This month's letter is going out earlier than normal because there such is a lot going on and I would hate for you all to miss out.

2024 will soon be drawing to a close, but before it does we have plenty of activities, social gatherings, dancing and mince pies to keep you all busy. So without further ado, I will let you get on with reading about what's coming up.

Take care and I know it's early but I wish you all a great festive season.

Angela

• Our first collection of shoeboxes is at our Christmas Coffee Morning on Thursday 5th December at Tasca Olivense. Look out for Papa Noel's helper elf.
• The following week there will be a collection outside Mercadona (Gandia end) in the paseo carpark. A date and time will be confirmed next week. 
• If anyone has an issue getting to either of these collection points, please let me know and I will arrange something with you:

Fill your shoebox with toys, gifts, reading or writing material, even clothes, T-shirts etc. but at least one toy (no food or sweets/drinks please), to a value of approx €15, 

Wrap the box in blue paper, please no bows or outer decorations, and then write the age clearly on top to make it easier for the elves to sort and distribute.

Dates for your diary

• Join us at the u3a Christmas Fayre on Thursday 28th November - from 10:30 to 12:30 at Tasca Olivense. You'll find 12 stalls full of Christmas wares for you to browse whilst enjoying a coffee.
• Everyone's welcome at the Coffee Morning / Christmas Carol Singalong - on Thursday 5th December - again from 10:30 to 12:30 at Tasca Olivense.
• Get your quizzing brains engaged for the Christmas quiz on Tuesday 9th December - from 7pm (prompt start) at Bar Pelut in the Oliva Old Town. Booking is open now.
• Bingo is back on Tuesday 10th December - from 19:30 (20:00 start) at Tasca Olivense. Why not book a table with your friends and try out our new easy format and clear calling. You'll need to book your space in advance, and can pre-order food too if you want.
• The grand Christmas Dinner Dance / Party is on Thursday 12th December. With great food and live entertainment, it'll be a great night out. Coach available from Oliva, and a FREE members draw for a cash prize! Group Leaders - could this be a great way for you to celebrate with your group members?
• And if you fancy something different for Christmas Day, join us for a stroll and festive picnic

Great news and new groups

I am always pleased to hear about new groups being well attended with new ones in the pipeline.

We seem to have so many members with a thirst for knowledge or an activity; and it never stops. To this end I am looking for another pair of hands to help me with my duties. It will not be a committee role, but more in a support role of visiting groups, taking a few photos, checking if everything is okay. chatting to members and encouraging feedback. With over 40 groups it's hard for one person to visit them all, even once a year. If you can spare a few hours a month, please email me groups@u3aoliva.org I would be most grateful.

Latest news

• The 6 week Beginners Practical Spanish start a new course in January. There has been some great feedback from those attending at the moment.
• Valenciano for beginners 6 week course also starts again in January.
• The Latin Dancing for Fun group has over 20 couples and just as many single attending. Dancing is a great way to keep the body and mind fit and it is great fun.
• Beginners Guitar and Flamenco Beginners Guitar is also up and running!

Possible new groups

I know it's a few weeks before January arrives, but there is nothing like being prepared for the New Years resolution to get fit or to start something new. 

Line Dancing

Years ago we had a very well attended Line Dancing group. A member asked if it can return, we listened, so now I am happy to tell you that we may yet again have a line dancing group.

Firstly, we have a very experienced teacher who is happy to come along to teach, but does not wish to be a Group Leader. Therefore we'll need a volunteer group leader before we'd be able to start. There's help and support to get your started, but you don't need to handle money, but just be the main contact and take the register.

The group would be held on Friday's at the Pensionista Centre. Beginners from 3pm, and Improvers from 4pm. There's no charge for taking part.

Drawing

We have had an offer from a local experience artist to teach drawing. Starting in January, the lessons will be held in his home in Oliva Old Town, on Thursday's 6-7pm and he has enough room for 8 people.  The cost is 40 euro's an hour, which will be shared among the members going. So cost will depend on how many sign up. This group will required a group leader to collect money and to take the register.

Please email groups@u3aoliva.org if interested in attending and/or to be the Group Leader 

Cribbage

We have been approached by someone who runs cribbage groups in the UK, but is moving to this area early next year. He asked if there was any interest in a cribbage group, so we are asking you. No details as yet of day or time.

Please email groups@u3aoliva.org and get added to a list. Again, we may need a group leader.

Other proposed groups

There are a lot of groups that have been asked about or in the process of being organised/set up - here's a list of what we're working on. And don't forget. if you can teach a new subject or help set up a new group, please let us know.

Don't forget your membership number

When attending a group please make sure the group leader has your new membership number for the register. Your membership number was included in the email after registering online, and should also have been emailed with your membership confirmation. Email members@u3aoliva.org if you need help finding it.

Christmas Dinner and Dance/Party Thursday December 12th. 

We have an absolutely fantastic Christmas Party lined up for this year - a thrilling evening with great food and great music too.

In partnership with our friends at the Gandia Area Social Club, we're hosting a party with a difference! So get your posh frocks ready and dust off your dancing shoes.

30 € for members and 35 € for guests. 

This evening includes:

• a great show,
• 3 course Meal (to be chosen on booking form) with Wine, Beer, Water and soft drinks included during the meal 
• Raffle with great prizes
• Members Draw, where you could win up to 150 €
• Lots of dancing
• and of course lots of fun.
• for 5 € extra you can get a return bus from Oliva, so you can take advantage of the drinks with the meal.

This event needs booking in advance.

I am here to help members if you have any health issues or need support from a member for shopping or transport. please do get in touch.

I now have a good sized list of volunteers to help members with transport, translating, dog walking, pet feeding, lifts to appointments etc.. Please contact me if you have an emergency or need help.  Either WhatsApp me on +34672510915 or send me an email.

And if you can offer up your time for dog walking, shopping, social visits, lifts to the medical centre etc, then please get in touch.

We also have a list of English speaking tradespeople or businesses available online too.

The draft minutes from the committee meeting in September can be viewed here. No meeting in October. The Accounts can be viewed here for Aug

If you have any questions or require access to any other minutes or accounts please contact Belinda at secretary@u3aoliva.org

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