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University of the Third Age (Whickham and District)
In the autumn of 1994 Edna Proud decided that Whickham would be able to support its own U3A and she went to Ponteland U3A to find out more about the movement. Edna subsequently asked the members of a group she attended in Whickham if they would support her efforts by becoming a steering committee. Other people were also drawn in and a local Rotary Group donated £30 to assist with the expenses of a public meeting which was held in St. Mary's Centre on the 8th of March 1995.
Initially the members of the steering committee were D. Cline, G. Dunton, D. Ferguson, S. Gladston, J. Helm, A. Murray, D. Oates, E. Proud, D. Robson, D. Smith, E. Vanner, and H.and R. Wilson. Other people volunteered to join the steering committee at or after the launch.
The launch on 8th of March was attended by 90 people with 49 becoming members immediately. Edna Proud became Founder Chairman and it was decided that the name of the U3A should be Whickham District U3A, later changed to Whickham and District U3A. By the end of September 111 members had enrolled.
A monthly coffee morning began as a three-month experiment and never stopped! At first the coffee morning was to be a purely social event where members could meet and get to know members from the various groups. Then it was decided to put up the notices in order that every member could see what was available and what was planned.
Comments
I notice an article mentioning Edna Proud and wonder if she is related to 'my' Proud ancestors - Edward and his wife Martha who lived on Church Green?
Could she kindly contact me - if at all possible, please?
Thank you
Posted by: Sandra Underwood at January 19, 2008 7:04 PM
Sandra, Regrettably, Edna Proud died in the summer of 1997. The Ross family picture was obtained from Gateshead library so we haven't any information on who took the picture. We are still trying to find someone to help with your other queries about members of the Proud family.
Posted by: Whickham Web Wanderers at January 31, 2008 10:41 AM
I have taught at Front Street Primary School for many years and have bean asked to coordinate the 100th aniversary celebrations for our school. Front Street was opened in August 1909 and we are planning to celebrate in June 2009, we would appreciate any 'old' pupils and staff contacting school or myself with any ideas, memories or photo's that they would like to share.
I am actually a relation of the late Edna Proud and do have in my possession a photo' of a Joe Ross standing next to my grandad, Tot Proud, if this helps the previous writer!
Posted by: josie macdonald at May 1, 2008 8:20 AM
Dear Josie Macdonald. I am so sorry not to have replied to you before now. Please accept my apologies. Could I ask how you were related to the late Edna Proud? You mention Joe Ross - he was (if it's the correct one) my late grandmother's brother who was killed down Watergate pit. Please could I ask, was 'Tot' a nickname? What was his full name, please? Re Whickham Front Street school - I actually attended both infants and juniors and would love to let you have some of my memories if you give me your email address, please. Look forward to hearing from you, Sandra Underwood
Posted by: Sandra Underwood at May 1, 2009 10:13 PM
I read with interest of the death of Edna Proud, Whickham.
Could anyone tell me if this is the same Edna Proud who was involved with The Guide Movement in Whickham, in particular, the Ranger Guides during the late 1970's and early 1980's?
Many thanks.
Jon Storey
Posted by: Jon Storey at June 16, 2009 10:52 AM
I have only today discovered Whickham wanderers and am reading it with interest all be it well out of date however Jon Story is inquiring about Edna Proud. Yes she was involved in the guide movement and in particular the Rangers. I am her younger sister.
Ann Harriman
Posted by: Ann Harriman nee Proud at August 5, 2010 5:15 PM