During the monthly Coffee Morning on 31st October members were given the opportunity to ask questions and raise issues in connection with the proposed new U3A Constitution. The current constitution had been in place for some years and was no longer considered fit for purpose. Changing the Constitution of a Registered Charity is a complicated affair and in a U3A context requires the approval of the Third Age Trust and the Charity Commission and must be passed by one third of the membership. U3A officers and committee had been working on the revised document for some months.

For the Special General Meeting, held as part of the Coffee Morning members had been provided with an advanced copy of the new Constitution. Charman Colin Tincknell OBE went through the revised document and dealt with members questions. It was pleasing that over 40% of the membership voted in person or online and the new Constitution was overwhelmingly approved.

For the speaker meeting on Monday, 14th November from 2pm at the Somer Centre members will be given a talk by Mr Paul Barwick about the murder of Alexander Litvinenko who was murdered by two Russian assassins using the radio active nerve agent Polonium 210. Mr Barwick will look at Litvinenko’s life and death and previous attempts to assassinate him.

Mr Barwick’s talk promises to be of considerable interest and many members are expected to attend to learn further about the poisoning.

At the November 28th Coffee Morning from 10.30am at the Somer Centre the practice of U3A members of Subject Groups attending to speak about their special interest. On this occasion the Mah Jong group will attend to explain and provide an opportunity for members to learn about this ancient game.

At the December Speaker meeting on 12th December members will be entertained by Mr Tim Lewis who is a very popular musician and will include in his presentation many poems and anecdotes. Tim will provide his own musical version of the Nativity Story in verse and parodied song.

For the Christmas Coffee Morning on 19th December members will have the opportunity to exchange news, cards and presents and enjoy mince pies which have been generously donated by a member. This will be a festive occasion for every member.

To start off the U3A’s 25th Year in great style the U3A in presenting a Variety Show on Thursday, 5th January 2023 at the Somer Centre commencing at 2pm. Our member Charmain Gay has arranged the exciting programme as a well-known musician and vocalist. Members and Visitors must book for this event and are invited to bring along their interested friends. Members of the public eligible to join can check on any vacant places after the 12th December by contacting the secretary or chairman.

The Norton Radstock U3A was formed twenty five years ago, serving Midsomer Norton and Radstock with the surrounding villages and has offered members the opportunity to Learn, Laugh and Live in a community self-help principle where everyone plays a part. Membership is open to anyone who is not employed full time and potential members are welcome to attend one Coffee Morning or Speakers Meeting to check us out. Interested persons can contact the secretary David Pearson on: 01761 232081 or Chairman Colin Tincknell on: 01761 413414 or check out the group website: u3asites.org.uk/norrad/ for full details.