From: Clive Midson via Horndean & District u3a <noreply@u3abeacon.org.uk>
To: [Members]
Date: 08/01/2026 20:34 GMT
Subject: The Future of Horndean U3A

Dear Members of Horndean U3A

Over the last few months I have on several occasions highlighted the fact that I am coming to the end of my tenure as Chairman. By the end of June 2026 I will have served 6 years on the Management Committee, four of which have been as Chairman, which is the maximum allowed under our constitution. This rule was introduced for very good reasons and I would not support any change.

Despite several public requests and some behind the scenes work, we have not found one person who is prepared to take on the role of Chairman once I have stepped down. The office of Chairman, along with those of Secretary, Treasurer and other Trustees are essential. This effectively means that Horndean U3A will cease to function after 30th June 2026.

There are other branches in this area which you may be able to join - Emsworth, Rowlands Castle or Petersfield for instance. The nearest to Horndean of course is Waterlooville where members of Portsdown went following its demise. At our committee meeting this week, we agreed to meet a representative of Waterlooville to establish how a transfer of our members might work.

I will keep you updated on developements but I felt it only fair to give due warning of the situation as it stands. For the time being you can continue to enjoy your usual group activities but I would ask that no committments be made for anything after 30th June 2026.

Clive Midson

Chairman

Postscript from the Webmaster

The Chair can of course be a woman as was the first holder of the role, Marion Wade, and given the make up of our membership, it is probably high time for another one.

I am sure many of our members were used to presenting to groups of people in their working lives and so would be very comfortable introducing our monthly meetings and giving out the notices. If we can also find a vice-chair who can stand in when the chair is away, as I did when I held the role back in the day, that would be good.

Please do consider if you could take on either of these roles and ensure the future of our u3a which I know we all value because of the activities and companionship it provides for each of us.