Lea
Valley U3A
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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.
Exploring London Group 8
Walk
around the Royal Parks.
Hoddesdon Heritage Weekend
June
Crew's Good Friday Nature Walk
Hertford Heath
Dear Members,
There will be no Main Meetings of LVU3A at The Spotlight until further notice as this venue is closed; we are unlikey to be able to meet there until March 2022.
However in the meantime our meetings for limited numbers recommenced in August 2021 at Stanboroughs, in Conduit Lane, Hoddesdon (near Sainsbury's).
John Mills' Fun Quiz planned for April 2020 was cancelled, and as the effects of the pandemic continue to impact our 'normal' way of living it is unlikely that we will be able to safely run another until 2022.
During this time, it is important to do whatever we can to stay in touch with each other, whether by phone, letter, social media or video link. We at LVU3A have put together new-format newsletters which we will issue in place of the normal versions. These publications will be sent via email to most members, and we will send paper copies by post to those not on email.
With more time on your hands, maybe you would like to consider writing something for us? I attach a list of suggestions which might set the creative juices flowing! (Click on the link to open):
Finally, our National Office, the Third Age Trust ("TAT") issues monthly online newsletters full of great ideas on how to stay connected and involved during these difficult times. The TAT has asked committees to encourage members to sign up for the newsletter, so I will sign off with a link to our National U3A website:
Either click on the link (or type the website address 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.
Stay well and safe!
Glynis Evans, Chair
There will be no Main Meetings of LVU3A at The Spotlight until further notice as this venue is closed; we are unlikey to be able to meet there until March 2022.
However in the meantime our meetings for limited numbers recommenced in August 2021 at Stanboroughs, in Conduit Lane, Hoddesdon (near Sainsbury's).
John Mills' Fun Quiz planned for April 2020 was cancelled, and as the effects of the pandemic continue to impact our 'normal' way of living it is unlikely that we will be able to safely run another until 2022.
During this time, it is important to do whatever we can to stay in touch with each other, whether by phone, letter, social media or video link. We at LVU3A have put together new-format newsletters which we will issue in place of the normal versions. These publications will be sent via email to most members, and we will send paper copies by post to those not on email.
With more time on your hands, maybe you would like to consider writing something for us? I attach a list of suggestions which might set the creative juices flowing! (Click on the link to open):
Finally, our National Office, the Third Age Trust ("TAT") issues monthly online newsletters full of great ideas on how to stay connected and involved during these difficult times. The TAT has asked committees to encourage members to sign up for the newsletter, so I will sign off with a link to our National U3A website:
Either click on the link (or type the website address 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.
Stay well and safe!
Glynis Evans, Chair
_________________________________________________
Our newsletter has been produced as
a downloadable (pdf) file, which should be compatible with any
computer. It contains information covering meeting dates, forthcoming events, all our Groups etc.
To view the latest edition please "click" on the link:-
Please note that contact details (phone numbers, e-mail addresses etc) for Group Leaders and Committee Members are not shown in
this on-line version of the Newsletter, as this is open to anyone with
access to the internet, and we wish to protect this information. Therefore
members need to refer to the paper copy you may have collected at a meeting (or
a copy may have been emailed to you direct, or posted to members not on email), as those
versions contain personal contact information.
Anyone can use the club's email system to make contact with us - please refer to the left hand margin on the 'CONTACTS' page for details.
Anyone can use the club's email system to make contact with us - please refer to the left hand margin on the 'CONTACTS' page for details.
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MEMBER LINK
_________________________________________________________
MEMBER LINK
The Third Age Trust (TAT) has informed us about a new initiative for all u3a
members called Member Link. The aim is to ensure that every member in every u3a
can still participate in u3a life. There is a link below to click on which will take you to
a page about the scheme, where you can download and print a colour or black and
white leaflet. It may give you some ideas for things to do as lockdown continues!. To go to the page, which is on the main U3A website, please "click" on the link:-
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|
We also have our own Facebook page which can be found by clicking on this link:-
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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
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CHAIRMAN’S CORNER
(FROM NOVEMBER 2021 NEWSLETTER)
Hello to everyone!
After only a couple of weeks being Chairperson of the Lea Valley U3A, I am finding myself writing my first “Chairman’s Corner”, and what an eye-opening couple of weeks it has been!
Mary did a fantastic job preparing me, meeting with me on a several occasions to take me through the different aspects of the role, but it wasn’t until the AGM and I officially became Chairperson that I began to fully grasp everything I need to do.
In preparing to write this I have been looking back over earlier Newsletters produced this year and spotted one of Mary’s pleas for people to come forward take on this role. She wrote “the role could be filled by anyone who likes meeting people and is well organised”. Well, I strive to be well organised and certainly like meeting people. At the LVU3A events I have been to since things have started re-opening, I have really enjoyed meeting so many of you and look forward to meeting more in the future. One of the many things that has impressed me with LVU3A since joining relatively recently at the end of 2019, is how friendly, welcoming and supportive all our members are and I know I will find this a very valuable resource in my term of office.
Mary Cole is not the only person who we have lost from our committee – Pam Benton has come to the end of her term as Vice Chair, as has Tony Crowther as Membership Secretary. I am delighted that we have new committee members Sara and David Pracy who are taking over the Membership Secretary role. Also, Ros Maxey has agreed to be our new Group Co-ordinator. I know that Mary, Pam and Tony will continue to be very active and are likely to take on jobs and responsibilities within LVU3A - Mary has already taken on the role of Speaker Secretary.
There is still a vacancy on the committee so please do consider putting yourself forward – if I can, so can you!
I found last month’s main meeting about the Commonwealth War Graves Commission really interesting and very poignant in the run up to Remembrance Day. November’s meeting looks equally interesting but on a much lighter note – I am really looking forward to learning all about the 25 year-project to create Britain’s most extraordinary house. Their website shows it to be really fascinating. Remember to pre-book your place for this meeting at Stanborough’s by emailing me on chairmanlvu3a@outlook.com
Please come and introduce yourself to me if you see me at any meeting, I want to get to know as many members as possible although I must apologise in advance that I have a terrible memory for names these days.
Glynis EvansAfter only a couple of weeks being Chairperson of the Lea Valley U3A, I am finding myself writing my first “Chairman’s Corner”, and what an eye-opening couple of weeks it has been!
Mary did a fantastic job preparing me, meeting with me on a several occasions to take me through the different aspects of the role, but it wasn’t until the AGM and I officially became Chairperson that I began to fully grasp everything I need to do.
In preparing to write this I have been looking back over earlier Newsletters produced this year and spotted one of Mary’s pleas for people to come forward take on this role. She wrote “the role could be filled by anyone who likes meeting people and is well organised”. Well, I strive to be well organised and certainly like meeting people. At the LVU3A events I have been to since things have started re-opening, I have really enjoyed meeting so many of you and look forward to meeting more in the future. One of the many things that has impressed me with LVU3A since joining relatively recently at the end of 2019, is how friendly, welcoming and supportive all our members are and I know I will find this a very valuable resource in my term of office.
Mary Cole is not the only person who we have lost from our committee – Pam Benton has come to the end of her term as Vice Chair, as has Tony Crowther as Membership Secretary. I am delighted that we have new committee members Sara and David Pracy who are taking over the Membership Secretary role. Also, Ros Maxey has agreed to be our new Group Co-ordinator. I know that Mary, Pam and Tony will continue to be very active and are likely to take on jobs and responsibilities within LVU3A - Mary has already taken on the role of Speaker Secretary.
There is still a vacancy on the committee so please do consider putting yourself forward – if I can, so can you!
I found last month’s main meeting about the Commonwealth War Graves Commission really interesting and very poignant in the run up to Remembrance Day. November’s meeting looks equally interesting but on a much lighter note – I am really looking forward to learning all about the 25 year-project to create Britain’s most extraordinary house. Their website shows it to be really fascinating. Remember to pre-book your place for this meeting at Stanborough’s by emailing me on chairmanlvu3a@outlook.com
Please come and introduce yourself to me if you see me at any meeting, I want to get to know as many members as possible although I must apologise in advance that I have a terrible memory for names these days.
Chair
__________________________________________________________________________________
FORTHCOMING EVENTS FOR YOUR DIARY
To see posters containing details of each event, please click on the appropriate link.
Because of limited capacity, if you wish to attend any of the meetings at Stanboroughs, you must advise us in advance so that a place can be reserved for you. Please refer to the Chairman's Corner above for more information.
1. Monday 15th November at 2pm - live at Stanboroughs. "Talliston House and Gardens" - a talk by John Tarrow.
With a name that means ‘the hidden place’, this once ordinary house hides thirteen rooms, each set in a different time and place. Twenty-five years in the making, the project has taken a three-bedroomed, semi-detached, ex-council house in Essex and transformed it into a wonderland of inspirational locations.
Also please click on the link below to visit the website of this exraordinary place:
2. Monday 13th December at 2pm - live at Stanboroughs, our Christmas meeting. Various events including Bell Ringers, Carols, Mince Pies, Picture Quiz etc
3. Monday 10th January 2022 at 2pm - live at Stanboroughs. "The Art of Underground Travel" - a talk by David Burnell’s talk looks at posters across the decades and sets them in the context of the Underground’s high standards of design and service. Click on the link for more information.
4. Monday 14th February 2022 at 2pm - live at Stanboroughs. "Great British Eccentrics". Our speaker Paul Robbins explores the strange lives and quirky habits of some of Britain’s great eccentrics. Click on the link for more information.
Please refer to the latest Newsletter for more information on these events.
Because of limited capacity, if you wish to attend any of the meetings at Stanboroughs, you must advise us in advance so that a place can be reserved for you. Please refer to the Chairman's Corner above for more information.
1. Monday 15th November at 2pm - live at Stanboroughs. "Talliston House and Gardens" - a talk by John Tarrow.
With a name that means ‘the hidden place’, this once ordinary house hides thirteen rooms, each set in a different time and place. Twenty-five years in the making, the project has taken a three-bedroomed, semi-detached, ex-council house in Essex and transformed it into a wonderland of inspirational locations.
Also please click on the link below to visit the website of this exraordinary place:
2. Monday 13th December at 2pm - live at Stanboroughs, our Christmas meeting. Various events including Bell Ringers, Carols, Mince Pies, Picture Quiz etc
3. Monday 10th January 2022 at 2pm - live at Stanboroughs. "The Art of Underground Travel" - a talk by David Burnell’s talk looks at posters across the decades and sets them in the context of the Underground’s high standards of design and service. Click on the link for more information.
4. Monday 14th February 2022 at 2pm - live at Stanboroughs. "Great British Eccentrics". Our speaker Paul Robbins explores the strange lives and quirky habits of some of Britain’s great eccentrics. Click on the link for more information.
Please refer to the latest Newsletter for more information on these events.
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Are You Missing Your Line Dancing Sessions?
Are You Missing Your Line Dancing Sessions?
Good news - we now have a tutor for line dancing if there is sufficient support to run the classes again.
If you would be interested in joining a line dancing group, please get in touch with our new Groups Co-ordinator, Ros Maxey, on lvu3agroups@aol.com as soon as possible.
We also need someone to volunteer to be the group leader, otherwise the classcannot go ahead. This could be two people sharing the role.
Look forward to hearing from you!
Ros
If you would be interested in joining a line dancing group, please get in touch with our new Groups Co-ordinator, Ros Maxey, on lvu3agroups@aol.com as soon as possible.
We also need someone to volunteer to be the group leader, otherwise the classcannot go ahead. This could be two people sharing the role.
Look forward to hearing from you!
Ros
 | LVU3A FUN QUIZZES |
|
Our quiz planned for 27th April 2020 was cancelled because of the pandemic.
If you bought tickets for the April 2020 quiz, once main meetings re-start we propose either to offer refunds, or possibly exchange the 2020 tickets for the next quiz. If anyone would prefer to have a cash refund now please get in touch through the 'Contacts' route at the top left of this page.
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Group Sharing Agreement
Lea Valley U3A's Constitution
Under the recommendation of the Third Age Trust, many U3A's 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:-
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Lea Valley U3A 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.
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 :-
________________________________________________________
The Third Age Trust issues a monthly national newsletter with news from the national office as well as from UK branches.
Visit the national U3A website page (go to the 'Links' page in the the top left of the margin). Under "Other Websites" you will find the U3A National Website.
On the 'About' tab on the website you can view the Newsletter Archive. You may need to register on the site and set up a password to access all content.
You can also arrange to have their new Newsletters emailed to you each time they are published.
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO LISTEN TO CHILDREN READ IN LOCAL PRIMARY SCHOOLS
Group Sharing Agreement
This
arrangement is now up and running between 7 local U3As within the
Agreement, namely Broxbourne, Buntingford, Cheshunt, Hertford, Waltham
Abbey, Ware, and Lea Valley.
The idea behind this is that where any of these 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.
LVU3A Group Sharing
If you have a query about the scheme, please contact me.
________________________________________________________The idea behind this is that where any of these 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://u3asites.org.uk/broxbourne/page/110810
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
LVU3A Group Sharing
If you have a query about the scheme, please contact me.
Glynis Evans, Chair
Lea Valley U3A's Constitution
Under the recommendation of the Third Age Trust, many U3A's 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 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)
The U3A (Central Office) provides guidance to branches should disputes occur. There are
three documents published which give procedural guidance covering ‘Complaints’, ‘Disciplinary’, and
‘Grievance’.
You can view these by clicking on the links below:-
Complaints Procedure
Disciplinary Procedure
Grievance Procedure
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 :-
THIRD AGE TRUST MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
The Third Age Trust issues a monthly national newsletter with news from the national office as well as from UK branches.
Visit the national U3A website page (go to the 'Links' page in the the top left of the margin). Under "Other Websites" you will find the U3A National Website.
On the 'About' tab on the website you can view the Newsletter Archive. You may need to register on the site and set up a password to access all content.
You can also arrange to have their new Newsletters emailed to you each time they are published.
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO LISTEN TO CHILDREN READ IN LOCAL PRIMARY SCHOOLS
Can
you spare an hour or two a week to listen to children read in a local
primary school? Schoolreaders is looking for more volunteers in
Hertfordshire to carry out this important role. Reading time for many
children at home and at school is often insufficient and one in four
children are now leaving primary school unable to read to the required
standard.
Please visit the website www.schoolreaders.org to join or call 01234 924111 for further information, or click on this link:
Please visit the website www.schoolreaders.org to join or call 01234 924111 for further information, or click on this link:
Broxbourne Arts Forum ("BArts")
www.broxbournearts.org.uk
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Lea Valley Discussion Group
Lea
Valley U3A is affiliated to BArts, and one of our members is
present at a table in the bar area at all monthly meetings, with
leaflets and information.
BArts offers activities and events which are not usually provided by the Borough of Broxbourne's Leisure and Entertainments programme.
It also represents the arts interests of
individuals and member groups and negotiates with the Borough, so that the arts
community may enjoy greater recognition and leisure facilities on a par with
the provision for sports.
For more information either come to the table at our main meetings or visit the BArts website at:
www.broxbournearts.org.uk
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Lea Valley Discussion Group
This
local society, founded in 1976, meets on Monday evenings usually twice
a month at the Methodist Church Hall, Middlefield Road, Hoddesdon.
For more information and contact details please click on the link below:
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