Here are the profiles and contact details of the members of u3a York's Board of Trustees.
u3a York Chair – Karen Sawyer
Contact: Chair
Hi everyone. I joined u3a York in July 2022. In my early working life I did a number of different roles, including sales and running a betting shop! I eventually found auditing and spent over 20 years in that profession. My work took me all over the world and I still have a passion for travelling.
I started volunteering for u3a York to keep my brain active and it definitely does. I really enjoy what I do and have also enjoyed being the Office Coordinator. In taking on the Chair role, I hope that my experience of governance and risk management help the u3a to continue to thrive and grow.
u3a York Vice-Chair – Jenny Slee
Contact: Vice Chair
I have lived in York for over 20 years and in Yorkshire all my life. I became a trustee at u3a York in 2025, having retired in 2020. I began my working life in the police in Leeds, with the rank of detective constable when I left to have my son. I then worked for 6 years with Leeds City Council as a social welfare officer on their Leeds Alternative to Custody Scheme, at the same time as completing a law degree. After 27 years as a real estate finance lawyer, including 16 years as a partner in a large Leeds law firm, I finally retired. I have also served as a trustee of Barnardo’s (6 years) and Martin House Children’s Hospice (12 years). My interests include the history of York and my granddaughter!
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u3a York Membership Trustee – Andrew Pilot
Contact: Membership Trustee
Hi everyone. I retired in 2023 and immediately got involved in u3a groups. What a good organisation, I thought! And by 2024, I was treasurer and happy to say, left the post with u3a York in a fine financial position. I’ve now just switched to membership trustee and my objective is keep all current members happy & informed while bringing more in.
With a background in teaching and business analysis, I’m hoping to keep the wheel turning smoothly while communicating it to everyone. And I really like the team that’s helping to do this with me.
u3a York Technology Trustee – Quinn Smith
Contact: Technology Trustee
Hi, I’m Quinn Smith and I’ve been the u3a York Equipment manager since March 2021.
I’m a physicist by education, an astronomer by hobby, a motorcyclist by passion, and an engineer by trade. I lived in Canada for 45 years returning to York (where I lived in the 70’s) at the height of the pandemic in 2020! Being the equipment manager feeds my love of all things mechanical (or electrical) and I’ve had a great deal of fun looking after the audio-visual and computer equipment in York. It’s been a sometimes frustrating, often challenging, and always enjoyable experience.
u3a York Group Leader Co-ordinator – Samantha Triggs
Contact: Groups Coordinator
Hi, I’m Samantha Triggs and I’ve been doing this role since August 2023.
I moved to York October 2022 and joined u3a with the main aim of making friends, being new to the area. I owned and ran a Design & Print business in Cambridgeshire and sold in 2016.
I enjoy being involved in the local community. I took part in food parcel deliveries during the Covid pandemic. I am a keen flower arranger and grow a "cut and come again" assortment of gorgeous summer floral delights. My interests include travel, movies and mindfulness. Oh and you can’t miss me, I’m the one with orange and red blue and purple hair.
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