Skelmersdale U3A June Newsletter

On Thursday, 16th May we celebrated our 8th Annual General Meeting.

Report of Skelmersdale U3A Meeting 16 May 2019

We were able to hold our AGM in the dining area as delays in building work

meant that this room and kitchen were still available. Some 40 members

were present and we moved speedily though the agenda. We are fulfilling

our objective, “improving our conditions of life and social welfare by

providing recreational activities and educational activities” by mutual

support. Chairman David thanked all activity group leaders for maintaining a

regular programme of activities and Don, Alice and Jenny for persevering in

2018. He drew attention to some of the challenges facing us, uncertainty of

room availability at the Ecumenical centre as building work progresses, the

need to consider a more up to date Constitution and to prepare and agree a

budget and financial principles to reflect the substantial increase in room hire

charges anticipated following completion of building works.

Hon Secretary Marlene reported on the updates to the membership renewal

form to reflect changes in Data Protection and Privacy laws, the wide range

of activities and monthly meetings, coffee afternoons, social trips and

celebrations. Copies of the Chairman’s and Secretary’s reports will be

available in the committee minute file. Membership secretary and activity

group leaders gave updates.

David Ball, of Glassball, an interdisciplinary arts practice, showed us a small

selection of previously unseen slides rescued from the Lancashire Archives.

David was born and educated in Skelmersdale and moved away after college.

We were shown scans of professionally taken slides relating to the

Ecumenical Centre, a small selection of the many thousands available. As an

artist he has an eye for the design intentions of the architects, engineers and

landscape designers who converted mining slag heaps and poor agricultural

land into a green and pleasant New Town. He now sees the town differently

to the view of his childhood. He and his partners are currently concluding a 3

year public art project ILLUME funded by Arts Council England & Lancashire

County Council.

ILLUME is bringing into view selected images from several thousand glass

slides donated to the project by the Lancashire Archives based in Preston.

These slides document the beginning of the New Town and the subsequent

years before the Skelmersdale Development Corporation ceased to operate.

We are hopeful that he will return and show us more of them. We have to

suggest which ones we would like to see. Members with immediate specific

requests are invited to contact him at dave@glassball.uk . Or by following

the link www.glassball.uk .

More information about their artistic projects and in particular the current

one relating to Skelmersdale, may be found on illume.org.uk .

For our members of an artistic disposition with an eye for good design and

the impact of the work of the artists in residence during the development

and build of our former New Town there are many potential projects!

DWC 17/05/2019

News of the year’s Group Activities

Sally reports that the Garden Group, have regularly met once a month, and have been busy throughout the year with one new member joining the group. Many garden centres had been visited and a trip to Bank Hall for the Snowdrop Walk was enjoyed early this Spring. Irrespective of the weather the group has enjoyed the year and look forward to enjoying future venues. Sally conveys thanks to group members for all their help.

Sally also reports that the Sunday Lunch Club has enjoyed lunches in various venues around the County, and is one of the popular groups with between 15-20 or more regular attendees. New members have joined throughout the year and meetings are usually on the third Sunday of the month depending on Mother’s Day, Easter or other festive Sundays.

Brian reports that the Indoor Bowls group continues and members are improving their skills and that a new Verdemat had been purchased.

Alice reports that the Singing for Fun Group is well attended and good use is made of the projector. Also, a theatre trip to see Fiddler on the Roof had been organised.

Ann reports that membership of around 16, the Table Tennis and Darts group founded in 2014 continues to grow and possibly would benefit by having another Dart Board.

Ann also reports that the Whist Group is ‘doing OK’. The group also play ‘Sevens’. At half-time home-made cakes and refreshments are consumed by a happy and friendly group.

Debbie reports that over the year the History Group looked at the final years of WW1 and an unsung hero, and his little remembered incident with a German Sub UB-33. In the summer Don Evans led a guided visit to Lathom Chapel, where parts not available to the general public were seen. The group was treated to afternoon tea by the Friends of Lathom. Several members visited the Chinese Warriors Exhibition at Liverpool Museum and in late 2018 at Wigan’s Museum of Life a talk on Victorian Funeral Rights proved to be very interesting. Although a small group, there were enough funds to pay for Cledwyn Thomas to speak on the Streets of Liverpool. Two trips had been arranged by the Group; namely Croxteth Hall and Holker Hall and Furness Abbey.

In Jenny’s absence, Sally reports that the Book Club which meets at Pimbo Garden Centre Café every second Sunday has been well attended throughout the year and that the group is awaiting a new Book List from Skelmersdale Library. Throughout the year the Walking Group has covered quite a few miles and endeavours to meet every second Thursday each month. Since Brian retired from leading the walks members of the group take turns to cover new grounds. Each month Carole reports on the group’s activities and submits her photos.

Maghull

Lathom Chapel

This year our Easter Chick Knit raised a grand total of £77.85. Consequently,

our trip to Trentham Gardens in September will only cost £18 instead of

around £20. Also, our next visit to the pantomime next year may also be

subsidized.

All monies for the trip To Trentham must be paid by Friday 19th July.

Due to building works members are advised to check for all meetings at the

Centre throughout the month. Events not held at the Centre will be as

normal.

June / July Calendar

Wed 19th June Bowls 2-4pm @ Ec. Centre Sun 23rd Sunday Lunch Tues 25th Singing for Fun 2-1pm @ Ec. Centre Wed 26th Table Tennis/Darts 2-4 @ Ec. Centre Fri 28th Local History Trip July Mon 1st Whist 10-12 @ Brierfield Coffee Afternoon 2- 4@ Ec. Centre Tues 2nd Gardening 2pm @ Eco Garden Wed 3rd Bowls 2-4pm @ Ec. Centre Tues 9th Singing for Fun 2-4pm @ Ec. Centre Wed 10th Table Tennis/Darts 2-4 Ec. Centre Thurs 11th Walk Sun 14th Book Club at Pimbo Café Mon 15th Whist 10-12 @ Brierfield Coffee Afternoon 2-4 @ Ec. Centre Wed 17th Bowls 2-4pm @ Ec. Centre Thurs 18th Monthly Meeting 2-4 @ Ec. Centre On site location to be confirmed Sun 21st Sunday Lunch Club Tues 23rd Singing for Fun 2-4pm @ Ec. Centre Wed 24th Table Tennis/Darts 2-4 Ec. Centre Fri 26th Local History Mon 29th Whist @ Brierfield Coffee Afternoon Room 6 @ Ec. Centre 2-4 Wed 31st Bowls 2-4pm @ Ec. Centre Meetings to be confirmed