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The
Virtual U3A
The Virtual U3A (vU3a), which went live in January 2009, is an
online-only U3A experience for those who are rendered isolated in some
way by circumstances or geography and unable to play a full part in a
terrestrial U3A. More information is available on the public website
where one can also apply for membership.
Why not pay it a visit?
Virtual
U3A Website
If you know anyone who might benefit, please pass the information on.
Exploring London Group 8
Walk
around the Royal Parks.
Hoddesdon Heritage Weekend
June
Crew's Good Friday Nature Walk
Hertford Heath
Dear Members,
I am writing to you all to keep you informed of the latest changes at Lea Valley U3A. In the light of the current directives from the Government, I am sure you won’t be surprised to know that there will be no Main Meetings of LVU3A at The Spotlight until further notice, not least because this venue is closed; we are unlikey to be able to meet there until March 2022.
However in the meantime our Guest Speakers will still deliver their talks online by Zoom for you to watch.
Also please see the item below under "Chairman's Corner" regarding some events re-commencing from August 2021.
If you are unsure about using Zoom or need some help, please get in touch via our "CONTACTS" page.
John Mills' Fun Quiz planned for April 2020 was cancelled, and as the effects of the pandemic continue to impact our 'normal' way of living it is unlikely that we will be able to safely run another for the time being.
During this time, it is important to do whatever we can to stay in touch with each other, whether by phone, letter, social media or video link. We at LVU3A have put together new-format newsletters which we will issue in place of the normal versions. We will also issue interim 'bulletins' with further information. These publications will be sent via email to most members, and we will send paper copies by post to those not on email.
With more time on your hands, maybe you would like to consider writing something for us? I attach a list of suggestions which might set the creative juices flowing! (Click on the link to open):
Finally, our National Office, the Third Age Trust ("TAT") issues monthly online newsletters full of great ideas on how to stay connected and involved during these difficult times. The TAT has asked committees to encourage members to sign up for the newsletter, so I will sign off with a link to our national U3A website:
Either click on the link (or type the website address into your address bar) and then scroll down to the foot of the main page. Under the heading Quick Links there is a heading "Newsletter Signup". Click on this and you are taken to a page where you can input your details and receive the newsletter.
I hope you find this helpful.
Stay well and safe!
Mary Cole, Chairman
I am writing to you all to keep you informed of the latest changes at Lea Valley U3A. In the light of the current directives from the Government, I am sure you won’t be surprised to know that there will be no Main Meetings of LVU3A at The Spotlight until further notice, not least because this venue is closed; we are unlikey to be able to meet there until March 2022.
However in the meantime our Guest Speakers will still deliver their talks online by Zoom for you to watch.
Also please see the item below under "Chairman's Corner" regarding some events re-commencing from August 2021.
If you are unsure about using Zoom or need some help, please get in touch via our "CONTACTS" page.
John Mills' Fun Quiz planned for April 2020 was cancelled, and as the effects of the pandemic continue to impact our 'normal' way of living it is unlikely that we will be able to safely run another for the time being.
During this time, it is important to do whatever we can to stay in touch with each other, whether by phone, letter, social media or video link. We at LVU3A have put together new-format newsletters which we will issue in place of the normal versions. We will also issue interim 'bulletins' with further information. These publications will be sent via email to most members, and we will send paper copies by post to those not on email.
With more time on your hands, maybe you would like to consider writing something for us? I attach a list of suggestions which might set the creative juices flowing! (Click on the link to open):
Finally, our National Office, the Third Age Trust ("TAT") issues monthly online newsletters full of great ideas on how to stay connected and involved during these difficult times. The TAT has asked committees to encourage members to sign up for the newsletter, so I will sign off with a link to our national U3A website:
Either click on the link (or type the website address into your address bar) and then scroll down to the foot of the main page. Under the heading Quick Links there is a heading "Newsletter Signup". Click on this and you are taken to a page where you can input your details and receive the newsletter.
I hope you find this helpful.
Stay well and safe!
Mary Cole, Chairman
_________________________________________________
At present all events and information throughout this website and in the attached Newsletter may be subject to change and/or cancellation, and you are advised to check with the Group Leaders for the latest situation before attending any meetings or events.
If you have no means of contacting Group Leaders directly, please click in the "CONTACTS" area in the box at the top left of this page. You will be taken to a new page, and the bottom of the left margin is Lea Valley U3A's email address. You can send a message which will reach a member of the Committee, who will either respond direct or pass it on to someone that can help.
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NEWSLETTER
Our newsletter has been produced as
a downloadable (pdf) file, which should be compatible with any
computer. It contains information covering meeting dates, forthcoming events, all our Groups etc.
To view the latest edition please "click" on the link:-
Please note that contact details (phone numbers, e-mail addresses etc) for Group Leaders and Committee Members are not shown in
this on-line version of the Newsletter, as this is open to anyone with
access to the internet, and we wish to protect this information. Therefore
members need to refer to the paper copy you may have collected at a meeting (or
a copy may have been emailed to you direct, or posted to members not on email), as those
versions contain personal contact information.
Anyone can use the club's email system to make contact with us - please refer to the left hand margin on the 'CONTACTS' page for details.
Anyone can use the club's email system to make contact with us - please refer to the left hand margin on the 'CONTACTS' page for details.
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MEMBER LINK
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MEMBER LINK
The Third Age Trust (TAT) has informed us about a new initiative for all u3a
members called Member Link. The aim is to ensure that every member in every u3a
can still participate in u3a life. There is a link below to click on which will take you to
a page about the scheme, where you can download and print a colour or black and
white leaflet. It may give you some ideas for things to do as lockdown continues!. To go to the page, which is on the main U3A website, please "click" on the link:-
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We also have our own Facebook page which can be found by clicking on this link:-
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SEE WHAT OUR U3A CAN OFFER YOU
One of our members, John Astin, produced another excellent video in December 2019 showing what happens at Lea Valley U3A. Sadly John passed away in March 2021.
The video includes comments from a few members who explain what joining us has meant to them, and an insight into what some of our groups get up to.
It is available to watch on YouTube.To view, please click on the link below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ECUfIJ7nn8
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CHAIRMAN’S CORNER
(FROM SEPTEMBER 2021 NEWSLETTER)
- Once a teacher, always a teacher!
With that in mind, here is all you need to know about our next main meeting, to be held on Monday 13th September from 1.30 – 3.30pm at Stanboroughs Club, Hoddesdon. Dr Nicholas Henderson will be speaking live from 2pm on “How To Read a Country Church – from Tudor Britain to the present”. To make sure of your place, you will need to register your name and membership number by phoning Pam Benton or emailing me.
Please do not just turn up on the day without booking, as you may not get in. It would be helpful, if you book a place and then change your mind about coming along, to let me know so that we can re-allocate your place.
If you are not keen to attend in person, you may be able to join by Zoom. However, you could be disappointed if a technical hitch makes Zoom unworkable. It is hoped that refreshments will be available for members to buy but remember it is card only. We are not planning to have lots of Group tables this time, but if a Group leader does want a table, please let me know.
As the AGM draws nearer (Oct 12th - see Diary events below), we are still looking for people to join our committee as Ordinary members. If this is a step too far for you, why not consider putting your name forward as a helper? We need people for the “Meet & Greet” team; we could do with someone keen on Facebook to develop our Facebook page; and as always, offers of CAKES for the future will be gratefully received.
As I said at the Social two weeks ago, we will shortly be having a new Chairman, Glynis Evans, who, as a newish member herself, will be glad to call on the membership for help and support. I know that LVU3A members will respond.
Chairman
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FORTHCOMING EVENTS FOR YOUR DIARY
To see posters containing details of each event, please click on the appropriate link.
1. Monday 27th September at 2pm via Zoom. "Everything you wanted to know about Mental Health Services in Hertfordshire but were afraid to ask!". This is a talk by one of our own members Barry Canterford. Barry has recently been appointed Lead Governor of Herts Partnership Foundation Trust, and is keen to make members aware of the services they offer.
2. Monday 11th October at 2pm - live at Stanboroughs. Brian Wingate will give a talk entitled "The Commonwealth War Graves Commission - Who we are".
3. Tuesday 12th October at 11am - by Zoom. Our Annual General Meeting.
4. Monday 13th November at 2pm - live at Stanboroughs. "Talliston House and Gardens" - a talk by John Tarrow.
With a name that means ‘the hidden place’, this once ordinary house hides thirteen rooms, each set in a different time and place. Twenty-five years in the making, the project has taken a three-bedroomed, semi-detached, ex-council house in Essex and transformed it into a wonderland of inspirational locations.
Also please click on the link below to visit the website of this exraordinary place:
Please refer to the latest Newsletter for more information on these events.
If you are a Zoom talk first timer, just email Mary Cole on giving your name and membership number to be put on the list.
Zoom talks will be continuing for some time to come. Why not sign up?
1. Monday 27th September at 2pm via Zoom. "Everything you wanted to know about Mental Health Services in Hertfordshire but were afraid to ask!". This is a talk by one of our own members Barry Canterford. Barry has recently been appointed Lead Governor of Herts Partnership Foundation Trust, and is keen to make members aware of the services they offer.
2. Monday 11th October at 2pm - live at Stanboroughs. Brian Wingate will give a talk entitled "The Commonwealth War Graves Commission - Who we are".
3. Tuesday 12th October at 11am - by Zoom. Our Annual General Meeting.
4. Monday 13th November at 2pm - live at Stanboroughs. "Talliston House and Gardens" - a talk by John Tarrow.
With a name that means ‘the hidden place’, this once ordinary house hides thirteen rooms, each set in a different time and place. Twenty-five years in the making, the project has taken a three-bedroomed, semi-detached, ex-council house in Essex and transformed it into a wonderland of inspirational locations.
Also please click on the link below to visit the website of this exraordinary place:
Please refer to the latest Newsletter for more information on these events.
If you are a Zoom talk first timer, just email Mary Cole on giving your name and membership number to be put on the list.
Zoom talks will be continuing for some time to come. Why not sign up?
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 | LVU3A FUN QUIZZES |
|
Our quiz planned for 27th April 2020 was cancelled because of the pandemic.
If you bought tickets for the April 2020 quiz, once main meetings re-start we propose either to offer refunds, or possibly exchange the 2020 tickets for the next quiz. If anyone would prefer to have a cash refund now please get in touch through the 'Contacts' route at the top left of this page.
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NEW GROUPS IN 2018-2020
Group Sharing Agreement
Lea Valley U3A Privacy Policy
Lea Valley U3A treats members' privacy rights seriously. The policy document in the link below sets out how we will deal with your ‘personal information’, that is information that could identify, or is related to the identity of, any Lea Valley U3A individual member.
Alan Paul is the webmaster at Ravenshead U3A, in Nottinghamshire.
He has produced a set of excellent ‘Computing Guides’ which he is happy to share via our website. These cover a broad spectrum of subjects including using iPads and Samsung tablets, Emails, Excel (spreadsheets), using Google, explanation of ‘Cloud’ storage, copying CD’s, address labels, managing photos etc.
At the bottom of his page he says that if you do not find what you want send him an email via that page and he will try to help.
You may be able to go straight to his page by clicking on the link below; failing this you can either copy and paste the line into the address bar at the top of your internet page, or type it in :-
________________________________________________________
The Third Age Trust issues a monthly national newsletter with news from the national office as well as from UK branches.
Visit the national U3A website page (go to the 'Links' page in the the top left of the margin). Under "Other Websites" you will find the U3A National Website.
On the 'About' tab on the website you can view the Newsletter Archive. You may need to register on the site and set up a password to access all content.
You can also arrange to have their new Newsletters emailed to you each time they are published.
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO LISTEN TO CHILDREN READ IN LOCAL PRIMARY SCHOOLS
NEW GROUPS IN 2018-2020
Several new groups have been launched in recent years.
In 2018 we started groups in Art Appreciation, Astronomy, Ballet, Scrabble, Table Tennis, Tap Dancing, Walking Leisurely, and Food Appreciation.
In 2019 ‘Popular Music' (1950's to 1980's), Bird and Nature Watch, and Nautical Interest also launched.
In 2020 to date Walking Netball and Chi Kung groups have started.
Please click on the "Groups" button in the top left margin for more information, or refer to the NEWSLETTER which can be viewed via the link at the top of this page.
There are other proposed new groups, including Recorder Group, Church Visits and a second Cribbage group.
We are always looking to set up new groups. A few current suggestions are:- Quilting, Current Affairs, Wine Appreciation etc. There is no end to the range of subjects which may interest others.
Please read the Newsletter for the latest information, or speak to our Group Co-ordinator Dennis Bruce.
Please help us to provide more for our members.
Hoddesdon Library Chess Group will warmly welcome LVU3A members. They meet on Mondays from 10am until noon. Cost is £2.50 including tea/coffee, Contact information can be found in paper copies of the Newsletter, or editions emailed to members. Alternatively contact us using the email in the margin on the 'CONTACTS' link.
In 2018 we started groups in Art Appreciation, Astronomy, Ballet, Scrabble, Table Tennis, Tap Dancing, Walking Leisurely, and Food Appreciation.
In 2019 ‘Popular Music' (1950's to 1980's), Bird and Nature Watch, and Nautical Interest also launched.
In 2020 to date Walking Netball and Chi Kung groups have started.
Please click on the "Groups" button in the top left margin for more information, or refer to the NEWSLETTER which can be viewed via the link at the top of this page.
There are other proposed new groups, including Recorder Group, Church Visits and a second Cribbage group.
We are always looking to set up new groups. A few current suggestions are:- Quilting, Current Affairs, Wine Appreciation etc. There is no end to the range of subjects which may interest others.
Please read the Newsletter for the latest information, or speak to our Group Co-ordinator Dennis Bruce.
Please help us to provide more for our members.
Hoddesdon Library Chess Group will warmly welcome LVU3A members. They meet on Mondays from 10am until noon. Cost is £2.50 including tea/coffee, Contact information can be found in paper copies of the Newsletter, or editions emailed to members. Alternatively contact us using the email in the margin on the 'CONTACTS' link.
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Group Sharing Agreement
This
arrangement is now up and running between 7 local U3As within the
Agreement, namely Broxbourne, Buntingford, Cheshunt, Hertford, Waltham
Abbey, Ware, and Lea Valley.
The idea behind this is that where any of these other 6 U3As have groups that are keen to increase their numbers, they can open the group to members of LVU3A, and you will be allowed to attend those groups without having to join the other U3A. Conversely, where we have groups that are struggling with low numbers, they can participate and open themselves up to members of the other 6 U3As.
It is very important to note is that members of our U3A can’t just see a group in another U3A newsletter and go along and join it! Only those groups which are struggling to be viable and which have agreed to open up to members from other participating U3As can be approached.
LVU3A Group Sharing
If you have a query about the scheme, please contact me.
________________________________________________________The idea behind this is that where any of these other 6 U3As have groups that are keen to increase their numbers, they can open the group to members of LVU3A, and you will be allowed to attend those groups without having to join the other U3A. Conversely, where we have groups that are struggling with low numbers, they can participate and open themselves up to members of the other 6 U3As.
It is very important to note is that members of our U3A can’t just see a group in another U3A newsletter and go along and join it! Only those groups which are struggling to be viable and which have agreed to open up to members from other participating U3As can be approached.
1) Broxbourne
Please click on the link to go to the relevant page on Broxbourne U3A's Group Sharing page on their website:
https://u3asites.org.uk/broxbourne/page/110810
2) Buntingford
Please click on the link to go to the relevant page on Buntingford U3A's Group Sharing page on their website:
Please note this link is currently in draft form awaiting updating, and does
NOT show the Buntingford groups that are in this scheme.
https://u3asites.org.uk/buntingford/page/110569
3) Cheshunt
Please click on the link to go to the relevant page on Cheshunt U3A's Group Sharing page on their website:
https://u3asites.org.uk/cheshunt/page/110585
4) Hertford & District
Please click on the link to go to the relevant page on Hertford & District U3A's Group Sharing page on their website:
5) Waltham Abbey
Please click on the link to go to the relevant page on Waltham Abbey U3A's Group Sharing page on their website:
6) Ware
Please click on the link to go to the relevant page on Ware U3A's Group Sharing page on their website:
https://u3asites.org.uk/ware/page/111056
LVU3A Group Sharing
If you have a query about the scheme, please contact me.
Mary Cole
Lea Valley U3A Privacy Policy
Lea Valley U3A treats members' privacy rights seriously. The policy document in the link below sets out how we will deal with your ‘personal information’, that is information that could identify, or is related to the identity of, any Lea Valley U3A individual member.
________________________________________________________
Disputes (Complaints, Discipline and Grievances)
The U3A (Central Office) provides guidance to branches should disputes occur. There are
three documents published which give procedural guidance covering ‘Complaints’, ‘Disciplinary’, and
‘Grievance’.
You can view these by clicking on the links below:-
Complaints Procedure
Disciplinary Procedure
Grievance Procedure
You can view these by clicking on the links below:-
Complaints Procedure
Disciplinary Procedure
Grievance Procedure
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Need help with your Computer, iPad etc?
Alan Paul is the webmaster at Ravenshead U3A, in Nottinghamshire.
He has produced a set of excellent ‘Computing Guides’ which he is happy to share via our website. These cover a broad spectrum of subjects including using iPads and Samsung tablets, Emails, Excel (spreadsheets), using Google, explanation of ‘Cloud’ storage, copying CD’s, address labels, managing photos etc.
At the bottom of his page he says that if you do not find what you want send him an email via that page and he will try to help.
You may be able to go straight to his page by clicking on the link below; failing this you can either copy and paste the line into the address bar at the top of your internet page, or type it in :-
THIRD AGE TRUST MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
The Third Age Trust issues a monthly national newsletter with news from the national office as well as from UK branches.
Visit the national U3A website page (go to the 'Links' page in the the top left of the margin). Under "Other Websites" you will find the U3A National Website.
On the 'About' tab on the website you can view the Newsletter Archive. You may need to register on the site and set up a password to access all content.
You can also arrange to have their new Newsletters emailed to you each time they are published.
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO LISTEN TO CHILDREN READ IN LOCAL PRIMARY SCHOOLS
Can
you spare an hour or two a week to listen to children read in a local
primary school? Schoolreaders is looking for more volunteers in
Hertfordshire to carry out this important role. Reading time for many
children at home and at school is often insufficient and one in four
children are now leaving primary school unable to read to the required
standard.
Please visit the website www.schoolreaders.org to join or call 01234 924111 for further information, or click on this link:
Please visit the website www.schoolreaders.org to join or call 01234 924111 for further information, or click on this link:
Broxbourne Arts Forum ("BArts")
www.broxbournearts.org.uk
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Lea Valley Discussion Group
Lea
Valley U3A is affiliated to BArts, and one of our members is
present at a table in the bar area at all monthly meetings, with
leaflets and information.
BArts offers activities and events which are not usually provided by the Borough of Broxbourne's Leisure and Entertainments programme.
It also represents the arts interests of
individuals and member groups and negotiates with the Borough, so that the arts
community may enjoy greater recognition and leisure facilities on a par with
the provision for sports.
For more information either come to the table at our main meetings or visit the BArts website at:
www.broxbournearts.org.uk
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Lea Valley Discussion Group
This
local society, founded in 1976, meets on Monday evenings usually twice
a month at the Methodist Church Hall, Middlefield Road, Hoddesdon.
For more information and contact details please click on the link below:
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