Ann Line, the Hu3a Chairperson for 204/25 gave her annual report at the AGM on 12th May 2025
2024/2025 has been a challenging and exciting year. Our membership numbers are currently 856 with applications increasing.
We have had to make some difficult decisions to ensure we maintained a healthy financial position. Increases in the cost, particularly of hall hire and postage have led us to cease the provision of free diaries for group leaders, move to an electronic Newsletter and cease the funding of Third Age Matters magazines to all our members.
On a positive note we now have an excellent website thanks to Tony Kemp and we look forward to our first new look Newsletter at the end of May.
We continue to attract new members many of whom are already volunteering to help out with various activities. Great news.
The Committee hosted a couple of informal events where members could come along and drill down into the detail of how we work and the different types of support we need and could be offered. Many of those attending were relatively new members.
We have over 80 Groups, and our primary aim is to have fun within a shared learning environment, exchange skills and knowledge in a social context. Our group leaders play a pivotal role and I would like to thank them all for their commitment. We held a Thank You Event for them on 16 January which was well attended and produced some good ideas and suggestions.
We have played our part at several Hillingdon events, including the Eastcote House Summer picnic, the Ickenham Festival and the Day of the Older person.
Our performance groups also continue to support local events and demonstrate the benefits of belonging to our u3a.
Judy and I met the Deputy Mayor earlier this year and we have leaflets publicising our u3a in our libraries, local magazines, community centres and doctor’s surgeries.
I have had great support from all our Committee Members over the past year and I would like to thank them all for their help and advice. I would also like to thank the IT Team for their support and guidance. They support our monthly meeting, look after SIMPLE, manage Zoom and generally keep us on the right path!
Finally, I would like to thank all of you for choosing to spend some of your precious leisure time with Hillingdon u3a.
Ann Lines
Hillingdon u3a Chairperson