We are now in the middle of winter, but I still see many cars, and few vacant spots in our U3A car park – a good indication of the still strong attendance of members despite the cold. I think there is a double attraction for them – stimulating courses and the exhilarating warmth of the company of friends with whom they communicate directly. Let me start my message by drawing attention to a few housekeeping matters.

Position of Treasurer

In response to our advertisement for treasurer, two members volunteered to be assistants to the treasurer but the position of treasurer remains unfilled. We thank Bryce Normoyle for helping us out as Acting Treasurer until we can find a volunteer or volunteers willing to step forward to fill the role.

Eligibility for Membership at U3AM

In response to queries about whether people have to be a certain age before they can join U3AM, I refer to our website which describes eligibility for membership:

“Membership is open to people who are of retirement age, who are not in full time employment and who are interested in engaging with others to keep their minds active. There are no ability limits and no entry requirements…”  

Calling for an Ambulance

Recently we have had incidents requiring the attention of the ambulance. In one case It took some time for the ambulance to reach us. As U3A Manningham is part of a building complex, it is important for us to give the ambulance accurate directions that will navigate them promptly to where we are. May I suggest the following procedure:

If unsure, please inform our Office and members attending at the office will know what to do.

If members dial directly for the ambulance,

• Please dial 000.
• The directions are – The Pines Learning and Activity Centre, Unit 2/520 Blackburn Road, East Doncaster.  The nearest intersection is Reynolds and Blackburn Roads.  Entry to our premises is via the first set of traffic lights in Blackburn Road, north of Reynolds Road.
• A member should wait outside our building to show the way to the person needing the ambulance.

Class Changeover Time

Recently some members have approached me to ask if there is a specific time allocated for one class to leave and the other to enter a room. The issue of one class delaying the entry of another class is very rare. However, I believe changeover can be a smoother experience if the tutor of the earlier class finishes on time and reminds class members to move out promptly to make way for the next class entering the room. I cannot give a specific time interval for changeover in minutes, because this is a shared time, and for years the arrangement has worked well based on the goodwill and understanding between classes.

Member Feedback and Resulting Action Plans

In my previous message I urged members to approach our Committee members directly if they have feedback and suggestions that will benefit the running of our U3A. I would like to express my appreciation to the members who have approached me with their feedback.

Most of the feedback has been constructive and has given me some idea of what else our committee should be working on to add value to our learning environment and to the programs we are already running.

A few members have drawn my attention to the fact that some U3As have better buildings provided by their Council. While we cannot do much about changing that outer shell which is our building, it is worth noting the many good things that are bubbling inside.

Our membership dropped considerably during COVID, but thankfully our membership is gradually increasing from the COVID figure and is now in excess of 1600. We have a broad range of courses in physical activity, dancing, sport, finance, healthy living, spirituality, academia – something for everyone. We have143 tutors and 184 courses.

We have fantastic volunteers from office bearers in the Committee of Management, to tutors, class reps and assistants, from Catering/Events to the Office. Our organisation runs seamlessly, thanks to the hard work and diligence of our volunteers. We have been fortunate to have our current tutors and new tutors deliver very exciting courses that are relevant to our members.

We aim to provide meaningful learning experiences for our members through the courses we make available to our members, using updated technological equipment, training and learning tools. Over 50% of our members are volunteers to help run our organisation in various ways. I often marvel at the smooth day-to-day running of our U3A, thanks to our dedicated and conscientious volunteers.

In looking at what we have going for us, I am grateful to all our members for contributing to an environment that is welcoming to all, that is a centre of learning, and above all a hive of social activity among friends. May we all enjoy our meaningfully shared experiences in Term 3.

Shirley Fung

President