As another year comes to an end, what can we say about the year just gone?
Well, for start we had a lovely summer which bodes well for the future! As usual, we held two enrolment events: one in the Cochrane Hall in Alva (a new venue for us) in the morning and in the afternoon one in Bridge of Allan. Group Administrators and Coordinators were kept busy dealing with enquiries about groups, while the membership and finance teams coped heroically with the numbers arriving to renew or join for the first time. We'd like to say a big "Thank You" to all the members who lent a hand with setting up, clearing up, serving teas and coffees and generally helping wherever needed.
Our membership continues to grow, and we now have well over 600 members, so we must be doing something right! And of course, we had our usual monthly talks which continue to be well attended, as well as the Big Quiz.
In May we had our AGM with several board members stepping down. I would like to give a special thanks all those who have put their time and effort into running our u3a over the past few years, including Mhairi McLeod, Moira Fairweather and Rosalind Boyd. I hope you enjoy your “retirement” from the Forth Valley u3a board.
Our groups continue to flourish, and I would like to thank all our Group Coordinators for their time and efforts in keeping the groups running. Group Coordinators do a wonderful job, and I would encourage anyone interested in setting up a new group to get in touch and we can give you guidance to get your new group going.
I hope you will have noticed we have a “new look” regarding our web site. It now has information on all the groups we run and the forthcoming events, so please have a look and give us your feedback.
We've just had another very enjoyable Christmas lunch at the Golden Lion in Stirling, but next year we might host a different type of event including entertainment and perhaps a chance for some groups to showcase what they have been up to during the year. If you have ideas for this event, please let us know!
That only leaves me to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and best wishes for 2026. I hope you all have an enjoyable festive break, ready to see your friends in our u3a in January. Neil Fairweather