Members of Limebrook u3a, based in Maldon, have enjoyed a variety of talks, tours and meals this month, as Publicity Coordinator Brian Harris writes...

Limebrook u3a's Howard Corlett founded the 10-pin bowling group. This month marks the second anniversary of the group, which had its first meeting in July 2021. Since then, the membership has more than doubled from 15 to 32 participants spread between two sessions. Everyone has made it into a welcoming and (mainly) non-competitive gathering of friends and it has been a pleasure to watch everyone improve as time has gone by. Howard says he hopes members continue to enjoy their meetings.

Paul Madge won the photography competition for his image. (Credit: Paul Madge)

For members living on their own, socialising can be difficult. Limebrook u3a has two groups which are exclusively designed to fill the needs of members in this situation.

The Weekenders meet to have meals together and recently had Sunday lunch at the White Horse in Maldon. Chris Payne's success led to the Weekend Companions being formed by Maureen Leatherdale. These likeminded people share meals and visits to places of interest. Due to demand, a third group is being launched in September.

Edwina Ord came in second place for her photo of a man on a unicycle in Maldon High Street. (Credit: Edwina Ord)

The History Group had an interesting walk along 'The Yellow Brick Road' in Chelmsford. Mike Stringer arranged for Alan Pamphilon, from Chelmsford History Walks and Talks, to give a guided tour of Moulsham Street in Chelmsford. Starting at the Chelmsford Museum, the next 90 minutes were full of information about local history and the people who shaped Chelmsford. Stories of past residents and the industries that shaped the area were mixed with anecdotes that were of great interest.

The fourth book group is named 'Turning Pages' and does not yet have a designated leader. The preference is for shared responsibility of roles. Some members have agreed to write reports; others will organise venues. Initially, the members are going to take it in turns to select a book of their choice. Once established, they may choose to run the group differently but are happy with how it is going so far.

Howard Corlett earned third place for his photo of an empty railway carriage. (Credit: Howard Corlett)

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At the French Group, Terry Wood says: "We practised comparing diaries and finding a free slot for a meeting. Next, we looked at how to buy a house in France, and what to say while doing it. Finally, we watched a YouTube video of two cats chanting a French nursery rhyme".

The Photographers had the theme of 'Transport' for their competition, having visited the East Anglia Railway Museum in June. There were 59 entries with a few unusual images.

BEFORE AND AFTER: Drag the white slider left and right to see how Tim Stubbings edited his original image of a rather unusual car:

The winner was Paul Madge. Edwina Ord came second, closely followed by Howard Corlett in third place. In the Amended Images competition, Tim Stubbings used a photograph of KEGS 1, an unusual car, and moved it in to a field all on its own.

Graham Churchill has arranged a photoshoot at Battlesbridge for the August meeting.

u3a is for those who are no longer in full time employment. In the Maldon and Heybridge area, there are four u3a groups. For more information, visit Limebrook u3a's website.

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