Auckland! We made it.

Auckland seemed so far away. Days, weeks, miles, kilometres - however you measured it, Auckland seemed a long way away, but we made it to Howick U3A this morning for their General Meeting at 9.30 - just about the same time as my own SW Herts U3A February's General Meeting, except of course you all are a day behind us.

We walked in as all the preparations for the meeting were taking place at the Nixon Park Community Centre, but we could have been at VUE, as we signed in for our name tags as guests (all the members had their names on a lanyard around their necks). Rod, you will appreciate their sound man was busy getting the audio just right and Alan, one member had a film of a trip that would be part of the programme - next stop Pearl and Dean?

Then there was the speaker: John Cheah, Civil Engineer on "UKU Sustainable Earth-fibre Housing". A terrific talk for anyone interested in sustainable living. You can find out more about his project and others at www.shac.org.nz or email John at: jcne242@@aucklanduni.ac.nz . Another sustainable housing project is at http://www.earthsong.org.nz/

A big thanks to Les Berridge, their newletter editor, who through emails kept us on track to get there.

Then the afternoon was spent with John Stewart of Remuera U3A and Alex Lanning of Ponsonby U3A and the Auckland network Secretary. John was instrumental in getting U3As off the ground in the early days in Auckland. We had a great time discussing the challenges and opportunities for our U3A movement as we go forward. Many thanks, John and Alex. Our discussions will continue; there is never enough time in one sitting.

Photos: the Committee at Howick U3A, and Alex, Barb and John.