Meet The Mansfield u3a Committee
The following committee was elected at the AGM on Tuesday 16 September 2025 to serve until September 2026.
Our committee members are here to support you—helping you take full advantage of u3a activities and offering guidance whenever needed. They also welcome your suggestions or comments about Mansfield and District u3a, especially before each monthly meeting and during the interval. One of our greatest strengths is the enthusiasm and engagement of our members.
To get in touch, you can call the numbers listed on your membership card or use the contact buttons on the Contact page.
Chair Christopher Kennedy
I’m relatively new to Mansfield u3a, having joined in 2024 soon after retiring, and was immediately struck by the warm welcome. It’s been a wonderful way to meet people, make friends, and get involved in activities such as Hiking and Tai Chi.
Before retiring, I spent over 30 years working with British Airways and John Lewis in the airline and retail industries. Those roles gave me a love of working with people, along with plenty of experience in teamwork, organisation, and communication.
What I enjoy most about u3a is the variety — from learning new skills and joining group activities to trips and simply catching up over coffee. For me, it’s all about friendship, fun, and discovering new things together. I feel very lucky to be Chair of Mansfield u3a and excited about what’s ahead.
Treasurer Gill Mallinder
I joined Mansfield u3a in 2017 after many years working locally as a Dental Practice Manager in the NHS. I love going to the Garden and History groups and am also a member of the Social Committee. The u3a is a great forum for making new friends.
Secretary Kathryn Henshaw
I joined Mansfield u3a in 2019 following retirement from my work managing social housing throughout the East Midlands area including my hometown of Mansfield. I enjoy membership in a number of groups and am passionate about promoting the benefits of u3a membership to all.
I enjoy the friendships and variety of activities in the u3a and also make time for friends and family, traveling and music.
Speaker Finder Philip Tucker
After many years working in trade union relations and the resolution of disputes, I trained as a teacher of the Alexander Technique which I practised for 12 years before retiring. I am currently leader of the History group and am a member of a number of other groups including Classical Music, Reading Book Club, and Writing for Pleasure
Membership Secretary Jean Hatton
I am a retired Local Government Officer and have lived in the local area all my life. I joined Mansfield u3a in November 2015 and became a Committee member three years later. I took over as Membership Secretary in 2020. I am a member of the Solo Dining group, the theatre group and the board games. I also enjoy taking part in the events organised by the Social Committee.
Groups Convenor Linda Kennedy
I moved to the area in 2021 and joined Mansfield u3a in 2023 as a way to meet people and make new friends. From the very first meeting I felt at home – everyone was so welcoming. Since then, I’ve enjoyed joining a variety of groups, including card crafting, gardening, bowling, and the Pathfinder walking group. In 2024 I became the Pathfinder leader, and more recently I’ve taken on the role of Group Convenor – both of which have been really rewarding.
Before retiring, I spent over 35 years in hospitality and catering, working across airlines, hospitals, visitor attractions, and education. It was a busy career, but one that gave me lots of great experiences and the chance to work with people from all walks of life – something that’s carried over nicely into u3a life!
Groups Treasurer Sheila Pegg
I joined the u3a in 2014 and have made many new friends in the various groups. I run the Bridge Group, Solo Dining Group (evening) and the Solo Sunday Lunch group. I also attend groups of other u3as as an Associated and Affiliated member and have enjoyed many social evenings, day trips and holiday breaks with them.
Committee Member / Publicity Carole Harrison
After retiring from various posts in the NHS, I attended a retirement course and joining a u3a was recommended. So I did in 2016 and have never looked back. I have joined several groups and been a member of the Committee for many years, undertaking various roles. I take part in many of the social events on offer and find it to be a great way of making new friends.
Committee Member David Drew
I joined Mansfield u3a in 2012 after I retired from my career as an industrial quality manager, having served with the RAF Reserves for ten years. I particularly enjoyed the SciTech Group and am now the Bowls Group Leader and a member of the Shufflers, Writing for Pleasure and History Groups.
The most amazing thing about the u3a is the range and depth of knowledge, members bring to it.
Committee Member Jacqueline Harkin
As a way of forming new friendship groups following retirement from a 45 year career in the NHS, I joined Mansfield u3a in 2019 along with my husband Aidan.
We both became members of Mansfield Bowls Club, at our first meeting, and remain so.
I am also a member of the History group. I enjoy reading, especially detective and historical fiction, psychology, and humour. I love the outdoors. No longer able to climb the Peaks and Dales, but appreciate the things that nature provides at a more leisurely pace. I like the challenges that word games and taking part in quizzes bring.
Joining the committee will be another new experience, and I am very much looking forward to being part of the team.
Committee Member Elaine Huckerby
I have been a Mansfield u3a member for 4 years and love the opportunities it has opened up for me. I have just completed 2 years as Chair of our u3a, which was a most rewarding experience. I am a member of Card Craft, Calligraphy, Solo Dining and one of the walking groups, and enjoy many of the social events on offer.
In my pre-retirement life, I was a teacher in secondary education for 36 years. Now I am making the most of retirement and “me” time.
Committee Member John Lawes
Born Bulawayo, Southern Rhodesia; emigrated to the UK in 1988. Lived in Hampshire for 29 years, then moved to Mansfield in 2019.
Spent 27 years as a community pharmacist, then changed career and became a gardener. Retired in 2017.
I joined Mansfield u3a to meet people and make friends in my new home town. I enjoy walking with the Pathfinders, Solo Dining and Current Affairs. Members may recognize me from the Social Committee.
SOCIAL COMMITTEE
Irena Dubowski
chair Social Committee
Marie Barrow
Jenny Hicks
Julia Hyde
John Lawes
Sue McGarry
Gill Mallinder
Janet Whitlam
Peter Watmough
WEBSITE
Bob Longden: Web Administrator
Mike Allen: Web Editor
Christopher Kennedy: Web Editor
NEWSLETTER
Yvonne Kennison Editor
Michael Kennison Technical Editor
PUBLICITY
Bill and Carole Harrison
Sarah Spurry
Bill Harrison
Marilyn Jones
WHY NOT VOLUNTEER?
If you enjoy Mansfield u3a, why not make it even more successful by joining the Committee!
Perhaps you'd enjoy planning our 'fun' events with the Social Committee.
Or getting involved with the Newsletter, the website, the Facebook pages or Publicity.
You could add your own touch to Mansfield u3a with your skills and enthusiasm.
We'd love to welcome you!
Just talk to a committee member and then attend a meeting to get an idea of what happens.