One of the keys to enjoying a happy, healthy life is to keep active and that includes your brain. It is scientifically proven that your memory and cognitive functions are kept agile by keeping your brain active with puzzles, discussion groups or study for example.
Here are some ideas you might want to consider:
> research your family tree or local history
> try gardening, get an allotment through your local council, or join a gardening group
> many museums and art galleries are now free
> play bingo, visit your local cinema or theatre
> writers/artists and music appreciation groups
> author events or book discussion groups at bookshops or libraries
> entering competitions
> reading or listening to audio cassettes
Adult and community education
Adult community learning in Essex
U3A
Open University
WEA (Workers' Educational Association )
Allotments and gardening
The Help the Aged gardening fact sheet
Be Smart Be Safe safe in your garden fact sheet
Both include contact details for possible grants, practical help from voluntary organisations, gardening tools for people with disabilities.
For information on the availability of allotments where you live, contact your
local council
.
Arts and entertainment
Basildon - Towngate Theatre
Brentwood - Brentwood Centre
Chelmsford - Civic and Cramphorn Theatres
Chelmsford - The Old Court Theatre
Colchester - Mercury Theatre
Halstead - Empire Theatre
Harlow - Harlow Playhouse
Southend - Cliffs Pavilion and Palace Theatre
Tendring - Princes Theatre
Libraries
Opening times
for libraries in Essex
Mobile Library services
Home Library Service - for more information call : 0845 6037628
Booktalk groups
These can be joined throughout the county.
The Essex Book Festival
Find out which authors are visiting which libraries this year.
eBooks and eAudio
There are a wide range of eBooks and eAudio books are available to download, and are compatible with most devices..
The Essex Libraries e-newsletter
This allows you to receive free news about new events and services in libraries via email.
Answers direct
A powerful knowledge management tool that allows you to access the resources and knowledge of Essex Libraries.
0845 6037628
Local history and heritage
The
Essex Record Office
collects and preserves the written, oral and visual heritage of Essex. You can use the collections to research your family history, house history, community history and local geography.
Essex is a county rich in archaeology and historic buildings. Essex County Council maintains a record of all listed buildings and archaeological sites, and provides specialist advice. If you wish to find out more about
Essex heritage
there are educational courses, publications, exhibitions and visits available.
There are collections of local studies resources at most Essex libraries. These include many books about local towns and villages and aspects of the wider county. Lager libraries may also have local newspapers on microfilm, maps, census returns and illustrations relating to the local area.
Museums and galleries
Information on museums in Essex can be found by following the "Links".
