An AGM with a difference

Biddulph u3a's Press and Publicity Officer Barbara talks about their recent AGM, which was a little bit different to most AGMs, ending with music and dancing.

What a night! In July, over 150 people gathered together at Biddulph Town Hall for Biddulph u3a’s AGM and Party! The hall was decorated in the u3a colours of blue and yellow with fresh flowers on each table.

Our evening started with a slideshow on a huge screen, showing events and activities spanning the previous year. The business side of the evening was dealt with quite quickly and was followed by the u3a’s first presentation of Certificates of Appreciation. These were awarded to members who have either stepped down from their role as Group Leader or have contributed a great deal to Biddulph u3a. Sadly, two of these people are no longer with us. Trevor Hancock, who was a founder member and contributed so much to Biddulph u3a over the years and Bill Lumby who passed away very recently, a wonderful Group Leader of one of our table tennis groups. Mavis Hancock , Trevor’s wife, and Tony Turner, received their rewards respectively. Phil Watts, our lovely Membership Secretary and Group Leader was given his award a few weeks ago, just prior to his recent passing.

Two retiring members from the committee, Janet Shingler and Helen Pemberton were presented with flowers plus their award. Janet had been Chairman for two years and Helen had been our dedicated Treasurer for several years. Both are continuing with their Group Leaders’ roles. Barry Milner then took to the floor and, as a surprise, presented Bill Hancock, our Chair with an Appreciation Award for the work that he has carried out over his last 2 years. Well done all!

Let the party begin!

Our Singing for Pleasure Group, led by Tony, opened the entertainment with Dancing Queen, later followed by Nowhere Man performed by our Acoustic Group. Group leader David has played a major role in Biddulph u3a for many years and this was his final performance with his group, after which he was presented with his Certificate of Appreciation Award.

The next group to take the stage was the Biddulph u3a Strummers and Singers with their colourful attire, a wide variety of instruments, such happy smiling faces and real enjoyment and enthusiasm for what they were doing. This really got people clapping and singing! Wonderful stuff!

Our final entertainment was by the Exiles. This group started off as the u3a group Simply Blues, led by member Frank, and has now evolved into this band. The u3a rock ‘n’ rollers hit the floor to Roll Over Beethoven, and it was great to see so many boogieing the night away. The evening came to a close with a resounding rendition of Sweet Caroline!

What an evening!

So many smiling faces, much laughter and such a lovely atmosphere. It was certainly a hit! Maybe to be repeated next year!

Thanks must go to our wonderful team of tea ladies who, as always, provided us with refreshments throughout the evening, the staff of Biddulph Town Hall who are so helpful, the bar staff, all of the music makers and every single one of the audience for making this first AGM with a Difference a resounding success.