President Pat Whitman is a former maths teacher who came to New Zealand in 1973 for just two years. She’s still here! Pat has travelled to many diverse places worldwide and seen most of New Zealand as well. Her interests are anything scientific, guiding in the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and she is the convenor of the U3A Geology/Botany group.
Treasurer Sue Beardsley is now retired. She worked for the ANZ Bank for 27 years before movingto Australia with her husband for 17 years. During that time they managed a high rise in Broadbeach and owned a news agency in Currumbin. Sue has travelled widely. She loves gardening, cross-stitching and musical theatre. She is a life member of Showbiz Christchurch.
Secretary Lyn Russell has worked as office manager, administrator and personal assistant, involved in the fields of accountancy, the plastics industry, a start-up airline and the education sector. Born in Wellington, she worked in London for several years, and lives in Christchurch by firm choice because of all the City has to offer. Lyn is a very keen traveller and when at home she loves gardening, walking, attending the theatre, playing mahjong, and reading. She is involved in several of the U3A interest groups.
Jane Cowan-Harris is a retired occupational therapist, working the last 15 years before retiring, in workplace ergonomics and workplace wellness. Born in Glasgow, Jane arrived in New Zealand in 1979 and has loved being here ever since. She is a keen gardener, a guide in the Botanic Gardens, and also enjoys walking, cycling, cooking and music; being an orchestra member for many years ie. an active relaxer! She belongs to several of the U3A Interest groups.
Anne Fahey has had a varied career including teaching, administration, event managing and stage-managing, finishing with 15 years managing a secondary school library. She is currently kept busy with being Nan to two sets of 6 year old grandchildren as well as theatre, cycling, gardening and mah jong.
Mary Lynch
Helen Peate was a university lecturer in biochemistry pre-children and when all went to school, she taught chemistry. Toastmasters was a passion for 28 years and lead to talks about her 6 times attending Summer Schools at Christ Church Oxford. She is going again in 2025!
Katherine Peet
Christine Toner is still finding it hard to stop, ie retire, after spending most of her life (around family) in advertising, marketing, market research and community consultation, Christine joined U3A to meet local folk and to keep up her zest for learning. She chairs the Redcliffs Residents’ Association and is a member of a Queenstown Timeshare resort Body Corporate Committee. She is learning Italian, loves to draw and paint, and enjoys a few minutes now and again among the weeds in her garden.
