U3A Ballina/Byron Inc

Minutes of Tutors’ Term 3 Meeting Thursday 15th September 2016 - Fripp Oval

Present: 13 Tutors as per attendance sheet

Apologies: Deane Bostock, Elspeth Lacey, Shirley Leon, Mahullah Bosnic, Sylvia Sanson, Barbara McCall, Ken Wood, Kim Pendreigh, Anne McDonald, Colleen Wellard, Jacqueline Tuckwell, Mary & Bert Carter, Brian Lewis and Ian McClean.

The meeting was opened at 11:30 am by Sue Bell who welcomed those present and thanked absentee tutors for their apologies. President Warren Hastings Harris likewise welcomed those present, and thanked them for their on-going assistance with classes.

Minutes of meeting Held on 16th June 2016 were circulated and taken as read. Moved Faye Duncan, and Seconded Christine George. Carried.

Business Arising: no business arising.

General Business:

The Future of Creative Writing – Jan Mulcahy

 Jan advised that she was retiring and moving to France, however Creative Writing will continue under the combined guidance of Ann Neal, Mandy Waring and Leone Edwards.  The class is currently in the process of producing a 2016 Anthology entitled “Write Inspirations” for which Jan requested financial assistance. Sue Bell asked Jan to put her request to the Committee in writing.  Jan is kindly donating a copy of her memoirs to U3A.  Sue Bell thanked Jan for her contribution to U3A.  Judith Haggard generously volunteered a donation of $400 towards the production of the 2016 Anthology.

Seniors’ Week:

 Ballina RSL has been booked for Friday 3rd March 2017. Ken Wood was thanked and congratulated for his role in securing this venue for our Expo.  Our aim is to showcase what U3A is about: through static displays, mini-workshops, dance performances and displays - to make U3A attractive to both members & non-members.  Tutors are requested to advise the Committee of the needs for their classes i.e. numbers of chairs/tables/display boards etc.  Active promotion of the Expo will begin in November.  The Committee is open to all suggestions and ideas.  As the Seniors’ Week Grant is State funded, it was suggested that the local member be invited to the opening. 1 Volunteers’ Thank You High Tea:

Tutors were reminded that the Thank You High Tea is on Tuesday 27th September @ 2.30pm, at Fripp Oval.

Class Information:

 Victor has advised that there will be no further Meditation class  Class Information Sheet for 2017 will be sent out by Christine  Please notify ASAP the suitability of current class venues and times; also any new classes that can be offered

Increase in membership fees proposal:

 A special meeting will be held on 22nd November @ 2.30pm for members to vote on the proposal.  Currently our income does not cover the running expenses of the organisations when you deduct fundraising activities. Fundraising is something we cannot rely on. Also because only a small group take part in fundraising activities these members are effectively subsidising other members. Proposed to raise fees to $50 per member (Less than $1 per week) and to drop the couple’s discount. Fundraising will still continue so as to cover new purchases, currently we have an aging photocopier and PC system plus our laptop that we use for external classes has died.  Members will be notified of the meeting 28 days beforehand, by either email or post.

Business from the floor:

 Ballina Island Motor Inn is the venue for the Christmas party on Wednesday 14th December  Victor Bosnic was thanked for his contribution to U3A  Jan Mulcahy is retiring  Colleen Wellard is retiring

Next meeting: TBA Meeting closed: 12.10 pm