Welcome back U3A Manningham to another exciting year of activities. Let me also extend an especially warm welcome to new members. I know we can look forward to an adventurous journey into the sharing of learning experiences and warm friendships, not to forget the cheery, chatty coffee breaks between classes.
Summer School
Summer School for 2025 was well subscribed. Programs were successfully run and thoroughly enjoyed by participants who had the opportunity to connect with friends, keep up with exercise and enjoy short courses during the holidays. My thanks to Summer School Coordinators, Liz Haylock and Don O’Gorman, Tutors, Office Manager Robyn Buttling, and other support staff.
Let Others Know About U3AM
From my own experience and from feedback from our members, U3AM has a positive impact on our lives. I like the feeling of belonging to a place where, not only can I benefit from the programs that strongly motivate lifelong learning, but where I can also maintain my physical, mental and social wellbeing.
We should share the privilege of membership at U3A Manningham with people who are not yet aware that such a great not-for-profit organisation exists. To spread the news about what we enjoy at U3AM, a Promotions Subcommittee was set up last year. Members of this subcommittee are Maggie Gardner, Neville Cook, Doug Wallace, Peter Irvine and myself. The subcommittee has come up with a promotions brochure (see below), designed by Maggie, which we shall use to share information about U3AM with the community outside our organisation. The Pines Shopping Centre Management has kindly given us a stand to display our promotional material for the week beginning 10 February. In addition to this display, we hope our members will help distribute the brochures to places where there are people who could benefit from joining us. If you can help, please contact any member of our subcommittee.
Thank you, Graeme Martin
Graeme has volunteered in many areas of responsibility at U3AM. The longest period of his involvement was in Events and Catering. We surely have noticed how Graeme managed the meticulous organisation of setting up events and careful attention to catering. We are most grateful for his years of service as a volunteer. Graeme decided to step down at the end of 2024. He has generously offered his support to our new manager, Maureen Bowman, to assist her in her role. A warm welcome to Maureen.
Migrant English Program
My thanks to program coordinator Foong Sim Chin who, for many years, has managed and developed the Migrant English Program so magnificently. Foong Sim has stepped down due to other pressing commitments. Welcome to Felicity Cronan who has kindly agreed to take up the responsibility of Coordinator of the Migrant English Program. Foong Sim has made herself available to support Felicity in her new role. Thank you Foong Sim.
New Tables
For some time, we have been concerned about the tables that our members find too heavy to set up. Last year our Equipment Manager, Andrew Barnett, applied to Manningham Council to replace our heavy tables for lighter ones. I am pleased to inform that we now have lighter sturdy tables. Our thanks to Andrew for his diligence in following up with Council for the exchange.
May I repeat my reminder to pack away all tables and chairs at the end of every class. This makes it easier for the person who locks up at the end of the day not to have to singlehandedly pack away furniture.
Some Dates to Keep in Mind
Class Rep Meeting: Wed 26 February 2025, 1:30 – 3:00 pm
Annual General Meeting: Thurs 27 March 2025, 12:30 – 2:30 pm
I wish you another year of enjoyment and fulfilment at U3A Manningham.
Best wishes
Shirley Fung
President