Minutes of the 2022 AGM Wednesday 9th February 2022
held on Zoom due to Covid restrictions
The meeting began at 10.30 am
1. Apologies for Absence
The following apologies were received: Pam Hogan, Deirdre Croker, Karin Simms, Hazel and Graham Barber, Vivienne Soady, Robert and Jean Henly, Colin Cotton, Chris and Ann McArdle, Ann and Laurie Watson.
All committee members, including the outgoing ones were present.
2. 2021 AGM minutes.
These were presented for accuracy and approval. There were no outstanding actions or matters arising. Acceptance of the minutes was proposed by Dot Dunning and seconded by Yvonne Toms. They were duly signed by the chairman and held on file.
3. Chairman’s Report
The intention this year has been for our U3A to be as active, and to make life as interesting as possible while keeping our members safe from covid.
For the first part of the year we maintained a lively speaker programme on Zoom, enjoying a vast range of subjects from dogs (Medical Detection Superdogs!) to WW2 stories, to Scandal in the Royal Court …(in the 18th century!). The advantage of Zoom is that our speakers were able to join us from anywhere in the UK!
Our first Quiz night, in April, was also held online and everyone enjoyed it from the comfort of their own homes. A great variety of beverages and snacks were visible on screen too!
As soon as the weather improved, and we were allowed to gather outdoors, Carol Metcalfe organised Boules and Pitch and Putt, at the Bowling Club. Events which were well attended and much enjoyed.
Then came August and members ventured out to a Picnic on the lawn at St Martin’s Hall. Friendly reunions, smiles and laughter were the order of the day – and a Bring your Own Picnic reassured the timorous.
It was great to return to live meetings in September, with social distancing and masks being the dress code, and in October we were enlightened as to the real story behind Mayflower 400. Sadly, our 30th Anniversary cream tea had to be cancelled as members indicated they were not yet ready to be socialising – so that event has been postponed to the forthcoming months.
But “U3A’s Got Talent” drew a good audience in November and once again we were impressed with the range of performance skills of our members. A short play “Fraud of the Rings” was performed by our thespians, highlighting the current dangers of scammers and fraudsters – crimes excellently explained by our January speaker from the Regional Crime Fraud Squad.
Christmas was celebrated: various Groups ventured out for Christmas lunches or afternoon teas and 62 members gathered at the Portbyhan Hotel for a delicious Christmas Dinner.
As our U3A year draws to a close, and my term as Chairman also finishes, it gives me the opportunity to thank everyone who has been on the Committee in the last four years. A Committee is a team and Looe and District U3A always work together to support the membership in activities, social events and learning opportunities.
Over the last two years of the pandemic, we have been aware that members may be vulnerable, isolated, or fearful of venturing out. We hope that our variety of events both online and live, along with newsletters and email updates have helped to keep people in touch.
Like everyone else, I look forward to a “normal” year in 2022. Let’s Learn, Laugh and LIVE!
4. Treasurer’s report (accounts sent to all members prior to the meeting)
They were approved by Rosemary Robinson and seconded by Marilyn King. The treasurer thanked Nichola Roberts for auditing the accounts so speedily and accurately.
5. Appointment of auditor for accounts
Mrs Nichola Roberts was appointed auditor for the 2022 accounts.
6. Annual subscriptions
These would be £15 per annum
7. Membership secretary report
Fran reported that we had a healthy membership of 180 with 40 still on the waiting list. She appealed to the membership to remind people that the subs were due by the end of March as not everyone read correspondence, electronic or otherwise.
she went on to express her sadness at leaving and said that it had been a pleasure and a privilege to work alongside such a friendly group. She had handed over to Angie Cadman.
8 Election of new committee for 2022
There were 68 votes in favour and none against. It was agreed to elect the committee en bloc.
The Following committee members were elected.
Chair Alison Currah
Treasurer Rob Nevshehir
Secretary Laurie Watson
Membership secretary Angela Cadman
Speaker secretary Yvonne Toms
Social secretary Christine Barwell
Committee Carole Day
committee Jackie Pritchard
committee Rosemary Robinson
Committee Diane Trerise
At this point Chris Barwell handed the meeting over to the new Chair, Alison Currah.
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