Limebrook u3a has planned its programme of talks, meetings and social activities for the coming months.

We have a wide range of activities and interest groups available to our members. Our website has details of all of the Interest Groups open to people who are no longer in full time employment.

Jo Madge organises our Social Group. Recently, 16 members travelled to Bletchley Park where they enjoyed a walking tour with a guide who gave a very detailed and fascinating insight into the life of the people who worked there during the Second World War and the vital, secret work which many believe enabled us to win the war. There were so many different areas to explore it was impossible to see everything, so they have decided to use the free entrance ticket to return there during the coming year.

Jill Gooding and the Book Lovers Group are currently reading The Thursday Murder Club. Our other literary Group, Cover to Cover is organised by Beverley Hunt. This month's selected book is The Lost Girls of Paris.

Family History are looking at local archives in preparation for a visit to the Essex Record Office in Chelmsford. Chris Stringer has arranged this and is pleased that on the day there will be help from one of our members, Meryl Rawlings, who is secretary of the Essex Society for Family History. Places are available in the group and no previous experience is needed.

Tim Stubbings won the award for 'best changed image' - before and after.

The theme of "Summer" was set by Graham Churchill for the Photography Group. The winner was Edwina Ord with her image that captured a beautiful moment when one of her granddaughters was enjoying the wildflowers. Recording the fact that 2022 was such a dry summer, Brian Harris's entry was taken at Eves Corner in Danbury. The pond had big cracks showing, and with no sign of rain, the ducks had been moved for their own safety. Tim Stubbings was voted the best changed image, using his computer to improve and enhance his "Summer" image of a sunflower. The Before and After images illustrate what can be achieved to transform a photograph.

Brian Harris' photo of Eves Corner was also voted one of the best on the subject.

As the Walking Group has over 40 members, it has become difficult to find refreshment venues large enough to accommodate the needs of the group. It has been decided to arrange two walks a month commencing in October. New members will be made very welcome to join this expanded opportunity to talk and walk with friends.

Our Theatre Group have booked to see Pretty Woman, the Musical, at the Savoy Theatre. A future show has been arranged, Strictly Ballroom, The Musical which is going to be at the Cliffs Theatre in Southend, where they have recently seen Joseph and the Amazing Technicoloured Dream Coat.

The History Group leader, Mike Stringer, has arranged a full programme of speakers with the autumn/winter starting with 'Full Steam Ahead' being presented by Jenny Mallin via Zoom. There is then a full list of talks being held at the West Maldon Community Centre running from December to March 2023.

Social Science Group meet at the WMCC and have a different topic each month for discussion. John Salisbury has arranged for Lucy Bettley to talk on the subject The Work of the Citizens Advice Bureau in 2022.

Our next monthly meeting is entitled Concorde: a 20th Century Icon to be held at the WMCC on Friday 14 October when we shall meet John Hutchinson. He spent 15 years with the Concorde fleet and his talk is a reflection on what it was like to fly the beautiful white bird. If you would like to attend or learn more about our other Interest Groups, please contact our Membership Secretary Sandra Stubbings on 01621 855158.

For more information on how we "Learn, Laugh and Live, visit the Limebrook u3a website.