Changes afoot at Oliva U3A

The Oliva U3A committee and members have had to get to grips with technology very fast during this lockdown, especially as it is the time of year when the AGM is held and voting for the new committee is required.

As members are no longer in full time employment and most are retired, learning about online conferencing and online voting isn’t easy - but everyone has taken up the challenge very well and the new committee will take its place in June.

Mick Goy, the current president, will make way for Barry Purvis, who is keen to take up the reins. The Oliva U3A will also have a new Vice President and Secretary, along with five new additional members to the committee. The new committee is looking forward to supporting its 580 members and over 40 groups by providing engaging activities, trips and events for the coming year.

The past few months have demanded a change in the way members are contacted and how groups can continue to meet – and, again, online conferencing won the day. Classes such as yoga, Zumba and line dancing were able to continue in some way. Plus some groups, like Practical Photography, set up Lockdown Challenges that members could do inside their own homes or gardens. These photos are a couple of examples from the Nature & Water and the Garden Wildlife challenges.

Due to the continued social distancing rules, the annual Oliva U3A Summer Event will not be taking place this year. Although it is a missed opportunity for a large gathering, members’ health and wellbeing is critical - and Oliva U3A plan to make the next event even better!