NEWS for ...
Petersfield u3a members

Welcome to our latest e-newsletter, giving a quick summary of what’s happening within Petersfield u3a. To find out more, simply click onto the blue links to be taken straight to our website.

Like the idea of sailing from Nab Tower to Portsmouth’s Round Tower – without having to leave dry land?
Then come along to Petersfield Community Centre on Wednesday, 21 May at 2.30pm, for a Solent cruise like no other.
At the wheel will be our speaker Dave Allport, who will provide us with a commentary on what we will see as we look out to both port and starboard from our ‘hall cruise ship’. He also promises to share a host of stories about some local landmarks including the Mary Rose, HMS Nelson and the three Solent forts.
We will set sail promptly at 2:30 p.m. Life jackets and sick bags, if required, will be available on board!

Dates for your Diary

There are plenty of open meetings (featuring guest speakers) to enjoy at Petersfield Community Centre over the coming weeks:

Tuesday 20 May at 2pm
Update on the NHS

Tuesday 27 May at 2pm
Supercomputing

Wednesday 28 May at 10am
Member's Coffee Morning

Monday 9 June at 1pm
XXXXX 30th Anniversary Celebration XXXXX (booking required)

Monday 9 June at 2.30pm
History of Portsmouth - Harlots, Dung and Glory

Tuesday 17 June at 2pm
The ever-increasing importance of the pharmacist in optimising medicines for older adults

Wednesday 18 June at 2.30pm
Perambulations with Pepys – a man and his city

Tuesday 24 June at 2pm
The Art and Science of Astrophotography

Looking ahead to Friday 25 July, there is a coach trip to Hatfield House in Hertfordshire. Tickets cost £42 (including transport, entrance and tour guide) with a booking deadline of Friday 20 June.

Around & About

• Would you be willing to put your hand up and offer some active help to Petersfield u3a? But perhaps you’d like to get a real idea of what you’re letting yourself in for first?
  If the answer to both is ‘yes’, then here’s some good news.
  The Volunteering page on our website has been given a refresh. It now gives a clear idea of key activities, skills needed, time commitment, and support available. It also sums up what’s in it for you!
  So, if you love working with people, how about the role of Volunteer Coordinator? Or if words are more your thing, how about considering becoming a ‘Connect’ Editorial Buddy? These are just two of the many ‘holes’ to fill, so one is bound to suit you.
  
• This year, the Chichester Festival Theatre group has purchased more tickets than ever, so convenors Chris and Julie Burton would like to say a very big ‘thank you’ to everyone for their support.
  Tickets for this summer’s productions have now been sent out to members. Enjoy!
  
• With air and sea temperatures warming up, is it time to discover how therapeutic swimming in open water can be?
  The Petersfield Dippers have been venturing into the sea since the beginning of the year (apart from February when the weather was bad).
  “May/June is a good time to start dipping,” said convenor Kay Lindon. “Several of our members prefer to swim during the summer months only.”
  New members would be most welcome.
  “Once you have joined the group, you will learn about tides, currents and winds to ensure safety during your time in the water,” added Kay.

Meet the MC

Rose Noonan’s appointment last year as Secretary marked something of a departure for Petersfield u3a.
Recognising the role’s heavy workload, for the first time it was split into three: supporting Rose (a member of the Management Committee) are Doreen Challen (also on the MC) and Susie Reynolds who look after Policies and Minutes respectively. The trio meet up regularly.
“When I heard the MC was in need of assistance, I thought there might be something I could do (having been part of voluntary committees in the past),” said Rose. “I was willing to be Secretary ‘in name’, provided there were other people to share the work.
“Alongside Susie and Doreen, I hope that we help to keep Petersfield u3a running.”
For part of Rose’s life in London, she worked on a farm. Ironically, now that she’s in Hampshire, she has nothing to do with animals!

Have Your Say

‘Connect’ always welcomes news from Petersfield u3a members via u3aeditorconnect@gmail.com.
To make sure the e-newsletter is easy and interesting to read, and the style is consistent, the copy is likely to be edited. The original version of any submission can be posted on the relevant page of our website and can be easily accessed from ‘Connect’ via a link. 

The next issue of ‘Connect’ will be emailed to you on Saturday 7 June, with a copy deadline for all contributions of Tuesday 3 June.