news updates
Date: 26 February 2021 - January, February News and March Update
Hello members, I hope you are all well and keeping safe. Since I last wrote we have been continuing to keep in touch on Zoom.
MARCH 2021
Details of our March speaker are in the Newsletter and we can promise it will be a fascinating insight into a local business gone global.
Stay with us, things will get better there is now light at the end of the long tunnel which was 2020. 2021 promises hope.
FEBRUARY 2021
In February we decided to keep the theme light and amusing so we had a presentation by Steve Price a talented Magician who kept us enthralled for nearly an hour with his tricks and sleight of hand. We were joined by some members from our sister group Glens and Dalriada and from the feedback they had a great time. Some members compared it to the shows which the late Charlie McAfee gave in his day-high praise indeed. Something very different and just what we needed on a dark, cold February morning.
So you see it is possible to stay together and enjoy good company without leaving the comfort of your home. We would be delighted if more members would take the plunge and turn to Zoom to let us know you are still there. It is a simple process and help is available so please think about it. It works on laptop, iPad, tablet or phone.
JANUARY 2021
At our January members meeting we were entertained by Frank Rodgers a member of Glens and Dalriada U3A. Same of you will remember his very interesting talk on stained glass back in 2019 when we could still meet in person and enjoy convivial company.
This time Frank used Zoom for his talk which was entitled “Shakespearean Sayings.“ If you think that sounds dull you would be surprised! Frank covered a wide range of Shakespeare plays with amusing illustrations and brought to life with the links to our everyday speech.
Take care.
Marion McDowell (Speaker Organiser)
Hello members, I hope you are all well and keeping safe. Since I last wrote we have been continuing to keep in touch on Zoom.
MARCH 2021
Details of our March speaker are in the Newsletter and we can promise it will be a fascinating insight into a local business gone global.
Stay with us, things will get better there is now light at the end of the long tunnel which was 2020. 2021 promises hope.
FEBRUARY 2021
In February we decided to keep the theme light and amusing so we had a presentation by Steve Price a talented Magician who kept us enthralled for nearly an hour with his tricks and sleight of hand. We were joined by some members from our sister group Glens and Dalriada and from the feedback they had a great time. Some members compared it to the shows which the late Charlie McAfee gave in his day-high praise indeed. Something very different and just what we needed on a dark, cold February morning.
So you see it is possible to stay together and enjoy good company without leaving the comfort of your home. We would be delighted if more members would take the plunge and turn to Zoom to let us know you are still there. It is a simple process and help is available so please think about it. It works on laptop, iPad, tablet or phone.
JANUARY 2021
At our January members meeting we were entertained by Frank Rodgers a member of Glens and Dalriada U3A. Same of you will remember his very interesting talk on stained glass back in 2019 when we could still meet in person and enjoy convivial company.
This time Frank used Zoom for his talk which was entitled “Shakespearean Sayings.“ If you think that sounds dull you would be surprised! Frank covered a wide range of Shakespeare plays with amusing illustrations and brought to life with the links to our everyday speech.
Take care.
Marion McDowell (Speaker Organiser)
Date: 29 January 2021 - Still Alive and Well
When BU3A was forced to close its doors to members in March 2020, in line with Covid restrictions, there was a feeling of gloom and despondency descended. Meetings and Activities are the life blood of the group, an opportunity for members to meet, enjoy the social interaction, catch up on news and participate in activities such as Reading Group, Creative Writing, Photography, Local History, Bridge to name but some.
During Lockdown not much happened it was a confusing time like nothing we had ever experienced.
When there was some easement in July, we put our heads together to see what could be done to give our members a lifeline.
What came through loud and clear was that members wanted to keep the group together.
We experimented with Zoom and while it does not suit all activities the good news is that we have several groups running successfully.
As it was not possible to hold our annual enrolment in September, we decided to hold open-air sessions to give members an opportunity to register. The response was excellent with over 90% renewing membership. We had 5 new members as well as our returning associates. This gave us impetus to renew efforts to involve and entertain members. Our regular Newsletter goes by email and has all the up-to-date information on both BU3A and other topical issues.
Our first virtual members meeting by Zoom took place in December with a film show provided by Ann Donnelly from Northern Ireland Screen. This was an amusing and nostalgic trip depicting scenes and people from around Ballymoney and the surrounding area and was greatly enjoyed by the audience.
We followed up with a Christmas Party music, games, craft and a quiz good fun was had. So good in fact that we quickly arranged a New Year’s Eve Soiree which was meant to last for an hour but was going strong after two hours and we had to bring to halt to allow members to take family calls from across the world.
Our opening meeting of the new Year saw Frank Rogers from Glens and Dalriada U3A bring us Shakespearian sayings and if you think that sounds dull you have not met Frank. The cartoon accompanying “Wherefore art thou Romeo” had us in stitches.
We plan to continue with our virtual sessions for as long as we need to while hoping for the day when we can come together again. Speakers are being lined up to bring a varied programme over the coming months and our Activity Groups meet virtually.
We have not forgotten our non tech members who are kept updated with a postal version of the Newsletter and regular phone calls.
So, if you thought that BU3A had left the scene let me assure we are alive and well and can offer you an outlet to escape from the loneliness and boredom enforced upon us.
Have a look at our Facebook page (Ballymoney U3A at: www.facebook.com/groups/746138852945378) to see what is happening.
Our new Website is being updated so watch out for that at: www.ballymoneyu3a.com
If you have never used Zoom before don’t worry as support and training is available. For more information contact
0771 400 9460 for a chat and an update.
Marion McDowell
When BU3A was forced to close its doors to members in March 2020, in line with Covid restrictions, there was a feeling of gloom and despondency descended. Meetings and Activities are the life blood of the group, an opportunity for members to meet, enjoy the social interaction, catch up on news and participate in activities such as Reading Group, Creative Writing, Photography, Local History, Bridge to name but some.
During Lockdown not much happened it was a confusing time like nothing we had ever experienced.
When there was some easement in July, we put our heads together to see what could be done to give our members a lifeline.
What came through loud and clear was that members wanted to keep the group together.
We experimented with Zoom and while it does not suit all activities the good news is that we have several groups running successfully.
As it was not possible to hold our annual enrolment in September, we decided to hold open-air sessions to give members an opportunity to register. The response was excellent with over 90% renewing membership. We had 5 new members as well as our returning associates. This gave us impetus to renew efforts to involve and entertain members. Our regular Newsletter goes by email and has all the up-to-date information on both BU3A and other topical issues.
Our first virtual members meeting by Zoom took place in December with a film show provided by Ann Donnelly from Northern Ireland Screen. This was an amusing and nostalgic trip depicting scenes and people from around Ballymoney and the surrounding area and was greatly enjoyed by the audience.
We followed up with a Christmas Party music, games, craft and a quiz good fun was had. So good in fact that we quickly arranged a New Year’s Eve Soiree which was meant to last for an hour but was going strong after two hours and we had to bring to halt to allow members to take family calls from across the world.
Our opening meeting of the new Year saw Frank Rogers from Glens and Dalriada U3A bring us Shakespearian sayings and if you think that sounds dull you have not met Frank. The cartoon accompanying “Wherefore art thou Romeo” had us in stitches.
We plan to continue with our virtual sessions for as long as we need to while hoping for the day when we can come together again. Speakers are being lined up to bring a varied programme over the coming months and our Activity Groups meet virtually.
We have not forgotten our non tech members who are kept updated with a postal version of the Newsletter and regular phone calls.
So, if you thought that BU3A had left the scene let me assure we are alive and well and can offer you an outlet to escape from the loneliness and boredom enforced upon us.
Have a look at our Facebook page (Ballymoney U3A at: www.facebook.com/groups/746138852945378) to see what is happening.
Our new Website is being updated so watch out for that at: www.ballymoneyu3a.com
If you have never used Zoom before don’t worry as support and training is available. For more information contact
0771 400 9460 for a chat and an update.
Marion McDowell