From time to time at the Monthly Speaker meeting one of our own members provides the talk about a subject of their choice. At the February meeting, Andy Green, a committee member spoke about his hobby of collecting first day stamp covers which usually identify people or events of importance.

Andy chose to speak about “Eminent Britons” who had been the subject of First Day Covers but who perhaps were less well known than most of the famous people who appeared in these stamps.

This was a very interesting and informative presentation which was enjoyed by the large audience and Andy was warmly thanked for his talk.

As we are looking forward to Spring at the Speaker meeting on 13th March in the Somer Centre from 2pm, members will be entertained by Mr John Tucker who spent 25 years at Prior Park Garden Centre in Management and will take as his subject “Garden Features – How to impress Neighbours”. John has now been retired for 6 years but continues as a Judge for “Bath in Bloom”.

Members are reminded of the u3a Conference in Wells Town Hall on Friday, 24th March from 10am when there will be presentations from the CEO of the Third Age Trust on National u3a issues which will affect every member. The National Chairman of the u3a Networks will speak about the ever increasing role of individual u3a members meeting as local Networks in influencing u3a policy and activity. During the afternoon session, which will involve learning about the effects of Climate Change on Somerset Wildlife, the CEO of the Somerset Wildlife Trust will speak about the work of the Trust in ensuring that our local wildlife is protected as much as possible in order not to leave a dreadful legacy for our grandchildren. The CEO will be supported by presentations from the Somerset and Bristol Butterfly Group and the Bath Group of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).

U3a members have also been given advance notice of the Group Annual General meeting which will be held during the April Coffee Morning on 24th April at which the group will be urgently seeking the appointment of a new Secretary and Treasurer. These are two posts which must be filled to enable the group to continue.

Anyone interested in the u3a Speaker Meetings, Coffee Mornings, the AGM issues or tickets for the Wells Conference can contact the Group Chairman Colin Tincknell on: 01761 413414.