Limebrook u3a has been very active throughout the year and as a result of increased membership, groups co-ordinator Jo Madge says: "We have added seven new Interest groups this year with two more in the pipeline."

'Turning Pages' is the newest Book Group coordinated by Kathy Harriss. They read "The Party" by Elizabeth Day.

Kathy said: "Overall it sparked an interesting discussion, as the group explored their different interpretations of the plot and themes.

"Our next choice is 'Pie and Mash down the Roman Road' by Melanie McGrath.

"We have planned our book choices for the next few months, including a proposal for one of our future meetings to watch the film related to one of the book choices so that we can compare our views on how the book has translated onto the big screen."

The Committee arranged a First Aid Training Session which was run by member, Maureen Leatherdale.

The meeting took place at the URC Hall in Maldon where Maureen used her experiences with the British Red Cross and years as a life guard and First Responder to guide members on what to do in various emergencies.

'Annie' in action

She used "Annie" to illustrate how to administer CPR. Everyone was able to take part in different role plays and the subjects covered many life-threatening situations.

Although it is hoped that no one needs to use the information, it was greatly appreciated by those attending that now have more knowledge to help in difficult circumstances.

Garden Chat visited RHS Hyde Hall for a guided tour.

Chris Stringer reports: "The tour lasted around 90 minutes. Hyde Hall was originally built in the 15th century as a half-timbered wattle and daub building and it was formerly a working farm on a hilltop surrounded by arable land.

"The garden at Hyde Hall was created in 1955 by Dr Richard Robinson and his wife Helen Robinson. In 1976 they formed the Hyde Hall Garden Trust which would manage the garden on a long-term basis.

"The trust donated Hyde Hall to the Royal Horticultural Society in 1993.

"One of the first things the RHS did was to install a 10-million-gallon reservoir. According to our guide, it's extremely deep, deep enough for two double decker buses to stand on top of each other."

Bowling along!

The 10 pin bowling groups continue to meet. Howard Corlett says: "Hot or cold, dry or wet. We battle on with our bowling sessions no matter what the weather.

"The last game was particularly rewarding for me. I managed to get 5 strikes (including a Turkey – three in succession) and two spares to achieve my personal best score of 185. My apologies to Keith Parrott and Phil Davies for spoiling their afternoon!"

The photographers had 20 members watch two slide shows starting with last month's competition on the subject of "Reflections".

There were a total of 56 entries and the winning photograph was taken by Phil Davies, closely followed by Christine Smith and Dave Dove in second and third.  

Graham Churchill says: "After a break for tea or coffee and a biscuit we watched the second slide show which was of photographs taken by group members at last month's get together on Maldon Prom."

There are four u3as in the Maldon area. If you are interested in learning more about the various activities, visit Limebrooku3a.org.uk