It is one of those things we need to do, to stay in line with all the regulations and requirements for being a recognised charitable organisation, but great to see a high turnout. The people who represent you as a committee are really hopeful that we have a good basis now for moving forwards - with the running of the branch being able to be planned more smoothly, taking on more new committee members each year, and having more time to pass on knowledge and experience, now that we have a constitution that allows a more gradual handover of roles.
Thanks in particular to our new committee recruits Chris Shaw and Sharon Hill, both of who come in with their own ideas and areas of knowledge to give a new view on all the things we need to discuss, decide and deliver. Also to other volunteers who have come forward in recent weeks, to help out in areas like keeping the website updated, helping with training, catering, starting new groups, standing in when the committee are off on holidays, setting quizzes, etc.
We are happy that we can keep the membership fees unchanged, one of the lowest in the region, thanks to our much appreciated group leaders continuing to provide reasonable priced activities, and to more and more new members coming in based on word of mouth recommendations. Now we've completed the renewals of subscriptions for the start of a new year, delighted to see that we have the best yet continuation rates and numbers of new sign ups.
We always however still need even more active input. The whole idea of the u3a is 'FOR the members and BY the members'. Anything that happens is because someone has stood up and said 'How about trying this...'
All volunteers to get involved with groups and meetings and being guides to new members will always be welcomed. Speak to any of the committee if you'd like to get more actively involved. Or if there are areas you think we need to improve what we do, there is a suggestion box on the table where you come into any cricket club meetings, or you can email individual committee members via the admin page on the website.