## Wonersh & District Minutes of 39[th] Annual General Meeting Monday 18 March 2024 Held at Bramley Village Hall and attended by 76 members As Chairman, Vicki Jackson opened the meeting by welcoming those present and thanking them for attending. Apologies had been received from 58 members who were unable to attend. For the benefit of new members, Vicki then introduced members of the Committee. ## Trustee’s Report for 2023 Vicki reported an increase in the numbers of new members joining and with currently 257 members there was a little way to go before reaching pre-Covid levels but we were encouraged by the interest being shown in our U3A and what it provides for the local communities. The deaths of quite a number of the very early members was also reported and condolences had been sent to their families. Our annual subscription fee had been kept exceptionally low compared to a vast number of other U3As and Vicki felt sure members would agree that at £14 it was really good value. There had been no increase in the capitation fee charged by the Third Age Trust. The past 12 months had seen a slight shift in the types of group meetings that members like to participate in. Musical Enjoyment groups remain ever popular with significant member participation. Health & Fitness groups play a very important part in our lives and are very well attended on a weekly basis. Table Tennis, also meeting weekly, continues to expand providing fitness with fun and competitive spirit. Mental Stimulation is another important factor in keeping us alert. We have several groups that provide not only the learning of new topics or languages but generate conversations which can become quite animated. Leisure & Artistic Activities are thriving with a complete mix of talent and members who are all happy to share their techniques with others. This is the embodiment of what our groups should be… all willing to help one another. It works, and helps to make friendships as well. Having trialled a new Pottery group at the end of 2023 it got into full swing at the beginning of 2024 and already regular would be potters were having fun and laughs as they try to master some of the techniques; such a great tonic! Mah Jong is another staple of our programme. A light-hearted, fun game played with tiles but you have to keep your wits about you. All Round Interest: Speakers Corner has remained popular since its inception in 2017 with Guest Presenters from all walks of life giving illustrated and informative talks. During the restrictive days of Covid twice monthly talks took place via Zoom, returning to in-person talks in 2021. Social Interaction: The monthly Pub Lunches and other Social Events held during the year provide a good convivial atmosphere, especially for newly joined members, to meet other members and friends and are exceptionally well attended year on year. This year (2024) a special celebration will take place to mark our 40[th] Anniversary. External Activities provided by both the Monthly Outings and the Explore London groups programmes combine various aspects; history, architecture, geography, technology, culture, socialisation and relaxation. Despite ever rising costs these continue unabated as we strive to negotiate the best possible prices. Additionally, each autumn there is our annual 5-day trip which continues the theme as we explore other parts of the United Kingdom. From time to time some groups close as the Group Organisers retire and, with the shift in interests, we try to establish new groups according to member interest. The format they take may vary and is dependant upon whoever is organising a group. Publicity plays a good part in attracting new members and there are now laminated posters to be seen around the villages in addition to Village Magazine advertising. The website is maintained and is being given a fresher look as all U3A groups gradually migrate to the new platform being used by the Third Age Trust. Finally Vicki thanked the Committee Members, Group Organisers and the numerous ‘behind the scenes’ members who all generously volunteer their time in support of our U3A and without whom we could not continue. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Page **1** of **1**