Report on Group Convenor’s Meeting
                                                                - Wednesday 17 November 2010
 
 
 
Petersfield U3A has over 540 members involved in more than 40 interest groups covering a wide range of learning and recreational activities.  Each of these groups is led by a Group Convenor and a meeting of all Convenors was held at Petersfield Community Centre on Wednesday 17 November.
 
After a welcome by Chairman Roy Kersley, the Groups Co-ordinator Gill Jolly updated Convenors on a range of technical and administrative topics before Mike Long, the National Educational & Development Officer of the Third Age Trust, spoke on current challenges facing local associations and their groups.
 
He also highlighted opportunities and support available from the Third Age Trust office and elsewhere.  These included a range of resources for both groups and group convenors, and the shared experience of others both nationally and nearby.
 
Of particular interest were his thoughts on finding new group leaders, both those with specialist knowledge of a subject and those simply interested but prepared to act as a coordinator.  This applied to both new groups and succession planning for those already well-established.  It was noted that many U3As, Petersfield U3A among them, were formed by groups of enthusiastic newly-retired volunteers some 15 years ago but who are now reaching their 80s and are still deeply involved in their interest groups.  Some might feel it time to hand over to a younger generation of leaders.  In U3A, there is always room for new members and, indeed, new interest groups.
 
 
 
After a lively and very useful discussion session the meeting adjourned for lunch.
 
 
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Note:  The U3A (University of the Third Age) is a world-wide network of self-help organisations for people no longer in full-time employment providing educational, creative and leisure opportunities in a friendly environment.
 
Membership is open to those wishing to participate in interesting and stimulating activities, whether academic or recreational, mental or physical.  Details can be obtained from Valerie Connor, Membership Secretary, on 01730 233502 or our website www.petersfieldu3a.org.uk.
 
 
Graham Smith
21.11.10