Lea
Valley u3a
| HOME | |
| GROUPS | |
| CONTACTS | |
| LINKS |
The
Virtual U3A
The Virtual U3A (vU3a), which went live in January 2009, is an
online-only U3A experience for those who are rendered isolated in some
way by circumstances or geography and unable to play a full part in a
terrestrial U3A. More information is available on the public website
where one can also apply for membership.
Why not pay it a visit?
Virtual
U3A Website
If you know anyone who might benefit, please pass the information on.
An Exploring London Group outing
Walk
around the Royal Parks.
Hoddesdon Heritage Weekend
Good Friday Nature Walk
Hertford Heath
Our National Office, the Third Age Trust ("TAT") issues monthly online newsletters full of great ideas on how to stay connected and involved. The TAT has asked committees to encourage members to sign up for the newsletter, which can be accessed from the link below:
Either click on the link (or type the website name into your address bar) and then scroll down to the foot of the main page. Under the heading Quick Links there is a heading "Newsletter Signup". Click on this and you are taken to a page where you can input your details and receive the newsletter.
I hope you find this helpful.
Glynis Evans, Chair
Please come along and join us to support and promote your u3a. We are looking for volunteers throughout the two days. If you are able to spare an hour or two, please let Lesley Robinson, our Secretary, or any member of the committee know.
POSTER
Our monthly Newsletter has been produced as
a downloadable (pdf) file, which should be compatible with any
computer. It contains the "Chair Corner" message, details on some forthcoming events and other information about Groups etc.
To view the latest editions please "click" on the link:-
Therefore members need to refer either to the version emailed to you, or the paper versions available at main meetings, as those versions do contain the personal contact information.
Alternatively anyone (members and non-members) can use the club's email system to make contact with us - please refer to the top of the left hand margin of this page, and go to the 'CONTACTS' page, and the email address is in the margin.
_______________________________________
Following
a recent interest afternoon
featuring fused glass you are invited to join a beginners workshop with
Katie Lynn of "Molten Wonky" when, with full instruction, you will make
a fused glass
item(s) yourself. All materials and instruction included and the
workshop
will last about two hours. This will be held in Hoddesdon.
This is being organised by Barbara Cordina, whom many of you will know as one of LVU3a's former Chairs.
Barbara is also looking into making a trip to Katie’s workshop near Saffron Walden for a 3 hour session working with glass and producing your own
special item.
Barbara
is trying to ascertain interest before making definite plans so please contact her
to let her know if you may wish to participate. More information and contact details are in this link:
There will be a ZOOM presentation on Tuesday 7th MAY 2024 FROM 10am to 12pm - OPEN TO ALL U3A MEMBERS. These presentations are held monthly on the first Tuesday of the month as part of the Trust Learning Programme - admission free.
You will need to pre-register to access the presentation. Full details are on the attached poster:
_______________________________________From February 2024, you will be able to enjoy a sandwich with a cup of tea or coffee before the meeting. There will only be a limited number of sandwiches on sale, so be quick. Choose between Egg Mayo, Tuna Mayo or Ham and Cheese.
_______________________________________
Remember that as u3a members you can join a wide range of ONLINE talks, workshops and courses for free with your membership via the main website at:
Most
of these opportunities are presented by members themselves; sharing
their knowledge or skills with others across the movement. There is
also a wide range of talks on offer from well-known speakers and
organisations, plus in-person events at venues like the Royal
Institution.
All events are on the u3a website under Events and can be booked via Eventbrite:-
All events are for u3a members only.
.
The u3a Friends Newsletter shares news from u3as, national
learning opportunities and access to u3a Friends Extra, a wide range of offers,
discounts and services. Sign up on the u3a website:
www.u3a.org.uk
 |
|
KEEP UP WITH OUR NEWS
 | Our
Knit & Natter group, which opened early in 2023, has been very
successful. We have all made lots of new friends, had lots of tea,
coffee and biscuits and lots of laughs! We have all learnt new skills and shared our tips with everyone. We have recently made knitted and crochet squares which have been sewn together to make blankets which have gone to the hospice department at Princes Alexandra Hospital, Harlow. These were done with the Dobbs Weir Crafty Cuppa group who also meet at the hall and knit and natter too! Gill Fowke |
 | NEEDLE FELTING On another crafty note, one of our members would be interested in starting a Needle Felting group. Needle felting is a creative craft that involves sculpting shapes and figures using wool and special felting needles. If you are interested please contact Glynis Evans (Chair) |
 | SECRETARY'S TABLE It’s always good to chat with you when stopping to read our notice boards in the foyer of the Spotlight at our main monthly meetings. The boards are updated each month so it’s always worth having a read to keep abreast of dates and events. We look forward to seeing you at our next meeting. |
_______________________________________________________
SEE WHAT OUR u3a CAN OFFER YOU
One of our members, John Astin, produced another excellent video in December 2019 showing what happens at Lea Valley u3a. Sadly John passed away in March 2021.
The video includes comments from a few members who explain what joining us has meant to them, and an insight into what some of our groups get up to.
It is available to watch on YouTube.To view, please click on the link below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ECUfIJ7nn8
CHAIR’S CORNER
(COPIED FROM THE APRIL 2024 NEWSLETTER)
Hello again!
In preparing to write this month’s Chair’s Corner, I looked back at what I had written in March 2022 and 2023. I found it very good to reflect on what we were doing back then and it reminded me of some of the wonderful speakers we have had in the past and I am glad to say that in the main we have continued to have some really excellent speakers.
As well as a fascination main meeting last month which featured stunning photographs of the wildlife of Brazil, I was delighted that we had our second Interest Afternoon presented by one of our own members. We heard a very engaging account of John Ambridge’s experiences “While On Active Service”. This came after Martin Benson’s talk in January and another of our members, David Pracy, will be presenting the November Interest Afternoon later in the year. Do you have something you could tell us all about?
There is no Interest Afternoon this month as we have our Quiz on Monday 29 April – have you bought your ticket yet? Don’t worry if you are not a member of a team, we can sort that out on the day. So that we can set up the hall and cater appropriately, as usual quiz tickets must be purchased (or reserved) in advance, they will not be available on the door.
Our next Interest Afternoon is on Friday 17th May, and we have a speaker from Barclays Bank and a Cyber Protect & Prevent Officer from Hertfordshire Police giving a talk on how to avoid being scammed
Our next main meeting is on Monday 8th April. Mel Rees will be returning although this will be his last visit to us as he is giving up talks at the end of April. Appropriately enough, his talk is entitled "The Last Hurrah".
I hope you have already renewed your membership for 2024. If not, you can do this at our main meeting. You can avoid any queue however, by doing this through our website or by contacting Sara Pracy, our Membership Secretary.
I hope to see as many of you as possible at our Spotlight on 8th April and/or at our Quiz on 29th April.
Glynis Evans, Chair
Chair
__________________________________________________________________________________
FORTHCOMING EVENTS FOR YOUR DIARY
Monday 29th April - LVU3A Fun Quiz - Parish Centre, St Augustine's Church. See details below
Friday 17th May 2024, Interest Afternoon (Barclay Hall - 2pm. Tickets £3) - Speakers - Natasha from Barclays Bank and a Police Officer. "How to avoid Digital Fraud Scams". Essential advice to keep you and your money safe.
Friday 7th June 2024, Interest Afternoon (Barclay Hall - 2pm Tickets £3) - Speaker - Stuart Short, Cedars Park Ranger, plus animals!
6. Monday 10th June, Main Meeting - Speaker - Paul Barwick "The Legend of the White Mouse ; The Nancy Wake story". True story of an American WW2 spy.
Friday 12th July 2024, Interest Afternoon (Barclay Hall - 2pm Tickets £3) - Speaker - Alison White - "Sheepy Things" - Alison is a textile artist who creates unique little sheep made out of British Wool, plus Charms, Earrings, Keyrings, Magnets etc.
Monday 12th August, Main Meeting - Speaker - Alison Green - "From Field to Floribunda" - The transformation of Theobald's Farm Garden.
Monday 9th September, Main Meeting - Speaker - Tony Tutton - “That'll Be The Day”. The life, music and influence of Buddy Holly. Tony Tutton is a guitarist, drummer and Lead singer.
Friday 13th September 2024, Interest Afternoon (Barclay Hall - 2pm Tickets £3) - Speakers - Members Mary & Laurence Cole - "New Zealand". Mary and Laurence speak about their recent memorable visit "down under".
12. Monday 14th October, Main Meeting - Speakers - Christine and Peter Padwick - “All Things Banned and Censored” The talk is a light-hearted survey of banning and censorship over the past 100 years or so.
13. Monday 11th November, Main Meeting - Speaker - Colin Oakes “A Hertfordshire Christmas”The talk looks at how the people of Hertfordshire celebrated Christmas over the ages.It includes Charles Dickens and Anthony Trollope’s time in the season here, and local visits to see Father Christmas.
14. Monday 9th December, Main Meeting - Christmas Social in the Spotlight Bar. No speaker.
 | LVU3A FUN QUIZ - MONDAY 29th APRIL 2024; 1.30 START |
|
Ticket prices remain at £2 for LVU3A members, and £2.50 for non-members, which includes tea and cake. So that we can set up the hall and cater appropriately, as usual quiz tickets must be purchased (or reserved) in advance, they will not be available on the door.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Playreading Group
.
Come along to our group on the first and third Thurdays monthly at 2pm to enjoy the world of theatre. Click on the poster for more information:-
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
East of England Region of U3As
The East of England region comprises the six counties of Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire. The website can be viewed via the following link:-
https://u3asites.org.uk/east-of-england/home
We receive "Regional News Bulletins" which contain details of this month’s events and presentations both regionally and nationally. The latest edition can be viewed by clicking on this link:-
Group Sharing Agreement
The idea behind this is that where any of the other 6 u3as have groups that are keen to increase their numbers, they can open the group to members of LVU3A, and you will be allowed to attend those groups without having to join the other u3a. Conversely, where we have groups that are struggling with low numbers, they can participate and open themselves up to members of the other 6 u3as.
It is very important to note is that members of our u3a can’t just see a group in another u3a newsletter and go along and join it. Only those groups which are struggling to be viable and which have agreed to open up to members from other participating u3as can be approached.
1) Broxbourne
Please click on the link to go to the relevant page on Broxbourne u3a's Group Sharing page on their website:
https://broxbourne.u3asite.uk/broxbourne-groups-open-for-sharing
2) Buntingford
Please click on the link to go to the relevant page on Buntingford u3a's Group Sharing page on their website:
Please note this link is currently in draft form awaiting updating, and does
NOT show the Buntingford groups that are in this scheme:
https://u3asites.org.uk/buntingford/page/110569
3) Cheshunt
Please click on the link to go to the relevant page on Cheshunt u3a's Group Sharing page on their website:
https://u3asites.org.uk/cheshunt/page/110585
4) Hertford & District
Please click on the link to go to the relevant page on Hertford & District u3a's Group Sharing page on their website:
5) Waltham Abbey
Please click on the link to go to the relevant page on Waltham Abbey u3a's Group Sharing page on their website:
6) Ware
Please click on the link to go to the relevant page on Ware u3a's Group Sharing page on their website:
https://u3asites.org.uk/ware/page/111056
The groups at Lea Valley U3A which have agreed to open up their groups to the other u3a's in this arrangement (as at March 2022) can be found by opening this link:
LVu3a Group Sharing
If you have a query about the scheme, please contact me.
Lea Valley u3a's Constitution
Under the recommendation of the Third Age Trust, many u3as amended their constitutions to facilitate new methods of voting and holding AGM's and SGM's (Special General Meetings) etc both during and after the pandemic, to ensure that they could operated legally without breaking any of their own 'rules'. Lea Valley u3a's constitution was updated in August 2021. It can be viewed by clicking on the link below:-
Lea Valley u3a's Privacy Policy
Lea Valley u3a treats members' privacy rights seriously. The policy document in the link below sets out how we will deal with your ‘personal information’, that is information that could identify, or is related to the identity of, any Lea Valley u3a individual member.
________________________________________________________
Disputes (Complaints, Discipline and Grievances)
You can view these by clicking on the links below:-
Complaints Procedure
Disciplinary Procedure
Grievance Procedure
________________________________________________________
Need help with your Computer, iPad etc?
Alan Paul is the webmaster at Ravenshead u3a, in Nottinghamshire.
He has produced a set of excellent ‘Computing Guides’ which he is happy to share via our website. These cover a broad spectrum of subjects including using iPads and Samsung tablets, Emails, Excel (spreadsheets), using Google, explanation of ‘Cloud’ storage, copying CD’s, address labels, managing photos etc.
At the bottom of his page he says that if you do not find what you want send him an email via that page and he will try to help.
You may be able to go straight to his page by clicking on the link below; failing this you can either copy and paste the line into the address bar at the top of your internet page, or type it in :-
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO LISTEN TO CHILDREN READ IN LOCAL PRIMARY SCHOOLS
Please visit the website www.schoolreaders.org to join or call 01234 924111 for further information, or click on this link:
BArts offers activities and events which are not usually provided by the Borough of Broxbourne's Leisure and Entertainments programme.
www.broxbournearts.org.uk
Lea Valley Discussion Group
TOP
'Click' word
Top above to return to top of this page.