Newsletter
Newsletter, April/May 2021
Dear Member
I am delighted to say that virtually all our groups are up and running, with some new ones to add to the list, and that we all seem to be enjoying the freedom that the vaccine has given us. We are going from strength to strength, and have welcomed a steady stream of new members, some attracted by the recent article about us in the JEP.
Sadly, Anita Regal has died. She was a valued member of the Current Affairs, Global Issues and Philosophical and Political Thought groups, and continued to participate via Zoom even while undergoing painful treatment. She was the first Jersey female advocate, a distinction that she kept very quiet about. We shall miss her.
Group News
I am attaching the diary for the next 3 months, along with an updated groups list. They are accurate as far as I know, but you should always check with the convenor before turning up – the exception being coffee mornings, for which there is no need to book.
Italian – this is now meeting fortnightly on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month at 10.00am. We are starting from scratch – useful revision for existing members, so we can accommodate beginners.
Jazz Appreciation – this group had its first meeting last week. It was very successful and has attracted several new members. It will now be held on the second Wednesday of each month.
Art History – this popular group will start again on the 20th May
Canasta – in response to the popularity of this group, Susie Collinson has kindly agreed to offer a second group that will meet every 2 weeks, starting on Tuesday 11th May from 10.00am - 12.00. Venue to be announced. This will replace her Board Games group.
Current Affairs has started up again on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of the month.
Film – Hamish has now found a venue at Langtry Gardens Community Centre, so will be starting this group when his circumstances allow.
Play reading – I think we have found a town venue for this group, so it will be starting again in May.
Tennis is continuing for the time being on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month at 2.30pm at Grainville Tennis Club.
Coffee mornings
Our first re-vamped coffee morning at the Jersey Pearl was a great success with some 25 old
and new members attending. This venue will be a regular fixture on the 2nd Thursday of the
month. Our next one is at the Museum Café in St Helier. The venue for the 4th Wednesday of
the month has yet to be fixed. In May it will be at the new café at La Hougue Bie and then
we will see if members prefer an East of Island or a town location for future meetings.
Please let me or Janice (janiceeden45@gmail.com ) know if you have a preference.
Lunch
The next lunch is booked at the St Helier Yacht Club on 30th June, 12.15 for 12.45. We will
send out a reminder nearer the time, but please contact Janice if you would like to reserve a
place.
AGM
This will be held at St Paul’s on 16th June at 3pm. There will be a reminder nearer the time,
but please keep the date free as we need a good turnout to be quorate. For those of you
who are new, the format is a brief business meeting followed by a tea party, with a chance
to meet old and new friends.
Please volunteer
Many thanks to all convenors, who give their time to make this organisation a success.
Many new members have joined as a result of popular new groups such as Jazz Appreciation
and Canasta, so we always welcome suggestions from members who would like to get
together with others to share their interests.
Remember, to be a convenor you don’t have to be an expert or a teacher. Many groups are
self-help groups. Ideas for different groups can be found in the Third Age Matters Magazine,
or on the National website, and there are subject advisers that can help. You don’t have to
hold meetings in your own home: we can help you to find a suitable venue. Without our
volunteers we would not exist, so please do give it some thought.
Calling all accountants
Juliette has been our valued treasurer for some time, and would like to hand over the job.
Fortunately she will remain on the committee and continue to manage our website. She has
offered to stay on for another year to support anyone prepared to take over, and show
them the ropes – so please let us know if you feel you could take on this important role.
Once again I’m looking forward to meeting as many of you as possible in the next few
months.
Best wishes
Anne Southern
Chairman