Chair - John Hayston

Originally from Redditch in the midlands, I was a Shepherd for 20 years then became an HGV driver. I have been married to Sue for 32 years and have 3 children now all grown up. We have 2 black Labradors. I am enjoying being CVu3a chair.

Treasurer - Judy Morris

Married to Steve with 3 sons, 4 grandchildren and one great granddaughter, I worked in a bank when I left school and moved to Cullompton from Bedford in 1983 to run a hotel business.

I joined Cullompton Town Council as Town Clerk in 1991 and gained a BA (Hons) degree as a mature student. I have worked for several councils in Devon, rejoined Cullompton Town Council in 2012 and retired in 2020.

I have an interest in local history, have been involved in writing 2 local history books and am Secretary of the Cullompton History Group. I like to keep busy and am currently a Trustee and Treasurer of the Cullompton Walronds Preservation Trust, a Grade 1 Listed Building in the centre of Cullompton, and a Trustee of the Cullompton John Tallack Youth & Community Centre. I am also a member of the Cullompton Festival Steering Group.

I joined the u3a immediately following lockdown in 2022 and enjoy being a member, so am pleased to be in a position to assist this very friendly and worthwhile group.

Business Secretary - Paula Rees

We moved to Devon from London in 2001. I have spent much of my working life as a delivery driver in the Motor trade, with a 5 year break managing an off-licence in London. During this time I completed my Diploma in Wines and Spirits.

Since moving to Devon my health has continued to deteriorate from having a quadruple heart by-pass at the age of 38 to learning to manage a number of inherited conditions, which forced me to retire early.

I have always enjoyed reading and listening to music, and when I was able I enjoyed walking, camping, narrowboating and visiting different parts of the country.

I joined CVu3a a few years ago and enjoy Quizzing, Games and Mahjong groups.

Membership Secretary - Alison Waple

I moved to Devon in 2019 and joined Culm Valley u3a, when it started in September of that year. From the beginning I loved the friendly atmosphere and the wide variety of activities it offered and am involved with the history group and two of the art groups. My background is in accountancy so in 2022 I volunteered to help as treasurer which I did for the allowed 3 years, and am now having a go at being membership secretary.

Groups Co-ordinator - Sue Hooper-Lawrie

Moved to Devon from London in 2001 in the midst of the Foot and Mouth epidemic. I have worked in a variety of jobs, usually associated with education, disaffected young people, substance misuse and teaching adults.

I was part of the Steering Group which set up Culm Valley u3a in 2019, just 6 months before the first COVID lockdown .... little did we know!

I spend whatever time I can creating art using a variety of media and materials including coloured pencils, gelli printing, acrylics, watercolours, fabric and anything else I find that appeals to my creative nature!

Beacon Administrator - Marian Luck

I have been a member of Culm Valley u3a since November 2019. I am the Beacon Administrator for our u3a and until the AGM in September was the Membership Secretary.

I live in Cullompton with my son and my daughter in law, and I am a regular at Cullompton Rugby Club supporting the Ladies teams.

I am a member of the u3a Council representing the South West. The Council was set up to act as a liaison between u3a members and the Board of the Trust. I really enjoy meeting with members of other u3a’s and learning what they do. What a lovely bunch of people u3a members are but none are as lovely as the members of Culm Valley.