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A message from the President
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Welcome to the December U3A Oliva Newsletter
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I don't know about you, but this time of the year for me is always hectic but fun.
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The Christmas Craft fayre in November was extremely busy and very well attended, thank you to all who came and supported the crafty members; and a huge thank you to the members who helped move the tables in preparation and afterwards.
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The Christmas Carol Coffee Morning was well attended and the mince pies soon disappeared. Thanks to Wilma and Sue who helped with the mince pies and raffle, Steve and John from the guitar group (who did very well at keeping up with our un-organised song list) and last but not least David, who acted out to our very own U3A twelve days of Christmas as we sang along..
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The huge Christmas Basket of drink and food was won by Parry Purvis with nearly 100 euros being raised for the Gandia men's Home. The bookstall also did very well, thank you to Hilary Clark for organising that.
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The Christmas dinner and dance was also well attended by U3A members. The venue was fantastic, the food lovely, and the band and music wonderful. The U3A membership draw was a big hit. Congratulations to James Scolari, who won 150 euros, and Peter Banks, who won 100 euros. Victoria Dixon was the third lucky winner of the final 50 euros.
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A huge thank you to Julie Hayward for making us all feel welcome and, amazingly, for making the 130 Christmas crackers. I think Julie has already started making them for next year's Christmas party, which will be held on 12th December, 2024, so please put that in your diary and bring your group, friends or family to the main party event of the year.
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I would like to take this opportunity to thank Gary Slater for his work and support with the U3A Committee. Gary has now stepped down due to other commitments.
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Also, a big thank you to all those members who seek me out at different events and offer their thanks and support, it really does mean a lot! I am well aware that, as an organisation whose focus is member satisfaction, we still have a lot to learn, and I hope that everyone of you feels confident enough to approach us with ideas, suggestions, or even criticisms as we work towards your goals.
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Finally, I would like to wish you all a very merry Christmas season and, of course, a happy and healthy New Year, with only a few days to go it is now time to relax and enjoy the festivities.
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Committee Minutes and Accounts
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The minutes and accounts from the October committee meeting can be viewed by following this link: Minutes and accounts
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Dates for your Diary
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25th December: Joe Bellenie has arranged his annual alternative Christmas Amble, for those who prefer fresh air and action on Christmas Day. Please check out the event page for more information.
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5th January: Three Kings parade: If anyone wishes to meet up to watch the parade, please let me know: president@U3Aoliva.org
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11th January: Coffee Morning 10.30-12,30 at Tasca Olivense. Please bring any used Christmas cards for a member's recycling project, and any large unwanted beads for a member's crocheting project. Thank you
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25th January: Coffee/General Meeting: 10.30- 12.,30 at Tasca Olivense.
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Darren from Twin Spirit Therapies is coming to talk about his work with animal healing, communication and canine massage. After 30 years treating people, he retrained to be able to help animals as well as their owners.
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Travel News
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‘Marvellous’, ‘Top Class’, Thank you so much for organising it’. These are a few of the positive comments (there were no negatives) from the U3A members who joined us on our trip to Benidorm Palace on the 28th November. A coach from Oliva and an excellent theatre dinner was followed by a two-hour, vibrant, and spectacular show. Singing, dancing, acrobatics, and magic—it was all there and provided non-stop entertainment enjoyed by all.
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We are hoping to organise a wider programme of events in 2024 including some smaller and more local trips.
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Many members were disappointed when bad weather caused the cancellation of the trip to the Albufera rice fields last September. Hopefully, this will be rescheduled to happen in the late spring. Keep checking for details on the trips page.
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Group News
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The new wine tasting group has lots of interest- Bookings are being taken via the website ready for a new start in January.
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Kindles were bought and delivered to the Book Club, which were very much appreciated. In the New Year, I will try to get around to all of the groups to see how things are going and to help where I can. If you need help, would like any information, or maybe have ideas for new groups, please let me know. In the meantime, have a very Merry Christmas and a fabulous New Year.
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For news on prospective new workshops, groups and tasters, (calligraphy, Menina Doll painting and Art Chat), please visit the groups page.
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Julie Hayward, group coordinator
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Shoe Boxes
Hello and a big thank you to all shoebox contributors.
Another very successful campaign, over 75 shoeboxes plus 75 very excited children equals unlimited excitement, fun and love.
A very big thank you to our lovely elves, Sue Arnott and Linda Tyler, who kept the children under control and the boxes coming, one of the best yet!
Thanks again and what can I say except, Feliz Navidad from Papa Noel (aka Steve Hems) xxx
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