The following is the December 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.

With less than four hours to go before our monthly meeting, we had a call that our speaker could not attend due to family illness. Exciting times for Jess Patience, our speaker secretary. Less than 20 minutes later, the emergency was solved when Mike Stringer, the group leader of our History Group stepped forward and gave us a talk on the frost fairs.

At the West Maldon Community Centre (WMCC), we had over 70 members and guests who were informed and entertained - so the day ended as a success. We even had teas, coffees, and wrapped biscuits while friends old and new were able to discuss the exciting plans we have for the coming months.

Christine Hester told us how the Art Group is developing and that there are spaces for new members with plans to use the WMCC for their meetings.

Chris Dove arranges the Around the World Lunches and they are next gathering at the Sark Turkish restaurant, where they will discuss interesting facts about Turkey while enjoying a meal with friends.

Family History is led by Chris Stringer, and she has over 30 years' research experience in this area. If you would like help with a family history search, she has room for a couple of new members in her morning group.

John Salisbury informed us that the Social Sciences Group has meetings planned for the next six months. In January, the subject will be "the role of the Church in society - past, present and future".

The History Group uses a mix of Zoom and face-to-face meetings at the WMCC. Mike Stringer gave a fascinating talk on the Leper Hospitals in Maldon and Bicknacre. Did you know that they were called "Spital Houses"? This explains how Spital Road in Maldon was given its name. The programme for the next six months has been arranged with a wide range of subjects.

Our Poetry Group meets every three weeks and Liz Jones is very pleased by the variety of poems discussed that range from previous centuries to modern times. They are often amusing and also provide food for thought.

25 people enjoyed a walk in Blakes Wood and Lingwood Common, followed by lunch at the Anchor in Danbury.

Our Photography Group ventured to Ulting Wick and a separate walk around Maldon to see if they could take photographs and images not commonly seen.

Friday, 10 December is our annual quiz.

On Friday, 14 January we shall have Jane Gosling at the WMCC talking about "boom and bust in medieval Lavenham". Jane is the former manager of the National Trust's Guildhall, and she will explore the legacy of the cloth merchants that made Lavenham so famous.

These are indeed exciting times at Limebrook u3a.

To learn more about our friendly u3a or to book your place at a meeting as a guest, please contact Tim Stubbings our Membership Secretary on 01621 855158 or contact me via [email protected].