Minutes of the Monthly Meeting – 3rd April 2017

Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 3rd April 2017
at the Salon G.L., Teulada at 10.30

It is confirmed that the President and Secretary attended this General Meeting as voted in at the Meeting on 6th March 2017.
John Hopwood welcomed everybody to the meeting, especially the 33 new members. John asked if all the members had received raffle tickets, mobile phones were off and reminded everybody of the emergency procedures in the event of evacuation of the building.
David Haxon read the synopsis of the minutes of the AGM on 6th March 2017. The full minutes had been posted on the website and were proposed by Don Roberts and seconded by Shirley Tuckey.

Presidents Address

John thanked the old committee members for standing for another year, as well as thanks to the Group Leaders and all the other helpers. At the moment, there was no need to request more helpers but may need to in the future.

Reports

Treasurer: Carin advised the members that as at 6th March 2017 a balance was showing of €16.047,80. Income for the month was €445,00 from 89 renewals and expenses totalling €670,70, the balance now standing was €15.822,10. The full report will be posted on the website.
John then asked Ian Brown to make himself known to all and presented him with a gift in appreciation for his work as the Auditor for the U3A Accounts, with a round of applause from the members.
Travel: Unfortunately as Carol was unable to attend the meeting, due to illness, Ann Cattle read the report. Both the Cartagena and the Jerez trip were both fully booked, however there were still places on the Lladró Factory and Albufura Lakes and boat trip on 14th June. The cost of €35 included a Paella lunch. Although the Croatia trip was fully booked, members wishing to go should put their names on the reserve list. Places were still available on the Sagunto and St Joseph´s caves in Vall d´Uixo trip on 5th October and the cost of €45 included lunch and a boat trip in the underground cave.
John thanked Carol and the travel team for organising all the trips.
Group Coordinator: Prue advised that the Second Solo Lunch Group had had their first meeting and the first event was to be organised by Lynn Clark and Bob Mclean. Tennis players were still needed but there would be a meeting at Sol Park, on 12th April, for those who are interested. The Petanque Group, Healthy Walking Group and the Gentle Cycling Group needed new Leaders. Anybody interested in becoming a Group Leader should contact Prue.
John said, although Phil Chaney and Tony Fox were not present, he wished to thank them on behalf of the members for Leading the Film Group for the past seven years. John welcomed Ian Brown and Trevor Kemp as the new Film Group Leaders.
Cultural Arts Events: John said unfortunately, both Beverly and Hugh Stewart were unable to attend the meeting as too was Eileen Hodson who sometimes read the report on their behalf. John therefore read the report, which included dates at the beginning of April for the Costa Blanca Male Voice Choir at Benitachell Church and Costa Blanca Blues presenting the Hawks at El Cid in Benidoleig. At the end of April is the St George´s Day dinner at the Restaurant El Cumbre, Benitachell. Full details of all events can be found on the U3A website.
Members/Committee Liaison: Prue advised concerns had been expressed by some members in relation to not being in Spain during the renewal period of January to March, therefore not being able to take advantage of the reduced €5 renewal fee. This had been considered by the Committee, but as it was in the Constitution that renewal had to be by the first meeting in March, this could not be changed. Requests for payment by Bank Transfer or Standing Order had been discussed many times but could not be given as an option for payment for renewal or new members. However, members could give their cards and cash payment to friends, neighbours or Group Leaders to renew on their behalf.
John reminded members that the Members/Committee Liaison officer is there in order for them to be able to raise any issues privately and anonymously.
Any Other Business: John said that any regular attenders to the ´Brinks Band´ music at the old Café del Mar, now Bar Cabana, should be reminded that unfortunately Monday night jamming sessions will no longer take place, as the Bar do not wish to have live music.

Eileen Haxon introduced the speaker, Laurence Whalley who talked about Dementia. Laurence began by saying he was 71 and retired and had been researching this subject since 1978. After a very interesting and informative talk, Eileen thanked Laurence and presented him with a gift in appreciation. This was followed by a round of applause from the members. Question were asked by several members and answered eloquently by Laurence.

The raffle was draw by Laurence, the winning ticket number was 631 and held by Titch Crossfield who received a voucher of €50 for Trosset Garden and Deco, Moraira.
The meeting closed at 11:50
The next meeting will be held on 1st May 2017
Proposed as a true and accurate record of the meeting held on 3rd April 2017

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

Secretary of the Meeting…………………Titch Crossfield

Appendix: Treasurers Report

Treasurers Report GM 03.04 .17 (1)