U3A INTERIM BUZZ NEWSLETTER : No 2 APRIL 2019

This is the second of our new regular Beacon emails which we intend to send to members roughly midway between our Buzz magazine issues. We hope that you will find the information both interesting and useful. We include also the Minutes of the 2018 AGM which those members intending to attend our AGM in June will wish to read. These are also available on the BU3A website.[Click on ‘Documents’ and look for 2018 AGM Minutes]

SPRING SCHOOL Thursday 2nd and Friday 3rd May Our second Spring School at the Ibis Hotel (M1 Junction 37) is imminent.

IMPORTANT!!! The Tour de on Friday 3rd May will possibly/probably/definitely cause early morning chaos with major routes closed between 8.30 and 9.30 as the riders set off from the Town Hall along Huddersfield Road and go through , Redbrook, Mapplewell, and Royston. PLAN YOUR ROUTE TO THE IBIS IF YOU EXPECT TO BE AFFECTED.

NEW AND PROSPECTIVE GROUPS Barnsley leads the way in all sports (walking variety!). We are looking to create a Walking Netball group (male and female, needless to say). Linda McDevitt is to be the leader/Coordinator. Fourteen excellent, sterling ladies (What?! No men?!) have so far expressed an interest. Linda is to meet them on June 11th for a coffee/snack at Priory Campus to decide on day and venue for this venerable sport. Please let Beth Rudkin (Development) or any committee member know if you are interested.

Following on from recent successful First Aid Courses, Carole Felton is offering to run another one in the next few weeks. It will be a four-weeks course, taking place on Thursday mornings between 10am and 12 noon. See Carole’s details on the contact list.

EXISTING GROUPS ACTIVELY SEEKING NEW MEMBERS In the first interim letter, we mentioned that a number of our groups have spaces available and one that we would like to draw to members’ attention this time is Music For Pleasure, one of our most established groups but currently struggling for numbers. It could well appeal to many members of our existing choral and instrumental music groups but for anyone with a love of classical music or wanting to start learning about truly great music, why not give this group a try? See the contact list for the Coordinator’s details. The meetings take place on Wednesday afternoons fortnightly at Worsborough Bridge Social Club.

DEVELOPMENT OFFICER VACANCY Members may be aware that Beth Rudkin is standing down from her role as our Development Officer. We are currently looking to create a small team of members to work together to help carry out this vital and enjoyable role. If you would like to learn more about this “best job in BU3A” opportunity, please contact Alan or any member of the Executive Committee for a discussion. The ‘job’ description can be seen on the BU3A website at Documents/Roles and Responsibilities.

MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL For those members who have still to renew their membership, you can do so in person at the May Monthly Meeting on 13th May at The Priory. We will be in The Oak Room from 12.00 – 13.30. Please have your renewal slips and cheques completed. Many members have already renewed using the online BACS method, which has proven very successful and easy to use. Any member still to renew can use this method.

MAY MONTHLY MEETING

The next Monthly Meeting on Monday 13th May at 1.30 will feature Flutes Galore with popular tunes, a sing-along and a special arrangement for six flutes of Jeannie With The Light Brown Hair written by Eric Longford Jessop, well known in brass band circles throughout Yorkshire and a member of our Old Blowers.

Flutes Galore has grown from three members when it started in 2018 to eight members in 2019 and the rumour is that more are wanting to join. Is this now the largest U3A Flute group in the country? Seven of the eight will be playing at the meeting and have been working hard to offer us a great programme.

We are saving our impressive BU3A Choir for their own Monthly Meeting later in the year. The May meeting was going to be shared by the two groups but surely better that each has its own spot in our calendar.

SUMMER BUZZ The Summer Buzz will be available for collection at the AGM Monthly Meeting on June 3rd. All submissions from Coordinators and any other member (articles, photos, etc) for this Summer edition should be sent to [email protected] by Friday 10th May.

SPRING BUZZ PHOTO CAPTION COMPETITION

There is still time to add your entry to the amusing ones already received for the Photo Caption Competition on Page 27 of the Spring Buzz. Entries to [email protected] or to Buzz Editor at [email protected] Results in the Summer Buzz. I can’t wait!

BARNSLEY LIGHTBOX [NEW LIBRARY] SATURDAY 20TH JULY The new Barnsley Lightbox opens its doors to the public on Saturday 13th July and a week later on Saturday 20th July there is an event for Barnsley charities to publicise themselves. Barnsley U3A will have a promotion stand there and anyone willing to help to explain to members of the public what we do, should contact Alan Swann or Derek Bacon (see Contact list) for further details.

CURRY NIGHT COORDINATOR We are looking for a Curry Night Coordinator to replace Trudy Atkinson who is standing down after several years doing the job. Many thanks, Trudy. Our curry fans are grateful to you.

BU3A EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE POSTS At the AGM on the 3rd June, there are a number of Executive Committee posts to be filled; these can be seen on Page 5 of the Spring Buzz.

BUSINESS SECRETARY Pam Clayton has stepped down as Business Secretary for personal reasons and Jacqui MacKinnon has been co-opted onto the Executive Committee to take over the role. Pam has done a tremendous job for BU3A over a number of years and we all thank her and wish her well for the future.

SIXTIES NIGHT There are just half a dozen tickets still available. Contact Margaret Saxton (see Contact list).

Thank you all for your continuing support and please keep on enjoying BU3A.

Alan Swann (Chairman) Derek Bacon (Buzz Editor) 2018 AGM MINUTES

MINUTES OF THE TWENTY-SECOND ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF BARNSLEY AND DISTRICT U3A HELD AT THE PRIORY CAMPUS ON MONDAY 4TH JUNE 2018

PRESENT:

Alan Swann (Chairman), Ernest Bradley (Vice Chairman), Pam Clayton (Business Secretary) Hilary Newton (Treasurer), John MacKinnon (Membership Secretary), Helen Dew (New Members), Margaret Saxton (Social Secretary), Beth Rudkin (Development Officer) Sue Rowley (Choir), Max Senior (Equalities Officer), Trudy Atkinson (Gift Aid), Mike Booth (Website Administrator).

APOLOGIES: Mike Nevins (Room Bookings)

1 WELCOME

The Chair welcomed members to the twenty-second Annual General Meeting and pointed out that copies of the twenty-first AGM Minutes had been published in the Spring Buzz and were also being displayed on screen at the meeting. The Agenda and the 2017/18 Financial Statement were available in the current Buzz, along with the Chairman's Annual Report.

A minute’s silence was held in respect of members who had passed away during the last year. The Chair paid tribute to Dennis Avison, who was Chairman of BU3A in the early years, who died recently.

2 MINUTES OF THE TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Members were asked to consider the Minutes of the previous AGM. These were then accepted as a correct record. Proposed by Trudy Atkinson and seconded by Sarah Taylor.

3 MATTERS ARISING

There were no matters arising.

4 ANNUAL REPORT

The Annual report printed in the Buzz will be submitted to the Charities Committee along with the end of year accounts for publication on their website.

5 CHAIRMAN'S REPORT

BU3A continues to maintain its strong position in the region and this is down to its spirit of “we make it work”. We are able to offer a range of groups that are of interest to members and currently there are 100 activities available. The continued growth in new membership brings with it new ideas and opportunities to develop further activities.

Advertising is one of our strengths and, historically, this was mainly done by word of mouth but more recently, we have added BU3A publicity leaflets. The website has undergone significant development, which gives an up to date summary of what we do. We also have the Buzz, which is now a real magazine that is often passed on to friends and neighbours. Overall, this high-quality publicity plays a big part in letting people know about us, which in turn leads to increasing membership numbers.

Members were informed that there is now an excellent archive of Barnsley U3A which is housed at Age UK [Barnsley], Eldon Street. Thanks were extended to Michael Swift and Mary Burbidge for their excellent work in putting this together. The archive is available to view by request.

The Chairman's Report was accepted – proposed by June Rolfe and seconded by Swaran Dhal.

6 TREASURER'S REPORT (Hilary Newton)

The accounts are available in the current Buzz. The expenditure against room hire has increased this year but is mainly due to new groups being created. It was pointed out that the Affiliation Fees shown on the report are incorrect, showing some £950 too much. This is due to Beacon Access and the CLA licence being added to the wrong column. Buzz posting is less this year due to reduced postal costs as we are now able to use the franking facility at Age UK. It is important that members clearly state how they wish to receive their copy of the Buzz in order to avoid any confusion and duplication. The Treasurer appealed to co- ordinators to bring the blue boxes into the monthly meetings on a regular basis.

The accounts were accepted as a true record - proposed by Mac McKechnie and seconded by Mike Pease.

7 SOCIAL SECRETARY'S REPORT (Margaret Saxton)

Three successful social events had taken place during the year – a Race Night in September, the December Christmas Lunch and the Burns night in January. The raffles at all monthly meetings have been well supported. Events for the coming year will include a Ceilidh, Race Night, Christmas Lunch and Burns Night. An appeal was made for members to join the Social Committee.

8 DEVELOPMENT OFFICER'S REPORT (Beth Rudkin) Much concentration has been given to Penistone this year where there are currently 11 new groups including Cricket Watching and a West African Group starting in September.

Other new groups commencing during the year include:

Toutes Flutes; Mixed Walking Football; Sunday Strollers; Beginners Tai Chi; One Club; Link Group (previously called New Members); Literature Group; Beginners Ukulele; Introduction to Spanish; Karaoke Singers; Gadget Help Group (drop in).

How Our Ancestors Lived which started in Penistone will now also be starting a new group in Barnsley, to be held at the Dodworth Welfare. Crafty Chat has been renamed Every Craft. Information regarding all groups is available in the Buzz.

9 NOMINATIONS AND ELECTION TO EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

The Business Secretary (Pam Clayton) read out nominations for the Executive Committee as follows: Alan Swann – Chairman Hilary Newton – Treasurer The nominees for election to the Committee were - Trudy Atkinson; Mike Booth; Helen Dew; John MacKinnon; Michael Nevins; Sue Rowley; Beth Rudkin; Margaret Saxton; Max Senior.

A show of hands from members of the meeting present accepted the above.

10 APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS OF ACCOUNTS

Les Roberts and Don Smith to continue in the role of joint examiners of the accounts.

11 COORDINATORS’ UPDATES

Travel Group – Chrissie White gave an overview of upcoming events, which include trips to Edinburgh, Chester, Thursford, North Yorks Railway, the River Trent and the Royal Albert Hall. Interest slips had been left on chairs at the meeting for members to complete.

It was announced by the Chair that Sue Button and Caroline Senior have been requested to attend a meeting in Sheffield to introduce the Oral History project to Sheffield U3A.

The Thursday Gardeners group are going to Burnby Hall in August at a cost of £32; should members wish to join this trip, please contact the Co-ordinator.

An event in Locke Park called “Destination Barnsley” will take place on Sunday 15 July 2018, between 12.30pm and 4.30pm. This is a mixed event, which includes well-being workshops, sports, world fashion show, and board games. BU3A have been invited to take part by demonstrating various board games. For information contact Martin King or Victor Alt.

Chinese night - 15th August 2018 Curry night - 28th June 2018

12 ANY OTHER BUSINESS

A request was made for anyone bringing milk bottle tops to the meeting to pre-sort them into appropriate colours.

Members were asked to note that if they have opted to collect the Buzz /read it on line or have it posted to them, they cannot pick up a further copy from Age UK [Barnsley], Eldon Street.

Marjorie Exley extended thanks to Alan Swann (Chair) and Ernest Bradley (Vice Chair) for their continued roles in supporting the BU3A. The Chair gave thanks to his Committee and to the Co-ordinators for their hard work in maintaining a successful BU3A. Thanks also went to Robert Green for his work in ensuring the monthly meeting presentations run smoothly.

The Chairman cannot attend next monthly meeting, therefore the July monthly meeting will be chaired by Beth Rudkin.

13 DATE OF NEXT AGM 3 June 2019.

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