Newsletter

From the Chairman

Towards the end of September there was a very successful new members’ meeting organised by Ian Harvey and you can read his report in this newsletter. During the time of the meeting my own “new member”, my second grandson, was born some 100 miles away, so I personally consider this an extremely successful day!

One of the National Office offerings that I very briefly mentioned at the meeting is the Resource Centre and I thought it was worth highlighting this to a broader audience especially as it is about to be expanded within the Education and Resources department over the next 6 months. The Resource Centre currently offers a very wide range of recorded material on DVDs and CDs that can be borrowed for up to 3 weeks free of charge (except for return postage). I know that this facility has been used by at least 2 Groups regularly and their feedback is very positive. Within the National Office web-site there is a section for the Resource Centre (https://library.u3a.org.uk/liberty/libraryHome.do) which has a comprehensive search facility, and bookings can be made on-line or by telephone. There is also a section for opera lovers called OperaVision where you can watch live streams from the opera house, and a section for history lovers linking in to the Timeline YouTube Channel.

Feedback to National Office from U3As across the movement has strongly indicated that a wider spectrum of learning resources was required. Therefore, the service will now be expanded to include items such as educational downloads, TED talks (Technology, Entertainment and Design) and MOOCS (massive open on-line courses) as well as U3A generated material, courses, research and shared learning programmes. During the next six months U3As (and in particular learning group leaders) will be asked about what specific items they wish to see included. In the meantime, all DVD orders will continue to be met, and I will update you as details of the expanded service emerge.

I have been approached by the sports inclusion officer at Gloucester Rugby about developing Walking Rugby in Cirencester. This could be an opportunity to set up a Walking Rugby group with very expert guidance. If anyone is interested, please contact me and I can pass on the contact details at Gloucester Rugby. Lastly, an early plug for the general meeting on December 18th which will feature some of our own U3A Groups in a Showcase afternoon. Do come along and marvel at the talent which abounds at Cirencester U3A.

WELCOME! 
We are delighted to welcome a further 23 new members this month

Forthcoming meetings-

October 16th - Oliver Cromwell and his contribution to our democracy- Howard Robinson

November 20th - Disaster Waiting-The Severn Bridge Disaster - Paul Barnett

December 18th - Entertainment by members plus Art Group show

See the Events Diaryfor a more detailed list of meetings

Meetings held in the Ashcroft Centre, at 2.30 pm on the third Tuesday of the month unless otherwise stated.