Minutes – General Monthly Meeting – 2nd September 2019

University of the Third Age Moraira-Teulada

Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on

2 September 2019 at Salon G.L., Teulada

at 10:30

It is confirmed that the President and the Secretary attended the meeting as voted in at the AGM 4 March 2019.

David Haxon, the President, welcomed all members to the meeting, including 28 new members. He confirmed the usual checks had been made, pointed out the emergency exits and asked for all mobile phones to be switched off through-out the meeting.

Prue Jackson read out the synopsis of the Minutes of the Meeting on 1 July 2019. The full minutes had been posted on the website and these were proposed by Ray Guise-Smith, seconded by Eileen Haxon and approved by the members with a show of hands.

President’s Address:  David said he realised some members are still to return to Spain, but for those who stayed and endured the extreme temperatures, no doubt would be grateful for some cooler weather soon. David mentioned the event taking place at The Inn on the Green, Javea, on 12 September adding that an excellent response had been received from the Members. Many donations and various gifts had been received for the Stalls and he hoped many of the Members would be attending the Autumn Fayre, which will be opened by Sylvia Tatnell the President of the Alzheimer’s Day Centre.

Reports:

Treasurer – Graham gave the opening balance for the U3A account of €14,962.00 and after Income, Expenditure and Accruals the balance stands at €315.62 The Travel Account opening balance stood at €17,609.70 and after Income, Expenditure and Accruals the balance stands at €389.55. Both reports will be on the website with the minutes.

Group Coordinator – Lynn said she hoped all members had looked at the Newsletter with included information on the Groups available which now numbered 62. There had been 5 new Groups and all with a good number of members. Lynn introduced Pam Small, the Leader of the Fit Step Group. Her group now numbered 77 so two sessions took place on Thursday – 10:30 and 11:30, with the starting of a Beginners Group at 9:30. All held at Sol Park. There are no age restrictions and partners are not necessary as the routines are based on Ballroom and Latin American steps. Anyone signing up today would receive a voucher for a free lesson. Lynn then introduced Cindy Hinton the leader of the Rummikub Group. There are two Groups, both held at El Mortillo, Moraira Wednesday at 3:00 and Friday at 4:00. Different seating each session so all have the chance to play with everyone.

Travel Group –  Lynn said there had been 135 members paying for trips, this morning. She thanked Sue Popkin for helping with organising trips for 2020 and all the information was on the website or by the Travel Desk. A suggestion box was beside the desk for any ideas the U3A members may have.

Membership/Committee Liaison – Sadly, Dot advised of the death of a member, Joanna Smee. Condolences go to her partner Robert Wood and all her family. Dot said that the Committee have discussed the possibility of having payment for trips over a certain amount, being made by credit card. Eventually this will be possible at the General Monthly Meetings on the first Monday in each month, only. She then introduced the new Editor of the U3A Newsletter, Sharon Taylor. After thanks, Sharon said she would be happy to receive any articles for the Newsletter, but would not advertise Commercial events.

Cultural Arts Events – Beverly gave several details of coming events, which included: 25 September The Arts Society Marina Alta presents their third arts fair at the Salones Canor, Teulada, 29 September Concerts Costa Blanca in association with Valencia Opera presents The Marriage of Figaro and 25 October An evening in New Orleans with the Bourbon Street Stompers at the Auditori in Teulada.

Peter Griffiths then mentioned the Hog Roast, in aid of MABS, to be held at Font Santa on Saturday 21 September, starting at 12:00. The Hog Roast with all the trimmings, salad, bread and half bottle of cava per person will be provided, as well as entertainment which includes the Chill Factor. Additional drinks and postre should be brought by those attending. As this is not only open to U3A members, but the general public, tickets are expected to go fast.

Internal Regulations  Prue advised that after the first draft of the Internal Regulations were amended following some comments by members, the last draft was added to the website for members to read. There would now be a vote to agree the document. The proposal for acceptance was put forward by Hugh Stewart, seconded by Peter Griffiths and with a majority show of hands by the members, the Internal Regulations were agreed.

No matters arising from the Reports.

Any Other Business: John Hopwood said that Trevor Kemp, a Group leader and great supporter of the U3A, passed away in 2018 and the family wanted to have a memorial in Moraira. After discussions with the Town Hall, a Bench has been placed overlooking the duck pond. A plaque has been attached to the Bench and on Saturday 14 September at 13:00 there will be light nibbles and cava provided by the family, to toast the memory of Trevor and all who knew Trevor, are invited to attend. Lynn then said that a suggestion had been received to pay online for trips. Lynn was pleased to advise that it was already possible to pay for trips, over a certain amount, by Bank transfer for away trips only.

Eileen introduced Jana Petken – Historical Novelist who would speak about her life and her books. After a very interesting talk about her fascinating life the members gave an enthusiastic round of applause, followed by Eileen presenting Jana with a voucher as a thank you. Jana was then introduced to Dot the Group Leader of the Creative Writing Group.

The raffle was drawn and the winning ticket 419, was held by Rosa Arkroyd membership 3361, who received a €50 voucher for Pepe La Sal.

The meeting ended at 11:32

Proposed as a true and accurate record of the meeting held on 1 July 2019

Proposed by ……………………………………………………….Seconded by …………………………………………………..Date……………….