Limebrook u3a is open to those no longer in full time employment and has a wide range of members, including couples and others on their own.

We meet once a month at the West Maldon Community Centre, where we have a speaker and the opportunity to discuss the various interest groups and activities available to our members.

For those on their own, the weekend can be a particularly difficult time. Our Weekend Companions have enjoyable outings and meals together.

Our History Group, organised by Mike Stringer, returned to the Gardens at Easton Lodge - where the group had its first ever trip - and the Museum of London for a whistle-stop guided tour.

The Group had a tour around the galleries, picking out highlights of the museum, and ending with the Olympic Games exhibit.

Mike has already planned their schedule for the Autumn/Winter speaker programme which starts towards the end of November.

This will be a mix of Zoom and face to face talks. The first is on Thursday 24 November, entitled 'Full Steam Ahead'. 

The speaker is Jenny Mallin, who has previously provided very informative and entertaining talks.

In December, we shall have Andrew Summers with 'Essex Farmers - they did their duty'.

Gary Matthews will follow up the recent visit, with a talk entitled 'The Gardens of Easton Lodge' in January.

BEFORE AND AFTER: Drag the white slider left & right to see how Tim Stubbings' original photo looked, compared to the Photoshopped version

The Photography Group met at Mangapps Railway Museum, opened especially for members.

Graham Churchill said: "We were made very welcome with a guided tour by the owner who explained the history of the museum and some of its exhibits.

"We were also treated to a couple of train rides up to the end of the track and back."

The competition subject for September was 'Transport'.

Jess Patient's image was voted the best photograph and Tim Stubbings won the Photoshop competition with his changed images that used Thomas the Tank engine as his entry.

The next Photography trip will be to the Chelmsford Museum.

Howard Corlett's Ten-Pin Bowling Group has found: "The more we play, the better we get.

"Games are getting so close now and it has been a pleasure to watch the players progress, yet they still maintain a very friendly atmosphere with competitive urges kept in check!"

The Theatre Group has already filled all the seats for their next three productions.

John Salisbury organised trips to see Pretty Woman, Strictly Ballroom and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. The last of these was fully subscribed within 15 minutes of opening the Box Office.

Guests are welcome to join us on Friday 11 November at the WMCC when Urban Cookie Collective's Danielle Barnett will explain how some of the best-known Christmas songs were created.

The singer songwriter has five top ten chart hits, and has managed top chart bands, so she will bring her experience from both sides of the stage.

Our Membership Secretary, Sandra Stubbings, can be contacted on 01621 855158 and she will be pleased provide details and arrange your invitation to the meeting.