SM U3A committee became unstable in the months after the last AGM having sustained the
resignations of 5 committee members – Lyndell Goudie, Fran Myers, Fran Hampton, Pam Johnson
and Robin Daley. A special general meeting was held on 21-10-13 to deal with the crisis and the
following management committee was installed through to this AGM:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
i)
j)
k)
President – Jane Reid
Vice president and minute secretary – Hilary Smith
Treasurer – Kathy Byrne and Hilary Smith in Kathy's absence
Secretary – Jane Reid
Publicity – Betty Braden
Membership Registrar – George Milne
Social Director: Nona Cole
Course coordinator: Jane Reid
Committee member: Trish Lette
Signatories: Jane Reid, Kathy Byrne and Hilary Smith - Westpac Bank ‘Change of Signatories’ form completed and to
be submitted by Kathy with minutes
Public Officer – Pam Johnson
The shed project officially began in May last year but had barely started in September. Financial
commitments had been made by the organisation and the project manager had suddenly resigned.
An emergency committee meeting was held on 19th September during which the pros and cons of
continuing the project were examined and it was reluctantly agreed to continue. My husband Adrian
Menhennitt and I led the project from then on until completion – although there are a few remaining
loose ends still. Working bees were very productive, much was donated and grant spending was
carefully managed until we have what you see here now. A day by day log is on display in a book
on the counter.
We made it far enough for an opening ceremony on 16th November last year – a true miracle! Our
own ukulele orchestra accompanied members present for Happy Birthday and again later, and
Louise and Dean cut the gold ribbon that was wrapped around the shed using almost real giant gold
scissors. The Cooma Harmony Chorus serenaded us while home made delights were enjoyed by all.
We held a members' ballot to decide on the official name and it became 'The Shed'.
A few months ago George became unable to continue as an active committee member so I took over
the membership registrar role. Happily, help appeared on the near horizon in the form of Sue
Levitski who has nominated for this role on the next committee and has been assisting hugely for
the last few weeks, cutting her teeth on the Registration and Open Day held on 17th January.
Meanwhile Polo Flat workroom has gained a new level of safety by the instalation of proper
wooden stairs into the pit and a railing to prevent involuntary deaths. That is a venue that must not
be wasted as it is a perfect place to whet the creative appetite. The rooms are in need of some reorganisation and this can be done quite soon.
The Italians have decided to remain at the Cooma ex-services club for a few reasons but wish to
remain a part of SM U3A still. Drawing continues at the Raglan and we are forging a cooperative
relationship with a view to running painting and pottery in collaboration.
Betty Braden is gamefully employed developing a Grecian theme in our loos and has painted the
floor in The Shed where carpet didn't reach. She also has grand designs on our signage.
Group faciliators and some committee members hold entry door keys to The Shed. This way groups
can be more autonomous. The rear gate can be opened if needed, especially for weekend and
evening sessions.
A small group of us enjoyed a whole day workshop led by Webmaster Ern Hollebone and funded by
the U3A Network NSWlearning website administration . We used U3A computers and they
performed very well. Nick Lette and I are managing the SM U3A website with Nick doing most of
the work to keep it up to date - www.snowymountainsu3anet.org.au
The Shed began being used well before it was 'ready' and we have steadily increased its use with
more members, courses and facilitators. The "What's On" suggestions book is kept at The Shed and
is ripe with ideas. What we need are people willing to faciliate/tutor/teach/present or whatever title
you want to call yourself, and then people to participate. The book is for everyone to contribute
suggestions and offers.
Many many people have contributed hugely but Barbara and Doug who left Cooma a few weeks
ago stand out as being pivotal to the success of the project and also the survival of SM U3A. Adrian
and I have committeed almost all our time and energy to the project. While it has been highly
satisfying it has taken its toll and he and I must now focus on my health.
The future? Ideally The Shed should be in use as much as possible and in between times, it would
be great to keep it open for people to drop in for information and social purposes. A Shed sitting
roster is to be organised when we know how many gaps there will be. We have games and puzzles
going and for $1 you get a cuppa and a bikkie.
There are plenty of jobs to suit all sorts of people and as a community it really needs to be a 'whole
of organisation' effort.