Monthly meeting cancelled

The following message has been sent to all members:

Dear Members

Monthly Meeting, 20th December 2021
I fear it will come as no surprise to most members to learn that the Committee has decided to cancel the forthcoming monthly meeting on 20th December. Committee members believe that it would be irresponsible to organise an event where an element of close quarters social mixing was inevitable, and where we could not give absolute undertakings to maintain the necessary distancing and other provisions to reduce risk. Many members are clearly concerned about the rapid spread of infection as a result of the omicron variant and I have no doubt that most would have made their own decision not to attend even if we had decided to go ahead.

I am sorry that this will come as a disappointment to those who were looking forward to the opportunity to meet their friends just a few days before Christmas, but I hope you understand why this decision has been made.

January Monthly Meeting
As things are at present, no decision has been made about the January meeting. Until you hear otherwise, the meeting will go ahead but in this fast changing situation, we will need to remain flexible on all our plans. I will keep members informed nearer the time.

Interest Group Meetings
This does leave the question of whether interest groups continue to meet. The situation here is rather different as every interest group has its own arrangements and requirements. The Committee feels that this decision should be left to the members of each group and determined on its circumstances.

Where the venue and arrangements for a meeting meet the guidance we are being given, then members can decide whether to go ahead. I ask conveners to review the guidance and the arrangements for the meeting, and ensure that members are made aware of what is proposed. The issues to consider include:

• Members should take a lateral flow test before attending, and only do so if the result is negative.
• Social distancing of at least one metre, and ideally two metres, should be maintained.
• Members should respect each other’s space during the meeting, and as they arrive and depart.
• Face masks should be worn as far as practicable for their own safety as well as for the health and wellbeing of those around them.
• The venue is well ventilated. (Of course, at this time of the year, this is likely to mean that the room is likely to be rather chilly, so suitably warm clothing should be worn!)
• Hand sanitizer is provided.

As things are at present, the Committee is not advising, let alone instructing, interest groups to suspend their meetings. I also stress that the decision about whether to participate in any u3a activity must be made by every individual. There must be no expectation that a member should participate or host a meeting if (s)he does not feel it is the right thing to do.

Yesterday, I enjoyed an excellent Art Appreciation Group meeting in the Mayor’s Parlour in the Manor House. The eight members were able to spread out easily, the room was well ventilated and spacious, and all those who attended said they felt comfortable with the arrangements. For many interest groups, this venue may prove ideal but other options certainly exist. If you want to know more about using the Mayor’s Parlour, Michael Heyden would be the best person to consult.

Tea and Chat
Because of the omicron situation, Michael and Kate have made the decision to cancel the Tea and Chat meeting which was to be held in the Council Chambers this Thursday 16th from 2 – 4pm. They hope the next meeting in the Riverside Centre at The Manor will go ahead as planned on 20th January. For anyone who feels they have missed out on a mince pie, Kate can guarantee that she will still have some in her freezer and she will bring them along! Michael and Kate apologise for such short notice and to anyone who feels disappointed with this decision.

I hope you find all of this information helpful. If you would like to discuss any matters further, please get back to me (via chairman@u3a.dawlish.info), or other members of the Committee as appropriate.

Whatever the next few days and weeks bring, I hope you stay fit and healthy, and are able to enjoy the holiday period.

Yours sincerely

John Vick
Chair
Dawlish & District u3a