Back to school, and back to many of our groups who have taken a break over the summer. Autumn has come so quickly this year, with fruit ripening weeks before the usual season, that it feels as though we are halfway through already! So, welcome back, however you’ve spent the last month, and we hope you are looking forward to a fresh programme of group meetings.
First event of the month is our Drop-in from 10 a.m. till 11.30 on Thursday, September 4th. We are continuing our ideas for giving these mornings an interest focus, and hoping to meet more members for a friendly time. Last month we had the chance to admire the Photography Group’s wonderful work; this time there will be a contribution from the Quiz Group for you to enjoy. Do let us know if you have any bright ideas for future Drop-ins, or if your group would like to make a contribution – we’d love to see attendance back to pre-lockdown levels.
Other dates for your diary might include our Sixties and Seventies Disco, on Friday, October 3rd. You’ve probably already seen an email announcing this: all our old favourite music, complete with disco lights! You can enjoy a bop or revive your skill at air guitar, or just sit and enjoy the sounds. The disco is from 6 until 9, at Burnby Hall Community Hall, and you can bring your own supper and drinks. The disco is free, but numbers are limited so admission will be by ticket, which must be booked in advance. Send an email to paulieslater@hotmail.co.uk to sign up. This is something completely new for us, so we look forward to its success.
We would love to find a member who might consider standing as our Treasurer. David Hebden, who has filled the role efficiently for the past four years, now has to stand down as this is the maximum term for holding the office, laid down in our Constitution. It’s a vital role but doesn’t need a financial qualification, just common sense and a calculator! If you could be interested, or have any previous experience with accounts, we would love to hear from you and can guarantee you the warmest of welcomes, along with lots of support and assistance. Please give it some thought – we know the perfect candidate is out there! Contact David at treasurerpockdu3a@gmail.com to find out more.
Back by popular demand, there will be another Indoor Games Day free event at Burnby Community Hall. This will be on the afternoon of Saturday 25th October – I’ll remind you next month! There will be a choice of Board Games, conversation, chess, Scrabble and Cards, to pass a cheerful and sociable afternoon.
The 27th of September will be Pocklington Town Day, when there will be a range of interesting things to see and do around the town – u3a will have a table in the Arts Centre, so do come and say hello.
We also have a proposal for the launch of an exciting new group - the proposed Science Discussion Group will meet monthly, to discuss established science topics and any news that might be of interest to the group. It is envisaged that some at least of the members might be encouraged to deliver one of the monthly presentations in their own particular field of interest - be that computer science, astronomy, biology, chemistry... But of course, members will be entirely welcome to come along to listen to the talks and then to raise their own questions, rather than committing themselves to making any of the presentations. You don't need a PhD, you don't need to have had a career in science; but if you have any interest in it at all, then I'm sure you'll find something to grab your attention and to prompt questions, discussions, and the warm feeling that comes from learning something new! Contact Neil at neil.barrett@btinternet.com to find out more or to register your interest.
A couple of weeks ago, Radio 4’s ‘You and Yours’ devoted two programmes to discussion of the growth of ‘interest clubs’; it seems more and more people are joining groups to share interests and activities, and all sorts of clubs are blossoming and blooming in today’s society. Listening to the programmes, and hearing how much many of these organisations ask as subscriptions, I couldn’t help thinking how lucky we are to have our u3a offering not just one but a whole range of interest groups at such a bargain rate! And that is all down to our members offering and sharing their time and skills so generously. We often comment that the organisation runs on goodwill, and this certainly provided a reminder. Thank you again to all of you who contribute so much.
Although the ‘mellow fruitfulness’ came so early, September will still bring us the ‘season of mists’ as we enjoy the changing leaves and earlier sunsets, so look after yourself, take care and enjoy World Chocolate Day on the 13th!
Rosemary Waugh - (Vice Chair)
