The following is the October newsletter for Maldon's Limebrook u3a - if you are considering becoming a member and would like to find out more, details of how to join are included below.

September was a very busy month for Limebrook u3a.

Our first monthly meeting at the West Maldon Community Centre (WMCC) since March 2020 was a hybrid meeting. Members were gathered in the hall and able to catch up with friends while it was possible to view the presentation by Vince Eager, our speaker, via the Zoom platform.

"What time is the Midnight Buffet?" was very well received and we shall continue with this format for the next meeting. This will give access to those who wish to view online should they wish to.

On Friday 10 October, at 2pm, we look forward to seeing Rosalind Whyte who will talk about John Constable. This interesting talk - "A Walk on the Wild Side" - will appeal to anyone interested in this great artist and about the times in which he lived.

Guests are welcome in the WMCC or on Zoom. To book your place, please contact Tim Stubbings, our membership secretary, on 01621 855158 or contact me at [email protected].

The 10-pin Bowling Group led by Howard Corlett has new members joining at each session and they have reawakened their skills at Maddison Heights.

For people who prefer their interests to be less strenuous, Maureen Leatherdale's Scrabble Group have found that the dictionary is their friend as they gather to grapple with words long and short.

The Walking Group is now back in full swing, with Jo Madge taking 19 people on a seven-mile walk around the lanes and countryside in Little Baddow. With time to talk and to enjoy lunch together, this reflects all that u3a represents - meeting friends, both old and new, who have shared interests and the desire to enjoy life.

The Social Science Group is organised by John Salisbury, and I am pleased to say that they have returned to the WMCC where debate and discussions take place on a range of topics presented by group members and invited speakers.

Weekend Companions is designed for members who do not have a partner to share their weekends with. They meet for lunches and visits to places of interest over the weekend.

Their recent trip was to Abberton Reservoir which allowed time to see this beautiful site, chat with friends and enjoy lunch together.

The Weekenders is another of our active groups and they have restarted their lunches and are pleased to get back to something approaching normal circumstances, being able to see each other face to face, rather than on Zoom.

Mike Stringer has arranged a full winter programme of talks for the History Group.

These are a mixture of sessions at the WMCC and others taking place on Zoom. Outside speakers are being used together with others provided by our members.

Graham Churchill arranged a very successful Photography Group visit to Ulting Wick Gardens where we were able to view the gardens and the buildings with freedom to roam and take photographs. Well-known as a member of the National Garden Scheme, this really is a place to visit.

The winning photograph for the competition this month was taken by Steve Parrott. His image captured the joy of water. We look forward to seeing the results of the Garden visit at the October meeting.

We have many other different activities that are not mentioned here - to learn more about this friendly group, you can visit Limebrook u3a's website using the link here.