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2004 January/February Newsletter Chairman's Notes What a beautiful autumn we have had this year, I do hope that you have all had the opportunity to see the lovely colours around our district. The twice yearly Regional Chairmen's Conference was held this month at Wokingham as usual and I am pleased to report what a good relationship we have with the other U3As in our Region. We are fortunate to have been provided a second laptop computer by GE Power of Bracknell and Brian Pettitt has put in considerable effort to get it up and running with the appropriate software. This does mean that we now have duplicate laptops and electronic projectors and you will see elsewhere in this newsletter that we now feel that we can allow it to be used by U3A members for non U3A purposes under very special conditions. In the committee we have been preoccupied with trying to fill some of the vacancies that are arising and also convenors for groups and we would still like to hear from anyone interested in taking on a more active role within our USA. May I say what a pleasure it was to see so many of you at the November Monthly Meeting concerning the Euro, and I hope to see similar numbers at our December meeting when various of our groups will be entertaining us. Finally, let me wish you all a Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year. Len Smith
GOOD NEIGHBOURLINESS and THE ORGANISATION NEXT DOOR Subsequent to an earlier decision by the committee that our equipment should not be used for non U3A purposes, we have reconsidered and feel that we should show good neighbourliness to those local voluntary non profit making organisations who would like to hear/see a presentation by one of our members on a subject not related to the U3A. We recognise that in the early days of Wokingham U3A, assistance was generously given to us by other organisations and we feel the rules spelt out below will enable us to show a similar generosity of spirit. For me success of this arrangement it is important that these rules are strictly observed. A Wokingham U3A member may use U3A equipment for talks and presentations to local voluntary non profit making groups provided s/he complies fully with the following conditions: 1) The equipment is not booked for U3A purposes. 2} The user is authorised for use of the particular equipment. 3) The user keeps the equipment in their safe care and custody at all times and does not allow use by other people. 4) The user is limited to one such usage in any six month period, otherwise requires specific approval by two Officers of Wokingham U3A. 5) Presentations to any non U3A organisation for non U3A purposes are limited to one in any six month period. 6) The user complies with the current standing instructions for equipment loan. Len Smith TECHNOLOGY GROUP The Technology Group closed at the end of its meeting on 26th November. During the Group's four year life we enjoyed excellent talks, joined in some lively debates and took part in some eye opening visits. This is due entirely to those members of the Group who presented talks, organised visits, set out chairs, prepared refreshments and otherwise helped to keep us going. Thank you all! It has been a privilege for me to be the Group's convenor throughout its life. It has also been great fun and a lively learning experience and that's what U3A is all about. It is now time for me to move on to other things and with nobody else free to become convenor closure has become inevitable. The Group's accounts will be closed as soon as the final account for hire of the Woosehill meeting room has been paid. Copies of the accounts will be forwarded to the U3A Treasurer as will any credit balance (expected to be £3.89). Colin Mitchell Cycling off Road Would anyone be interested in joining a cycling group for mainly off road cycling. There are numerous tracks and byways around Wokingham and Crowthorne, also Thames and canal paths. Further afield the New Forest, for example, has 100 miles of off road permitted cycle tracks. I have nothing too arduous in mind rides of perhaps between 6 and 15 miles depending on time available, location etc. If you could be interested contact Ronnie Beecham for more information on 01344 775517 FRENCH and GERMAN GROUPS : A few weeks ago the Intermediate French Group sadly said goodbye to Jill Tatham. Over a period of five years she generously and willingly gave of her time and expertise both as convenor and teacher. We all appreciated her patience and tolerance as we hesitatingly mutilated the French language. She brought to our meetings a sense of humour, which made learning fun and sometimes hilarious. We all wish her every happiness and success in her new life in Cambridge. Diana Oakman [Ed=s Note. Writing with a strictly personal pen, I am sure that all those who, like me, pretended they knew some German and experienced her unfailing efforts with the German groups would wish Jill the same good wishes.. G.A.R.] Comparative Religion Would anyone be interested in studying comparative religion. This would not be a religious group but a study group for people interested in learning about the world's religions and their impact on history, society, culture etc. Members would participate in preparing information for the group and in discussion. No previous experience or knowledge necessary (although could be helpful). This would be very much a self help, self teaching group in the true traditions of the U3A. If interested please contact Ronnie Beecham 01344 775517 The "First Monday Afternoon of the Month" Group This group was European Studies, followed by Current Affairs, followed by Genetics and then Bodymatters. Now it is having to re invent itself again. Lesley George is taking a rest from being Co ordinator and we are going to try a bit of' WeatherWatching. There are enough members of the old group to get started but room for a few more to join in if interested. If there is anyone very knowledgeable about weather systems please come and help. Bank Holidays conflict with our meetings but sometimes we are able to meet on the fifth Monday as an alternative. We have some study notes and the Resource Centre in London seems to have a supply of slides etc. and there's masses on the Net, so if everyone does a bit of research in the library too, we should learn to understand a little about our most popular topic of conversation! The programme I have in mind goes something like this, but no promises are being made as it could all come unstuck: 1. Jan 5th Global circulation and how it affects the UK 2. Feb 2nd Prevailing Winds 3. Mar 1st Fronts and depressions 4. Apr 5th Wind, Rain and Clouds 5. Apr 26th Collecting the information 6. Jun 7th What do forecasters do 7. Jul 5th Extreme weather 8. Aug 2nd Climate change and its possible effects 9. Sep 6th Folklore 10. Oct 4th ) 11. Nov 1st ) Workshops and videos? 12. Dec 6th ) Please contact me if you wish to join the fun, Pauline Riocreux, The February Meeting At 2.00pm on Tuesday, 17th February, 2004 in St Paul's Parish Rooms, the Annual General Meeting will take place. This will be followed by an Audio- visual Presentation by Peter Harms, LRPS, entitled Music, Sounds and my Camera - The Antipodes Tea & biscuits will be available after the Presentation WOKINGHAM U3A Chairman: Len Smith 01344 775517 Membership Secretary: Gordon Wall, 55 Priest Avenue, Wokingham, RG40 2LT. 0118 9786021 Editor: Gordon Riocreux Website: www.wokinghamu3a.org.uk Registered Charity No. 1049995
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