Committee
Wrekin u3a is a registered charity. (Charity number 1098219) and it is governed by its Executive Committee and its Constitution.
Last Three Committee Minutes Below
The Committee
Other Links
| Email Link | Filled By |
|---|---|
| Website Manager | Amanda Dowd |
| Enquiries | Shiela Purbrick |
Committee Members Below
Pam Mundy
As Chairman: I have been a member of the Wrekin u3a committee since late 2022. I was first co-opted to the Wrekin u3a committee in September 2022 and formally joined the committee as Chair Person in April 2023. I am also Group co-ordinator and group leader for Wine and Cheese and Come Dine With Us. I started the Coffee Mornings at The Park Hotel once a month on the 2nd Monday to give members the opportunity to meet up socially outside a formal group situation. Prior to retiring I taught catering at Telford College. I have a background in hospitality and ran my own business for over 30 years.
The Groups Coordinator assists members who wish to establish new interest groups, suggesting timetables and appropriate venues for their operation and providing advice on how to run the groups in accordance with u3a charity objectives. The Co-ordinator also facilitates the pooling of ideas between group leaders/convenors on how to run effective groups – often at an annual meeting of those leaders, which the co-ordinator organises.
Karen Appleby
Biography - A Somerset girl by birth, a Birmingham Uni graduate linguist and a secondary teacher of 34 years, I retired in 2019. I have been a member of Wrekin u3a since early 2022 having been introduced by a friend. I joined the committee, was invited to take on something that I was interested in and progressed from newsletter editor to new member lead and then to Vice Chair. One thing always leads to another! I am still learning but having a lot of fun along the way. I am group leader for Well Being and a member of the walking groups.
Vice-Chairman, The role of Vice Chair goes hand in hand with that of the Chair. I act as a sounding board and deputise in the Chair’s absence for example at monthly meetings, assuming responsibility at short notice if required. I also assist in organising special events and act as his/her representative at outside meetings, if required. Alongside the Chair, I work to create a positive team environment whilst being committed to running a successful u3a for the benefit of all members.
New Members – Provides support for new members, particularly in their first year of membership, welcoming them at general meetings, introducing them to established members and Wrekin u3a activities as well as hosting the monthly new members coffee morning
Newsletter – keep all members informed and in touch with what is happening. The newsletter covers u3a business, upcoming activities/events and news from the groups.
Amanda Dowd
Secretary – The Secretary’s primary role is to support the Chair in ensuring the smooth running of the board of Trustees (the committee). This includes responsibility for the day to day administration of the u3a and dealing with correspondence addressed to the Wrekin u3a, appropriate circulation of information and ensuring the committee and AGM meetings are effectively organised and minuted.
Tech Support – the role of Tech Support it to provide oversight of the IT used to support the operation of our u3a. This includes the website (with brilliant support from David Winterbottom, our website Manager) and administration of Beacon – our membership management system. If requested the role incumbent can advice to members who need assistance with their use of technology, or refer them to other members who could assist.
Erica Widdowson
The Speakers secretary puts together the future programme of events at our monthly meetings and ensures the speakers are provided with all the AV equipment they need to deliver their presentations. The role can also involve last minute adjustments if a speaker is unable to attend as scheduled.
The Volunteer Co-ordinator. The u3a is highly dependent on the volunteers who assist in running refreshments at meetings, setting up the hall before meetings, manning the various desks and providing AV support for speakers. The Volunteer co-ordinator is responsible to coordinating the members who provide this support.
Neil Nisbett
The Treasurer is responsible for keeping our accounts in good order ready for each committee meeting and for the end of year audit, liaising with the Bank and being responsible for payments and receipts and keeping accurate records. The treasurer also advises the committee on financial decisions.
Gill Moore
My Bio - In my professional life I trained as a nurse, later qualifying as a midwife, and spent over 40 years working in the NHS - a career I thoroughly enjoyed. Originally from Wolverhampton, I began my career in Birmingham, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire before moving to Shifnal in 1998. I joined Wrekin u3a in 2022 and became Membership Secretary in 2024. My role involves managing memberships, renewals and member queries. I’m also active in several u3a groups including MOTO, Cheese and Wine, Wine Tasting 2 and Come Dine With Me lunches, plus Wellbeing, Tai Chi and running the Board games group.
Membership Secretary - The primary role of the membership secretary is to ensure your membership is processed correctly so you can access all the benefits of u3a. In addition, I take care of administrative matters such as changes of home address or new email addresses and act as a point of contact for queries.
The Buddies Co – ordinator The Buddies co-ordinator keeps track of Wrekin u3a members without access to email and identifies whether the member would like a “Buddy” who will provide them with a paper copy of the monthly e-Newsletter and any other important correspondence normally sent out to members by email or if the member prefers to receive these communications by post.
Paul Masterman
My Biography - After a 40-year career in media, public relations and marketing in Shropshire and way beyond, I joined the committee for the first time in 2025 to help with Wrekin u3a's communications. I want to ensure my fellow members can stay informed, get involved, and have their say. It is important to me that every Wrekin u3a feels connected and valued, so seek me out at the monthly meetings or get in touch with any questions or ideas you have for improving how we communicate with each other.
Communications – The communications trustee coordinates and supports the communications team and is responsible for developing (under the committee's direction) the overall communications strategy and comms delivery plan for Wrekin u3a. The trustee also writes, edits, designs and develops content where needed, in line with the overall plan.
Linda Tipper
Biography - I joined Wrekin u3a in 2017 when I retired from a career in teaching spanning some thirty-five years. I joined the committee soon after and took on the role of Secretary and later, Speaker Secretary. I have recently stepped down from both roles. I am a member of Art Appreciation, Cheese and Wine and Craft. I enjoy joining in with the various trips when I am able.
Role Description - I am currently a member of the committee but without portfolio. I enjoy being part of a lively and engaging group and I am happy take on the odd task when the occasion arises. I am also very pleased to be able to offer any expertise that I may have from the roles that I have previously carried out.
Paula Ruston
My Bio - I joined Wrekin U3A at the end of 2024, wanting to broaden my interests and connections within the local area having moved to Shifnal, 5 yrs previously. I worked as a teacher for 39 years in 3 Secondary schools and the Child Psychology Service, in various roles for the LEA ending my career in a statutory position as Head of Sandwell’s Virtual School, responsible for the education of all children in care to the LA. The committee asked for volunteers which I readily agreed to, without committing to a specific role.
Sue Cheshire
Committee Members Role Descriptions