Hundreds of U3A members representing over 200 U3As around the UK have shared views, ideas and experiences at this year’s national conference and AGM in Nottingham.
The delegates took part in workshops focusing on lifelong learning, managing new educational resources, communications, finance and banking for charities, and supporting the growth and development of U3As.
Barbara Cordina from Lea Valley U3A, said, “This year’s conference had a lovely atmosphere and I learnt a huge amount. It is the one occasion in the year when we can all share our experiences of the U3A world and our successes. I talked with so many U3A members and it was so interesting to hear how they run their U3A, their experiences and their plans for the future”
This year the conference welcomed three new ‘Partners’ to lead workshops including Kerensa Jennings from HRH The Duke of York’s Office on the Digital Enterprise Awards – iDEA; VOICE Global (part of the UK National Innovation Centre for Ageing); and Thorpe Bay and Essex Police Serious Crime Division on Cyber Crime.
At the AGM, the U3A movement elected retired City economist and banker, Ian McCannah, as its new Chairman.
Ian, 72, will chair the Third Age Trust which supports the 1,033 U3As across the country. A member of U3A since 2002, Ian said, “I am delighted to be elected Chairman and am looking forward to leading the movement over the next three years.
“Incoming Chairmen usually lay out their aims for their term of office but I am in a slightly unusual position that I have been very involved in the consultation about the Trust’s new three year Development Plan, and my direction has been set by the members. It will be my job to make sure that the plan is successfully delivered – an exciting and challenging position to be in.”
