Present: Sue Edwards (Chair), David Murray, Beryl Mansell, Rob White
John Russell (Secretary)
Apologies: Carole Dickinson, Mary Venables
- Welcome & Introduction
Sue welcomed everyone to the new committee; all members gave a brief introduction of themselves and their experience in u3a and the Network.
She welcomed Mary, in her absence, saying her skills re websites and technical issues would be an asset; and Carole for her u3a experience and link with the South East Region.
- Appointment of Vice-Chair and Secretary.
The committee approved the appointment of Officers to the two remaining vacancies
Vice-Chair: Carole Dickenson
Secretary: John Russell
- Review of AGM.
The key discussion at the AGM , after the formal stages of elections etc, was the issue of individual u3as making a financial contribution to the running of the Network; this was approved in principle (by a large majority, but not unanimous) from July 2026; the actual amount to be determined before next year’s AGM, with an indication of £30/u3a, with some dispensation for new and/or small u3as.
Following discussion it was agreed that we should construct a letter to all u3as prior to next Network meeting setting out the plans and activities of the Network, including a report/feedback from the Kent Show, and some of the text prepared by Rob on the value of networks for the websites etc. John would collate a draft ‘letter’ with input from Eleanor and Rob, for the next committee.
Action: John, Rob (and Eleanor)
4. Finance
a) Treasurer’s report
David Murray stated that current funds stand at £1,917.92, of which some £338.13 remains currently unspent of the Grant for the Kent Show, so a true balance of £1579.79.
He noted a query re the planned, and budgeted, allowance of £20 to each volunteer at the Kent Show. Rob said that a group of volunteers who met to collect items for the Show had discussed not having the allowance but allowing those who wished to claim expenses with documentation. The committee agreed that we should stick to the original plan, including allowing anyone who wished to, to reasonably claim for their expenses if more than the allowance
b) An amount of £55 was approved towards the cost of the zoom for last year (paid for by Eleanor).
[Subsequent to the meeting David confirmed that Eleanor’s licence ends in mid November 25]
It was agreed that we need a new licence in due course, and that we should explore the use of Teams; Sue asked Mary to in investigate options for the next meeting. Action: Mary
c) Accounts Examiner
David noted that we need to seek a new person to ‘examine’ our annual accounts; suggestions welcome.
Peer to peer meetings update.
It was confirmed that the following p2p are active:
Secretarys; Speakers, Treasurers
We are not aware of Membership or Groups p2ps meeting recently (but they have met at least once in the past – we don’t know who ran them)
U3a news from south-east region, national
The feedback from Sally Ingledew, Council member for South East Region,
- was that the Council had met, and was working out its role and interactions with the Board and the CEO/Office. Rob said that Sally is very supportive of Networks; and that she wishes to develop good communication ‘up and down’ the u3a structure, which he and the SE PR team are helping work on.
The next SERN meeting is 22nd July 4pm zoom; Carole organised the meetings and so Sue will now be invited, along with Rob and John
- Plans for the Kent Show
Rob reported that all preparations were in place; and a volunteers schedule issued, with a set of notes on running the stand. Eleanor had devised methods for attracting visitors, and to record details of people interested, for collating and forwarding potential members contacts to individual u3as.; these included a £25 prize draw entered by all those leaving contact details. These methods should allow us to do a good evaluation of the success of the stand, which is important to feedback to the Network.
The Show is the first major Publicity Event run by the Network, and its result will determine whether we could consider running others.
David asked that invoices, expenses and any other payments needed be forwarded to him asap to conclude the finances for the Show.
- Planning for Study Days
Carole had set out an approach to future Study Days; this was agreed. It was thought valuable to explore less expensive venues , maybe with self provided lunch , or a simple offer brought in. David suggested the Kings Hill community centre (with local fish and chips) might be a good option. All should send ideas to Carole, and ask her to report back to next committee, particularly to contribute to the estimation of finance support needed for the Network
Action: Carole / All
Sue suggested that we try to arrange a presentation on AI alongside the next AGM, (or another suitable time); she will liaise with Carole on this; Rob said he would contribute ideas on this
Action: Sue, Carole, Rob
- Siteworks oversights
John raised this in response to a query from Tenterden u3a re concerns that the timing of Events , collected and displayed by the ‘oversights’ facility in Siteworks might cause issues with oversubscribing for a Study Day ; The plan for publicity for the Day had now been set to avoid any
issue. It had made clear the data collection process by Siteworks that can show valuable data across the UK u3as displayed on the national website.
- Planning dates 2025/6 for 3 meetings with chairs, and committee meetings.
Committee: 10th September 4pm zoom
Kent Network: 16th October 2pm zoom
Committee: 13th November 4pm zoom
Committee: 15th January 2026 4pm
Kent Network (inc Study Day?) : week/commencing 16th March 2026
Committee: 14th May 2026 4pm (tbc)
Kent Network AGM+: 18th June 2026 2pm
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