1. Northumbria u3a Annual General Meeting

Formal Notification:
The AGM will take place on 28th April at Seaham Town Hall
See attached form (docx and pdf) for nominating members of the committee and submitting motions for debate at the meeting.
The draft version of the 2024 AGM minutes is also attached.

2. Events
The following Events were detailed in the recent February Mailing. Full details are here and on the website:

* AI for Beginners
* Tees Barrage
* Music Event
* Hopetown Visit
* Victoria Tunnel

Three new Events are announced:

How best to use Facebook 21 May
This Zoom event will be a fantastic opportunity to find out how to use Facebook for the benefit of your u3a

Newcastle Central Mosque Visit 23 July
Tour and talk to last about an hour and a half.
Numbers limited to 30 members.

Raby Castle Visit 4 September
Following a guided tour of the Castle you can explore the picturesque parklands and visit the18th century Walled Garden.

See attached three flyers or the website for more information.

3. Creative Writing Competition
This is a Short Story Competition and/or Poetry Competition on the theme of ‘Echoes’.
Deadline for entries is 2 June.
See the attachment or website for more details and the competition rules.

4. Messenger Deadline
The deadline for articles for the next issue of Messenger is 12th April. 

5. Kurling Offer
As well as being chair of Washington Village, I also run our Kurling group (the sort played on a badminton court – not ice).

Houghton U3A also used to a run a kurling group but due to lack of interest it unfortunately closed. As storage for their equipment was a problem they kindly donated their equipment to us. Having discussed the matter with our committee we cannot see how or when we could use these extra sets.

We are therefore wondering if any of the other U3a’s in the region would like the equipment to either set up a Kurling group or enhance what they already have.
There are 4 sets of ‘stones’ as well as targets and pushers. Although the equipment has been well used it is in a very usable condition and could be upgraded at a later date.

I am quite happy to help anyone set up a group and explain how to play if they’ve never played before. Please contact me at: Chair.wvu3a@gmail.com

Derek Ginsberg, chair, Washington Village U3A

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Peter Barnett
Northumbria u3a