| Looe & District |
Minutes of A.G.M. held on the 11 February 2026 at St. Martins Church Hall, East Looe.
In the absence of a Chair, Chris Barwell, welcomed everyone to the A.G.M. With 75 people attending. The usual in-house safety regulations were read out.
Apologies:
Roger Ali, Val Buck, David Burrells, Christine Cotton, Sharon Cotton, Angela Fisher, Jill & Bob Fleming, Lynda Groves, Jean Henley, Pam Hogan, Vivienne Humphreys, Rita Jones, Mary Keast, Gabi Klinger, Karen Nevshehir, Jane & John Richardson, Lena Stevens, Beryl &Colin Tregear, Paul & Jill Vaughan, Brian & Denise Young
Minutes of the last AGM
The Minutes for the AGM held on February 12th 2025 sent out to members 21 days prior to the AGM, were approved by the membership present. Proposed: Peter King. Seconded: Regina Willard
Matters Arising
There were no matters arising.
Chairman’s Report:
In the absence of a Chair this year, the ‘re-cycled chairs’ – those who stood in through the year, were invited to deliver the Chairman’s Report.
Marylin King commenced:
We thought it was all doom and gloom. No one to take the chair.
It looked as though we’d have to close. Something we could not bear
But then we thought “Recycled Chairs”, so four of us prepared.
We took our turns each month and more. The committee supportive as before
The membership did flourish as did our social style, but still no chair or treasurer for a long, long while
Then came the news that Jenny, would monitor our cash, and with Rob’s help she quickly learned it in a flash.
Our Speakers’ subjects were a great delight. Gave us the chance to see wrong from right.
‘Guilty of Manslaughter’ was the plea. Did you get it right, or wrong, just like me?
Life Below Decks, Mining, and Spanish guitar. Such varied subjects that took us far
The Wave project and Hospice Care, Recycling at Bodmin and Aquarium fish so rare!
The Beetle Drive, the Swedish night. Our disco dancing was a sight
Mama Mia was the theme, With IKEA meat balls it would seem
Our talent show went down a treat, with songs and music you could not beat.
And then the Christmas buffet was here. Good food, good cheer and friends so dear.
Dot Dunning continued:
To continue the report now falls to me. Let’s move on to ‘Groups’, and I think you’ll agree,
A splendid selection is there for the taking. Recorders and Ukes for music making,
Singing ‘Tunes’ to lift the soul way up high. Walking, Wild swimming beneath a clear blue sky,
Garden Safari takes groups out far and wide, and there are plenty of pastimes to amuse us inside,
There’s Bridge & Canasta and reading of books. The World Food & Drink club for enthusiastic cooks.
Learn French, German, Spanish to keep the brain oiled. The Holiday Club – visits places to relax and be spoiled.
Our groups are amazing, but there’s still room for more. Do you have an interest you’d like to explore?
Or are you an expert, with knowledge to share? Then, please let us know, so that we are aware.
Now – Moving on from our groups, it would be a great pity If I were very remiss and didn’t mention our Committee.
To say they worked hard would be under-stated. Their support & dedication cannot be over-rated
For this year, of all years, with no Chairman to guide, It’s been a roller coaster, – a heck of a ride!!
Membership, Speakers, and special Events, IT & websites, and counting the pence.
Meetings, noticeboards, overheads & minutes. These things all take time, sometimes with no limits.
We, ‘re-cycled Chairs’ thank you for your support, and, as we bow out, we are pleased to report
That our mission is complete, it’s time to abort
A new era awaits – a new year – a New Chair! (As today’s nominations, have now made you aware)
We wish you success, no more doom & gloom. As we head for a lie down in a darkened room!!
Treasurer’s Report: Jenny Phillips
Looe and District U3A Treasurer, Jenny Phillips, gave her report. She explained that there had been very little difference between the year ends 2024 and 2025. She thanked Brian Smith of Lanhydrock Accounting Practice for auditing the accounts in good time.
The Balance sheet showed that Looe U3A finances are in good shape as none of the savings had to be used to subsidise the running. of our u3a. The balance at the end of 2025 was under £5000 which is good as this is the Charity Commission ceiling.
The Social Account which has a separate bank account for events and group activities, showed a loss but the decision was made by the committee to spend more money on members for example at the summer lunch and for entertainers at the Christmas lunch. The Treasurer reminded members that subs of £17 per person were due. With increased costs particularly of speakers notice was given that at the 2027 AGM that the subs might have to rise to £20 in 2028. But the good news is that subs remain at £17 for 2026 and 2027.
Jenny then asked if there were questions. She asked to place on record her thanks to all the committee and particularly Rob for all their support and assistance during her first year as treasurer.
The Accounts were accepted by the members.
The new Independent Examiner, Lanhydrock Accountancy Practice Ltd., was approved. Proposed: Marilyn King. Seconded: Bernard Smith.
Election of Committee and Officers:
Chris Barwell announced that the current Committee would be standing down and thanked them for their support during the past year. In particular, she thanked Yvonne Toms for her contribution, with responsibility for Noticeboards, Marilyn & Peter King and Dot Dunning for acting as chairmen during the past year as they would be standing down permanently.
The Committee then stood down.
Chris then asked members to consider the following nominated persons for election to the following posts, as they were asked to stand forward before the members: Steve Fitzpatrick (Chair), Jenny Phillips (Treasurer), Alison Currah (Secretary, Website & IT) Angie Cadman (Membership Secretary). Bernard Smith (Speakers Secretary), Chris Barwell (Events Co-ordinator), Jackie Pritchard (Events Team), Andrea Brocklebank (Events Team), Jenny Barker (Events Team) & Rob Nevshehir (Committee).
Chris also stated that two vacancies remain for members to give some thought to, and possibly come forward to at a later stage. Please feel free to speak with any of the committee, who would be pleased to help if they would like further information. She requested whether there were any further nominations. None received.
The members were asked to vote for the above nominations. Members voted their acceptance unanimously. There were no abstentions
This concluded the AGM.
Minutes of Main Meeting February 11th, 2026, held at St. Martin’s Hall, following the AGM.
Chair
Having been elected earlier in the AGM part of the meeting, Steve Fitzpatrick welcomed everyone again and thanked them for his election to the post of Chair. He went on to thank the four individuals, Marilyn & Peter King, Dot Dunning and Chris Barwell, who, as ex-chairs, had run Looe & District u3a, over the last year, as ‘Recycled Chairs’. With their determination and hard work, the threat of closure of the organisation had been averted. He also thanked the rest of the Committee and those standing down: Marilyn & Peter King, Dot Dunning & Yvonne Toms. New Committee member Bernard Smith was welcomed to the team. Members were encouraged by Steve to approach him or any other members with ideas or concerns at any time.
Steve reminded the membership that annual subscriptions of £17 are now due.
Information regarding Looe & District u3a website (looeu3a.org) and Facebook page (Looe & District u3a) were shared by the Chair.
Events
The Chair informed the Meeting that the new printed Programme of Social Events and Speakers would be available in March but was free to view on the website.
Steve thanked the Events team for the organisation of the Scottish Night which had been a great success.
Other events:
- Free Digital Skills Training for individuals or small groups, sign up sheet for those interested.
- Free Defibrillation Training, Thursday March 12th, 2-4pm, St. Martin’s Hall. Sign up sheet for those interested.
- Trip to Devonport Heritage Centre, Tuesday March 17th, coach transport available. £20
- An evening of Short Films accompanied by Wurlitza Band, Saturday 25th April, 7pm, St. Martin’s Hall. £12
- A visit to ‘The Story of Emily’, Friday 1st May, St.Ive near Liskeard. £15
Groups News
The Chair praised the Interest groups and hoped to have the Group Leaders come to Main Meetings over the next year to talk about what they do. He also urged those leaders to submit any changes of their groups details to enable the new programme update to be completed.
Interest in a new Art Group could be shown on a signup sheet.
Community News
- Cinema by the Sea, Wednesday 18th Feb at the Family Hub. Next showing – Downton Abbey, the Grande Finale.
- ‘Name That Tune’ quiz by Looe in Bloom, Saturday 21st Feb., Millpool Centre.
- Community Meal, Saturday 28th Feb., St. Martin’s Hall
Next Month’s Speaker
An interactive Trial with Professor, Kevin Channer entitled ‘Police Brutality?’
Steve then called on Sue and Jackie to call the raffle before the refreshments would be served.
Following refreshments, this month’s Speaker, the Mayor, Stephen Remington gave a detailed and informative talk about the history and complicated governance of Looe explaining proposed plans for the Town including improvements in Community Engagement and Communication, Town Security, Youth Development and developing twinning historic links with Quiberon.
Following questions, the Meeting finished at approximately 12.10.
Looe & District u3a 