Limebrook u3a's Mike Stringer, who founded both the Real Ale Group and the History Group, gives his updates on their most recent trips.

"The most recent outing for the Real Ale Group combined both beer and history The Harwich Redoubt Beer Festival is an annual event held in a fort built in 1808 to defend the port of Harwich against Napoleonic invasion. The fort has been restored and is open to the public and is a very unusual and interesting location to hold a beer festival.

The Real Ale Group at a table at the Harwich Redoubt Beer Festival. (Photo: Limebrook u3a)

"The Group stopped off at the Manningtree station bar enroute for some needed substance before our arrival into Harwich. The town itself has links to the Mayflower as its captain once lived there (you can visit the house as part of a guided tour). We spent several hours having managed to snag a table sampling beers from various breweries, including Wharf, a local brewery created as a result of mergers. The fort is an interesting location and our History Group had an enjoyable trip there in the recent past.

The History Group during their trip to Clare in Suffolk. (Photo: Limebrook u3a)

"The History Group's latest excursion saw us travel out to the town of Clare in Suffolk. Reputedly the smallest town in the county, we were blessed with some glorious weather and two fantastic guides who took us around the town. Starting at the old railway station, we learnt about the history of the town, which goes back to Domesday and beyond, and of the De Clare family who gave the town its name, and who built the castle on a mound so all the locals knew they were there!

"We concluded our visit at the town museum, housed appropriately in the Ancient House. We were lucky that our visit coincided with a photographic display of town shops as they once were and as they now are. Clare is a lovely place to visit and our group thoroughly enjoyed their time there."

The History Group holds meetings throughout the year and Mike arranges trips to places of interest. A range of talks are also held at the West Maldon Community Centre or via Zoom, to entertain and inform members.

BEFORE AND AFTER: Drag the white slider left and right to see how Paul Madge edited his image of a swan.

Meanwhile, this month's theme for the Photography Group was 'Birds'. Graham Churchill announced that Phil Davies was voted the winner, "with his excellent image capturing Common Terns in flight". Howard Corlett, Chairman of Limebrook u3a, presented Phil with his trophy. Paul Madge was the winner of the Amended Photograph Competition, with his edited image of swans, made using Affinity Software on his computer.

Phil Davies' winning photograph of Common Terns. (Photo: Phil Davies)

The Shakespeare Group, organised by Liz Jones, has completed a project on A Midsummer Night's Dream. It is now moving on to Macbeth. Not only do they enjoy reading and discussing The Bard, but they also go to watch the plays performed.

Limebrook u3a Chair Howard Corlett presenting Phil with the trophy. (Photo: Limebrook u3a)

It is often said that spending time with friends and family are vital to health and wellbeing. u3a offers the opportunity for those no longer in full time work to meet and mix with like minded people. To find out more, visit Limebrook u3a's website.

Read more

• Maldon & Tiptree FC stalwart Liam Bailey appointed head coach following Peter Taylor's departure
• What's On in the Maldon District: Burnham Week firework finale, Art exhibitions, American car show, and more this weekend
• Twelve planning applications in the Maldon District: 40 new homes in Great Totham, 40 houses in Tillingham refused, church conversion approved, and more