Limebrook u3a's members have been enjoying a diverse range of activities and outings this month, as Chairman Brian Harris writes...

Meryl Rawlings took the Garden Chat Group to Hyde Hall, the beautiful RHS gardens. They were treated to an excellent tour with their guide Jenny, who told them about the history of the gardens and the fact there never was a Hall at the site.

Mike Stringer arranged a visit for the History Group to the Charterhouse in London where they were guided around the historic and fascinating building which goes back as far as the 13th Century, and is still in use today. They also toured the restored gardens before rounding off the trip with a visit to the Fox and Anchor pub with its low beams and wooden panelling which made a suitable end to the day in London.

The Real Ale Group supported Mike Stringer, the Membership Secretary for the local Campaign for Real Ale branch, as they ran a beer festival at The Swan in Maldon High Street.

The Real Ale Group attended the Maldon Beer Festival, held at the The Swan pub. (Photo: Limebrook u3a)

Jo Madge arranged an event for the Walking Group. This was a circular walk taking in Sparkey Wood in Wickham Bishops. The bluebells were out and the opportunity to chat and catch up with friends made it a day to remember.

John Salisbury took the Theatre Group to see The Best Marigold Hotel at the Cliffs Pavilion in Southend. Bookings have already been completed to see Joe Pasquale, who is appearing in The High-Flying Panto Adventure Peter Pan in December. With transport arranged from the West Maldon Community Centre to the venue, it really made the day a treat for our members.

The format of our Wine Tasting Group is to choose a country, which this month was Italy, and for each person to bring a bottle of wine from that country to the meeting. After tasting the wines, they are given a mark, judging them as to suitability for cooking or drinking. Chris Smith says everyone will research their bottle of wine and impart their knowledge to the group, so a little bit of learning too.

The Photography Group met at the URC Hall in Maldon. The theme for the month was Rivers and after showing the images, Graham Churchill announced that David Sansom had two of his three photographs voted as the best two, with them being joint first in the vote, quite an achievement.

David Samson won not one, but two awards for his photography. Previous winner Mike Stone presented him with the trophy. (Photos: Limebrook u3a)

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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