Chairman’s Address

Welcome to the 20th Annual General Meeting of Brentwood U3A.

Once more the past year of 2011 has proved to be a busy and rewarding time for those of us engaged in the many and varied activities of our 44 groups.

At the last calculation our total membership stood at 337.

The introduction of B Membership had caused a lot of extra work for the Membership Secretary, the Treasurer and the Committee in general, for no great result, so it was decided in February to cease this category and transfer all of them to full membership. To date we have still managed to fit (all those who wish to attend the Monthly Meeting), into the hall which is insured for only 150 people.

We saw the formation of a new group: Current Affairs convened by Jo Benson - my thanks to her.

We also saw the start of a holiday being organised by Joyce Lindley - a break in Yorkshire, due to take place in May 2012. My sincere thanks to her for all her efforts and I hope that this is the start of more good trips to come.

During the year we have enjoyed some excellent social events arranged by Annette. This time we were able to hold our Annual New Year Dinner (the one arranged the year before, you may recall having to be cancelled due to ice and snow!). Two afternoon teas; one a home-made cream tea with music from "Spread a little Happiness" in the Shenfield Parish Hall and the other at Havering College which was a magnificent "High Afternoon Tea" provided by the students. Yet again a trip to listen to an LSO rehearsal at the Barbican. We had two Summer theatre trips to Southwold one to see "A Nightingale Sang" and the other "Far from the Madding Crowd". Jill Freud (wife of the late Sigmund), whose theatre this is, had given us an excellent talk in February. There was a most interesting tour of the Hand Embroideries House in Margaret Street, and we ended the year with a gripping Murder Mystery Evening in the Shenfield Parish Hall combined with a Ploughman’s Supper.

Thank you very much Annette for everything you do for us.

Once again we enjoyed a Walking Treasure Hunt in August, combing the byways of the village of Stock for clues followed by lunch and the scores at The Bakers Arms. This has been arranged each year for us by Pam Bangert and Maureen Laming during the month of August when there is no meeting because the hall is having it’s annual refurbishment. They plan the walk meticulously, it is always great fun and I offer my heartfelt thanks to them for all that they do on our behalf.

Once again, In December, we entered a Christmas Tree at Hutton Union Church in a display for charity. All the trees presented made a wonderful sight. My thanks to Pat Guntrip and Margaret Regan. This event raised over £1,000 for St Francis Hospice.

My thanks to those of you who provide the refreshments during the monthly meeting. A nice hot cuppa, a tasty biscuit and a cheery smile! Who could want for more! Incidentally if there is anyone out there who would volunteer for one month tea duty we would be heartily glad.

My particular thanks to Peter Bennett the "Gruppenfuhrer" of the car park.

It pleases me to thank your Committee for all the time and work they offer on our behalf they keep the organisation running smoothly and are always thinking of ways to improve our activities and enjoyment.

In closing, may I thank all of you for your support and involvement in our activities and for the friendship you have given to us over the year.

Long Live Brentwood U3A!

Minutes of the 19th AGM

Copies of the Minutes of the 19th Annual General Meeting had been circulated to all members with the December 2011 Newsletter mailing. There were no matters arising and the adoption of the Minutes as a true record was proposed by Joan Hobbs and seconded by Mollie Cooper.

Treasurer’s Report

Treasurer Rosemary Morris being absent, in her place Brian Leith gave a brief overview of the accounts, copies of which had been placed on the seats for members' use.

He highlighted the final figure that showed that total balance was £9,365.93.

At this point he asked for members to give some thought and come up with some ideas as to how the money held, which belongs to the membership, could be put to use.

Seeking questions, regarding the accounts, Peter Bennett referring to the money held on deposit, asked if there was any need to upgrade any of our equipment. Brian thanked him for his interest and said the Committee would look at the situation. There being no further questions, it was proposed by Pat Barrow and seconded by Peter Bennett that the accounts be accepted. This was carried with no objections.

Appointment of an Independent Examiner

The next item on the Agenda was the appointment of an independent examiner. Thanking Peter Pearce, who had audited the accounts for 2011 and presenting him with a John Lewis gift voucher, the Chairman asked Peter if he would continue as our independent examiner, which he confirmed he would.

Election of Officers

Nominations had been sought, in accordance with the Constitution, for all of the posts held by the Committee. None had come forth and the Chairman reported that they members of the Committee were willing to continue in their posts.

Alteration to the Constitution

With the removal of the B membership it was necessary to make a small alteration to the Constitution. Details of the change was highlighted to all members with the December issue of the Newsletter. A simple change in the wording in one section of the Constitution was put to the meeting and was proposed for acceptance by Pam Bangert and seconded by Maureen Laming This was carried without opposition.

Any Other Business

Under this item of the agenda, Pam Bangert proposed a vote of thanks for all the work that Bob had done on the members' behalf. Using an analogy of a recent accident at sea, she pointed out that we all know what happens when a ship is steered by a bad captain, which was certainly not the case with our Chairman.