Who’s Who 2014—2015
A pull-out-and-keep guide to the people who support your U3A at national level CHAIRMAN — Barbara Lewis
Meet your go-to people AS OUR U3A movement grows ever bigger, we need to share the load of responsibilities. So I am calling this pull-out section the “go to” document — listing the people you should go to for answers to your questions, advice and having your input as we go forward. Your Regional Trustees, listed in the centre pages are your local “go to” people. They should be your first port of call. They are your bridge to our National Executive Committee (NEC) discussions.
Also included are the NEC committee chairmen, the complete office staff, the editors of Third Age Matters and Sources, the Resource Centre, field officers and inter national representatives. All of these people are ready and able to help out. They are your “go to” people. The idea is not to overload anyone, but to share responsibilities as our movement grows! Barbara Lewis, Chairman barbara.lewis@u3a.org.uk
TREASURER — John Ellison
VICE CHAIRMAN — Marion Clements
VICE CHAIRMAN — Pam Jones
Keeping costs down
Friendly welcomes
Changing perceptions
AT MANCHESTER Univ ers ity teaching and researching in physics with extended spells at CERN and elsewhere was combined with activity in university business. I joined Lancaster & Morecambe U3A 10 years ago and lead/coordinate numerous groups, had spells as chair, secretary, groups coordinator etc. I was involved widely in the NW and finished up as Regional Trustee. For the last two years I have enjoyed being Treasurer and helping to keep the Trust’s costs down without significant impairment in services. Income should fund our activities on the current capitation fee for many years. I welcome the clarity of our aims incorporated in Going Forward and our commitment to the volun teering/self-help ethos of U3A which is unique, successful and satisfying. j.ellison521@btinternet.com
I JOINED Cheddar Valley U3A in 2000, soon after retiring from teaching in the local high school. I joined a few groups and was impressed with the friendly welcome in each of them, making new friends and joining the committee, as speakers’ organiser and then groups’ coordinator. Later I became chairman and started attending the local network meetings. This led to an interest in the region; I trained as a regional volunteer, became network chairman, and was elected Regional Trustee, spending two enjoyable years travelling around the region, visiting the network meetings, developing new U3As and supporting existing ones. I was sorry to give this up, but it was suggested that I should put my name forward and here I am as Vice Chairman, also heading the standing committee for education. marion1940@hotmail.co.uk
A MEMBER of Witney U3A for 16 years, having been Treasurer and Chairman. I then became Chairman of Thames Valley Network and am still involved in organising study days. I subsequently became Trustee of the South East Region for three years. This is the most heavily U3A-populated region with 180 U3As. I presently lead a Latin group and am about to start an exploring religions group. I am planning my 17th U3A holiday to Suffolk next year. I am currently chairman of the Development sub-committee (DSC) with responsibility for support and advice to all U3As and for the organisation of training of volunteers. My focus is also to change the general public’s perception of older people by demon strating to them the benefits and joys of belonging to U3A. Most of my spare time is involved with my large family, notably grandchildren, who are embarking on interesting career paths. pamjones38@outlook.com
FINANCE ADVISER David Wilson
I have worked for the trust for almost 19 years. Not sure it’s the job for me but time will tell. As SEO/Company Secretary, I have a wide range of responsibilities not least of which is the management of the National Office. My most important role though is supporting U3As which need help particularly with legal, insurance and personnel issues. You know where to find me. national.office@u3a.org.uk
David Wilson was a radio officer in the Mer chant Navy and studied metal physics at Oxford before training to be a chartered tax advisor. He has a special interest in the charity sector and holds an MSc in charity finance. He worked for many years for Knox Cropper and is now self-employed.
National Office: Telephone 020 8466 6139 • email national.office@u3a.org.uk • web www.u3a.org.uk
PETER ALVEY
SENIOR EXECUTIVE OFFICER Lin Jonas