a U3A member. There were also insurance implications. In the past, guests could be temporary members for up to two occasions. It was decided that if an expert was regularly attending a group then that person should be “joined” as a member.

The treasurer was thanked for her well presented report.

6. Correspondence.

U3A mailings including U3A in Scotland Newsletter, Issue 2 (circulated to members) Summer school 2017 in Cirencester Notice of various events in London.

7. Bird Group Leadership. Following the sad death of Ken O’Connor, a meeting of the bird group had been held. The group was currently led jointly by Liz Lea and Sally Hallam. It was felt that over the years walking and socialising had taken precedence over the birds. There had also been a change in the bird populations over this time. While in summer bird group meetings would continue as at present, in winter visits would concentrate on “hot spots” . There would be more focus on bird watching and less on walking. A trip of the Bird Group to Forsinard with a guided walk was planned for 16th May.

8. Other group leaders were reminded to prepare a short report about their activities during the year for the AGM.

9. Any other business Sally Mackintosh reminded the Committee that next February would be the 10th anniversary of Orkney U3A. It was felt that a celebration of this would be appropriate and ideas were sought.

10. Date of next meeting. To be arranged by incoming chairperson.