Newquay

Archive Meeting Minutes

Minutes from past meetings

Notes taken at the General Meeting Tuesday 10th March 2020 held at the Lane Theatre, Newquay

Present at the Meeting: 66 (plus 2 visitors)

1) Welcome: Gret welcomed everyone including new members and visitors, pointed out the fire exits, asked people to make sure their handbags were tucked out of the way and their phones were switched off or on silent. Gret then introduced our speaker.

2) Speaker: Howard Curnow from Cornwall Wildlife Trust:
Cornwall Wildlife Trust is a charity organisation formed over 50 years ago, which helps to manage over 60 Nature Reserves all over Cornwall, as well as challenging other environmental issues. Howard’s talk and slide show gave us some insight into the very worthy conservation work that Cornwall Wildlife Trust do helping to protect, preserve and even restore our Cornish wildlife and wild areas, on land and in our sea, relying mainly on donations and volunteers.

3) Business Meeting: Gret thanked Howard for his interesting talk and invited him to stay for our business meeting.

4) Apologies: Chris Bramhall, David Stevens.

5) Minutes of the General Meeting held on 11th February 2020 were approved and signed as a correct record by the Chairman. Copies were available for perusal on the notice board.

6) Matters arising: No matters were raised.

7) Chairman’s Report: Gret apologised that the slide show of our U3A activities had to be stopped early, due to having to set up the speaker’s equipment.

8) Treasurer’s Report: Vic apologised that the new membership cards for 2020/2021 had an expiry date of March 2020. They will be reprinted correctly and handed out again at our next meeting.

9) Secretary’s Report:

• National U3A Day 3rd June 2020: John explained that our Task Group, including non-committee members, has had meetings to plan how to celebrate U3A Day, which is a National event, being held during Volunteer Week. The idea of having a U3A Day is to raise the profile of U3A and help challenge negative perceptions of older adults, and invite other third agers in the community to learn about the contribution U3A makes to the quality of life of retired people.

• On the day we are planning to use the blue and yellow Newquay Land Train to advertise U3A, and our members will be active in the centre of Newquay from the Lighthouse Cinema and Piazza, all along Bank Street as far as the library, operating from 10am until 4pm. Our plan is to set up several stations along the route to meet and talk to people, and hand out leaflets about U3A. The press and radio stations etc will be invited. We would like as many of our members as possible to volunteer to help. We would need about 30 to 40 people on the day. More details will be announced next month.

10) Interest Groups:

• Play Reading Group: Need more members. Held in the Lanherne on the last Friday of the month. Please phone Chris or Annie if interested in joining the group.

• New Fishing Group: David Stevens has a sign up list in reception, if anyone is interested in joining this group.

• Pub Games Group: This would normally be held today after the meeting, but has had to be cancelled this month.

• Garden Appreciation: The minibus is full for Trewidden Garden, Penzance. Meet at 10am at Chester Road. In future, payments can be made by cheque.

11) Lost Property:

• Glove: Last month someone got stuck in the mud in the car park and a single glove was found nearby.

• Mobile Phone: A phone which was found in the theatre last month at the end of our meeting actually belonged to someone from another meeting and has been claimed.

12) Next General Meeting: Tuesday 14th April 2020 10:15am for 11:00am at the Lane Theatre. Speaker: John Denyer on “Life and People in China”.

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Notes taken at the General Meeting Tuesday 11th February 2020 held at the Lane Theatre, Newquay

Present at the Meeting: 60 (plus 5 visitors)

1) Welcome: Gret introduced herself as the Chairman, pointed out the fire exits and asked people to make sure their handbags were tucked out of the way and their phones were switched off or on silent.

2) Announcement: Gret announced that one of our members Ann Shinner, from the Gardening Group, had a fall at the weekend and had sadly died on Sunday. Gret will put an announcement in the next newsletter. A condolence card has been sent. A minutes silence was held to remember her.

3) Speaker Purple Angel, Lynn Bartrip-Kay: Gret then introduced the speaker: Lynn Bartrip-Kay, our Newquay Purple Angel. The very personable Lynn introduced herself as being someone who had worked with and lived with people with dementia, and told us that the Purple Angel organisation was started by Norman McNamara, and was now global. In Newquay, Lynn has given dementia awareness training to over 180 businesses and organisations, and is aiming to reach 200 in the near future. She informed us that there are over 100 types of dementia, which affect people of all ages, some even as young as two years of age. With approximately 47 million people in the world living with it, dementia has now overtaken cancer as the biggest killer. Lynn warned us of the signs to look out for and then explained how to deal with people suffering from dementia. Lynn’s talk was extremely interesting and informative and she actually put a lot of humour into the talk. After the talk Lynn and her associate took photos of the audience with Gret holding the Dementia Awareness Certificate that Newquay U3A were awarded.

4) Business Meeting: Gret thanked Lynn for her enlightening talk and invited her to stay for our business meeting.

5) Apologies: Chris Bramhall.

6) Minutes of the General Meeting held on 14th January 2020 were approved and signed as a correct record by the Chairman. Copies were available for perusal on the notice board.

7) Matters arising: No matters were raised.

8) Chairman’s Report:

• 1) Lost Property: Gret held up a pair of black leather gloves, which had been left at the Beetle Drive held last month, but no one claimed them.
• 2) Car Parking: The Lane Theatre have had a quote for reinforcement grids to be placed over the grass in the car park, to prevent cars getting stuck in the mud.
• 3) Members’ Operations: Gret announced that Jim Dale had recently had his heart operation and that Kath Walker had an operation at the weekend. Cards will be sent to both of them on behalf of Newquay U3A members and the Committee.
• 4) Speakers: Our speakers for the next few months will be: March - Howard Curnow, from Cornwall Wildlife Trust, speaking on how Climate Change Affects Cornwall; April – John Denyer speaking about Life and People in China; June – Falmouth Maritime Museum; July – Richard Chapman, on Wildlife Photography; October – Tony Randall, retired Crown Prosecution Service (return visit); November - Richard Peirce, Conservationist (return visit); December – Richard Browne, Entertainer; January – Wheal Martin Clay Works; February – The Missing Stones at Stonehenge; March – Cornwall Air Ambulance; April – Spaceport Cornwall.

9) Secretary’s Report:

• 1) National U3A Day 3rd June 2020: Our Task Group, including non-committee members, had meetings to brainstorm ideas on how to celebrate the day. Several ideas are being investigated and when they are firmed up there will be a briefing, and we will be asking members to support us to help raise awareness of U3A in the local community.

10) Interest Groups:

• 1) Play Reading Group: Need more members. Held in the Lanherne on the last Friday of the month. Please phone Chris or Annie if interested in joining the group.
• 2) New Fishing Group: David Stevens has a sign up list in reception, if anyone is interested in joining this group.
• 3) Murder Mysteries: Valerie Tams needs more participants for her Murder Mystery on Thursday 13th February. Please sign up in reception or ring her.
• 4) Food with Friends: Wednesday 19th Feb at the Hotel Bristol. Sign up with menu choices.
• 5) Garden Appreciation:
• a) 26th February: There will be a quiz held at Quintrell Downs Garden Centre cafe at 2pm.
• b) 24th March: The list will be out at the next General Meeting for Trewidden Garden, Penzance.
• 6) Bird Watching: 19th February to Walmsley Sanctuary, near Wadebridge. Vic has the use of an 8-seater mini-bus with 5 spaces available for a contribution of £4 towards charges.
• 7) Noreen Tate’s 80th Birthday Party: 26th February 12:30pm for 1pm. Organised by Ruth Parkin. Sign-up sheet is in reception. £14 payment before the 17th.

11) Suggestion Box: An anonymous suggestion has been put in the suggestion box for a topless calendar to be produced for 2021. David Stevens has said he will pose for January.

12) Next General Meeting: Tuesday 10th March 2020 10:15am for 11:00am at the Lane Theatre.
Speaker: Howard Curnow from Cornwall Wildlife Trust on “How Climate Change Affects Cornwall.”

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Notes taken at the General Meeting Tuesday 14th January 2020 held at the Lane Theatre, Newquay

Present at the Meeting: 82 (plus 5 visitors)

1) Welcome: Gret introduced herself as the Chairman, pointed out the fire exits and asked people to make sure their handbags were tucked out of the way and their phones were switched off or on silent. Gret then introduced the speaker: Sean Sweeney from Hall for Cornwall.

2) Hall for Cornwall: Sean Sweeney, the Fundraising Officer for Hall for Cornwall, outlined the background of the Hall for Cornwall, and told us about their development plans. This is a £21.6m project, for which they get funding from various different entities, including Cornwall Council, HM Government, the European Union, the Lottery Heritage Fund, the Arts Council and CIoS LEP. With improved access and increased seating in the stalls, circle and upper balcony they will have a much increased capacity of 1354, which should attract the bigger shows to Truro. Sean played us several different videos during his talk, including their Open Day Film, a poem about the Hall written and narrated by Callum Mitchell and an illustrated poem written and narrated by year 2 children. The Hall for Cornwall is on target for reopening in Autumn 2020.

3) Business Meeting: Gret thanked Sean Sweeney for his enlightening talk and invited him to stay for our business meeting.

4) Apologies: None.

5) Minutes of the General Meeting held on 10th December 2019 were approved and signed as a correct record by the Chairman. Copies were available for perusal on the notice board.

6) Matters arising: No matters were raised.

7) Chairman’s Report:

• 1) Car Parking: Gret reminded us that because the car park gets very full, we are desperate for a couple of volunteers to be car park marshals.
• 2) Secretary and Membership Secretary: Gret said that we thankfully have had two volunteers to join the Committee to do these roles next year, and thanked the members concerned for volunteering.
• 3) Post Xmas Lunch: Gret said that the post Xmas meal at the Atlantic Hotel was excellent and, as far as she knew from going around the tables on the day, everyone enjoyed it.

8) Secretary’s Report:

• 1) National U3A Day: Our first Task Group Meeting to brainstorm expansion ideas will be held on Thursday 16th January from 2pm. We welcome non-committee members to come forward to join our small group.

9) Interest Groups:

• 1) Groups Coordinator Powerpoint Presentation: David Stevens said that he had a new computer and the Powerpoint Presentation was running well in the auditorium before the business meeting. However, he was not getting many photos to show and asked for Group Leaders to send more.
• 2) Pub / Pub Games Group: David Stevens told us that there were seven at the inaugural meeting for the new Pub / Pub Games Group, held at the Tavern Inn after last month’s meeting. He hoped people would join us again after the meeting today. He had brought several pub games to play.
• 3) Murder Mysteries: Valerie Tams is running some Murder Mystery games, with 8 parts and 2 reserves per session. Please sign up for them and indicate if you are interested in future Murder Mysteries.
• 4) Amateur Music Group: If anyone can play an instrument and would like to join an Amateur Music Group, please let Valerie Tams know and we will see if we can find a venue where we can practice.
• 5) Garden Appreciation: Margaret said there are no actual garden visits during January and February and she will be away for the next two months. However:
• i) 28th Jan: Sheilah will run the Beetle Drive at the Tavern, accessed by the 85 or 87 buses.
• ii) 25th Feb: Dot will run the quiz to be held at Quintrell Downs Garden Centre cafe.
• iii) March: Garden visits will restart.
• 6) Antiques and Collectables: The answers to the Antiques Quiz that was in the December Newsletter are on the notice board.
• 7) Cornish Dancing: Sheilah said that the Cornish Dancers and the Singing for Fun Group had entertained the Memory Club at Crantock.

10) Next General Meeting: Tuesday 11th February 2020 10:15am for 11:00am at the Lane Theatre.
Speaker: Lynn Bartrip-Kay from Newquay Purple Angels, about dealing with dementia.

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Notes taken at the General Meeting Tuesday 10th December 2019 held at the Lane Theatre, Newquay

Present at the Meeting: 71 (plus 1 visitor)

1) Welcome: Gret introduced herself as the Chairman, pointed out the fire exits and asked people to make sure their handbags were tucked out of the way and their phones were switched off or on silent.

2) Apologies: June Colwill, Jennie Barnes.

3) Minutes of the General Meeting held on 12th November 2019 were approved and signed as a correct record by the Chairman. Copies were available for perusal on the notice board.

4) Matters arising: No matters were raised.

5) Chairman’s Report:
1) Committee roles required next year: Gret reminded us that we will need a new Secretary and also a new Membership Secretary next year. We therefore need volunteers to join the Committee as soon as possible to learn the ropes for either of these roles.
2) Thanks to Lane Theatre Staff: Gret thanked Roger and Ann, the Lane Theatre staff, for all their help organising the venue, and Ann Masters for opening up for us.

6) Secretary’s Report:
1) Key Committee Roles: John reiterated that the key Committee positions of Secretary and Membership Secretary needed to be filled. Help will be given by other Committee Members to those willing to volunteer.
2) Post Xmas Lunch: John reminded us of the Post Xmas Lunch on 10th January at the Atlantic Hotel. Pre-ordered menu choices should be made along with the full payment, by bank transfer, cash or cheque. Deadline for payment Friday 27th December. Contact John or other Committee Members.
3) U3A Day 3rd June 2020: We hope to mark this day by celebrating our expansion. We welcome non-committee members to come forward to join an “Expansion Group” of about 6 – 8 members, to brainstorm expansion ideas.

7) Interest Groups:
1) Antiques Group: Next meeting is Monday 16th December, which will be a Christmas Past theme and Christmas Social. Details are on the Events Sheet.
2) Pub / Pub Games Group: David Stevens reminded us that the inaugural meeting for the new Pub / Pub Games Group will be held at the Tavern Inn after this meeting, when we will discuss when and where to hold the January meeting.

8) Any Other Business:
1) Powerpoint Presentation of Past Group Activities: David Stevens apologised for not running the Powerpoint Presentation this month, but he now has a new computer and will run it next month. He appealed to Group Leaders to send photos of their activities.
2) Photos on OneDrive: David will show people who are interested how to put their photos on OneDrive at the next meeting.

9) Next General Meeting: Tuesday 14th January 2020 10:15am for 11:00am at the Lane Theatre.
Speaker: Sean Sweeney from the Hall for Cornwall.

10) In House Entertainment:
1. John Woodason Singing for Fun Group: 2 ‘Show’ Songs:
‘Wouldn’t it be Luverly’
‘Get me to the Church on Time’
2. David Stevens STAND UP BINGO: Wine for winner / Chocolate for booby prize
3. Janet Wilkins Longer Walking Group Leader: Poem: ‘50 shades of Grey’
4. Pauline and Cheryl French Conversation Group: Franglais Sketch: ‘Buying a Turkey’
5. John Woodason Anecdote: ‘It all makes sense now!’
6. David Stevens STAND UP BINGO: Wine for winner / Chocolate for booby prize
7. Pauline and Cheryl French Conv Group: Franglais Poem: ‘While Shepherds Watched”
8. John Woodason Anecdote: ‘Bear with me’
9. Gret Woodason Anecdote: ‘An Obedient Wife’
10. John Woodason Singing for Fun Group: 2 Christmas Songs:
‘Walking in a Winter Wonderland’
‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’
1 Carol: ‘Ding Dong Merrily on High’

11) Chairman’s Final Greeting: Gret finalised the meeting by wishing us all a Happy Christmas.

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Notes taken at the General Meeting Tuesday 8th October 2019 held at the Lane Theatre, Newquay

Present at the Meeting: 72 (including 4 new members)

1) Welcome: Gret introduced herself as the Chairman, pointed out the fire exits and asked people to make sure their handbags were tucked out of the way and their phones were switched off or on silent. She then introduced the speaker, Brian Freeland.

2) Brian Freeland: George Bernard Shaw “Playing the Clown” First of all Brian introduced himself and told us a little bit about how he came to be doing what he was doing. He then went on to tell us about George Bernard Shaw’s life, interspersing his talk with GBS impressions. His talk, combined with his talented performance, was extremely interesting and amusing. Brian's latest book, his third, called "Searching for my Tambourine" was on sale after the meeting in the foyer, where there was a queue of people eager to see, and hopefully buy, his book.

3) Apologies: Judith Holroyd.

4) Minutes of the General Meeting held on 10th September 2019 were approved and signed as a correct record by the Chairman. Copies were available for perusal on the notice board.

5) Matters arising: No matters were raised.

6) Chairman’s Report:

• 1) Gret reminded us about the Post Xmas Lunch at the Atlantic Hotel with 3 courses at £21.95 and 2 courses at £18.50, both including coffee afterwards. She said there would be more details about it soon.
• 2) Gret then reminded us that our December meeting would consist of entertainment provided by groups or individual members of U3A. Ideas will be discussed at the Group Leaders Meeting. Pauline Scotting, who has been performing in “Ladies in Lavender” at the Lane Theatre, might organise something, and anyone else in U3A is welcome to suggest other ideas.

7) Treasurer’s Report:

INCOME/EXPENDITURE STATEMENT

• a) On-line banking: Vic told us that our on-line banking is now set up, allowing dual authorisation within the next few days.
• b) Estimated Expenditure. The estimated expenditure may need to be changed to £6,000. As for the surplus funds, free tea and coffee is now being provided and the money could also be used to buy equipment for groups who need it.
• c) Diaries: Vic mentioned that the 2020 U3A Diaries have now arrived, some of which have been bought by members of the committee. There are 11 left @ £2.75, available to be purchased from him after the meeting.
• d) Bird Watching Group: Vic announced that the inaugural meeting for the Bird Watching Group that he is organising will be on Wednesday November 6th at Hayle Estuary RSPB, transport by car share.

8) Membership Secretary’s Report:

• a) We currently have 222 fully paid up members, 72 of whom are present at the General Meeting, including 4 new members.
• b) 2018/2019 members who have not yet paid their subscriptions for 2019/2020 have been removed from the database and are no longer considered to be U3A members. They will need to rejoin if they want to attend any U3A Group events. A list of those members has been sent to the Group Leaders.

9) Website Coodinator’s Report:

• a) Website Calendar Page: On Valerie’s behalf John asked if everyone is aware of the useful Calendar page on the website This is kept up to date as and when any event changes or is cancelled, provided Group Leaders notify Valerie Tams of any changes to their Group Events.
• b) Facebook: Regular postings about some of our recent events are on our Facebook page but we would be grateful for more photos from other events. Please send to Valerie Tams or David Stevens, who now has access to add items to our Facebook page.

10) Acknowledgement: Gret explained that the usual Lane Theatre members of staff, Ann and Roger, were away and thanked Paul for his help with the lighting in the theatre and for sorting things out for Brian Freeland.

11) Group Coordinator’s Report:

• a) Powerpoint Presentation. David Stevens apologised for not providing a presentation of photographs of our group activities beforehand, due to problems with Windows 10. Although he will not be present at the meeting next month he hopes that there will be a slideshow provided by John, if people send their photos to him.
• b) Poetry Group: David announced on Alison’s behalf that the Poetry Group would now only be meeting once a month instead of twice. The next few meetings will therefore be October 24th, November 21st and December 19th.
• c) Group Leaders Meeting: This will be next Tuesday and David asked that Group Leaders should let him know if they cannot attend as soon as possible, so that the food that will be provided for the buffet will not be wasted.
• d) New Group: David said there had been a suggestion that we form a new group to encourage more men, a Pub Visits Group, where people can play pub games such as darts, snooker, dominoes or cards. The sign up list for the group will be up next month, with the first meeting held in December.

12) Interest Groups:

• Garden Appreciation Group:
• i) Next visit is October 22nd to Prideaux Place in Padstow, with a House Tour at 11:30am at £10 each. Margaret L said that the minibus was not available for the visit due to the fact that the usual driver was still recuperating from his operation. Transport will be by car-share and bus: A5 at 8:55am arriving Padstow at 10:22. Margaret advised us to get off the bus at the top car park and walk down, rather than at the station and walk up. Bus back to Newquay would be 3:35pm or 5:35pm. Meet at the tea shop at 11am and it would help if lunch is pre-booked.
• ii) The Christmas Meal will be on 12th December at the Bay Tree in Goonhavern Garden Centre. The menu and sign up list will be at the next meeting, and a £5 deposit and menu choice will be required. Email Margaret for a copy of the menu.

13) Any Other Business: Gret announced that a speaker from the Hall for Cornwall has been booked for January 2020 meeting instead of what was previously advertised.

14) Next General Meeting: Tuesday 12th November 10:15am for 11:00am at the Lane Theatre.
The speaker will be Richard Peirce, Author and Conservationist of Lions, Elephants and Sharks. Refreshments 10:15am to 10:45am.

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Group Leaders' Presentation

at the General Meeting on 10th September 2019

The Group Leaders or their representatives spoke in the order in which their groups appeared in the 3-fold leaflet, and if they were reporting on multiple groups, they gave all their reports together.

Antiques and Collectibles: Margaret L spoke In Chris B’s absence, reading out what Chris had prepared, saying that they were a well supported group who met on the last Monday of each month except August unless there is a bank holiday, in which case they meet the week before. They have a programme of topics each year, including themed meetings, speakers, visits to auctions, antique shops and fairs, visiting National Trust properties and other places of interest, challenges, quizzes, culminating with an end of year “Christmas-past” focused social gathering. The theme this year is “The Way We Were” covering Entertainment, Vintage Fashion and Accessories, Sporting Memorabilia, Militaria, Coins and Medals, Time Pieces. They have had a talk by Mr Ian Morris from Lostwithiel Sales Room and a guided tour of Prideaux House. The aim of the group is to have fun while developing detective skills by finding out more about the items members bring along to the sessions. The next meeting is at 10:15am on Monday 30th September at the Quintrell Inn.

Garden Appreciation: Margaret L then went on to speak about her own group: the Garden Visits Group, who meet on the 4th Tuesday of the month to visit gardens open to the public. They hire a minibus from Newquay Lions, which holds 13. Other members take their own cars and car share. A deposit is taken at the time of booking. They have visited gardens from as near as the local Arundel Garden in West Pentire to as far as RHS Rosemoor in Devon. They also had a three day visit to Hampton Court Flower Show, RHS Wisley and Stourhead Gardens this year. They use a larger coach for out of county visits. The garden visits are for nine months of the year but during the winter months they meet for a Christmas lunch, for a quiz and for a fun day. In the summer they hold a garden party. This year they have visited Glendurgan, Pine Lodge, Ennis Gardens for the bluebells, Heligan, RHS Rosemoor and NT Parkland. The visit to Bonython Gardens had to be cancelled but they will visit it next year. The next visit is to Trelissick on 24th September from Chester Road Market at 10:00am. The Xmas party will be held at the Bay Tree for which they will be taking a £5 deposit.

Peter M: Peter then got up to announce that after 13 years of leading the Garden Visits Group he was standing down at the end of September, but will still be taking part in the visits. He wished Margaret and Dot every success in leading the group in the future. Margaret then thanked Peter for running the group so successfully and hoped he would have a well-earned rest. Shirley presented him with a garden voucher, as a token of appreciation, on behalf of the Committee, the Garden Visits Group and all of Newquay U3A, along with Gret’s personal thanks for all his support to her.

Bridge: In Shirley O’s absence, Margaret H told us that Bridge was held every Wednesday at the Lanherne from 2pm until 4pm. It is a beginners’ group although some of them have been playing a long time. It is a large group and although new people are welcome to join, they need to speak to Shirley before they do, so that she can organise things. A smaller group of the more expert players play at Sainsbury’s cafe every Friday from 6:30pm to 9:00pm.

Social Group: Margaret H said that the Social Group meets at 11am at the Heron Centre every other Thursday morning for a social get-together over refreshments while discussing things that are going on locally. The meetings were originally set fortnightly so that they did not coincide with the Silver Screen at the cinema, but so far the Silver Screen films for this season seem to be on every week. The dates that the Social Group have scheduled are for 12th and 26th September, and 17th October. Margaret asked that people come along to discuss what we can do about the day now clashing with the cinema screenings, and maybe she will change the day they meet.

Walking Group: Sheila T said that her group do short walks of about 3-5 miles. They are fairly flat scenic walks. They usually travel by bus and walk from there. She plans to have walks around Wadebridge and the Camel Trail. Her walks always stop at a cafe for refreshments, and sometime if the walk is rained off they just go to the cafe.

Cornish Dancing: Sheilah T said that she has 16 members in the Cornish Dancing Group who are all now experts so she cannot take any new people yet. They practice every week and have a lot of laughs. Her group now know a lot of dances and perform at Care Homes and Lowender Perran.

Family History: Sheilah T said she has been doing family history at Newquay Library with a lot of people who are very pleased with what they have learned about their families. If anyone wants to know about their family history, they need to know their ancestors’ middle names and where they were born. Three or four different families can be found in 100 years. Sheilah said you would be surprised what you can learn about your family. They are waiting for the 1921 Census to be published, for more details.

Creative Writing: Valerie T had prepared a bullet-point presentation about her Creative Writing Group which was on the screen describing what they do in Creative Writing, but she also read out a rhyming poem telling the audience all about it.

Nature Study Saunter: Valerie T had also prepared a bullet-point presentation about her Nature Study Saunter Group, and stated that it was not a serious study group, more a group who just want to get together and look at nature in the open air. Her presentation detailed the places that the group had visited and she spoke a little about what they had discovered about the geology of the area.

Saturday Saunter: Accompanied by another bullet-point presentation, Valerie T said that her Saturday Saunter Group could either be a beach walk at low tide or a coastal path walk at high tide. They meet every Saturday at Killacourt and decide on the day where they are going to walk, depending on the tide, the weather and the walking abilities of those present.

Exploring Poetry: Alison R said that her poetry group has been running for two years. They would be very happy for others to join. They look at famous poems and some not so well known. They have themed meetings such as: Autumn Poems; War Poems; Love Poems. They study different styles and different poets, which could even be someone new. They have studied female poets, and have gone back as far as they can, even into the 1400s; American poets including Longfellow’s poem “Hiawatha”; Irish poets; famous poets such as Browning. The group also write their own poetry sometimes. They meet twice a month on Thursdays at 7pm. Next meeting will be Thursday 12th September.

Food with Friends: Val H said that she and Rachel run this group together. They try different venues at lunchtime, especially in the winter, although they do sometimes have afternoon tea. They have enjoyed meals in different types of places: from places like the Hotel Bristol to fish and chips at Lanivet. She asked that if people, who have put their name down for a meal, cannot come for any reason, they should phone either her or Rachel to cancel. The next meal is at the Travellers’ Rest in Trevarrian on Tuesday 17th September at 12:30pm. The Christmas meal will be held at Carlyon Bay again. New members are always welcome.

Longer Walking Group: Janet W said they had done 17 walks this year. They had walked in mist, rain, wind and only had to cancel one walk due to rain: in August. She has some new walks, some are urban walks: maybe Falmouth or Redruth. She told us that we are lucky enough to have had designated footpaths for 70 years now. Her closing words were: “After a day’s walking everything has twice its value.”

Music Appreciation: Libby opened with “To put everything in balance is good; to put everything in harmony is better.” Libby told us her group started in May 2012: to learn more about classical music, to relax and enjoy familiar music more fully and to expand their enjoyment by listening to music they didn’t know. They still achieve this. They meet monthly in a member’s house for 2 hours and listen to music brought and presented by group members. Each session is themed. Over the years they have tackled composers alphabetically; played music through the centuries; music of different countries and different genres, including musicals, film scores, jazz and big band, even 60’s pop. This year they have played anything musical which begins with the first letter of the month. As well as the monthly sessions they have fixed events every year including outings to a Christmas Concert, a Christmas Ballet at the Cinema, the “Harmoniemusik” Festival and a Christmas Party. They also have spontaneous outings with dinner beforehand, including ballet and opera at the cinema. Other informal diary dates crop up from time to time. They have 16 members and are now reaching venue capacity, but will welcome any who wish to join. Libby then thanked Hilary for hosting the meetings throughout the year, Sylvia for her Christmas party and Jill for offering an alternative venue.

Photography: On Jenny B’s behalf, Jan J said that the photography group is on the 1st Thursday of the month. While she was speaking, David Stevens played a slide show of photos they had taken. Jan told us they had enjoyed a boat trip taking photos of seals, various birds and people who were orienteering. They had also had a visit to the Screech Owl Sanctuary where they saw birds in flight. Jan told us that the group consisted of people of all photographic abilities, some even using phone cameras. In the winter they plan for the next year at Crantock Village Hall and take indoor photos. They hold an annual competition judged by David Chapman.

Singing for Fun: Also on Jenny B’s behalf, Jan J told us that Singing for Fun is held on the 2nd Friday afternoon of the month at Gret’s, because the acoustics are great there. They sing very varied songs from WW2 songs to modern pop and encourage people to sing their favourites. They chat a lot, laugh a lot and reminisce a lot. So if you like singing in the bath or shower, then come along and join in.

Table Tennis: Jan J told us that table tennis is held three times a week at Crantock Village Hall from 9am until noon. Monday’s session is run by Tony, Wednesday’s by Jan and Friday’s by Gary. People come along and play for an hour or so or for three hours. There are 30 regulars, usually 15-20 per session. People in their early 60’s to late 80’s play and the more expert players are willing to help those less experienced. The cost is £1.50 per session, which includes refreshments. A Social Evening is also held at the hall. Unfortunately, because of the demand for tables, the group cannot take absolute beginners.

Whist: Shirley asked June C, who is the temporary contact for the Whist Group, if she wanted to say anything, but she just said that a new Group Leader is needed. Shirley asked for volunteers.

New Groups:

French Conversation: Pauline S said that she had put out a sign-up sheet for a French Conversation Group, which she intends holding on the 1st and 3rd Mondays at 10:30am, hopefully at the Quintrell Inn. The first meeting will be held on the 1st Monday in November. Pauline asked that people, when they sign up, should indicate the level they were at, e.g.”O” level or “A” level etc, so she can gear the sessions accordingly.

Bird Watching: Victor W is a keen birder and wants to start a bird watching group. He had also put out a sign-up sheet. He said that venues would be local to start with, but they would be going further afield in the future. He will decide on which day of the month to hold it when he sees who is interested.

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Notes taken at the General Meeting Tuesday 9th July 2019 held at the Lane Theatre, Newquay

Present at the Meeting: 82 (including 3 new members and 1 visitor)

1) Welcome: Gret introduced herself as the Chairman, then pointed out the fire exits before asking people to make sure their handbags were tucked out of the way and their phones were switched off or on silent. Gret then introduced the speaker, Jenny Hindson from Newquay Community Orchard.

2) Newquay Community Orchard: The very personable Jenny Hindson is the Operations Manager of Newquay Community Orchard. She gave us an interesting talk about the Orchard which is 7 acres of green space on Duchy land, gifted and then crowd-funded to make Newquay a greater place. Work started in 2015. So far about 500 people have been involved in this sustainable organisation, built by the community for the community. There are currently 120 apple trees, plus pear and plum trees in the Orchard itself. Support has been given by John Harris who has a wealth of knowledge of the history of the different apple varieties, some with weird and wonderful names. The first apple harvest will be this year.

In “An Lowarth” (the growing space) other crops have been grown by volunteers who now have their first crop of blackcurrant jam. In the propagation greenhouse they also do courses in various aspects of horticulture. They now have a large poly-tunnel with another due to be erected in the near future. Things growing in the “Forest Garden” can either be eaten or used in some other way. In the “Kreft” (workshop) they do woodwork, making bird-boxes and other things from pallets and other materials. “The Den” is a covered area which is used for workshops and exhibition space. They now have a "Heart and Soul" food wagon, an outside kitchen, where free hot lunches are provided for the volunteer workers, who work on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

The whole idea of the Orchard is to provide a sanctuary where anyone can come at any time: a green community hub. In August construction will start on a new Community Building (“The Hive”) where rooms will be available for hire, and where they hope to hold pop-up feasts with guest chefs. Construction will also start in August on a 600 seat amphitheatre (“Plen an Gwari”), which will be the second largest indoor venue in Cornwall. Although the first two years it will be an outdoor venue, as they need to raise money for a roof first. Various events are already held at the Orchard, with about 2,500 people attending their Spring Fair. They hold regular craft markets and farmers' markets, and great fun was had at their Wassail in January.

Jenny certainly captured the interest of our audience. Some members indicated they will probably be visiting sometime in the near future. Some indicated they may even be volunteering. Gret thanked Jenny for her interesting talk, and said she hoped she and John would soon be visiting Newquay Orchard.

3) Apologies: Christine Bramhall, John and Miranda Taylor, Sheilah Terry and Rosemary Plant.

4) Minutes of the General Meeting held on 11th June 2019 were approved and signed as a correct record by Shirley Scammell. Copies were available for perusal on the notice board.

5) Matters arising: No matters were raised.

6) Chairman’s Report:

• Vice-chairman: Gret thanked Shirley, our new Vice-Chairman, for chairing the General Meeting in June. Gret said she was rejoicing in the fact that she now had a Vice-Chairman who had a lot of experience after being on the Committee for some time.
• Changes of Addresses, Phone Numbers or Email Addresses: Gret asked that members notify Valerie Tams, our Membership Secretary, of any changes in order for our database to be kept up-to-date.
• Car Park Marshals: Our previous car park marshal has not yet renewed his membership, so Gret asked for a couple of volunteers to take it in turns to be marshal, to enable members to double park if necessary to give more room in the car park, as Newquay U3A is getting bigger all the time and there isn’t another suitable bigger venue.
• Recent Events Slide Show: Gret thanked David Stevens for organising a slide show of recent events so members could come into the auditorium after they had their refreshments. She that this would ease congestion in the Green Room. She then asked members to send David Stevens more photos to share what they have been doing with other members at General Meetings.

7) Vice-chairman’s Report: None.

8) Groups Coordinator’s Report:

• Recent Events Slide Show: David Stevens said that he hadn’t had too many photos, and asked that if people send photos they should put some narrative so we know where they are and what they did. He also asked for the photos to be in landscape, rather than portrait.
• Group Leader’s Meeting: David said this will possibly be the third Tuesday in September, probably at Crantock Village Hall.

9a) Treasurer’s Report:

• Current Bank Balance as at 30/06/2019
• (Includes £446.38 Gift Aid) £7,144.32
• Minimum reserve £1,500.00

INCOME/EXPENDITURE STATEMENT

9b) Finance Seminar: Victor Williams said he had been to a Finance Seminar to teach him how to do the job and found out that we were not doing some things we should be doing, and we were doing some things that we should not be doing, therefore we need to make some changes. It will all be discussed further at the Group Leaders’ Meeting.

• All income needs to be reported to the Charities Commission, including trips where moneys are collected in advance for block booking payments.
• Table Tennis money needs to go through the accounts as does money for any special events, except those booked through travel agents.
• Floats are not fully insured therefore we now have a Petty Cash float of £25, otherwise we are going against U3A rules and the money is not protected.
• Money collected must be transferred to U3A. Depositing into one’s own bank account means it is not insured and, if the person who has collected the money were to die, could cause problems with probate. If money is deposited into a personal account it must be immediately transferred to U3A.
• The Charities Commission can demand to look at our books at any time.
• When we have on-line banking we will be able to make payments directly.
• Victor has designed a new spreadsheet which will hold any funds as ring-fenced for various groups. The money will not be lost into the general U3A funds.
• An event is NOT a U3A event if money is paid directly by a member, and the event is therefore not insured.
• When is a tip not a tip? A whip round for a driver on an excursion is a tip, but not if it is paid on a regular basis.
• Victor needs to continue to look at the books and project our expenses correctly. He also needs to look at the reserve and at the excess funds we have.

10) Membership Secretary’s Report:
We currently have 212 fully paid up members, 81 of whom are present at the General Meeting, including 3 new members. We also have 1 visitor present.

11) Publicity Coordinator’s Report:
Gret is going to produce a newsletter for September. She has had some contributions but would appreciate more.

12) Interest Groups:
12a) Garden Appreciation Group:

• Bonython Gardens: Margaret L said that the minibus was full for the trip to Bonython Gardens, Helston, on Tuesday 23rd July. However, cars would also be going so if anyone could give a lift to people on the reserve list it would be appreciated. The minibus will leave 6 Veor Road at 10am. Please bring a packed lunch as they only serve tea, coffee and cake.

• The September Garden Party will be held in Janet Bailey’s large garden at 21 Chester Road, when everyone is welcome and should bring a plate of food to share and if possible a fold-up chair. A raffle will be held on the day.

12b) Miscellaneous Events: “The Odd Couple” at the Lane Theatre is on every Tuesday and Wednesday at 8pm from 18th June to 24th July.

13) Any Other Business: It was mentioned that the 26th August was a Bank Holiday, but Antiques and Collectables has been scheduled for that day and was it correct?

14) Next General Meeting: Tuesday 10th September 10:30am for 11:00am at the Lane Theatre. Refreshments will be served from 10:15am and will finish at 10:45am, giving time for the clearing up to be done before the meeting. There will be no speaker. Interest Groups will be showcasing their activities. Our Chairman and Secretary, Gret and John Woodason, will not be there. Shirley, our Vice-chairman will chair the meeting and David Stevens will be assisting the Group Leaders with their presentations.

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Notes taken at the General Meeting Tuesday 11th June 2019 held at The Lane Theatre, Newquay

Present at the Meeting: 72 (including 2 new members and 1 visitor)

1) Welcome: Shirley introduced herself as the new Vice-Chairman and explained that both the Chairman and Secretary were away on holiday. She gave an especial welcome to the two new members and one visitor, then pointed out the fire exits before asking people to make sure their handbags were tucked out of the way and their phones were switched off or on silent. Shirley then introduced the speaker, John Peter Santi, from Gweek Seal Sanctuary.

2) John Peter Santi from Gweek Seal Sanctuary: John Peter, known as JP, told us that the seal sanctuary started in 1958, all due to a man called Ken Jones who rescued a seal called Cindy. He went on to rescue more seals, keeping them in his back garden swimming pool, until the sanctuary opened in Gweek in 1975.

There are two types of seals: Grey Seals (Atlantic Seals) and Common Seals (Harbour Seals). Most of the seals we see around Cornwall are Grey Seals as Common Seals do not like rocky coastlines. Cornwall coast has about 40% of the UK population of Grey Seals, with their pups being born between September and March.

Gweek Seal Sanctuary is now owned by the Sealife Trust. They rescue seal pups suffering from malnourishment and dehydration after separation from their mothers, and seals suffering from plastic pollution, from entanglement in fishing nets and other objects, from propeller damage or even from a seal stampede due to humans getting too close. In 2018 they rescued 89 pups separated from their mothers, the largest number ever, probably due to the number of storms we had caused by climate change. During that time they reached their capacity twice. When at capacity seals can be moved on to other sanctuaries.

JP told us that some seals can never be released back into the wild due to blindness or other injuries. Gweek have several permanent residents, their oldest male being 40 and their oldest female being 44 years old. In the wild a seal’s life expectancy is about 30 years.

Shirley thanked JP for his extremely interesting talk, which had prompted more questions from our U3A audience than anyone else’s talk ever had, and said she hoped it would prompt people to visit Gweek Sanctuary.

3) Apologies: Christine Turner

4) Minutes of the General Meeting held on 14th May 2019 were approved and signed as a correct record by Shirley Scammell. Copies were available for perusal on the notice board.

5) Matters arising: No matters were raised.

6) Vice Chairman’s Report: Shirley said that she had nothing to report as she had not been doing the job long enough, and said there were no Chairman’s report or Secretary’s report because they were both on holiday.

7) Treasurer’s Report: Victor Williams introduced himself as the new Treasurer and thanked Dave Morey for all the help he had given him in the handover.

INCOME/EXPENDITURE STATEMENT

8) Groups Coordinator’s Report: David Stevens introduced himself as the new Groups Coordinator and thanked Margaret Harris for all the work she had done while she was Groups Coordinator. Then he thanked Valerie Tams for producing the Events Sheet. David went on to say that he had been a U3A Member for 5 years although he had been away for a year, during which time he served on the committee as Website Coordinator and also was group leader of a couple of groups. He had also done “Stand up Bingo” at our December meetings.

David said that he was keen to develop the groups to give as wide an offering as possible to appeal to as many members as we can, so he welcomes suggestions for new groups and will give help to existing groups and find new venues to use. He intends to visit each group as well as hold a Group Leader’s meeting in September.

He went on to explain that, due to time constraints, there was not enough time for group leaders to talk about past events at General Meetings, but at future General Meetings he will produce a Powerpoint Presentation about recent group activities, which will be played continuously in the auditorium prior to the start of the General Meeting at 11am. He encouraged group leaders to send details and photos of their activities to him for inclusion in the presentation.

9) Interest Groups:
i. Garden Appreciation Group: Margaret L said that the coach for Rosemoor on Tuesday 25th June was nearly full, but that they had one seat left, if anyone else wants to come. The coach will leave Chester Road Market, St Anne’s Road side, at 9am returning between 5:30pm to 6:30pm. Entrance to Rosemoor is £7 which she will collect as we get on the coach, so please have the right money.

The 23rd July visit will be to Bonython Gardens, Helston to be signed up for at the July General Meeting.

The September Garden Party will be held in Janet Bailey’s large garden at 21 Chester Road, when everyone is welcome and should bring a plate of food to share. A raffle will be held on the day.

Hampton Court trip details can be obtained directly from Newells.

ii. Antiques and Collectables Group: Chris B said that there would be a speaker on Auctioneering coming at 10:30am on Monday 24th June, so it is best to come early at about 10:15am. Anyone wishing to come must get in touch with her first.

iii. Miscellaneous Events: “The Odd Couple” at the Lane Theatre is on every Tuesday and Wednesday at 8pm from 18th June to 24th July.

iv. Walking Group: Sheilah asked that if it is raining, or looks like it might, to ring her first before the walk, between 8:30am to 9:30am, to check if it is going ahead, to save her having to go to the meeting point to see if anyone turns up.

10) Any Other Business: Shirley reminded everyone that subscriptions were due in April and if anyone hadn’t renewed to please do so, either by giving the cheque to a group leader, or even see the Treasurer after the meeting. Shirley then thanked the Committee, Sheila and Josie for all their work at the meeting.

11) Next General Meeting: Tuesday 9th July 10:30am for 11:00am at the Lane Theatre. The speaker will be from Newquay Community Orchard.

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Notes taken at the General Meeting Tuesday 14th May 2019

held at The Lane Theatre, Newquay

1) Welcome: Gret gave an especial welcome to visitors and new members then pointed out the fire exits before asking people to make sure their handbags were tucked out of the way and their phones were switched off or on silent.

2) Apologies: John Mankelow, David Stevens.

3) Minutes of the General Meeting held on 9th April 2019 were approved and signed as a correct record by Gret Woodason. Copies were available for perusal on the notice board.

4) Matters arising: No matters were raised.

5) Chairman’s Report:

• Gret mentioned that Isabel Pascoe had passed away in Falmouth on 24th March, and explained that she had run Spanish Groups in U3A and was engaged in various activities in Newquay, including being on Newquay Town Council. There would be a celebration of her life on 5th June.

• Gret then informed the audience of an email that had been sent to the Committee from a member who had complained that Group Leaders were no longer given any time to speak about their past events at General Meetings. The discussion at the last Committee Meeting concluded that in the past there had been fewer groups and fewer members. Now there was not enough time to do this, as some people were already itching to leave after the speaker had finished. It had been suggested we could extend the meeting, but we are booked for 3 hours from 9:30 to 12:30 and it would cost more. Some group leaders would not want to stand and talk at each meeting, which would give an unbalanced representation of all the groups. There was an opportunity for Group Leaders to speak about their past events at the September meeting, or they could email reports for the Newsletter or to put on the Website and/or Facebook. Gret asked that, if anyone disagreed with the Committee’s conclusions, they should put their comments in the suggestions box or email the Committee.

6) Treasurer’s Report: Dave said the report was on the notice board:

INCOME/EXPENDITURE STATEMENT

7) Groups Reports:

• Play Reading Group: Margaret H spoke on behalf of Chris and Annie from the Play Reading Group, saying that 2 members of the group had dropped out so new members were welcome to join, although they could only be a small group due to the number of parts in the plays they read. They get a good mix of plays.
• Antiques Group: The 20th May meeting is a visit to Predeau Place, Padstow: meet at 10:30am in the car park, for the 11am guided tour. £9 per person.
• Garden Visits Group: Margaret L announced:-
• - Heligan Gardens on Tue 21st May: Margaret L said the coach was full and would be departing 6 Veor Road at 10am arriving at about 10:45am.
• - Rosemoor on Tue 25th June: 26 have booked on the coach so far but there is an option to book a bigger coach. Coach will leave at 9am with a 2 hour journey, and return home will be 6pm to 6:30pm. Deposit £15 for the coach. Entrance to Rosemoor is £7.
• Food with Friends: New members are welcome. The next meal will be on 20th May at 6:30pm at the Smugglers Den Inn, Cubert.
• Geology and Wildlife Guided Walk: Friday 17th May at Watergate Bay. This is a private event organised for the Nature Study Saunter Group, guided by Gus Horsley, a local geologist and wildlife expert. It is open for the whole of U3A to join in. Meet on Watergate Bay Beach, below the Beach Hut at 11am. 10:35am bus from Newquay arrives 10:51am.
• Lighthouse Cinema: We can order any films we would like to see provided we have at least 50 people who want to see it. We have so far been given a list of three films by one U3A member. Please email or put any suggestions in the suggestion box. If we get enough interest we could maybe start a Film Club Group. Offers of a volunteer to lead this group are welcome.
• Silver Screen has now stopped for the season.

8) Miscellaneous Social Activities:-

• Probus trip to Exeter on Thursday 20th June leaving at 9am, to arrive at about 11am. Cost will be about £12 plus three optional tours £35: Cathedral, roof, underground, eaves and passages, and the harbour area. Return 4pm to arrive home 6:30pm. Contact John Woodason.
• Newquay Library Thurs 16th 7-9pm Ol an Gwella male voice choir.
• Flower Festival at St Michael’s 23rd to 27th May. Various themes.
• Trenance Cottages Spring Fayre Sunday 19th 10am – 4pm.

9) Next General Meeting: Tuesday 11th June 10:30am for 11:00am at the Lane Theatre. Speaker will be John Peter Santi from Gweek Seal Sanctuary.

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Record of the General Meeting at the Lane Theatre
Tuesday 9th April 2019 at 11am
The Chairman, Gret Woodason, welcomed everyone, then introduced the visiting speaker, Peter Auger, Cornish Garden Consultant.
Experiences of a Head Gardener: Peter Auger, aided by his slide show assistant Peter, took us through photos taken during his time working as a Head Gardener. He started his horticultural training when he was 15 or 16, growing food and flowers under glass before being drawn to working in historic gardens. His first experience of working “in service” was for the Duke and Duchess of Marlborough at Blenheim Palace, 90 acres of garden “grandeur”. Later he worked for Lord and Lady Faringdon at Buscot Park which, in contrast, consisted of 120 acres of horticultural gardens. Peter gave us some amusing insight into what it was like working for gentry and how he dealt with their foibles. His slide show demonstrated that his management of the gardens was an absolute credit to him.
General Meeting.
1. Apologies: Kay and Ian.
2. Minutes of Previous Meeting held on 12th March 2019 were signed off and available on the notice board.
3. Matters Arising: The Post-Christmas Lunch: Gret has booked the Atlantic Hotel for Friday 10th January. The cost will be £21.95 for 3 courses plus coffee, or £18.50 for two courses plus coffee.
4. Chairman’s Report:
New Treasurer: Gret was delighted to announce that we have had a volunteer to become our new Treasurer. She introduced Victor Williams, whose partner Sara was already a U3A member, and informed us that Victor had joined U3A today.
5. Secretary’s Report:
John gave verbal notice of the AGM on Tuesday 14th May, which will be after the General Meeting. We will be taking nominations and voting for the members of the new Committee:
i. Retiring Committee Members: We will be losing three members: Dave Morey, Margaret Harris and Allison Parsons. Gret Woodason should also come off the Committee as her three years are up (see 5.v. below).
ii. Existing Committee Members Available for Nomination: Four people are still available for nomination: John Woodason, Shirley Scammell, Christine Bramhall and Valerie Tams. Judith Holroyd joined the Committee during the year and is also available for nomination.
iii. Volunteers Available for Nomination: June Colwell volunteered to be Treasurer but has no computer and will be available to come onto the Committee in another role. David Stevens has also come back to U3A and will also be available for nomination.
iv. Additional Committee Members: There is still a vacancy for another committee member so if anyone would like to volunteer, they would be welcome to come along to our next Committee Meeting as a taster.
v. Chairman: The U3A Constitution is on the website. We can invoke clauses 7.iv and 7v. stating that we should ask if anyone is willing to stand as Chairman. If no-one comes forward, from the Committee or from other U3A members, the Committee can ask the existing Chairman to stay, but just for one more year. This interpretation has been agreed with U3A National Office as being correct. All has to be ratified at the AGM.
Gret then announced that we will re-juggle the Committee Members’ roles and we will have a Vice-Chairman.
6. Treasurer’s Report: Dave Morey announced:-
Current Income for Year (as at 31/03/2019) £3,998
Estimated Expenditure for Year £3,106
Petty Cash £136
Refreshment Fund £250
7. Publicity: Gret said that since last month’s meeting she had received items for the newsletter, which will be issued next month. She asked for Group Leaders to write about any U3A activities they have attended, to share with others in the newsletter. She also explained that Group Leaders would also be able to showcase their activities at the September meeting
8. Group Activities:
i. Garden Appreciation Group: Margaret announced:-
a. The next visit is to Enys Gardens to see the bluebells on Tuesday 23rd April, minibus leaving 6 Veor Road at 1:15pm. It is a woodland garden, so suitable shoes should be worn. Afternoon teas are available.
b. Tuesday 21st May visit will be to Heligan Gardens, leaving Veor Road at 10am. Entrance is £10.50, coach £5.
c. Rosemoor visit this year will be 25th June. £7 entrance £15 coach. It will be a two hour journey on a 29 seater coach or it could be a bigger one. Deposit will need to be paid at next month’s meeting.
d. Hampton Court Flower Show trip 5th to 7th July: Payment is due by Friday 26th April.
ii. Antiques and Collectables: Chris announced that the visit planned for 29th April had to be postponed until 20th May, so the meeting on 29th April would be at the Quintrell Inn, subject Militaria.
9. Other Miscellaneous Social Activities:-
i. Silver Screen: Thursday 11th April – “Bohemian Rhapsody”
ii. Lighthouse Cinema: Will get us films to order, so long as we get at least 50 people who want to go. So think about what we would like to see.
iii. Bus Passes: From 1st April travel on Cornwall buses will be free for people with bus passes at any time of day, seven days a week. This is a change from free travel starting at the usual 9:30am, which still applies to the rest of the country.
iv. Newton Abbot Racing: 5th June £26. Meal on way home extra.
v. Neighbourhood Plan Referendum: John advised that we should all make sure we vote “Yes” to the neighbourhood plan referendum on 11th April.
vi. Cornwall International Male Voice Choir Festival: 2-6 May. There will be 50 concerts in 40 venues featuring 60 male choirs of all ages. Six choirs will be performing at St Michael’s on Friday 3rd May.
vii. Thursday Club Maggie announced the Thursday Club Annual Garden Party from 2pm on 27th April at 15 Godolphin Way.
viii. Parking at the Lane Theatre: Gret said that because Martin the Marshal had not been to the last few General Meetings, parking was haphazard again, meaning that some people had come and left again because they couldn’t get in. She asked that people should park more considerately.
10. Date and Time of Next General Meeting: Tuesday 14th May 10.30am for 11.00am. No speaker: Annual General Meeting, refreshments provided.
Page text last edited: 16/04/2019

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Record of the General Meeting at the Lane Theatre
Tuesday 12th March 2019 at 11am
The Chairman, Gret Woodason, welcomed everyone, then went through the Health & Safety/Fire notices before welcoming and introducing the visiting speaker, Des Prouse from Goonhilly Earth Station.
Goonhilly: A Tale of Two Half-centuries. Des Prouse talked to the accompaniment of a lengthy slide show, telling us all about Goonhilly and their involvement with the first transatlantic TV broadcast in 1962 via Telstar, along with various other “firsts”, such as the first colour TV transmission from the 1968 Tokyo Olympics via USA, Goonhilly and on to the BBC in London. He described the various different satellite dishes (or antennas) on their site and how they work to link up with the satellites orbiting the Earth.
Goonhilly Earth Station Ltd is the company that acquired the famous Goonhilly satellite station from BT in 2014. Founded by entrepreneur and satellite communications engineer, Ian Jones, the company was formed in order to realise the huge potential at the site. With a vision to create a multi-faceted space hub, Goonhilly Earth Station Ltd is forging ahead in a number of commercial and scientific endeavours.
General Meeting.
1. Apologies: Alison Parsons, Cynthia and Michael Krauesslar.
2. Minutes of Previous Meeting held on 12th February 2019 were signed off and available on the notice board.
3. Matters Arising: The Post-Christmas Lunch: Gret is attending a meeting at the Atlantic Hotel tomorrow and will make a decision based on the negotiations.
4. Chairman’s Report:
1) Committee Members: Gret explained that we have a serious situation with requirement for a Treasurer and replacement for three members coming off the committee. Chris Bramhall is happy to continue as Assistant Treasurer. We have had an offer from someone with bookkeeping experience, but she does not have access to a computer, which is not ideal. Therefore, we are asking for a volunteer with the relevant experience, or our U3A will be una