East Midlands Conference

Trustee for the East Midlands, Jean, talks about their recent regional conference - the first in five years.

After more than 2 years of planning and three cancellations, the first East Midlands Conference for five years finally went ahead at the end of September. Almost 90 members travelled to Eastwood Hall in Nottinghamshire.

Liz Thackray, newly elected Chair of the Third Age Trust, spoke about plans for the future and how we are all, individual members, u3as and the Board of Trustees, in a partnership together.

Helen, from South Leicestershire u3a, then shared several scenarios that inspired interesting ideas for finding committee members.

After lunch there were five workshops: -    Induction of committee members, group leaders and new members – Sue and Margot -    Tips and hints for presenters – Celia -    Experiences of some Pathfinder u3as – Paul, Linda, Janet, Brian -    Developing social media – John -    Finance – Richard

The last session was a presentation by Michaela Moody, Vice Chair of the Third Age Trust , about the plans for the u3a 40th Anniversary next year.

As the day went on the level of conversation increased and there was a real ‘buzz’ of excitement. Trustee for the East Midlands, Jean Hogg, thanked everyone involved for their participation and hoped that they would go away with at least one new idea! There were many comments of appreciation and no doubt how much those attending had enjoyed having face to face conversations with others from across the region.