Our U3A continues to be a thriving and enterprising organisation thanks to the wholehearted support from you its members. We now have a membership of just under 700 and 58 groups covering 47 subjects with new groups starting each month. A number of second groups have been started where the original group has reached capacity- we do not want to disappoint any of our members. The monthly meetings covering a wide range of subjects continue to be extremely popular - the hall is nearly always full.

We want every member to make the most of what we have to offer. We want to include you. Let us know where your personal interests lie and we will do our best to help you join or form a group to develop and improve your own passions and hobbies. As I said at the AGM we are a “yes we can” organisation. If you have an idea for a group or activity we will do our utmost to bring it to fruition.

To achieve our aims it is vital that that we encourage members to become Convenors as they are the lifeblood of our U3As. Ultimately success can only be achieved if we work together to make our U3A do what the members want it to do. So, please consider your own role; if you can make a contribution it will be greatly appreciated. Whilst being a Convenor takes both commitment and a willingness to give of your time, it is very rewarding and it helps members fulfil their goals. You do not have to be an expert to lead a group just a willingness to have a go. Also bear in mind that groups work best where the tasks are shared between all members according to their individual talent.

One of the things I have enjoyed about being chairman of our U3A is working with a fantastic committee - a very dedicated and willing group who give their time freely for the benefit of us all. I once more want to thank all of my fellow committee members who have made such a tremendous effort to develop our U3A into one of the best in the country.

This is my last Chairman’s letter. The year ahead will herald a number of exciting changes. Under the terms of the constitution you will be getting a new Chairman and six new committee members so it is a wonderful chance for you to help develop the U3A of the future If you would like to be an integral part of this tremendous organisation please let me or one of the committee know. If you wish you can come along to a committee meeting to see what we do - again just contact me or any committee member.

The past three years have been a thrilling and extremely enjoyable period of my life in which I have been privileged to be part of the formation of this wonderful U3A and I would like to thank you all for the help, enthusiasm and drive you have exhibited to help us achieve our success.

Let's make the next year another one of which we can be proud and where we will find great fun, enjoyment and stimulation in our journey together.

Best wishes

David