2.0

3.0

4.0

5.0

6.0

7.0

8.0

MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

2.1.    Accepted as correct.  Signed by Chairman.

2.2.    No actions arising.

2.3.    No other matters arising.

REPORT OF REGIONAL COMMITTEE

3.1.    Chairman’s Report: Anthony reported that the committee had met once since the last

Chairmen’ meeting and had concentrated on the programme for 2009/10.

Colin Mitchell was introduced as Prospective Regional Trustee for the newly created South East Region.  At the meeting of South East  Regional Chairmen in Guildford on 25^th July where the management of the new Region was discussed, the matter of whether such a large Region should have only one representative on the NEC was considered.  There was no resolution of this problem and the debate will continue.  Colin feels that he must stand down as Chairman of Wokingham U3A and from his position on this committee when his post as Trustee is confirmed.  There could be a conflict of interest, as he will be working with all the Networks in the Region, not just Thames Valley.  A volunteer is needed to take his place on the committee.

Bob Jones, who was Thames Valley Area Trustee has lost that position following the EGM in Birmingham but was to continue as Trustee without Portfolio.  However, due to ill-health, he has resigned.  He remains as Treasurer on this committee but would be happy for someone to take on that role.  Committee meetings are held approximately every 3 months and generally in committee members’ homes.  Committee members are expected to assist at Study Days etc.

3.2.    Secretary’s Report: There were no matters to report.

3.3.    Treasurer’s Report: The bank account holds £1,440 at present.  £250 0f the sum has come

 from this year’s Regional Conference and will assist in offsetting expenses of the 2009 Conference in Thatcham.

All U3A’s who have not opted out of the Region have paid their affiliation fees.  Some non-affiliated U3A’s wish to share benefits of the Region but do not wish to contribute financially.  Swindon U3A is no longer part of the South East Region, but having paid their fees for the year, wish to remain.

CHANGE TO REGIONAL STRUCTURE

Following the EGM, we can no longer use the term ‘Region’ to describe ourselves.  National Office has suggested the term ‘Network’.  After some discussion, ‘Network, was approved by members present, with one abstention.

REGIONAL INFORMATION

5.1. Database of Speakers: At present, the database finishes at ‘S’.  Anthony to investigate.  A request was made that all documents should be dated.  It was agreed that the star system should be dropped as it created more confusion.  Discussion took place as to limit paid for speakers in different U3A’s.  Some believed that a higher budget brought in better speakers.  Others disagreed.   Banbury U3A has two meetings each month, one with an outside speaker and the other utilising its own members.  At this meeting, members meet together in a very positive way and get to know each other.

5.2. Database of Venues: No agreement was reached on whether it was preferable to have all Study Days in one venue or to move around the Network.  Brand Sharpe requested that a list of who attended Study Days and their U3A’s be made available for reference.  Agnes Budagowska suggested that the Network might try holding a Study Day on a Saturday in a school, which could prove relatively economical.  It was felt that the subject was  always of prime importance.  This combined with a good venue would make for a successful event.  Everyone agreed that the conference in Thame was very good and had engendered good relations between the organisers.  A request was made for good signage for all events.  Di Shaw suggested that one venue be used for a year, followed by a year of moving venues.

5.3.  Arrangements for reciprocal membership of adjacent U3A’s: John Brandis reported that as a result of planning the Conference, there had also been an exchange of members who had joined groups and joined outings.  If members join 2 U3A’s, should they pay 2 Capitation Fees?  Not according to National Office.  However, Faringdon charges a full subscription to members of other U3A’s.  Others charge a subscription less Capitation.  When calculating total membership, those members paying Capitation Fees are counted.  If they pay twice, membership numbers are slightly distorted.

REGIONAL ACTIVITIES

6.1.     Regional Conference in Thame: this had been excellent.  U3A’s involved had received

 much positive feedback.  With Faringdon’s help, it had been very well planned.  £250 has been given tot the Network to assist with the 2009 Conference.  It was agreed that the Conference should be about making U3A better, rather than an emphasis on workshops etc.

6.2.     Study Day on Comparative Religions in Swindon:  Peter Jarvis reported that he has 35

attending at present and he needs 60.  It was agreed that it had been a mistake to hold it so early in September as U3A’s tended to close in August.  Peter has four eminent speakers, who will describe what they believe and what they are doing.  There will be two speakers in the morning, with time for questions and two speakers after lunch with a further time for questions.  It will not be a ‘confessional’ day.  Of the U3A’s attending the day, only Wokingham and Swindon have interest groups based around the subject.

6.3.     Study Day on Climate Change etc:  This will be at Reading University on Wednesday

 November12^th.  More information will be published shortly.

6.4.    Overall Programme: Roadshow – still ‘work in progress’.  The concept is aimed at people who

 see computers as ‘the work of the devil’.  The plan would be to present something quite brief as part of a normal members’ meeting.  Wendover U3A has run such a course and had very good attendance.

Slovenia Holiday will not now happen.

Study Day on ‘Infastructure’ sounded rather dull to some people.  Anthony explained that when there is proposed infrastructure in an area and people strongly object to it, they do not know how to object effectively.  The aim of the study day would be to teach people how to set about doing it.  The general feeling of the meeting was that it was a good idea but need a ‘punchy’ title to invite interest,

An ‘Art/Arts’ day has been propose (could include ‘antiques’).

Officers Training Day – perspective of this day to train and btter inform officers.

Network Lunch – to be arranged for Spring 2009 – possibly somewhere south of Oxford with a speaker.

Oxford Summer School – Mike Price to investigate possibilities.

‘Wine Day’ suggested.

The role of U3A’s in community activities’ might be considered as a subject for a workshop/study day.

6.5.     Regional Conference 2010: volunteer U3A/U3A’s needed.  Brand Sharpe to discuss with

 neighbouring U3A’s and report back.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Increase in Capitation Fee: Much concern was expressed about this proposal.  Some members felt that the increase should be deferred until 2010 so that U3A’s can hold their AGM and then increase subscription to cover additional capitation.  Others felt that the increase should be a gradual one, with an increase in 2009 of 25 pence rather than the £1 proposed.  Members were unhappy with the reason given for the increase i.e. inflation and re-structuring.  Individual U3A’s also have their own problems with higher rental and speaker charges.  It was noted that a new U3A is starting almost every week and therefore the capitation from the increase in overall numbers should cover additional costs.  Staffing at National Office has been increased and this contributes to higher costs.  Network members voted against the £1 increase and in favour of the 25 pence increase with a deferment for 12 months.  As only individual U3A’s can vote at the National AGM, members were encouraged to report the strength of feeling of this meeting to their U3A’s.

Colin Mitchell confirmed that he is standing down as Chairman of Wokingham U3A and Len Smith will be acting Chairman until April 2009.

DATE AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING

Friday 21^st November.  Venue possibly in Wendover area.  Brand Sharpe to investigate.