Sharing Ideas, Building Connections, Raising Our Profile

Almost one hundred u3a members from all over the East Midlands met at Ropsley Village Hall, near Grantham, for a day focussed on sharing ideas to raise the profile of our u3as and what we do, and to let potential members know what a difference u3a can make to their lives.

The day was led by Rosie Allen and John Butler, Council representatives for the East Midlands, with the East Midlands Regional Support team. They were helped on the day by a number of other willing volunteers in moving heavy tables and 100 chairs, so that there was a real feeling of camaraderie. Presentations were made by Sam Dukes, TAT head of Marketing, Sheila Crawley Ashbourne u3a and national Vice Chair, about using social media for promotion, and Sharon Jupp, West Wolds u3a, who talked about their very successful strategy that has resulted in 70 new members a year.

There was a wonderful buzz of conversation in the room as everyone discussed what they had heard whilst enjoying tea, coffee and cakes. New contacts were made, and fresh ideas taken back to u3as. Whilst the majority were from Lincolnshire u3as even that involved travelling considerable distances, and some came from as far afield as Daventry and Bakewell. All agreed that it was a very enjoyable and worthwhile day.

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