U3A New Plymouth and Stratford have had a very busy year with many new members. We have also been finalising our procedures to align with the requirements of the Privacy Act. Deadline, March 2026, job almost completed. Phew!! Next year will be more relaxing.
Loneliness is one of the biggest issues for seniors, and U3A is about YOU in the 3rd age/stage of your life. I joined U3A in February 2023. Immediately I felt I’d found the last coke (a-cola) in the Desert. Interesting, friendly people and plenty of them. People who still wanted to get out there and get involved. And best of all, NON political, NON religious and NON weird. I don’t know what kept me away for so long. Maybe some feeling they were weird. They aren’t. Anyway here I am just over two years later, Editor of the Newsletter, and now in my f irst year as President. In my role I have found that it is better to take on a role as a newbie when you are sharper, then chill out and rest on my laurels. I still find time to be in 2 groups.
Volunteering at U3A is not like your first job. You usually know nothing when you start work and gather up heaps of knowledge and experience over the next 50-60 years. You are just at the top of your mountain peak, when you start to slide down the other side to retirement, spare time, and maybe voluntary work. But it’s hard to have your skills appreciated sometimes, and being treated like that kid straight from school jars when you are in your 60’s and have plenty still to offer. This is why we at U3A find that our new members are at their peak and we are always talent spotting for committee members and group conveners. We very warmly welcome people keen to get involved in roles which include President, Secretary, Treasurer, Membership Secretary, Speaker Organiser for our monthly meetings, Publicity and more. Some of the roles are time limited, which means we need to have a revolving door of enthusiastic people who want to feel needed, be very much appreciated and want to give something back. We don’t expect you to be perfect, as we all start to deteriorate slightly. However my brain has sharpened since I took on roles at U3A. An unexpected benefit. Noticeably making less mistakes out there in the world.
There are many groups to join at U3A including chess, walking - fast, slow or moderate, groups just for men, geology, NZ History, European history, singing, gardening, espionage, conversational Spanish or Italian, line dancing, photography, travellers, cycling and many many more. We meet during the day. If there isn’t a group for you, then you are welcome to start one. Running a group is more about co-ordinating meetings. We learn from each other. Every 2nd Wednesday in the month we have a get together, a speaker and afternoon tea at Brooklands Church in Bideford Street at 1.30. Visitors are welcome. If you like us you are very welcome to join then, or join online. $20 is all it costs you. (no eftpos).
So come and join us and enjoy the 3rd age/stage of your life. Learning, doing, having fun. Maybe doing something you’ve never had time for until now. It’s OUR time. |
