Welcome

I would like to formally welcome Kathy Slater to our committee as Vice President for the remainder of the year and then moving into the President role for 2027.  Thank you, Kathy, for agreeing to this role.  St Heliers U3A is very fortunate to have you step in once again, not only as a committee member but for a third term as President for 2027. Kathy brings a huge wealth of knowledge and contacts. With her guidance, we will continue to be a strong committee.

The shortest day has passed and we are now on the downward slope to Christmas. Thought that might cheer you all up! I hope the cooler temperatures have not translated into being unwell, and flu, colds and bugs have kept their distance.

Our last meeting, we were introduced to the addictive plants of tea, coffee, cacao and sugar and their history back over the centuries. We take hot drinks as being a normal part of our diet, but these were only introduced to Europe in the 17th century. Who would have thought!  And what a lot of beer they drank back in the day when water was not fit to drink.

For a July meeting we have Dr Gavin Ellis, Media Consultant and Researcher, who will give us a presentation about fake news; finding ways through the minefield. Nations around the world are being targeted with disinformation - deliberate attempts to mislead - and New Zealand is not immune.