Meet The Mansfield u3a Committee
The Committee is a team of volunteers elected by our members at the Annual General Meeting to help guide and support Mansfield u3a.
Our role is to ensure the organisation is welcoming, well managed and continues to offer a wide range of groups, activities and events for everyone to enjoy. We work together to support our members, listen to new ideas and help shape the future of Mansfield u3a.
We always welcome your comments, suggestions and feedback. Whether you have an idea for a new interest group, a question about membership or simply want to know more about what we do, please feel free to speak to any Committee member at one of our monthly meetings.
To learn more about the different Committee roles, visit our Committee Roles page.
You can contact us via our Contact Us 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.
Vice Chair 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.
Treasurer Pat Cleland
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 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.
Membership Secretary 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.
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 Graham Footit
Committee Member Caz Heath
Committee Member Gill Mallinder
SOCIAL COMMITTEE
Irena Dubowski
chair Social Committee
Marie Barrow
Jacqui Hampshire
Jenny Hicks
Elaine Huckerby
Julia Hyde
John Lawes
Julie Lawson
Gill Mallinder
Kathleen Rushby
Janet Whitlam
WEBSITE
Bob Longden: Web Administrator
Mike Allen: Web Editor
Christopher Kennedy: Web Editor
NEWSLETTER
Yvonne Kennison Editor
Michael Kennison Technical Editor
PUBLICITY OFFICERS
Bill and Carole Harrison
FACEBOOK
Sarah Spurry
Bill Harrison
Jean Hatton
Marilyn Jones
WHY NOT VOLUNTEER?
If you enjoy Mansfield u3a, why not make it even more successful by joining the Committee!
Just talk to a committee member and then attend a meeting to get an idea of what happens.
The committee meets on the Friday before the monthly meeting.
Or 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!