The latest report on activities at at Limebrook u3a by Brian Harris.

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Limebrook u3a follows the ethos of Learn Laugh Live. Those three words sum up the opportunities that exist for u3a members.

Using the theme Learn, we have two Social Sciences Groups who meet to hear knowledgeable people talk on subjects of interest and to enjoy discussions on a wide range of topics.

John Salisbury's group meeting was led by Abby Hare who heads up the Essex Restorative Justice and Mediation Service. It was an interesting, informative and thought-provoking session.

Abby began by explaining what is meant by Restorative Justice and went on to talk about its benefits and how, for example it has proved to be a more effective way of dealing with Hate Crime. The afternoon finished with a discussion based around a number of Case Studies which Abby presented to the group.

Mary Dove's Social Sciences group enjoyed a talk given by John Ord, one of our members. He has worked at the National Transfusion Centre in Brentwood since 1974 specializing in Transfusions and is involved in a programme to find better ways to manage Blood Matching. We must find better ways to match blood and John is involved in a project together with 40 other Countries, set up in 2017, and they hope to have a new test in place during 2024

Mike Stringer's Real Ale Group

Laughter is an important part of being a u3a member and Mike Stringer's Real Ale Group enjoy their time together as they sample beers on offer at various locations throughout the area.

The Theatre Group opened the Box Office for a trip to see "Grease" and John Salisbury sold all of the tickets for the event at our Monthly Meeting at the West Maldon Community Centre. There will definitely be Laughter on the coach to and from the venue.

The Photography Group had a presentation by the Limebrook u3a Chairman Howard Corlett when he showed a selection of his photographs taken on a recent trip to Australia and Singapore.

A slide show of the images for the monthly competition using the title of "Still Life" followed.

Mike Stone's winning picture.

Mike Stone was voted the winner. He used an old camera as his subject using black velvet as a background to complete the shot.

By Ken Russell.

There was a four-way tie for second place in the competition. Ken Russell produced a Still Life using vegetables in an amusing way.

Peter Thorpe's second placed Still Life featured a vase.

Peter Thorpe selected a vase for his entry.

Phil Egelton's Still Life entry.

Phil Egelton framed a wine bottle and glass.

Feet first - well actually second for Mike Stone.

Mike Stone also came joint second with another entry, using his bowling ball and shoes.

Carol Egelton arranged an outing for one of our Wine Tasting Groups. They went to the Oakhouse in Maldon for a Pairing Dinner. They were enthusiastic to learn more about wines from a knowledgeable source. It was a superb evening and they will definitely be on the look-out for a similar experience.

Members of the The Garden Chat group

The Garden Chat group visited Hyde Hall to view the garden with the idea of viewing the snowdrops and hellebores. Meryl Rawlings was amazed to see so many other flowers in bloom including Camelias, Primroses and even a carnation.

To learn more about our activities please visit Limebrooku3a.org.uk