By Jeremy Sollars
A unanimous vote saw long-time U3A Warwick member Erica Finegan being made a life member of the group at their meeting in Warwick last Friday, 20 January.
U3A – or University of the Third Age – provides activities for mature adults to assist in positive ageing.
Volunteer tutors conduct classes and activities in the club rooms at Tooth Street, or by visiting private and community premises.
Typical activities offered are birdwatching, cards, mah-jong, garden visits, tuition on computers and mobile phones, cryptic crosswords, music, drama, art appreciation, book discussion, tai chi discussion group and Sudoku.
Erica has been a stalwart of U3A Warwick since 2002, and was noticeably emotional after receiving her Life Membership – but after the vote as she received her certificate from president Neil Bonnell she quipped, “Why couldn’t you have told me before I paid my fees?”
“I love the social aspect of U3A,” Erica told the Free Times.
“When I first came to Warwick 15 years ago, I didn’t know anyone and I was quite lonely, and then found out about U3A.
“I started off by organising a canasta group, and it’s just gone on from there – I’ve been on the committee for quite some time now.
“I’d certainly encourage other older people who would enjoy and benefit from the social interaction U3A provides.”
U3A past president Arthur Maynard said Erica was elected to the U3A Warwick management committee in November 2002.
“In 2004, she became aware of the financial position of the organisation,” Arthur said.
“She established the advertising in the quarterly newsletter which continues to provide financial support for the organisation.”
“With the help of friends and committee members, she established criteria and for advertising.
“Single-handedly she arranged for 19 advertisements in the October edition of the newsletter.
“The cost of advertising has not been increased – the income from this exercise amounts to almost $21,000 over the 14 years it has been in place.
“Member subscriptions would need to be $10 extra to replace that income.”
Arthur said that for many years Erica was tutor co-ordinator, “a role which she performed with distinction”.
“She identified opportunities for activities, and people to conduct those activities, which developed the club curriculum,” he said.
“In this role, she took an active interest in the newsletter, and maintaining a standard of presentation of that publication.
“We are justly proud of the club logo which was designed by Erica’s daughter at no cost to the club.
“She has been active in liaison with other U3A groups and network, and has introduced activities based on her knowledge and experience with other groups.
“The ceramic group is an example – Erica represented the club at workshops and state conferences, and was active in the promotion of U3A Goondiwindi.
“She was the instigator of a training day conducted in Warwick for U3A groups from the Downs and Boonah-Beaudesert area, and pioneered that style of workshop.
“She has been a strong advocate of U3A over many years and was responsible for conduct of information booths during Senior’s week, co-ordination of displays within the shopping centre, and providing support and assistance with projects such as the Jumpers and Jazz tree.
“Erica has been a conduit between members and the management committee over an extended period.
“She has been a keen advocate on behalf of members. Her principal motivation has always been aligned to the welfare of the organisation and individual members, and U3A Warwick Inc has derived significant benefits from her contribution.
“She has willingly undertaken the role of community contact person for the organisation, and is widely recognised as the face of U3A in Warwick.
To find out more about U3A and how to get involved email
u3awarwick@hotmail.com or call Arthur Maynard on 4661 2447.
