| Torrevieja |
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| http://www.u3atorrevieja.com/newsletter_december_2007.html |
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
When my husband Bob and I launched U3A Torrevieja
in June 2006, I very reluctantly took the role of
Chairman. Although I have enjoyed the secretarial and
organizational part of starting this U3A, the recent
problems with our tenure at the Asturias Restaurant
have taxed my enthusiasm.
Those who joined us for the first time at our meetings in
October and November, must have thought we were a
very disorganized organization, having the October
meeting at the Orihuela Costa Resort and then back to
the Asturias only on the first Thursday. We trust this
impression will be changed in 2008.
I am sure now we have booked the only free Thursday
at the Los Arcos Restaurant and are paying a fee of 50
euros a month, the future should be more secure for our
monthly meetings at this venue.
We look forward to a continuing growth in membership
and expansion of the opportunities of learning and
friendship throughout our interest groups.
LYNDA KISS
Tel: 966 773 022 Email: la2kiss@yahoo.co.uk
When my husband Bob and I launched U3A Torrevieja
in June 2006, I very reluctantly took the role of
Chairman. Although I have enjoyed the secretarial and
organizational part of starting this U3A, the recent
problems with our tenure at the Asturias Restaurant
have taxed my enthusiasm.
Those who joined us for the first time at our meetings in
October and November, must have thought we were a
very disorganized organization, having the October
meeting at the Orihuela Costa Resort and then back to
the Asturias only on the first Thursday. We trust this
impression will be changed in 2008.
I am sure now we have booked the only free Thursday
at the Los Arcos Restaurant and are paying a fee of 50
euros a month, the future should be more secure for our
monthly meetings at this venue.
We look forward to a continuing growth in membership
and expansion of the opportunities of learning and
friendship throughout our interest groups.
LYNDA KISS
Tel: 966 773 022 Email: la2kiss@yahoo.co.uk
TREASURER’S REPORT
On 25th September 2007 a meeting was held of the
Committee and Interest Group Leaders to decide on a
future financial strategy. It was decided the annual
subscription would be 9 euros and that interest group
charges would cease from October 2007.
The monthly meeting charge would remain at 1 euro
per person.
The original intention of the U3A was to register with
the Spanish authorities in order to operate a bank
account. We were advised that the cost of
registration would be in the region of 300-400 euros.
It soon became apparent that whilst membership was
expanding, we had insufficient members willing to
serve on the Committee who had the necessary
residency qualification for registration. Therefore
funds which had been built up in the early months to
cover these costs would not be needed and we could
make changes to our income requirements to meet
anticipated expenditure.
Soon after the meeting in September we began to
have problems with our monthly booking at the
Asturias. We now meet the last Thursday of the
month at Los Arcos Restaurant and pay a charge of
50 euros.
This may mean activity groups could be required to re-
introduce their 1 euro charge to ensure “the annual
expenditure does not result in misery”. This will be
decided by the new Committee.
We have ended the year with a manageable balance
in hand of 292 euros and at the AGM on 31st January
2008 a detailed Income and Expenditure Account will
be distributed to members when they renew their
subscription of 9 euros for 2008
BOB KISS
Tel: 966 773 022 Email: la2kiss@yahoo.co.uk
On 25th September 2007 a meeting was held of the
Committee and Interest Group Leaders to decide on a
future financial strategy. It was decided the annual
subscription would be 9 euros and that interest group
charges would cease from October 2007.
The monthly meeting charge would remain at 1 euro
per person.
The original intention of the U3A was to register with
the Spanish authorities in order to operate a bank
account. We were advised that the cost of
registration would be in the region of 300-400 euros.
It soon became apparent that whilst membership was
expanding, we had insufficient members willing to
serve on the Committee who had the necessary
residency qualification for registration. Therefore
funds which had been built up in the early months to
cover these costs would not be needed and we could
make changes to our income requirements to meet
anticipated expenditure.
Soon after the meeting in September we began to
have problems with our monthly booking at the
Asturias. We now meet the last Thursday of the
month at Los Arcos Restaurant and pay a charge of
50 euros.
This may mean activity groups could be required to re-
introduce their 1 euro charge to ensure “the annual
expenditure does not result in misery”. This will be
decided by the new Committee.
We have ended the year with a manageable balance
in hand of 292 euros and at the AGM on 31st January
2008 a detailed Income and Expenditure Account will
be distributed to members when they renew their
subscription of 9 euros for 2008
BOB KISS
Tel: 966 773 022 Email: la2kiss@yahoo.co.uk
2008 U3A COMMITTEE
Nomination papers for a new committee for 2008, were
distributed at the October and November meetings.
These are the names of those members who were
nominated. They met on 29th November to discuss the
formation of a committee.
David Evans Lynne Howarth
Bob & Jean Cook Maggie Oldfield
Mike & Jean Law Jean Wilson
Laurie Winstanley Alan Fawcett
Maggie Oldfield Ray Parker
It is appreciated that among those willing to form a
committee there are several who are resident in Spain
and some who visit regularly, but everyone at some time
needs to return to the UK for medical or family reasons
and therefore could not always be available to fulfill a
specified role in managing the U3A.
However with some positions being covered by a deputy
and with the support of a larger committee, David Evans
accepted a proposal to be Chairman and Bob Cook the
Treasurer.
At the December monthly meeting, these appointments
were ratified by the members by a show of hands. The
new committee will meet on the 8th February.
Nomination papers for a new committee for 2008, were
distributed at the October and November meetings.
These are the names of those members who were
nominated. They met on 29th November to discuss the
formation of a committee.
David Evans Lynne Howarth
Bob & Jean Cook Maggie Oldfield
Mike & Jean Law Jean Wilson
Laurie Winstanley Alan Fawcett
Maggie Oldfield Ray Parker
It is appreciated that among those willing to form a
committee there are several who are resident in Spain
and some who visit regularly, but everyone at some time
needs to return to the UK for medical or family reasons
and therefore could not always be available to fulfill a
specified role in managing the U3A.
However with some positions being covered by a deputy
and with the support of a larger committee, David Evans
accepted a proposal to be Chairman and Bob Cook the
Treasurer.
At the December monthly meeting, these appointments
were ratified by the members by a show of hands. The
new committee will meet on the 8th February.
MEMBERSHIP
At the beginning of October there were 101 paid up
members. During the period October-December, a
further 23 people completed membership forms
making a total of 124 members.
Attendance at each monthly meeting has averaged
between 60-70, including interested newcomers. Our
largest attendance was in October when 90 filled the
Orihuela Costa Resort bar room.
We hope that our move into Torrevieja at the Los
Arcos Restaurant will increase our membership and
continue to attract our existing membership.
Membership fees of 9 euros for the year to 31st
December 2008 are due at the AGM on Thursday
31st January 2008.
SHEILA HODKINSON
Tel: 966 773 348 Email: sheilamhod@msn.com
At the beginning of October there were 101 paid up
members. During the period October-December, a
further 23 people completed membership forms
making a total of 124 members.
Attendance at each monthly meeting has averaged
between 60-70, including interested newcomers. Our
largest attendance was in October when 90 filled the
Orihuela Costa Resort bar room.
We hope that our move into Torrevieja at the Los
Arcos Restaurant will increase our membership and
continue to attract our existing membership.
Membership fees of 9 euros for the year to 31st
December 2008 are due at the AGM on Thursday
31st January 2008.
SHEILA HODKINSON
Tel: 966 773 348 Email: sheilamhod@msn.com
BRIDGE
Numbers have fluctuated during the period October-
December 2007, from 4 tables (16 members) to 2 tables
(8 members). We have 36 names on our list of
players. The Asturias Restaurante continues to allow
us to use the north end of the dining room and on
occasions, weather permitting, the tented areas outside
– all free of charge. We have several experienced
players who are only too willing to instruct and
encourage new students to the game and very fortunate
to have Derek Rush, a retired English Bridge Union
tutor, who has provided valuable training to new
members and guidance to ‘improvers’.
An occasionally ‘vulnerable’ BOB KISS
Tel: 966 773 022 Email: la2kiss@yahoo.co.uk
Numbers have fluctuated during the period October-
December 2007, from 4 tables (16 members) to 2 tables
(8 members). We have 36 names on our list of
players. The Asturias Restaurante continues to allow
us to use the north end of the dining room and on
occasions, weather permitting, the tented areas outside
– all free of charge. We have several experienced
players who are only too willing to instruct and
encourage new students to the game and very fortunate
to have Derek Rush, a retired English Bridge Union
tutor, who has provided valuable training to new
members and guidance to ‘improvers’.
An occasionally ‘vulnerable’ BOB KISS
Tel: 966 773 022 Email: la2kiss@yahoo.co.uk
LUNCH CLUB
The Lunch Club has had an average attendance of
25 over the last few months and everyone seems
fairly satisfied with the different restaurants chosen
and the menu prices.
In December we had 25 having lunch at Los Arcos
after our last monthly meeting at the Asturias. We
had a good menu del dia for 8 euros. This was a
good turnout as I was not able to advertise our plans
to the lunch club regulars until we were actually at the
meeting.
There will be a lunch on Wednesday 16th January at
1.15 p.m. at the YU Chinese restaurant in the new
Eroski center at Punta Prima.
The lunch will be cheap and cheerful at an average
cost of 6 euros per person.
(Hot news – 33 members had a Chinese lunch
together on the 16th January, a great opportunity to
all meet after the holiday, thanks to Jean for
contacting everyone).... Editor
The lunch for February will be on the 13th at
Christopher’s in Torrevieja. Probably more expensive
than usual but highly recommended. Please let me
know if you would like to join us and directions will be
given.
JEAN LAW Tel:965 319 311
dmandjelaw@google.mail.com
The Lunch Club has had an average attendance of
25 over the last few months and everyone seems
fairly satisfied with the different restaurants chosen
and the menu prices.
In December we had 25 having lunch at Los Arcos
after our last monthly meeting at the Asturias. We
had a good menu del dia for 8 euros. This was a
good turnout as I was not able to advertise our plans
to the lunch club regulars until we were actually at the
meeting.
There will be a lunch on Wednesday 16th January at
1.15 p.m. at the YU Chinese restaurant in the new
Eroski center at Punta Prima.
The lunch will be cheap and cheerful at an average
cost of 6 euros per person.
(Hot news – 33 members had a Chinese lunch
together on the 16th January, a great opportunity to
all meet after the holiday, thanks to Jean for
contacting everyone).... Editor
The lunch for February will be on the 13th at
Christopher’s in Torrevieja. Probably more expensive
than usual but highly recommended. Please let me
know if you would like to join us and directions will be
given.
JEAN LAW Tel:965 319 311
dmandjelaw@google.mail.com
ARCHAEOLOGY SITE VISIT
Saturday morning 3rd November
U3A members met in the Civic Centre
car park of the village of Dolores de
Pacheco. Prof. Michael Walker was
our guide for our visit to Sima de las
Palomas where Neanderthal remains
have been found. The site covers a
period from about 130,000 – 35,000
years ago and excavations have
been carried out for over a decade.
Several members were disappointed
at not being able to go because of
other commitments but in actual fact
the group of 10 that went were
probably just the right number to fit in
the cave and be able to hear Prof.
Walker and view the exploration
platform in the roof.
Later those who were more agile
were able to scramble up the hillside
and enter the chamber from outside
and stand on the platform.
Saturday morning 3rd November
U3A members met in the Civic Centre
car park of the village of Dolores de
Pacheco. Prof. Michael Walker was
our guide for our visit to Sima de las
Palomas where Neanderthal remains
have been found. The site covers a
period from about 130,000 – 35,000
years ago and excavations have
been carried out for over a decade.
Several members were disappointed
at not being able to go because of
other commitments but in actual fact
the group of 10 that went were
probably just the right number to fit in
the cave and be able to hear Prof.
Walker and view the exploration
platform in the roof.
Later those who were more agile
were able to scramble up the hillside
and enter the chamber from outside
and stand on the platform.
Further information can be obtained on the web under
Sima de las Palomas, with details of how to become a
volunteer student! The Museum of Archaeology in
Cartagena covers the same period as the findings at
Sima – it is within a short walking distance of El Corte
Ingles. Another visit could be arranged for this Autumn
if there is sufficient interest.
LYNDA KISS
Sima de las Palomas, with details of how to become a
volunteer student! The Museum of Archaeology in
Cartagena covers the same period as the findings at
Sima – it is within a short walking distance of El Corte
Ingles. Another visit could be arranged for this Autumn
if there is sufficient interest.
LYNDA KISS
PAINTING
Although we found an excellent tutor, Maria Moreschi,
we were unable to locate a suitable venue big enough
to accommodate easels and with sufficient light levels.
At present Maria is taking private students at her
home and has room for one or two more. Hopefully in
the future we will be able to find suitable
accommodation to form a painting interest group.
Although we found an excellent tutor, Maria Moreschi,
we were unable to locate a suitable venue big enough
to accommodate easels and with sufficient light levels.
At present Maria is taking private students at her
home and has room for one or two more. Hopefully in
the future we will be able to find suitable
accommodation to form a painting interest group.
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Armchair Travel
We made a good start to the season with our meeting on December 11 2007.
We had a DVD and CD viewing of some of the South Sea Islands visited by Jean and Bob during their 2006 World Cruise
aboard the Saga Rose.
Jean regaled us with the story of her eventful landing on Pitcairn Island. It is a notoriously difficult place to visit (which fact
pleased Fletcher Christian and the famous mutineers no end!).
Less than 100 passengers had been put ashore when the swell rose very quickly, and the captain announced an
immediate return to the ship.
Jean was one of the lucky passengers on the first and only tender back, and even that had great difficulty getting alongside
the gangway pontoon, damaging both pontoon and tender in the process!
The remaining passengers had to be brought back in the islanders’ longboat, life-jackets on, and then, one by one, put into
a rope harness held by crew members on board, and helped up a rope ladder from the lurching longboat!
Very exciting, and not one of these over-fifty-year-olds went into panic mode!
We made a good start to the season with our meeting on December 11 2007.
We had a DVD and CD viewing of some of the South Sea Islands visited by Jean and Bob during their 2006 World Cruise
aboard the Saga Rose.
Jean regaled us with the story of her eventful landing on Pitcairn Island. It is a notoriously difficult place to visit (which fact
pleased Fletcher Christian and the famous mutineers no end!).
Less than 100 passengers had been put ashore when the swell rose very quickly, and the captain announced an
immediate return to the ship.
Jean was one of the lucky passengers on the first and only tender back, and even that had great difficulty getting alongside
the gangway pontoon, damaging both pontoon and tender in the process!
The remaining passengers had to be brought back in the islanders’ longboat, life-jackets on, and then, one by one, put into
a rope harness held by crew members on board, and helped up a rope ladder from the lurching longboat!
Very exciting, and not one of these over-fifty-year-olds went into panic mode!
Armchair Travel Group Meets:-
2nd Tuesday of the month at 3pm.
Jean and Bob Cook (Contacts)
Tel: 620 705 958
2nd Tuesday of the month at 3pm.
Jean and Bob Cook (Contacts)
Tel: 620 705 958
Future Events Meetings
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| ** Please Note, the theme for the February & March meetings maybe reversed ** |
| Pitcairn Harbour Click on the Photo to Enlarge |
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