Norton Radstock U3A's 2014 AGM opened with our Chairman, Ray Merchant, presenting a cheque for £3,115.39 to Amanda Fisher, representing the charity R.I.C.E. – Research Institute for the Care of the Elderly.

This was collected throughout the year by members – 20% from a raffle that was held every coffee morning, 17% from a Bring and Buy Book Stall, a popular addition to both coffee mornings and speaker meetings. £444 was raised from tickets and raffle at the Drama Group's annual Pantomime in November. Many other events from various groups made up the remainder.

The AGM then proceeded through the normal channels with reports from the Chair, Secretary and Treasurer. It was noted that our membership continues to grow.

Several new interest groups have been added to the thirty plus groups already established, including the shared learning project with the Beau Street Hoard. We are proud of the fact that the Northern Somerset Association of U3A's has named us as the most active and up-and-coming U3A in the area.

Ray Merchant then stood down as Chairman, having served two years in this office. Barbara Brophy was elected as the new Chairman. JanMerchant takes over from Barbara as Vice-Chair. The rest of the committee was duly re-elected, with the addition of three new committee members – Andrew Nelson, Helen Hymers and Daniel Corbett. After the usual votes of thanks for the retiring officers, the meeting closed.

On Thursday, 20th February we had a most successful quiz afternoon. We must sincerely thank our quiz master, Rex Padfield and his very capable assistant, Val, for all their hard work compiling the questions and putting together all the papers. The attendance was up on last year, which was very satisfying. This enabled our profits to reach £80 for the Chairman's charity. As has been the tradition in the past, the prizes were monetary. The team that was the winner gave back their winnings to be added to our charity. Many thanks for all the members that took the trouble to support this, our annual event.