Limebrook u3a has interest groups aimed specifically at members who are on their own, as Chairman Brian Harris writes.

"Maureen Leatherdale organises the Weekend Companions who meet at weekends for meals, coffee, outings and trips to places of interest. Recently, they had a cream tea afternoon at her home. Each member made a donation and the £40 raised went to Cancer Research.

"Our two book clubs meet throughout the year and are currently reading The Husband by Chandler Baker and Sophia by Anita Anand. The books are reviewed, discussed and enjoyed in a friendly atmosphere over a cup of tea.

The Weekend Companions raising money for Cancer Charity while enjoying a cream tea in a member's garden.

"Garden Chat arranges meetings in members gardens and Meryl Rawlings has planned visits in the coming months to RHS Hyde Hall and Beth Chatto's famous gardens near Colchester.

"Have you thought about researching your Family History? Chris Stringer will be looking at the Censuses from 1841 to 1921 and shall include the 1939 Register. Each of these have different information and the Family History Group is open to new members who want to find out Who Do You Think You Are?

"Plans have been made by Jo Madge for the Social Group to venture to Bletchley Park. The trip to see the famous site and to learn more about the Code Breakers will appeal to a wide range of people interested in this fascinating period of history.

"Our Social Sciences Group, encouraged by John Salisbury, holds meetings where debate and discussions take place on a wide range of topics presented by both members and invited speakers. The work of the Citizens Advice Bureau and the London Riots of 2011 are topics for the coming months.

"Mike Stringer is arranging the speakers for the Winter Programme of the History Group. These will be a mixture of face-to-face meetings at the WMCC and some on Zoom to allow presentations from other parts of the country. Visits to Easton Lodge and the Museum of London are already in the diary for the coming months.

"The Photography Group, led by Graham Churchill, has enjoyed a couple of meetings, with one being a trip to Burnham-On-Crouch for a photo shoot. In August, there was a gathering at the United Reform Church Hall in Maldon where they reviewed photographs taken on that day.

"There were 59 photographs entered for the monthly competition, the subject being Patterns. The winning entry was from Christine Smith. She was awarded her trophy by Brian Harris, the Limebrook u3a Chairman.

"The Black and White image has also won a place in the National u3a Competition. This is the third time Christine has achieved recognition in this way. The photoshopped version of "Patterns" was won by Tim Stubbings. His image of flowers was transformed into an excellent pattern.

"Plans are being made for future trips that can be enjoyed by photographers of all abilities. Some use the cameras on their mobile phones, others compact cameras while a selection of bridge cameras and digital SLRs means it is a group for anyone interested in photography.

"Our next monthly meeting is entitled 'Can I help you - I am a Paramedic?' to be held at the West Maldon Community Centre on Friday 9 September, when we will meet Bob Jones. Life as a paramedic is difficult, but as Bob proves it's not all blood and tears – there are plenty of lighter moments too.

"If you would like to attend this meeting or learn more about all of these and our other Interest Groups, please contact our Membership Secretary Tim Stubbings on 01621 855158.

"Visit our website for more information on how we Learn, Laugh and Live.

"If you are no longer in full time employment, come and see why Limebrook is such a friendly u3a. "