When Settle District U3A formally came into existence on September 12th 2002 there were 64 members and 14 groups. Since then there has been a steady increase in membership and in the number of groups. We now have approximately 300 members and 34 groups. Over the years, the groups have varied in response to the interests of members. Last year, with the approval of National Office and our own membership, a small change was made to the wording of a clause in our constitution to accommodate those groups, such as the dance and exercise, the bias of which is physical rather than intellectual. With a range of groups now covering such varied topics as philosophy, art appreciation, madrigal singing, family history and circle dance we can surely claim, in line with our constitution, that we are advancing the education of those no longer in gainful employment and, at the same time, providing leisure and recreational activities.
Last September we appointed a new Chairman, a new Vice Chairman and 5 new committee members. Hilary Baker, Pat Dewey and Alison Tyas had been members of the original steering committee and had continued to serve for the following 6 years. Pam Servant had likewise served on the committee for the full 6 years and had edited the Newsletter whilst Shirley Wolfenden had held the office of Treasurer right from the start and was looking forward, like the retiring committee members, to handing over to someone else. However, for Shirley, it was not to be, as no one was willing to stand for the office of Treasurer. We were immensely grateful to Shirley for agreeing, at the AGM, the eleventh hour, to stand again, but she stipulated, for one year only. We all thank her sincerely for her hard work, her efficiency, and her unflappability throughout the years. She has been an excellent treasurer. Our finances are healthy, with money already ear-marked for the purchase of a new laptop. Although the annual enrolment fee has increased to £12, mainly to accommodate the proposed increase in the subscription payable to National Office, the 50p cost of individual group meetings remains unchanged.
Shirley will continue, with Janet Stafford, to organize our very popular social
calendar which again, last year, started in style with a visit to the Theatre
in the Lakes to see
" Arsenic and Old Lace" and was rounded off splendidly, last week,
with dinner and entertainment at the Falcon Manor.
An eagerly awaited event was the Christmas Social. The new committee decided a few changes were called for and, in particular, there should be more involvement from our members. As a result, as well as our customary and enjoyable quiz, we were agreeably entertained with music, song, recitation and the French group's memorable Piece de Resistance "Le Petit Chaperon Rouge".
Michael Cullingworth, the unforgettable and saucy grandmother of the French
Group's Christmas Tour de Force reappeared 3 month's later at our monthly meeting,
this time in his own clothes, to give us a fascinating talk on the history of
pantomime. Other in-house speakers this year were Alan Hemsworth and John Chapman.
We are very pleased and proud to have such talented speakers in our midst. Bill
Mitchell, the renowned local author, came to speak about Beatrix Potter whilst
speakers "from away" spoke on a variety of topics.
The monthly general meeting gives us a chance to get together as well as the
opportunity to hear some excellent speakers but it is probably true to say that
the main strength of our U3A lies in the many and varied groups. For 50p per
session one could be busily involved almost every day of the week.
Many groups have been out and about. The Art Appreciation Group has been to Abbot Hall in Kendal, the Peter Scott Gallery in Lancaster, the Mercer Gallery in Harrogate and Blackwell Arts and Crafts House. Our recent and most privileged visit was in August to the studio of Norman Adams in Horton. Meanwhile the Old Buildings group has been to East Riddlesden Hall, Slaidburn, Bramhope, Adel, and Wray. Family History has been to Chorley, the Heraldry Group has visited Bolton by Bowland church, Richmond and Staindrop churches and the walkers have walked, strode or strolled, in places far and near, ranging from Giggleswick, (strollers), to the Lake District, (striders). Members of the Circle Dance Group have trod measures in Penrith and Langwathby as well as enjoying a delightful workshop in Langcliffe, led by a visiting teacher from Cumbria. Shirley and Janet organized a theatre trip to Ilkley Playhouse to see "The talented Mr. Ripley" and the summer outing was to Raby Castle.
Most of our groups meet here at the Victoria Hall, in one or other of the different rooms. We have always recognized how fortunate we are in having this splendid, central meeting place so it came as a shock to learn in January of the high possibility of its imminent closure due to a financial shortfall of £10,000. The immediate threat was lifted by a number of donations but the grant funding from Craven District Council for the forthcoming financial year was still in grave doubt. Seven of our members, including four of the committee, went to the Council's all-important Policy Committee meeting at Skipton. Our Chairman, John, was allowed to address the meeting for a few minutes to put our case, explaining how the Victoria Hall is vital to our organization for the kind of activities we are able to offer people in the Settle area. We were delighted when grant funding was approved for the next 3 years. On our behalf, John has made formal application for a place for one of our members on the Board of Trustees. So far this has not been possible but the matter is still in hand.
As Chairman, John has made it part of his job to visit different groups each month which has given him an insight into the diverse activities as well as enabling him to make a card, do some exercises, solve challenging mathematical puzzles and learn, amongst other things about the development of the camera obscura. (And YES, he did pay his 50p each!)John's curiosity about U3A activities also led him to a meeting of Clitheroe U3A where he was welcomed by their Chairman. The two Chairmen were able to exchange useful information about group structure, fees and functioning.
We are very fortunate in having Hilary Baker, a former Chairman, very actively in our midst, willing and able to represent us at National and Regional meetings, thus ensuring that we are up to date in all U3A policies and decision making. Over the past two years, there has been considerable re-organisation at regional level. Our normal day-to-day functioning has not been affected. Suffice it to say that we are no longer part of the Cumbria Region but have joined the newly named Yorkshire Ridings Forum. Hilary, our intrepid representative, attended the inaugural meeting of the Yorkshire and Humberside Region and was rapidly voted onto the committee. In July she attended the Ridings Forum and in October she will represent us at the National Conference. We are also both fortunate and honoured in having Frank Pedley as our President and are grateful for all the wisdom, knowledge and experience he is able to share with us.
Our website goes from strength to strength. We are indebted to Frank Woodhams, our Webmaster and David Holdsworth, our Group Organiser for their expertise, enthusiasm and rapid response to any queries or problems that arise. Our members can now enroll and register for groups online as well as accessing the monthly Newsletter and all past Newsletters. The website also contains information about the groups and monthly meetings and has many useful links. You do not need to own a computer to benefit from the modern technology. Simply join our Computer Group or go to Settle Library and ask the librarian to help you access Settle U3A online. You will be amazed how easy it is.
Incidentally, if you do decide to access the monthly Newsletter online instead of receiving a hard copy, please let one of the committee know. This will help cut down our running costs as well as helping you to reduce your personal mountain of paper! Taking over production of the monthly newsletter from Pam Servant was a daunting task for Sue Simpson and Elizabeth Evans. Pam kindly helped smooth the takeover by giving of her time and expertise in the initial months. We thank Pam very much and at the same time congratulate Sue and Elizabeth on their achievement.
Thanks also to John, who has been a very pro-active Chairman this year and
to all our committee, each of which has a specific role to ensure the smooth
running of our U3A.
The final thanks go to our hard-working group leaders without whom our U3A could
not function. Our membership numbers have risen steadily over the 6 years. The
number of people offering to lead groups has not risen comparably. The continuing
vitality of the U3A requires a steady flow of new blood so please don't hide
your light behind a bushel. You don't have to be an expert. You don't have to
teach but simply be a willing co-ordinator.
Our vision for the future is one of continued growth, with new groups and new
leaders to provide for changing needs, appropriate accommodation and resources,
stimulating monthly meetings and enriching social events to be enjoyed by all
our members.
Last September the National U3A celebrated its 25th anniversary whilst we ourselves celebrated our fifth. With a membership hovering around 250, 31 different groups, an exemplary website, an informative, well produced monthly Newsletter and a healthy balance in our accounts, it could well have been a time for self-congratulation and resting on our laurels.
We bid a fond farewell to Janet, who had so ably chaired the committee for 2 years. Then along came Tony Stephens, our new Chairman, a man with not one but several missions. Complacency was not to be! Changes were afoot.
One of Tony's first aims was to formalise our arrangements with the Victoria Hall. Ever since its inception in 2002, Settle U3A has enjoyed, on favourable terms, the facilities of this splendid, centrally placed establishment. As a result of attracting more members, Tony was able to offer an increased payment to the Victoria Hall. In return, the monthly Thursday slot for our general meeting was guaranteed and the large screen was made available for our use. Accommodating an increased number of members and use of the large screen called for a change in seating. Not only have we "turned round" to face the stage, but we also use the balcony for our monthly meetings and very good it is too!
We have had 9 speaker meetings, all in the Victoria Hall and all well attended. Two of our speakers, David Holdsworth and Tony Stephens are "home grown". It was fitting that David, who spoke on "matters digital" should be the first to use the large on-stage screen with a digital projector, with excellent results. Tony gave a fascinating account of his life as a young Westminster chorister, using both the digital projector and our recently purchased CD/tape player. Other topics have ranged from a light-hearted look at the history of anaesthesia to an absorbing description of an enameller's life. Dorothy Cockrell, the renowned enameller in question, certainly had us "fired up", bringing with her as she did her own electric kiln! We are grateful to our speaker organisers for arranging such an interesting, varied programme.
Sincere thanks go to Shirley Wolfenden and Janet Stafford for organising our social calendar, which got off to a great start with the annual autumn outing to the Theatre by the Lake at Keswick to see a breathtaking production of "Around the World in Eighty Days". Other outings included a visit to Saltaire, and a cruise to Liverpool along the Manchester Ship Canal.
Our Christmas social almost underwent a drastic change when, ten minutes before the beginning, we realised that no wine had been ordered. Needless to say, this was swiftly remedied and everyone was able to relax and enjoy Pam Servant's challenging quiz followed by a Jacob's Join lunch, rounded off with seasonal songs and carols performed by Val Baulard and Hugh Stalker. This year's Christmas social will be under the direction of Shirley Wolfenden and will follow a somewhat different format. Please contact Shirley if you wish offer help or to participate other than as a guest. A large number of members and potential members came to the August "coffee and chat" meeting where much interest was generated by the displays and digital presentation as well as by live demonstrations from the line dancers, circle dancers, exercise group and "Singing for Pleasure" group.
Surely between them our many and varied groups provide all that is needed to ensure we have healthy minds in healthy bodies with plenty of culture, bonhomie and bon vie included for good measure. The Art Appreciation group has visited Leeds City Art Gallery, Manchester Art Gallery and the Abbott Hall at Kendal. The Heraldry Group has been to Gisburn, Marton, Ulverston, Great Witherslack and Staindrop churches as well as Bishop Auckland Palace and Redworth Hall Hotel. Guided tours of a fascinating range of buildings from an ancient cruckbarn to Skipton Castle have been the privilege of the Looking at Old Buildings group whilst the various walking groups have covered the miles locally and further afield in Yorkshire and Lancashire. The family History Group has also been on the move, visiting Chorley family History Centre whilst the Sunday Lunch Group has enjoyed meals in local establishments as well as travelling to Appletreewick, Kirkby Lonsdale and other places with attractive menus. Too numerous to mention are the bottles of wine consumed by the ever-popular wine groups whose members seem to smile a lot whilst the Circle Dancers have participated in the Women's World Day of Prayer at the Congregational Church and at the Music Festival in Settle Church. We are grateful to all our group leaders for their time and expertise and for providing such a rich variety of subjects and activities
We are likewise enormously grateful to Frank Woodhams for our superb website which keeps our members up to date with internal news as well as demonstrating our strengths to the rest of the world. Any members who usually read the Newsletter on line may wish to cancel their hard copy, thereby cutting down production costs a little.
Our monthly Newsletter is the lynchpin of communication. How many times when confronted with an "I did n't know……… " does the cry go up "It's in the Newsletter!" Pam Servant has been the excellent editor of a publication which is informative, amusing and entertaining. Alas, she is leaving the Committee this year but is willing to help the next editor for a short while. Should the next editor feel unable to emulate Pam's style, there is no reason at all why the format of the Newsletter cannot change
As a committee we were aware that at the end of the year i.e. now, a large number of committee members, all experienced, hard-working and able, would be stepping down. We are very grateful to Shirley Wolfenden, our Treasurer, Pam Servant our Newsletter Editor, Alison Tyas our Group Organiser, Pat Dewey our Membership Secretary, Hilary Baker and Ray Wolfenden, for all their hard work over the years. Shirley, Pam, Pat, Hilary and Alison have been committee members from the start. Hilary also served as Chairman for 2 years and was our representative at this year's National AGM and EGM.
With this huge depletion of the committee in mind, another of Tony's stated aims at the start of his year in office was to have a recruitment drive for new committee members. Tony began by employing charm but had to resort to more forceful tactics as volunteers failed to materialise. So, apologies if you are one of those whose arm was twisted-but all in a good cause. Without a committee, our U3A cannot function. Being a committee member is not onerous, nor does it demand a huge commitment in time. It has been suggested that our future rallying cry should take its note from John F. Kennedy "Ask not what your U3A can do for you. Ask what you can do for your U3A".
To sum up, this has been a year when we have tried to build on our strengths whilst making changes in areas deemed weak. Tony, we have much to thank you for. Now Tony is stepping down and we hope to welcome John as our new Chairman. John has already, as Vice-Chairman, demonstrated commitment and energy, chairing as he has, several sub-committees, including that which examined the Constitution and the Speakers sub-committee.
Finally, on a personal note, I truly believe that our U3A is one of the important institutions that make the Settle district a good place to live. There is a wealth of talent, knowledge, experience and expertise amongst our members and we are enormously indebted to all those who are willing to contribute.
We have had an excellent year under the chairmanship of Janet Stafford and supporting committee. Pat Dewey our membership secretary reports that our membership is steady at around 240. Sadly five members have died during the year, these are: Len Moody, Leoni Hudson, Betty Holgate, Liz Percy and Titch Meyers. Many members will have read the tribute paid to Titch in our July issue of the News Letter.
In addition to fostering friendship and community spirit, USA is chiefly a co-operative self-help group, where everyone has something to contribute from their store of knowledge and experience. Alison Tyas, our group co-ordinator does a superb job in collating these resources into study groups. She reports another good year, starting in Sept. with 30 groups and ending with 29. Of the original groups 8 have run continuously since we started 5 years ago, and of these 4 still have the same leader. A new group which started after Easter this year is one run by Gillian Walton who leads exercises especially designed for the older person. What will be a popular course starting this month is that of digital photography to be run by Frank Woodhams. Already many people have shown an interest. Alison also liaises with the Victoria Hall in booking our meetings. She finds the staff there very accommodating and helpful. We are the main users of the hall.
There have been 9 speaker meetings this year all of which have been both successful and entertaining and which have been enthusiastically attended by some 80/90 members. The subjects varied greatly from travelogues with a difference, to WW.l memorabilier; some were quite hilarious, others serious, but all of them were very interesting. Congratulations to our speaker organisers.
Our publicity has worked like clockwork under the supervision of George Patterson and his team. We have had regular coverage in the Craven Herald, Events magazine and Community News. Posters are delivered to 28 locations by a team of volunteers, and the value of this was clearly demonstrated at one Thursday meeting, when two holiday makers from East Anglia saw a poster and came along. They so enjoyed the morning that they decided to look out their nearest U3A on returning home. George has also sent photos and copy of our circle dancing group in action to the National Magazine. We will wait and see the results of that one.
As you will know from your News Letter Pam Servant has now introduced a new feature which is a reported interview with one of our members. She is also entering our News Letter in the National "News Letter" competition. We exchange News Letters with several other U3As. Recently we received an accolade from the Clitheroe USA secretary and I quote: "1 wish I lived nearer to Settle your News Letters are always very interesting". The web site run by Frank Woodhams continues to maintain interest and communication over a wider area. It has generated several enquiries from potential members, and also telephone calls from interested people. There have even been calls from reps. wanting to sell us something.
During this year computers have been the responsibility of Tony Stephens. The digital projector and laptops have proved invaluable, enabling material on a monitor to be projected onto a large screen, thus making it available to whole groups at one time. Because the IT equipment is used by several study groups, transporting it safely has always been a problem. I am pleased to report that we have now been allocated space in a large cabinet in the Victoria Hall where it can be securely locked.
The IT equipment has also been used for advertising Settle USA in a wider context. November 11th. 2006 was the start of an "Aspire and Renew Festival" organised by the Settle Parish Church. The aim of the festival was to celebrate our community and launch an appeal for the church. Many clubs and groups in the town had stalls demonstrating their skills and industry which ranged from clog making and spinning to fine embroidery. Our computer monitors, which showed some of our group activities, were quite an attraction. It was surprising to discover, however, how little was known about USA by the general public. This was important information in view of the National ^U3A awareness^' campaign.
Our Social calendar got off to a good start with an annual visit to Keswick Theatre by the Lake to see Noel Coward's "Private Lives". The members enjoyed a brilliant performance in 1920 style. During February we saw the disturbing play "Mind Games" at Ilkley Playhouse, which was followed in March by a trip to the Lowry at Manchester for a back stage tour. There was a summer outing to the walled garden at Scampston Hall near Maltby, which included a tour of the house by the owner himself. All of these outings were well attended and efficiently organised as usual by Shirley Wolfenden Our Christmas social took the form of a quiz by Pam Servant followed by a recital of songs and carol singing by Valeric Boulard and Hugh Stalker. The event was rounded off by a Jacobus Join. The August meeting, a " coffee and chat" morning, brought together members and potential members. Again we were able to generate interest in some of our group activities with the aid of our IT equipment.
The highlight of our year was a celebration of our 5th. year anniversary at he Rugby club on August 31st. This was a attended by 75 members and was a very successful evening indeed. The new venue of the Rugby club proved successful, the finger buffet provided byCaterbell was much appreciated and the speaker, Maria Glott whose subject was Titus Salt and Saltaire town, was extremely amusing and informative. It is hoped to follow up the talk with a visit to Saltaire
This year has seen the commencement of two new ventures: Christine and John Rose have offered to keep a register of people who have equipment suitable for the under 5s to lend --ie. cots highchairs and toys etc. and those who would like to borrow such items.
A group of four members have volunteered to be in charge of sending cards or visiting, if appropriate, other members who have such needs. The volunteer co-ordinators in this venture are: Olwyn Bolger, Margaret Cullingworth, Beryl Slan and Janet Stafford. The names of anyone ill or in need, should be passed to one of the team.
Hilary Baker has one more year to serve as chairman of the Cumbria Region. She has been supported by our chairman Janet and other members at a variety of meetings and functions. Tony Stephens, Gillian and Alison also represented us when they attended a day conference at Lancaster entitled ^Managing your U3A." This considered legal and insurance matters* They were impressed with the information imparted and the depth of the discussions.
Mike Long from the U3Atrust attended the June committee meeting to discuss development issues of local U3As. He distributed copies of a booklet about problems which may arise when Membership reaches a critical number with no room for further enrolment. The discussion was useful but it was agreed that at the moment we have no significant problems.
One of the enduring strengths of the USA is the regular mandatary turnover
of our officers and committee, ensuring a continuing supply of new ideas and
enthusiasm from which we all benefit. This year some officers and committee
members are stepping down and as you will see from your agenda we have received
nominations to replace them. With a new chairman and elected officers supported
by a new committee, we can look forward to 2008 with anticipation and enthusiasm.
I have arrived at this illustrious position by the back door so to speak. As
a new member of the committee I was prepared to listen and learn. The committee
entered a crisis after its first meeting when Audrey Daykin the secretary was
compelled to resign due to ill health. In the ensuing emergency it was decided
to split the duties into two distinct functions, i.e. a correspondence secretary
and a minute secretary. We were very fortunate that Gillian Walton agreed to
be co-opted onto the committee to be the minute secretary whilst I agreed to
do the less arduous job of correspondence. However, as Gillian was a co-opted
member, it was my name that had to go forward as "The Secretary".
I feel a bit of a fraud because Gillian does most of the work! I am very grateful
to our chairman Janet and the other members of the committee for their help
throughout the year. We were unfortunate in that another of our members, Graham
Walker, also had to resign through ill health.
In spite of this initial setback we have had a splendid year. Pat Dewey, our
membership secretary, oversees the registration and subscriptions and our membership
now stands at 220. The purpose of USA is to encourage lifelong learning for
older, retired people. With that in mind we have been very successful both in
our study groups and our monthly meetings. Our group coordinator, Alison Tyas
does a remarkable job in organizing the study groups, finding group leaders
and coordinating with Victoria Hall to ensure that everything runs smoothly.
There have been 26 different groups meeting at various intervals of time as
well as 3 shorter courses; new ones that have been tried this year range from
Genealogy and Bridge to Computer programming. Two discussion groups turned out
to be non-starters, and the exercise group ran only to Easter. Next year there
will be a total of 30 groups, these will include Circle Dancing and Book Reading
and also some courses for beginners will be added to existing subjects.
There have been nine speaker meetings this year all of which have been enthusiastically
received by a regular audience of 70 to 80 people. There has been a wide breadth
of topics covering law, music, language, literature and outdoor pursuits, the
year ending with a fascinating insight into the meticulous and diligent research
undertaken by Lesley Horton in writing her successful crime novel.
Good publicity is essential for the continuing success of our U3A, and we are
fortunate in havingGeorge Pattison in charge of this. His team of distributors
deliver posters to 23 shops in the towneach month, and in addition there is
regular coverage in the Craven Herald, their Events magazineand Settle Community.
The effectiveness of this publicity is reflected in our increasedmembership
Our monthly Newsletters are now exchanged with the U3As at Ilkley, Ambleside
and Clitheroe;
this has proved extremely useful in finding interesting speakers. The Newsletters,
produced by Pam Servant, along with our informative Web Site, run by Frank Woodhams,
maintain communication both with our own members and also with those in a wider
area. I wonder if it would be helpful to know how many hits on our Web Site
we get? It would certainly be interesting.
Wearing his other hat, George Pattison is responsible for Information Technology.
We were fortunate this year to have received a grant of £3,526.00 from
"Awards for All" (from the National Lottery) for the purchase of computer
equipment. All but £5.00 has now been spent, and we have been able to
purchase a projector, a spare lamp, 2 laptop computers with mouse, photo element
and a trolley case. This equipment is not only used by George with his computer
group, but is also much appreciated by many other leaders of groups in their
presentations of material, ranging through subjects such as French, Art, Genealogy
and Philosophy. In conjunction with the projector, the laptops have been indispensable
for presentations at Monthly General Meetings.
The great benefit of our I.T. equipment was clearly in evidence at the "Coffee
and Chat" meeting in August, when it was used to show members and potential
members pictures of the various activities that have taken place during the
year. All of the social functions and outings have been very enjoyable this
year. The first outing was a trip to Keswick Theatre by the Lake to see"Dick
Barton, Special Agent". Before the performance there was time for a walk
around the lake i in the autumn sunshine. Our Christmas meeting took the form
of a Jacob's Join at St. John's Hall, followed by a Quiz- fairly taxing, but
most enjoyable. Valerie Boulard entertained us during the morning with her singing
It was a pity that fewer people attended this event than was expected. Nevertheless
it has been decided that our 2006 Christmas meeting will follow a similar pattern.
There have been two very successful evening visits to the Ilkley Playhouse.
We're fortunate to have such an accomplished company on our doorstep. The day
trip in June to the Yorkshire Mining Museum was a real education. A descent
down the mine seemed a bit daunting to many of us, but, equipped with hard helmets
and lamps, it turned out to be really interesting and we all enjoyed it.. We
are grateful to Shirley Wolfenden for organizing these events. An evening gathering
at the newly opened Cricket Club in Settle took place in July This was a buffet
provided by the Cricket Club, 45 members attended.
We have been represented this year at Regional and Area events by our Chairman,
Janet, past Chairman Hilary Baker and other members. Hilary was our delegate
at the National AGM and she will tell us about this after our AGM. She also
attended the USA Summer School in Cheltenham. From a wide range of subjects
she chose Architecture. In her own words "It was brilliant". In future
there will be a Northern venue at Chester and she highly recommends that members
consider this if at all possible.
In July, an Extraordinary General Meeting was called to consider the Executive
Committee's proposal that the Membership fee should be increased to £10
as from September. Financially we have ended the year slightly down on last
year, and whilst we do not want to have a large surplus, in the bank, we do
need a contingency fund. This decision was confirmed in the Annual Audit by
the advice given by the Independent Examiner.
In May this year we received from the USA Trust, the first of a series of bulletins regarding the growth of individual U3 As. There were eight issues raised that might be of concern, for example, "Are you concerned that your membership is falling?," "Is your publicity failing?" or "Does your USA suffer by not having enough interest groups and leaders for them?". It is a measure of our success that none of these problems apply to us. The committee members who have served us so well were each elected for three years and none of them is up for election this year. They and the elected offices will continue their tasks and we can look forward with confidence to 2006/2007.
For the third year running we have recorded a steady growth.
Last year we reported having 154 members taking part in 2063 student hours of study over the year. We have now enrolled 200 members and have recorded 2,264 attendances at group meetings. Group sizes vary from three to twenty six while the frequencies range from once a week to once a month. Attendance tends to be erratic as retired people take holidays at any time but there is also a seasonal variation in the use of Victoria Hall from 48 meetings per month in October to 7 in July.
During the year we have had nine monthly meetings which have been attended, on average, by half of the membership. Topics have ranged widely from 'Windmills' to 'Life in the House of Lords' and from mathematics to local historical events. The speakers have been of merit and have maintained the interest of members. Suggestions from the membership for future speakers would be welcome.
One new feature of our 2004 programme has been the establishment, in October, of coach trips to places of cultural interest. Visits have ranged from a full day at Beamish open air museum to an evening at Ilkley Playhouse. The visits have been very popular and will be continued in the new year. Shirley Wolfenden would welcome suggestions for future outings.
Our central business is the organisation of study groups and we now have 28 groups. As in previous years, Alison Tyas continued to find new leaders to form new groups but more leaders are needed. We now have 200 members with many years professional experience in all walks of life. This is our most valuable asset and the sharing of this experience through participation in group activities is the principle on which we work. While some of our groups are taught courses, most are not. They consist of people with a common interest who come together both to contribute and to learn. Content varies from highly academic to purely social and the pattern of meetings varies to suit the particular group. Groups arise through the enthusiasm of a group leader and the expressed needs of our members. At the moment we need more members to lead groups in areas not yet covered and we hope that in the near future, new leaders will come forward. We need both members with a professional knowledge of an area and those with interests new to their retirement. There are bound to be others who would like to share your interest. We are thankful to Victoria Hall and the Friends Meeting House and individual members for providing facilities without which many of our activities could not take place.
Publicity has been upgraded this year with the appointment of George Pattison as our new Publicity Officer. He is now responsible for press notices and posters. Along with three other members of our committee he attended a course for U3A publicity officers and gained a useful insight into the mind set and priorities of editorial staff. The outcome so far, is better coverage of our activities in both the Craven Herald and the Settle Community News and a stronger poster coverage in the area. From this we expect to strengthen the U3A presence in the area and, over time, to increase our membership.
Communication with our members has continued through our excellent monthly Newsletter produced by Pamela Servant and through our fine Web Site run by Frank Woodhams. The web site, being universally accessible is becoming widely admired by other U3A groups who are much influenced by our example.
Our executive committee has met monthly to facilitate the smooth running of
Settle U3A. The minutes are now displayed at monthly meetings and on our web
site so that members may be fully informed of its activities and future committee
members can see what is involved. We regard all members as 'future committee
members'. We cannot expect the same members to give their time year after year
while others see themselves only as consumers. Length of office is limited by
our constitution for the express purpose of getting fresh minds to work on our
routine business.
As usual, this year various members have represented us at Regional and Area
meetings and our Chairman, Hilary Baker, has represented us at the National
AGM.
This year we have been very fortunate to have received from 'Awards for All' [The National Lottery] a grant of £3,526.00 for the purchase of computer equipment for use in introducing members to the use of computers and to help groups in the presentation of lecture material. This should make a significant contribution to our courses in the next year.
The final event of the year on which you are to be asked to vote is the establishment for the first time of the position of President of Settle District U3A.
The Financial Statement, which is attached, shows that under the careful management of Shirley Wolfenden our finances remain in a healthy state and that no increase in subscriptions is necessary this year. One change in the presentation of the accounts this year is that the social account which deals with visits has been separated from the educational account at the suggestion of central office. This is because receipts for visits appear to inflate the current balance of the organisation. The other apparent inflation is the grant from 'Awards for All' for computer equipment which will shortly be spent. Apart from these variations, things are much the same as last year. Expenditure on room hire, stationery, fees for direct mailing and speakers' expenses are all up but so are membership fees.
The above record indicates that changes are being made - we are still evolving
and making progress. With new members on the committee this progress should
continue into 2006.
The executive committee wish to express their thanks to the departing Chairman
and Secretary for their service to the committee since its inception. Both were
members of the original Steering Committee, formed by Frank Pedley, which brought
Settle District U3A into being. Hilary Baker has been Chairman for the last
two years. Roy Anderson has been Secretary throughout.
Sec. Settle District U3A
Our membership is steadily growing. Last year we reported having 136 members
taking part in 1447 student hours of study over the year. We now have 154 members
who have taken part in 2063 hours of study.
Our membership covers an area which extends to Horton in Ribblesdale in the
north, Kirkby Lonsdale in the west, Skipton in east and Earby in the south.
One third of these members are on the Internet which allows them privileged
access to news and information about their organisation. As more groups post
information about their activities on our web site, it becomes the essential
source of information about Settle District U3A. Our excellent monthly Newsletter
is shown on the site as are the minutes of committee meetings.
This year the Internet has become the principal means of communication between
ourselves and central office and also the Charities Commission.
During the year we have held nine monthly meetings which have been attended
by an average of 55 members per meeting. Speakers have ranged from our new Chief
Constable to our own members and so far, due to the efforts of our chairman,
the quality of speakers and interest of the topics have been sufficient to hold
members' interest. But the supply of willing local officials will not last forever
and at some time in future we may have to consider paying speakers, as other
groups do, in order to preserve the standard of the meetings.
Behind the scene the committee has met monthly on eleven occasions to conduct
the business of the group and under present circumstances this has been sufficient.
But on top of this a considerable amount of unrecorded time is put in by individual
members and also by group leaders and other volunteers in order to keep things
running smoothly. Without this effort our activities would come to a halt.
Our presence outside the area has been registered in several ways. Our chairman
and secretary have attended two meetings with Cumbria Region with which we are
now associated. This keeps us in touch with other U3As of a rural character
and when necessary will give us a voice nationally which may differ from that
of the much larger urban groups.
Our chairman has also represented us at the National AGM and will give a report
of the proceedings to the AGM.
Contact is maintained with other U3As through an exchange of newsletters. Those
we receive are usually posted on the notice board during monthly meetings
Another indicator of our presence in the national scene has been the appointment
of one of our group leaders, Kathleen Kinder, as National organiser for cookery.
Other members have tasted the larger scene by attending the Summer School at
Cheltenham. No doubt this trend will increase in time.
Our main activity is the provision of study groups of which there are at present
27 running. During the year groups have been lost and new ones gained as we
focus on the needs of our members. The size of the groups vary from over 20
to 3 which is to be expected from the differing nature of the groups.
Accommodating groups has worked smoothly due to our arrangement with Victoria
Hall and the diligent management of Alison. Only an occasional class has had
to be cancelled. We do however still have problems with groups which require
special facilities.
A new programme has been assembled by Alison for 2004 to 2005 and is now available
for registration. New classes have been added and existing classes modified
in an attempt to provide what the membership requires. Classes vary in style
considerably, from taught courses to mutual activities. Most are designed without
rigid continuity and this, together with information via newsletter and web
site about their progress, should enable members to find areas of interest to
them. There is still a demand for courses for which we have no leader and it
is hoped that in due course, leaders will appear. The principle on which we
function is the free exchange of the knowledge we have gathered over a lifetime.
It is not a question of the wise teaching the unenlightened but more the case
of the enthusiast gathering together a group with similar interests and sharing
those interests. Amongst our membership exists a vast resource of knowledge
and experience waiting to be tapped. We hope that in due course new leaders
will come forward to form new interest groups.
A similar reticence is beginning to decline in the matter of running the organisation.
More members are showing an interest in joining the committee which improves
the circulation between the providers and the consumers. We hope that this process
will continue.
In the final matter of finance we can report that we are in good shape due to
the careful husbandry of Shirley and the cautious attitude of those who need
to spend. The financial statement is appended.
With these matters in place, we look forward to another year of growth and improvement..
History
Settle District U3A was conceived by Frank Pedley in 2001. He placed an advertisement
in the Craven Herald and subsequently called a meeting in Victoria Hall, Settle.
At this meeting a steering committee was formed from which the Settle District
U3A became a possibility. The first meeting was held on 25 May at 23 Duke Street,
Settle. The Committee members were Roy Anderson (Secretary), Hilary Baker, Pat
Dewey, Christine Rose, Anne Sheard, Althea Shevill, Alison Tyas, Shirley Wolfenden
(Treasurer). The Chairman was Frank Pedley.
Following a year of preparatory work, an inaugural meeting was called in Victoria
Hall, Settle, and the organisation formally came into existence on 12 September
2002.
At this meeting, the steering committee became the first committee of the Settle
District U3A, and 64 members were enrolled. From those members, fourteen study
groups were formed.
Membership
We now have 136 members who have taken part in 1447 student hours of study over
the year.
Activity
Over the year we have held twelve monthly meetings and have enjoyed hearing
twelve speakers on a wide variety of topics, from The Craven District Health
Trust to the personal inspirations of two of our own members.
Group Organiser's Report
We started the year with 14 groups varying in size from 3 to 25 members. Most
of these members were new to the U3A. Over time numbers fluctuated but the trend
was upwards.
In January 7 new groups were formed, some of which flourished while others did
not.
Monthly meetings were attended by about one third of the membership. The talks
were useful, informative and enjoyed by most. These meetings were also an opportunity
to circulate local information and to distribute our constantly improving monthly
Newsletter. Members present have been very helpful in passing these on to those
unable to attend.
We have enjoyed a very happy relationship with Victoria Hall where about half
of our groups meet. Our arrangement has worked well and only occasionally have
we needed to use the Friends Meeting House across the road.
On the whole we got off to a better start than expect and look forward to consolidating
this success next year. We are very fortunate to have so many good and enthusiastic
group leaders.
During the year our group has been represented at the National Conference and
at a National philosophy conference.
Finance
Financially we have raised £942.50 in membership subscriptions and £850
from grants, including a most generous grant of £675 from the Small Project
Fund. We have spent £759.21 on room hire and contributed £363.44
to U3A HQ in affiliation fees. We now have a healthy £1319 to take us
forward into our second year.
Development
While most of the routine running of the organisation has been spread amongst
our original committee members, eighteen course leaders and volunteer members,
some important changes have taken place over the year.
Our founding chairman, Frank Pedley, has stepped down to be replaced by Althea
Shevill as acting chairman. Since February she has shown great commitment to
this onerous task. However we still enjoy the benefit of Frank's experience
as a committee member.
Pamela Servant has been brought into the committee to act as publicity officer.
As a result we now have a reliable and informative monthly Newsletter and a
conduit to the local press.
During the year we have made valuable contacts with Clitheroe U3A and with Cumbria
Region. The opportunity to share experience and take part in combined events
should prove very useful for our future development.
A further development has been the establishment of Settle District U3A website
run by our volunteer web master Frank Woodhams (www.SettleDistrict
U3A.org.uk). This should ensure that information
about the group and its activities is available to all at any time.
These embellishments to our flowering organisation are perceptible indications
of growth but are under -pinned by a substantial increase in learning activities
over the year. This springs from the continuous and daily attention given to
the smooth running of the courses by Alison Tyas. It is these courses that are
our raison d'être.
Future
For the future is most important to get more people involved in the running
of the organisation. The present committee is not big enough to cope with the
expansion which is taking place. Not only is the membership growing, but the
scope and type of course we offer is increasing.
The ethos of the U3A is that those of us with specialist knowledge make it freely
available to those who have a need for it. To be successful, this must happen
at all levels. While some are in need of activities which relieve the apparent
boredom of retirement, others need activities which inspire them to new levels
of intellectual achievement. Without the latter our image will be degraded and
those with much to give will be deterred from associating with us.
In this respect it is imperative to attract a high level of visiting speaker
to our monthly meetings. This in turn requires the commitment of some of our
own members who are prepared to work on the committee towards this end.
New courses and activities are envisaged, some of which are set out in the new
programme while others are still mere ideas. More will probably emerge from
our association with Clitheroe and our recent attachment to Cumbria Region.
This heralds a wider interaction with other U3A groups in the north and a broadening
of our vision of educational activities. This anticipated expansion of our activities
at all levels means more work for our active members. We need more group leaders
for courses and more committee members to ensure continuity in the smooth management
of the organisation and to replace those who fade. In view of the coming election
for chairman, we look forward to appointing someone with imagination to see
the possibilities, the energy to exploit them and the time to devote to this
very worthwhile cause. With the right people in place we can go forward into
2004 full of hope.