Minutes – General Monthly Meeting – 4 November 2019

University of the Third Age Moraira-Teulada

Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on

4 November 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 the seven 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 7 October 2019. The full minutes had been posted on the U3A website and these were proposed by Robin Woods, seconded by Ray Guise-Smith and approved by the members with a show of hands. David then advised that Sylvia Tatnell would not be attending the meeting as previously advised, but would be at the December meeting.

Presidents Address:
David said with such a large organisation as the U3A Moraira-Teulada and with so many members, there were many activities going on all the time. The Drama Rama Group presented “Changing World” at La Senieta which was well attended. David felt the Salvador Dali sketch should be mentioned, including the Dali reproductions by Cindy Hinton which were now on sale at Bar Martillo, with proceeds donated to the Alzheimer’s Day Centre. The Bowls club had their annual competition, including a buffet lunch, in memory of past Vice President Pamela Kershaw which was a memorable day with 28 members taking part. The winners were Norman Benn and Michael Dawson. Although the AGM is not until March 2020, David reminded everyone that any Committee position was available to all. He went on to say that after eight years on the Committee, he and Eileen had decided to step down and have some more spare time. Therefore there are some vacant positions – Vice President and Group Coordinator. Lynn has been looking after the Travel Group and the Groups, but now is the time to concentrate on the Travel, as Travel Coordinator. It is hoped that having over 2,000 members, some will give serious thought to taking up a vacant position. David said Steve Higham has offered to take over the position of Membership/Committee Liaison Officer, and in order to be in line with the U3A procedures, could he have a proposer and seconder to accept Steve in this position. Proposed by Ray Guise-Smith, seconded by Sue Donadio and agreed by a show of hands.  Lastly, David said any member wishing to join the Social Committee, to please contact Tony Old by email.

David said with such a large organisation as the U3A Moraira-Teulada and with so many members, there were many activities going on all the time. The Drama Rama Group presented “Changing World” at La Senieta which was well attended. David felt the Salvador Dali sketch should be mentioned, including the Dali reproductions by Cindy Hinton which were now on sale at Bar Martillo, with proceeds donated to the Alzheimer’s Day Centre. The Bowls club had their annual competition, including a buffet lunch, in memory of past Vice President Pamela Kershaw which was a memorable day with 28 members taking part. The winners were Norman Benn and Michael Dawson. Although the AGM is not until March 2020, David reminded everyone that any Committee position was available to all. He went on to say that after eight years on the Committee, he and Eileen had decided to step down and have some more spare time. Therefore there are some vacant positions – Vice President and Group Coordinator. Lynn has been looking after the Travel Group and the Groups, but now is the time to concentrate on the Travel, as Travel Coordinator. It is hoped that having over 2,000 members, some will give serious thought to taking up a vacant position. David said Steve Higham has offered to take over the position of Membership/Committee Liaison Officer, and in order to be in line with the U3A procedures, could he have a proposer and seconder to accept Steve in this position. Proposed by Ray Guise-Smith, seconded by Sue Donadio and agreed by a show of hands.  Lastly, David said any member wishing to join the Social Committee, to please contact Tony Old by email.

Treasurer. Graham gave the opening balance for the Travel Group as €9,137.10 and after income, expenses and accruals the balance was €230.86. The U3A opening balance was €14,118.71 and after income, expenses and accruals the balance was €1,462.19. Both accounts would be on the website. Graham went on to say he had looked at the budget and taking into account the over-all spending, the cost of Budget per Member was €9. He therefore recommended to the Committee that the annual fee for 2020 should remain at €10. David then asked the members for their approval, which was proposed by Elke Woods, seconded by Sue Donadio and agreed by all with a show of hands.

Group Coordinator. Lynn said although no new Groups will be planned for 2020, until the New Year, please put any ideas for new Groups, in the suggestion bag.  A possibility of a second Yoga group and a 4th Mosaic Group. The Bridge Group will be starting up again and the Chess Group need more people. Lunch Bunch had their second lunch which was successful. The Gentle Walking Group now had 70 members but no Leader. Lynn asked for someone to step forward to help this Group. Just walking round Moraira at a leisurely pace, nothing strenuous. Eileen Brown had stepped down as Gardening Group Leader, so anyone wanting to take on this Group, please contact Lynn. The Drama Rama presentation was well attended and donations for Alzheimer’s raised an extra €300. Lynn said she would be stepping down as Groups Coordinator, from the AGM, as she wanted to concentrate on the Travel Group. If anyone was interested in the Groups position, please contact Lynn.

Travel Group. Lynn began by asking the members if they had received the latest newsletter and if they liked it. All agreed it was a good newsletter. All suggestions received for Trips will be answered, in time, but not immediately. Although there were a few trips left for 2019, sadly the Barcelona trip was cancelled due to the recent problems in the City. 2020 has many trips organised, all in the newsletter and on the website.

Committee/Membership Liaison.  Prue explained that Steve Higham would be taking this position and would be reporting next month. Prue said there was not a lot to report, other than a pair of glasses had been left at the last Meeting and had anyone found them. However, the question of a policy on Promotion of Commercial Organisations, had been raised outside of Committee/Membership Liaison. A policy had now been written and was on the website.

Cultural Arts Events. Hugh advised that live transmissions from the Royal Opera House Covent Garden, London are broadcast directly to Calpe Casa Del la Cultura as well as to Alfaz del Pi and Denia. 7,8 and 9 November Careline Theatre presents The Lady Killers at the Careline Theatre in Alcalali. 1 December, Lions present “What Cracker VII”, a Christmas extravaganza, featuring the Costa Blanca Male Voice Choir plus others. 8 December Montgo Chorale “Charity Xmas Concert” at the Fisherman’s Chapel, Javea Port starting at (5pm) 17:00 with free entry and a retiring collection for ‘Caritas’. Details of these and many other events can be found on the U3A website.

Nothing arising from any of the reports.

Any Other Business.  David mentioned the stalls at the back of the room. Some groups were selling items left over from the Autumn Fare, with all proceeds going to the Alzheimer’s Day Centre. The total for this Charity stood at over €2,000. The Poppy desk at the meeting thanked Members for their support.

Eileen introduced the Speaker, Peter Atkinson, who would talk about Lowry, his life and paintings. After an interesting and informative talk, the members gave a round of applause in appreciation and Eileen presented Peter with a gift as thanks.

The raffle was drawn and the winning ticket 22, was held by Eileen Haxon, who won a voucher to the restaurant, El Chamizo in Moraira.

The meeting ended at 11:30

Proposed as a true and accurate record of the meeting held on 4 November 2019.

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

Treasurers-Report-GM-04.11.19

Travel-Treasurer-Report-GM-04.11.19