| Present | Apologies |
| Chrys Short, Chair | |
| Angela Howe, Treasurer (part) | |
| Eleanor Brooks, Secretary | |
| Jenny Akehurst, Beacon admin | |
| Rob White, Publicity (Part of meeting from France!) | |
| Carole Dickenson, Volunteer | |
| John Russell, Volunteer | |
| David Murray, assistant treasurer | |
| Sue Edwards, Minutes secretary | |
| Frani Hoskins, Vice-chair |
1. Kent Show proposal 4-6 July 2025, setting up on 5th.
Eleanor has been able to meet Liz Thackray and Susie Berry at the York Festival to discuss Kent’s grant application. Eleanor appealed against the initial refusal for the grant; and was encouraged to resubmit it by August. She has done so, with a few additional points. The outcome is awaited. If the grant is made, it would be useful to consult someone with experience of having a stand at a show like the Kent County Show. We would be interested to have some clarity on how decisions are taken and may ask in the future.
ACTION: Eleanor to tell chairs we have re-applied so they don’t think we have dropped the idea.
2. TAT AGM and the Council
It has become clearer that the proposed Council will have no decision making powers. Discussion followed on what we might be asked to accept in advance; what would change from the current organisation and whether it would meet the aims of being closer and more responsive to individual u3a concerns was unclear. What fora will exist for u3as to voice unorthodox views? We considered invited the new Chair or his deputy to speak to the network.
3. Issues for the next Network meeting
(a) New u3a or satellite of existing u3a. Received wisdom from TAT HQ is to set up a new group. But demographics of distinct locations might require different solutions. Kent for example is more densely populated than Scotland. A handbook based on experiences of new u3as is being prepared exists but we wondered if it might need updating, as it feels like things have changed post-pandemic. The stand at the Kent Show might be a good way of mapping gaps in coverage.
(b) Joining a group in another u3a. Some u3as find it a problem, citing insurance issues, but it is unclear what the barrier is. Do members have to join more than 1 u3a or not? An overall topic of “growing the Kent u3a offering” might cover both these topics.
(c) Other topics from feedback include recruitment of new members, groups, committee members; Treasurer’s role; is Gift Aid permitted?
(d) On Gift Aid, HMRC have challenged 5 u3as on their claims after the tightening of the tax guidance. Gift Aid is not usually granted if the claimant receives a benefit in exchange for the donation. The guidance on the TAT website may not be fully up to date. And each u3a may be differently organised, so a correct answer for one may not apply to another.
(e) Susie Berry will be invited (ACTION Carole) to talk to the Network about the Council role and Gift Aid.
(f) Do members want a study day for development of their committee members and/or more general topics as a study day open to all members? If so how will they pay? Directly for the day at cost, or a general levy on all u3as which would fund the days centrally from Network funds (Chrys, Carole and Angela to work up a proposal. NB cost of day at The Friars is about £25 a head).
(g) The topic of recruitment might suit a separate session with a single-issue. ACTION Eleanor to approach John to see if he is prepared to run this.
(h) The question of the month might be about rogue members / group leaders who invite friends who are not members.
(i) The date will be 4 October at 16.30. (Eleanor to write round to all members to save the date)