October News from the Chair - AGM 2026
Chair’s Report for Croydon u3a 2025-2026
We are an independent organisation run entirely by volunteers who give their time, energy and enthusiasm to make Croydon u3a such a success. One of our guiding principles is that all are welcome as members with the expectation of taking part – whether it be in organising, facilitating, assisting or supporting something. The official term is ‘mutual aid’ – we are all in it together to help and support each other and keep Croydon u3a vibrant.
I am immensely proud of the members who serve on the Committee, facilitate Interest Groups and Short Courses, the Welcome Team, the Travel Team who organise lunches and outings, our Speaker Secretary, those who publicise who we are and what membership offers in local neighbourhood magazines and social media, of the website team, contacting members who are having a hard time and offering a friendly ear, running the raffle and members who are getting ready to take on a role at whatever level. These are the members who make it happen.
Our membership continues to grow, and I thank those of you who have been promoting membership. There is a growing body of research that demonstrates the value of social interaction at any age, but especially in people in a slightly older age bracket. The social non-formal learning that u3as promote is key.
I am very pleased that our bi-monthly Bulletins now have a Community Outreach section. Knowing about and supporting local ventures also means that they get to know about us – who we are and what we do. Croydon u3a members are always so generous when the opportunity arises to support a local organisation.
So, if you haven't yet come forward to help and volunteer and would like to speak to someone or you need a bit of help to get an idea developed, please do contact me, Joy (Vice Chair) or Trisha (Interest Groups Co-ordinator). We will give you all the help you need. Without our members getting involved Croydon u3a will not be able to continue developing, keep fresh and be an excellent example of the movement.
Yours,
Jenny
Jenny Wilson
Chair of Croydon u3a
u3a Council Representative for London Region
