Christine
Dickson of Salisbury U3A and I were invited to attend the Celebration
in London on Tuesday 22nd November as we had both been
members of the Third Age Trust.
The
current chairman, Pam Jones, introduced the speakers. First was
Baroness D’Souza who was recently Speaker of the House of Lords.
She explained how important and influential it still is in spite of
the call for its members to be elected. Her plea was for everyone to
become interested in its affairs as the public can make a difference.
Our members could get to know a local member, (rather than
sending an email which could be ignored among the thousand others
that arrive daily) and become directly involved in its affairs.
Eric
Midwinter, the surviving founder of the U3A movement, entertained us
with lively jokes but also serious praise for all who have worked to
make it the huge success it is. It has been a life-line for so many
lonely people who can now live positively, age normally in a
wholesome way, where birthdays are insignificant. He had these
pleas:
1.
Continue to avoid tiers which arise when teachers are above learners,
organisers above members; maintain self-help with equality for all;
develop in spirals where we all support each other, right up to the
NEC. Each local member should have a national membership concept
as national contribution is essential to maintain the spiral.
Isolated units would only stagnate and eventually collapse.
2.
There are 13 million third-agers in the UK; calculating all those who
have once joined, one in ten are or have been U3A members. A good
achievement but not enough! Spread our values even more widely,
turn up the volume! Tell every one of the co-operation and joy
in learning.
A
party for staff and committee, past and present followed. What joy
to meet up with colleagues from all over the country, even Northern
Ireland, reminding me of those privileged days of working to set up
Summer Schools, Online courses, Study Days and, in Chris’s case,
editing early versions of ‘Sources’, and visiting new U3As all
over the country. What a shame no one from Salisbury has followed
us! I do recommend anyone ready to commit the time to stand for
election at the next opportunity. Don’t be nervous; one grows into
the job and everyone is so friendly.
PHYLLIS
BABB
Sarum
U3A
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