| Registered Charity No.1192380 |
| Registered Charity No.1192380 |
MINUTES
Welcome and apologies
9 Attendees
4 apologies received
The minutes of the previous meeting were approved.
Matters arising:-
- Standing orders – These are published in Shared Files / Documents.
- Research into digital help– It was reported that a variety of organisations already do this, including Chorley Borough Council (including 1 to 1 support), Age UK and Galloways for the visually impaired etc.
It was suggested that contact be made with them and clarify what is offered, then report back to committee. After that there can be promotions via the website, and possibly sessions offered to wpvu3a on specific topics.
Also suggested was contact with the police re. further input with regard to scams etc. This will be researched further.
Thanks were offered to the Treasurer for his research in this area.
- All policies are now uploaded to the website.
- Health and Safety Policy-this is available via shared drive.
- Risk Assessment – this is based on the general u3a template. It was thought that where other venues are used it is desirable to be aware of risk assessments for that venue and to make these available via the website.
Various templates are available.
The practicalities of such common sense assessment when using people’s homes was discussed and it was thought that the location of fire exits during such meetings as Speaker Events ought to be indicated.
The possibility of a Before and After Checklist was discussed. The Treasurer will report back at the next committee meeting.
- Update on speaker secretary account– those present were referred to the previously circulated report rom the Web Editor. This has been transferred.
Main Business
- Finance and Treasurers Reports are to be found in shared drive- https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0AKJ1-Jrwu9JTUk9PVA
This was approved and those present informed that there is money available for purchases should it be required.
- Review and agree the proposed Health and Safety policy – seen and approved.
- Speaker Secretary Report – Dates are already fixed up to and including June.
Various future talks were suggested- some via links with Brindle- no dates established yet. Further links with Brindle Historical Society will be researched.
A fee of £50 for a future British Army Speaker was approved pending further research.
Previously offered speakers have not progressed, owing to the speakers not maintaining contact.
A committee member offered to research further ideas to be reported at the next meeting.
- Membership Status– Currently 233, 2 of whom are not IT connected and will need to be kept informed – the chair undertook to do this alongside drop in contact and access to newsletters.
There was some discussion re. members wishing to join wpvu3a for activities such as pickleball. One possible solution could be prebooking.
- Groups Report – All is generally progressing well. The new Social group is still needing support with issues such as contacting members – a template for how to deal with this was suggested as a solution.
The bus pass explorers’ group is still in development.
The possibility of a cryptic crossword group was suggested.
- Update on club improvements– This work has been extended by a week because of difficulties encountered with drains.
- Hand chimes purchase. -Further hand chimes are needed, since when there is full attendance there is limited access with the current equipment. A grant has already been applied for, but since this is through a lottery system, the result is unknown.
After detailed explanation and discussion the decision was made to purchase these, as there are sufficient funds available.
Further discussion followed re. Insurance arrangements and storage possibilities.
Those present were assured that u3a insurance covers this.
It was also resolved to research possibilities of a locked cabinet.
- Use of extra mobile phones for Walking Group – The walking group convenor will join the meeting.
AOB
- New members get together– it was thought that this was a good idea. A committee member offered to research this and report back to the committee at the next meeting. The Membership Secretary will research recent new members.
- Members were reminded that the 3rd Age trust is setting up a board and council. The committee agreed that the Chair should forward information.
- There is a Trustee Induction on Zoom, should members be interested.
- There is an issue with replies to Beacon coming back to e.g. Hotmail addresses- possible solutions were suggested.
Walking group Convenor
An explanation was given re. the incident that originally sparked the discussion. The group has been very successful, with people very willing to lead walks. All walks are researched, back markers chosen ( who should always be in sight).
Warnings are now issued to prevent members leaving the walk without notice.
- Those present were satisfied, after explanation of arrangements already in place, that the addition of another mobile phone or walkie talkie was unnecessary.
In addition – mobile numbers should not be shared via the website.
- Date for AGM was established for 9.30 am on 14th May
Date of Next Meeting – 12th March 2025