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BONDING
The success of the Windmillers, otherwise known as the guinea pigs, was in no small part due to the effective bonding of its members from England, Scotland, New Zealand and Australia. The success of the steering committee of vU3A despite a major change in the last six months was again largely due to the effect bonding of its members who are all united in taking vU3A to the world. I mentioned bonding because I now see it growing between the new and the old members, the new members with their new ideas have been adopted and then incorporated into vu3a.pbwiki.com.
SIDEBAR
The changes that have taken place are reflected in the sidebar with a new heading called LOGS, WIKIS, PERSONAL PAGES where developments not regarded as a group have found their own home. CHARLIE, who has a unique lifestyle, is able to write at length without the need to impinge on other groups. IAN directs members to his wiki pages now outside our wiki and GEOFFREY introduces pictures which can now be displayed as a result of the broadband revolution.
THE FUTURE OF VU3A GROUP
In reviewing the contributions I am struck by words supporting members views that could have come from a crossword, such as curmudgeon, trans-global, extrapolate, debunking myths, philosophical and one member summarising said "what a wonderful ambitious project", obviously music to my ears. Another member reminds us that our objective is to help those unable to attend a local U3A by reason of location, health, etc and we need help to find these people, so can you discuss with your old U3A.
PROPOSED A TECHNICAL PAGE
John P. explains the need for such a page, not just for technical people, but for all, to avoid problems. For an example the need to upgrade Adobe to version 9 as there is a flaw which will allow others to gain access to your computer. Although this is technical, John P. will have in mind the need to keep it simple for those less technically minded. It is not the intention to make the site only for techies and the new sidebar reflects our attempt to simplify.
USERNAMES AND PASSWORDS
A word from Paul, check that the Caps Lock (case-sensitive passwords) is not sending capital letters and do write down your usernames & password as soon as you have chosen one, and keep it safe, but out of reach of strangers. If you have more than one email address you must only use the one that appears on your PayPal remittance (may be changed upon your request).This is partly the reason why some members have had problems accessing our wiki.
15TH OF THE MONTH CLUB
'May we draw your attention to a new Group that goes under the above name? Click on Groups (in the Sidebar) and then on the words ‘This group’ under the heading 15th of the Month Club. You will then be able to read about the intention behind the Group. Please make your contribution as soon as convenient after the 15th of each month. Mike Williams, the moderator, is looking forward to your visit.' This is a new club in which newcomers are encouraged to participate on any ideas or problems or suggestions.
BRIDGE GROUP
(the card game, not the building of)
Mike has also been looking at the possibility of playing bridge over the Internet, which he assures me is possible as he has had trial games. He would like to hear from bridge players in vU3A.
MS POWERPOINT GROUP
This group has been activated by my attempt to produce a PowerPoint demonstration of our wiki and my attempt can be seen on www.vu3adepository.pbwiki.com which you can download or edit. Please feel free to create your own version taking into account the advice recently circulated by Paul and others.
CHAT MEETINGS
Chatzy has been used as it does not require installation of other communications software and any member can join the meeting by clicking on the Chatzy room number at the top of the sidebar. We will be happy to switch to Skype if members would prefer this. We will also meet at alternative times if there is common demand. Currently we try to provide a committee member to be available on Chatzy on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 8 PM but there has been little demand.
GROUPS
Over two dozen groups of one kind or another, from social to education, have been proposed by the committee where a Leader was available, but there is no limit. If your specialised subject is missing then make your requirements known to any committee member or leave a note in general forum.
NEW MEMBERS
If this newsletter has found its way to you and has aroused your interest, we invite you to visit our webpage at http://vu3a.org for all the details. Please go to "membership" for application form and payment point. Annual subscription is UK£12.00 and is extended to 18 months for early bird applications. We look forward to meeting you.
MY JOKE OF THE MONTH
Three retirees, each with hearing problems, were playing golf one fine March day. One remarked to the other, “Windy isn’t it?” “No,” the second man replied, “It’s Thursday.” And the third man chimed in, “So am I, “Let’s have a beer.”
JohnMW@wariner.waitrose.com
on behalf of the committee
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