Limebrook u3a saw a change in leadership and continued expansion in June, as the Maldon-based group grows in popularity - Publicity Coordinator Brian Harris writes.

Limebrook u3a held its AGM at the West Maldon Community Centre. After four years as Chairman, Brian Harris handed over to Howard Corlett (pictured inset, right). Howard and Edwina Ord attendee a Committee Meeting as guests in October 2019. They both subsequently joined the Committee and Howard went on to become our Secretary, the role that Edwina has now volunteered to take on. The Committee has gone from strength to strength with three new people joining this year.

The u3a is run by volunteers who give their time, knowledge and skills to help our members enjoy the many activities, hobbies and pastimes that make up the opportunities for people no longer in full time employment. We have various interest groups, ranging from History to Walking, Scrabble to Wine Tasting, Theatre to 10-pin Bowling, and many more.

John Salisbury coordinates the Social Sciences Group. Members meet at the West Maldon Community Centre where a variety of topics, presentations and discussions take place. Due to the capacity of the venue, they are now fully subscribed. John is helping to set up a second group as there is obviously a demand for this type of stimulating meeting.

Photography Group member Mike Stone swept the board with his collection of royal compositions. (Photos: Mike Stone)

Graham Churchill's Photographers used the theme 'Anything with a Royal Connection' for their competition. There was a clean sweep in the voting with Mike Stone getting the winning photographs, taking first, second and third places. This has never happened before, and his imaginative interpretation of the subject was a great success.

Paul Madge used his technical skills to change a photograph taken to celebrate the Coronation.

BEFORE AND AFTER: Drag the white slider left and right to see Paul's original image compared with the edited version

The Royal Theme gave Paul the opportunity to give an antique look using computer software, and win the most votes in the Amended Images category.

Chris Stringer's Family History meeting looked at the censuses from 1841 to 1921 and the 1939 Register (this was instead of 1941 Census which did not take place due WWII). The two sessions went well and it was interesting that there was still something to learn, even for those of the group who have been researching for many years.

The three Book Groups have been so successful that a fourth is being launched. Poetry has now been expanded to a second group and we are launching the second Wine Tasting meeting too.

Our new Chairman, Howard is looking forward to build on the success of the past year with the assistance of our Committee and the enthusiastic group leaders, who together help us to follow the u3a ethos of "Learn, Laugh and Live".

We are fortunate to have four separate u3as in the Maldon and Heybridge area. For more information, please visit our website.

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