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Minutes
2011 AGM
U3A FARNBOROUGH & DISTRICT.
DRAFT MINUTES
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING TUESDAY 25TH OCTOBER 2011.
The Chairman welcomed the members and announced that nominations for Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary and Committee had been received, and any further nominations should be handed to the Secretary. There were no further nominations.
1.Apologies for absence: Colin& Heather Acheson, John Delaine, Tessa Harffey, Margaret Keel,
David & Suzanne Mowbray .
2.Members’ attention was drawn to the AGM minutes of 2010 , the Accounts and the Agenda.
Acceptance was proposed by Arthur Arnold, seconded by Dave Roylance. All in favour.
The minutes were agreed and signed as a true record.
3.Matters Arising.
There were none.
4.Chairman’s Report.
The Chairman said that once again he was happy to report another successful year. The membership
at the end of 2010-2011 stood at a little over 1200, about the same as the year before. He then paid
tribute to the Membership Secretary, who works hard to keep abreast of applications when they
arrive in great numbers at the beginning of September.
He mentioned that more members meant more groups. There are 110 at present covering a huge
range of subjects. He then thanked all the leaders, secretaries and others who make it possible for
the groups to function. He said that we are always looking for requests for new subjects and new
group leaders.
Old Favourites like Industrial Archaeology, Social History, and Travelogue have continued to flourish,
as have the study groups. These range from Languages through Maths to Arts and Craft. Important too
are the physical groups, Yoga, Keep Fit, Pilates, Walking, Trekking, Ambling, Strolling, Badminton,
Tennis etc. Another walking group was formed, and Geoff and Wendy Smith got this up and running.
The Chairman said that Study Days have become an important part of our programme. In October we
chose the topic of Multi Faiths, and invited outside speakers to talk about the many faiths that exist
within our society. As usual we had great difficulty in getting together an adequate list of outside
speakers . In the end a number of us spent a stimulating day learning about the beliefs of our fellow
citizens.
The Chairman reported on our Study Day held in March, about Britain in the early Twentieth Century,
in which our own groups gave presentations. We looked at the military, political and social history of
the period, its art, Elgar’s life and music, jazz at that time, the early development of flying, the Garden
City Movement, and a significant astronomical event that occurred during that period. We watched
a playlet by J.M.Barrie and some folk dance of the time, and listened to pieces written by our own
creative writers, and songs from the Singing for Fun group. Very moving presentations were given on
the poetry of the period, and some writings by those engaged at the front during World War1. It was a
very interesting day, giving the opportunity for a number of our groups to research the period and to
deliver excellent presentations.
Another highlight of the year was the U3A concert in November. The Chairman said this showed how
much hidden talent there was in our midst by laying on a very entertaining evening including the first
ever public performance by our handbell ringers. He hoped there would be another such evening.
The Chairman then stated that events and visits, study weeks and holidays, have continued to be
highlights for many of our members, enabling groups to get to know one another better, and to
explore topics in more detail. We continue to emphasise the social side of our work. He believes
that if a U3A does not operate in a friendly way and fails to make a point of allowing companionship
to flourish, it is nothing.
Our Christmas Open House was again a great success and continues to be seen as a start of the
Christmas period.
A Mina Lewis Lecture has not been held this year but one will take place in November.
The Monthly meetings continued to attract good numbers and we have again been entertained and
informed by some very good speakers. Stuart Stacey was thanked for his excellent efforts on our
behalf.
He commented on our constant membership numbers. He felt that the U3A promotes itself by word
of mouth from members and others who know of our work, and this brings a steady stream of new
recruits. Our website also makes a significant contribution. One development in this area was the
competition held to have a promotional poster designed by one of our members. Entries were varied
and impressive, but in the end the committee selected a poster designed by Bryan Baxendale which
can be seen around our area in supermarkets and public libraries.
The chairman apologised if he had failed to mention some activities or a person who makes a
significant contribution. He wished to record his grateful thanks to the small army who do so much
for our U3A. He gave his particular thanks to the Committee and the supporting Development
Committee, to Peter Still our Newsletter Editor, to Mike Bland our webmaster, to the team who make
the tea at the Monthly Meetings, and for those who put out the chairs.
He then thanked Mike Schutz, who is standing down from the Committee, for all he has done.
The Chairman commended the report of the year’s work 2010-2011 to the meeting.
Mike Bland proposed that the report be accepted, seconded by Mike Day. Agreed by all.
5.Treasurer’s Report.
The Treasurer was pleased to report that last year did not come up with any nasty surprises and our
U3A continues to be in good financial order.
The end of year turnover including Visits and Events,showed a small increase year on year. Looking
more closely to the figures on the end of year report, on the income side, the accounts show the
increased subscriptions that were introduced last year, up by £5 per member. Gift Aid has increased
as the claim is relative to a percentage of the subscription.
Income from Class Fees are similar to last year and, as the Treasurer had emphasised before, the
committee try to maintain a very close balance between tutor costs and class fees. The amounts
shown for income for Visits and Events are a good indication that classes continue to maintain a
high and regular number of activities which is a clear sign of a healthy U3A.
Gaining a good rate of interest on cash savings within the banking system is difficult and the group
reserves are subject to the same marketing conditions, but a large percentage of our reserves over
the year were invested to gain a near 2% interest.
On the expenditure side of the accounts, there was a considerable increase in Hall Hire charges, in
fact an 18% rise. This is becoming quite a concern for all organisations which make similar hires.
Government cuts in public expenditure and rationalisation of local schools will continue to put
pressure on hire rates and this has begun to impact on the group’s finances. This will be monitored
closely, but the Treasurer warned the group must be aware that membership subscriptions at some
time in the future may have to be adjusted to maintain activities. Tutor expenses are met by fees, and
costs for Monthly Meetings, Speaker Expenses, Stationery and Post, Photocopying and sundry costs
are relatively similar to the previous year. These costs help the committee to run the Group.
The number of classes that make use of the digital projector and laptop is increasing, and due to this
demand the Committee decided in April to purchase a new projector with many new features, that will
enable better presentations. This has been in use since May and doubles the number of projectors in
the group’s inventory. The cost is included in Purchases.
The accounts presentation includes various items for which the Committee take responsibility, but
which do not impact on Farnborough U3A specifically. The Treasurer showed a simple statement of
income and expenditure. On the income side just those items that support the Group were shown.
Some events run by the Committee do provide a surplus. On the expenditure side all those costs that
were incurred just for our Group over the past 12 months were shown and some of our reserves were
used to support the Group. It was considered current level of reserves to be more than adequate, thus
justifying readiness to use them in this way, but reserves do provide important interest income.
The purchase of the new projector in April also highlighted the need for some other items to be
replaced or added to. In August the Committee applied to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community
Foundation for a grant to buy new equipment. In October we were awarded £750 to buy a new
Laptop Computer and DVD player. These two items will complement the new Digital projector, and
should be available for use by classes within the next month.
The Treasurer commended the accounts to the meeting and welcomed questions.
Arthur Arnold queried the number of members claiming Gift Aid. The Chairman replied just over 50%.
It was asked if we had applied for Lottery money this year. The answer was no, but in the past we have
had money for Handbells and a projector.
Geoff Smith proposed that the accounts be accepted, seconded by Frank Hodgson. All in favour.
6. Election of Examiner.
Peter Gardner from Rushmoor Council was thanked for his work in examining our accounts and is to
be asked to act for another year. Proposed by Shirley Hodgson, seconded by Grahame Savage.
Agreed by all.
7.Election of the Committee.
Ivor Manley took the chair for the elections as he is standing down as Chairman.
a)Election of Chairman- Bryan Baxendale was the only nomination. He introduced himself to the
meeting.
The election of Bryan as Chairman was proposed by John Anderson seconded by Rob Lane.
Agreed by all .
The Chairman, Ivor Manley, wished Bryan success and as much pleasure as he had had in his role
in the Chair, and said he would continue to give him his full support.
b)Election of Simon Glover as Treasurer was proposed by Dawn Cole, seconded by Jean Franklin.
Agreed by all.
c)Election of Dawn Cole as Secretary was proposed by Jean Franklin and seconded by Ivor Manley.
Agreed by all.
d)Election of the Committee. A tribute was made by Ivor to Mike Schutz, who was standing down, for his
service over many years. The present committee members: John Anderson, Jean Franklin, Rob Lane,
Joan Manley, Wendy Smith were all prepared to stand for re-election. It was proposed that they be
re-elected en bloc. Proposed by Geoff Smith, seconded by Andy Brownlie. Agreed by all.
David Mowbray was proposed to stand by Geoff Smith, seconded by Simon Glover Agreed by all.
Ivor Manley was proposed to stand by Mike Schutz, seconded by Peter Still. Agreed by all.
8. Members Matters.
Arthur Arnold asked if a copy of the Constitution could be put on the website. It was explained that
this would not be practical but it was available to any member who requested a copy.
It was asked if a class in First Aid could be considered. The Committee will look into this.
9. Any Other Business.
The Chairman reminded members of future events, the Mina Lewis Lecture, a Barn Dance, the
Open House and the Study Day subject, “Britain during the reign of HM Queen Elizabeth II.”
John Anderson reminded members who used the new Samuel Cody School, there are strict rules laid
down by the school that must be observed because this was a school for children with special needs.
This was reiterated by Rod Dowden who is a Governor of the school.
Items for the Newsletter need to be sent to Peter Still by 20th November.
A presentation was made to Ivor Manley in recognition of his work for the Farnborough & District U3A.
Joan Manley was presented with a bouquet of flowers to thank her for all her support to Ivor during his
tenure of Editor, Treasurer, and Chairman, and Ivor received a garden bench with thanks from the
Committee and members for all his work.
In recognition of his valuable and dedicated work over many years for the Third Age Trust and our local
U3A, the Committee were pleased to announce that the name of Ivor Manley had been added to the
Roll of Honour held by the Trust. A certificate confirming this was presented to Ivor.
There being no other business the meeting was declared closed.