Somerton

News

BRIAN TIFFIN

It was with sadness that we learnt of the death of Brian Tiffin, at his home on Wednesday. Brian was a founder member of Somerton u3a, one of the original 40 who, along with his late wife Margaret, came forward, joined up and took part in building Somerton u3a into the organisation it is today. He was a member of many Groups over the years with a particular interest in Science, Photography, Walking, Aviation, Computers, taking to the stage with the Drama Group as well as many activities within Somerton, outside of u3a. Brian was one of the first people I met when we moved here nearly 20 years ago, when I joined a Saturday Parish Walk, led by his late wife Margaret. I don't think there was much of that walk that I didn't spend laughing!

Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and many friends.

SAFEGUARDING POLICY

Following an enquiry last year, Somerton u3a contacted the Third Age Trust regarding Safeguarding and we have put a Policy in place.
Safeguarding is something that involves the Committee, Group Leaders and every member of our u3a.
There is a copy of our Safeguarding Police on the website and can be found by following the Link on the Welcome Page, and I invite everyone to read it.
Our Safeguarding Officer is Annette Sparks, our Secretary, who can be contacted through this website.

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MEMBERS' PORTAL

A LINK has been added to the Welcome Page - Somerton U3A Members' Portal. By following the Link, members are invited to enter their membership number (on your membership card), name, email address and post code. You will then be able to update your personal details, VERY IMPORTANT if you are changing your email address. The Link will also give you a list of Groups and highlight the Groups that you are a member of.

It would appear that quite a few members have not been receiving the information sent out in recent months via the Beacon system. Please check that your details are correct.

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CHRISTMAS LUNCH

Our Christmas Lunch was, again, held at Long Sutton Golf Club. 109 members sat down for a 2 or 3 course meal and were entertained by the Recorder Group and The SUBS (ukulele Group).
My thanks go to all those members who were involved in the organisation of the event. Well done!

Photos of the day can be found by visiting the Flickr site - follow the Link at the side of this page, and selecting the 'Christmas Lunch 2023' Album.

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Remembrance Sunday

A service of Remembrance took place at St. Michael & All Angels Church on Sunday 12th November. The church was filled with representatives of the many organisations within Somerton and the surrounding area, and then continued outside at the War Memorial for the reading out of the names and the laying of wreaths.
It was my privilege, again, to lay the wreath on behalf of Somerton u3a. At the October Monthly Meeting, a collection was held and a cheque for £75 has been handed to the RBL. Thank you, to all those who contributed.
Steve Davis.

New Members Coffee Morning

In early November, a coffee morning was held to welcome new members to our u3a. A brief history of the organisation, and the background to Somerton u3a, was given and the rest of the time was spent getting to know one another. It was lovely to welcome around 25 members to the Wessex Rooms.
The refreshments, which included a terrific selection of home made cakes, were provided and served by members of the Committee.
My thanks go to everyone who made the morning so enjoyable.
Steve Davis.

Open Day/Enrolment Day

It was wonderful to welcome so many members and visitors to this event, held in place of our August Monthly Meeting. Thanks go to all those involved but, in particular, our Groups Organiser, Jane Redgrove, for putting so much hard work and effort in, to make it the success it was. It really showed our u3a off!

Pictures of the morning can be found on our flickr site.

NEW MENU BUTTON - EXTRAS

There is a new 'Menu Button' marked 'EXTRAS' on the Welcome Page.
We are getting information, that may be of interest to our members, of activities within the Avalon Network u3a's to which you are entitled to attend (space permitting). Please have a look and contact the organiser direct, if you are interested. The items will be varied and include such things as Interest Groups, Trips, Visits and Monthly Meetings.

Avalon Network

U3A's throughout the Country are separated into Regions and each Region is separated, voluntarily, into Networks. Somerton u3a, in the SW Region is a member of the Avalon Network.
The Avalon Network comprises of Camelot, Chard & Ilminster, Crewkerne & District, Martock & District, Somerton, Street & Glastonbury and Yeovil. The Network tries to meet every 6 months, the purpose being to exchange ideas, experiences, problems and to form friendships and cooperation.
Steve Davis

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SOMERTON U3A COMMITTEE MEMBERS 2023/2024

We were sad to see Marilyn leave us after many years with the committee but wish Fran, luck in her new role. Welcome to new committee member, Sarah Terry. Thank you for joining us. The committee members will do their best to serve the growing membership of our U3A but it is YOUR organisation. They would welcome suggestions, offers of support and help at any time. Perhaps you would be willing to join the committee? But remember - you don't have to be on the committee to be involved.

Steve Davis.

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GROUPS NEWS

German Conversation
A German Conversation Group is being held at the Edgar Hall. This is organised by the Chairman Of Martock u3a.
As a member of our u3a, you are free to join this Group under the terms of being a member of the Avalon Network.
Please visit the Group's page to find out full details.

Kurling and Skittles
In the past we have had very active groups for both of these sports led by Jean and Pat. Since their retirement I have struggled to find new leaders. If you would like to take part in either of these activities, please contact Jane Redgrove.

Jazz Appreciation
This group is thriving and also enjoying extra-curricular activities. This included a visit to Cossington Village Hall Jazz Club on 27th January to hear Roger Mark’s Cornish Armada, followed soon afterwards with a visit to the Tacchi-Morris Theatre to hear A.J’s Big Band Classics.

Quiz Group
The Quiz group meets in the Sports Club, Gassons Lane, Somerton on the 3rd Monday at 2 p.m.
They are always looking for new members.

Mahjong
We have two Mahjong groups and they both have vacancies. The beginner’s group meets in Langport, every Thursday afternoon. The more experienced players meet in Curry Rivel on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday mornings. So, if you have a set on your shelves but never knew what to do with those interesting looking tiles, or you just haven’t had anyone to play with for a while, join us.

Scrabble
Would you be interested in joining a new Scrabble group? Please contact Jane Redgrove.

French Conversation
Ann Barrow now leads this group. She is anxious to emphasize that this is a self help group rather than being led by one teacher. Recently they each translated the first paragraph of a favourite book and the others tried to recognize the book.
They meet on the 2nd Thursday, in each other’s houses, and could take two new members. Contact Ann for more information.

Spanish Conversation
The Spanish Conversation group can also accommodate a few more people. Please contact David Robins for details.

We have many more groups than are mentioned here. Details on the website.
You can contact all the group leaders via the website, www.u3asites.org.uk/somerton
Or you can contact Jane Redgrove via the Contact Link or redgrove@btinternet.com

Social Bridge
The Social Bridge group can accept some new members. Helga arranges sets of four and each set make their own arrangements for playing in each other’s houses. Please contact Helga for more information via the Groups Organiser at groups@SomertonU3A.UK

Access to Our Photos

SOMERTON U3A ARCHIVES

U3A EQUIPMENT

ALL GROUPS#

If you would like information or news about your Group displayed here, or other information placed elsewhere on the web site, then please get in touch with Steve Davis by email or via the CONTACT page to 'Webmaster'.

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