Moseley and Kings Heath

Return to Moseley and Kings Heath u3a

Moseley and Kings Heath u3a Groups

Architecture-Urban Walking     

Meets Fortnightly Wednesday
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:00
Details This group meets out and about in the warmer months, but contact is maintained on Zoom in the colder months when the weather is more inclement. There is space in this group for new members

Art Appreciation 1     

Meets Monthly, 3rd Tuesday am
Normally starts 10:30 to 00:00
Details NULL

Art Appreciation 2     

Meets Monthly, 2nd Thursday pm
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:00
Details <!DOCTYPE html> <html> <body> <p>Topics in Art Appreciation 2</p> <p>Mark Rothko</p> <p>Park View Art Gallery Kings Heath</p> <p>Guernica Picasso</p> <p>Ikon Gallery visit</p> <p>Hieronymus Bosch</p> <p>Barber Institute visit</p> <p>Hirst and Epstein</p> <p>Damien Hirst Walsall Art Gallery visit</p> <p>RBSA visit</p> <p>BMAG visit</p> <p>Chagall</p> <p>Photo Realism BMAG</p> <p>Frida Kahlo</p> <p>Grayson Perry tapestries: The Vanity of Small Differences BMAG</p> <p>Ikon Gallery</p> <p>Walsall Gallery visit</p> <p>Review of Barber Institute visit</p> <p>Islamic art: Review visit to BMAG</p> <p>Static: Still Life Reconsidered BMAG</p> <p>Rebel Visions: The War Art of CRW Nevinson and Degenerate Art Barber collection</p> <p>Rembrandt, the Late Works National Gallery</p> <p>Review of Pop art exhibition at Wolverhampton</p> <p>Magritte</p> <p>Response to 3 exhibitions at Ikon Gallery</p> <p>Discuss Art from Elsewhere BMAG</p> <p>Discuss Glenn Ligon Exhibition Encounters and Collisions Nottingham Contemporary</p> <p>Discuss a favourite painting/sculpture while viewing the work BMAG</p> <p>Discuss Compton Verney exhibition The Arts and Crafts House</p> <p>Discuss the Jackson Pollock exhibition Blind Spots Tate Liverpool</p> <p>Art Deco by Chris Morgan</p> <p>Discuss The World Goes Pop Tate Modern</p> <p>Ways of Looking: How to Experience Contemporary Art by Ossian Ward</p> <p>Discuss a favourite painting/sculpture while viewing the work BMAG</p> <p>Ford Madox Brown</p> <p>Elisabeth Frink</p> <p>Discuss 4 local exhibitions at Ikon and BMAG</p> <p>The Pre-Raphaelite Art of ER Hughes BMAG</p> <p>Discuss the exhibition Painting the Modern Garden, Monet - Matisse Royal Academy</p> <p>Discuss the exhibition Francis Bacon, Invisible Rooms Tate Liverpool</p> <p>Vermeer</p> <p>Georgia O’Keeffe Tate Modern</p> <p>William Hogarth</p> <p>Night in the Museum BMAG</p> <p>The Camden Town Group</p> <p>Paul Nash</p> <p>Abstract Expressionists Royal Academy</p> <p>Barber Institute visit: 4 members talk about pictures of their choice</p> <p>Hieronymus Bosch</p> <p>Who’s afraid of Conceptual Art? BBC</p> <p>Local Galleries</p> <p>Patricia Piccinini</p> <p>Grayson Perry, The Most Popular Art Exhibition Ever Serpentine Gallery</p> <p>The Scottish Colourists</p> <p>Käthe Kollwitz Ikon Gallery</p> <p>BMAG visit including the Coming Out Exhibition</p> <p>John Piper</p> <p>Giorgio de Chirico</p> <p>Charles I King and Collector RA</p> <p>Ravilious and co Compton Verney</p> <p>The Epic of Everyday Life 1805-1815</p> <p>Visit to Leicester Art Gallery</p> <p>Paula Rego</p> <p>Picasso 1932: Love, Fame, Tragedy Tate Modern</p> <p>Lubaina Himid</p> <p>Oceania RA</p> <p>Women Power Protest BMAG</p> <p>Degenerate Art</p> <p>Frederick McCubbin<p/> <p>Painting Childhood, Compton Verney<p/> <p>The University Sculpture Trail<p/> <p>Art from another country<p/> <p>Art from another country part 2<p/> <p>Miro<p/> <p>Manga<p/> <p>South American Artists<p/> <p>Works of Art Depicting Winter<p/> <p>Works of Art Depicting Movement<p/> <p>Tapestry and Textiles<p/> <p>Visit to The Barber Art Gallery<p/> <p>Recreating famous works of art<p/> <p>Choose a work of art from The Rijksmuseum<p/> <p>Tapestry and Textiles continued<p/> <p>West Midlands Artists<p/> <p>Art depicting people at work and The Sea<p/> <p>Solitude<p/> <p>Photography Through the Years<p/> <p>Portraits<p/> <p>What is the Sitter Thinking?<p/> <p>Influential Twentieth Century Artists<p/> <p>David Hockney<p/> <p>Naïve Artists<p/> <p>Art showing a Sport<p/> <p>Railway Art<p/> <p>Art with Mirrors<p/> <p>Gold<p/> <p>Caravaggio<p/> <p>Bruegel<p/> <p>El Greco<p/> <p>Carlo Crivelli<p/> <p>Japanese Art<p/> <p>Britta Marakatt-Labba<p/> <p>Ukrainian Art<p/> <p>Landscapes<p/> <p>BMAG exhibn Found Cities Lost Objects<p/> <p>William Kentridge<p/> <p>Egyptian Surrealism<p/> <p>Celebrations<p/> <p>Andy Warhol<p/> <p>Picasso<p/> <p>Gerhart Richter<p/> <p>Figures Viewed from Behind<p/> <p>Jeff Koons<p/> <p>African Art Now part 1<p/> <p>African Art Now part 2<p/> <p>Weather<p/> <p>Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres<p/> <p>Game of Cards<p/> <p>Turner Prize Winners<p/> <p>Propaganda Art<p/> <p>Frans Hals (National Gallery)<p/> <p>Victorian Radicals (Exhibition at Gas Hall)<p/> <p>Ferdinand Hodler<p/> <p>Cliche Art eg Mona Lisa, Sunflowers, The Scream<p/> <p>Architecture of an Art Gallery and one work it contains<p/> </body> </html>

Art Appreciation 3     

Meets Monthly, last Tuesday am
Normally starts 10:30 to 00:00
Details Our group discusses art in all its forms, modern and historical, paintings and sculpture. Sometimes we explore the work of a particular Artist, such as Lowrie or discuss an artistic theme, such as landscapes. The group also does not shy away from controversial art, for example The Slave Ship by Turner.

Book Group 1     

Meets Monthly, second Tuesday am
Normally starts 11:00 to 00:00
Details The group meets on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 11.00. This group is, unfortunately, full. .

Book Group 2     

Meets Monthly, last Thursday am
Normally starts 10:30 to 12:00
Details This group meets on the last Thursday of the month at 10.30 in Fletchers bar on York Road; occasionally they might stay for lunch in the Kitchen Garden cafe. Members of the group recommend books. The GL keeps a record of these suggestions and asks at the library in order to get a full set for the group. A range of literature is read and the discussion is always lively - though they do not always agree about whether or not they enjoyed them. This has been a very stable group for many years; sadly there is no room for new members.

Book Group 3     

Meets 4th Friday of the month
Normally starts 11:00 to 13:00
Details This group meets in each other's homes

Book Group 4     

Meets Monthly, 3rd Wednesday am
Normally starts 10:00 to 12:00
Details <!DOCTYPE html> <html> <body> <p>Our books:</p> <p>2013<p/> <p>The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga<p/> <p>The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins<p/> <p>A Perfectly Good Man by Patrick Gale<p/> <p>The Finkler Question by Howard Jacobson<p/> <p>Back When We Were Grown-Ups by Anne Tyler<p/> <p>The Kashmir Shawl by Rosie Thomas<p/> <p>Not Married Not Bothered by Carol Clewlow<p/> <p>The Return by Victoria Hislop<p/> <p>Dominion by C J Sansom<p/> <p>The Garden of Evening Mists by Tan Twan Eng<p/> <p>The Lady and the Unicorn by Tracy Chevalier<p/> <p>2014<p/> <p>The Long Song by Andrea Levy<p/> <p>Case Histories by Kate Atkinson<p/> <p>The Gathering Night by Margaret Elphinstone<p/> <p>Homeland by Clare Francis<p/> <p>Monsignor Quixote by Graham Greene<p/> <p>The Hanging Shed by Gordon Ferris<p/> <p>The Suspicions of Mr Whicher by Kate Summerscale<p/> <p>Wives and Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell<p/> <p>Lucky Jim by Kingsley Amis<p/> <p>Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez<p/> <p>2015</p> <p>The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbary<p/> <p>Me Before You by Jojo Moyes<p/> <p>The Pursuit of Love by Nancy Mitford<p/> <p>The Universe Versus Alex Woods by Gavin Extence<p/> <p>This Boy by Alan Johnson<p/> <p>The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society By Mary Ann Shaffer<p/> <p>The Road Home by Rose Tremain<p/> <p>There But For The by Ali Smith<p/> <p>And the Mountains Echoed by Khalid Hosseini<p/> <p>Harvest by Jim Crace<p/> <p>Saturday by Ian McEwan<p/> <p>The Thread by Victoria Hislpo<p/> <p>The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett<p/> <p>2016</p> <p>The Other Side of the Bridge by Mary Lawson<p/> <p>The Girl Who Fell From the Sky by Simon Mawer<p/> <p>Black Water Rising by Attica Locke<p/> <p>Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier<p/> <p>How It All Began by Penelope Lively<p/> <p>Burial Rites by Hannah Kent<p/> <p>Madame Bovary by Gustav Flaubert<p/> <p>The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion<p/> <p>Shame Travels by Jasvinda Sanghera<p/> <p>The Farm by Tom Rob Smith<p/> <p>Any Human Heart by William Boyd<p/> <p>The Peppered Moth by Margaret Drabble</p> <p>2017</p> <p>The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon</p> <p>Submission by Michel Houellebecq</p> <p>The Vegetarian by Han Kang</p> <p>Merivel: A Man of his Time by Rose Tremain</p> <p>The Bookseller of Kabul by Åsne Seierstad</p> <p>Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe</p> <p>The Trouble with Goats and Sheep by Joanna Cannon</p> <p>The Last Runaway by Tracy Chevalier</p> <p>Germinal by Emile Zola</p> <p>The Unexpected Inheritance of Inspector Chopra by Vaseem Khan</p> <p>An Officer and a Spy by Robert Harris</p> <p>The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey</p> <p>2018<p/> <p>The Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry</p> <p>After You by Jo Jo Moyes</p> <p>The Buried Giant by Kazuo Ishiguru</p> <p>The Silk Merchant’s Daughter by Dinah Jefferies</p> <p>Priscilla: The Hidden Life of an Englishwoman in Wartime France by Nicholas Shakespeare</p> <p>Dream of the Red Chamber by Cao Xueqin</p> <p>Number 11 by Jonathan Coe</p> <p>The Good People by Hannah Kent</p> <p>Conclave by Robert Harris</p> <p>The Shipping News by Annie Proulx</p> <p>The Chilbury Ladies’ Choir by Jennifer Ryan</p> <p>The Rooster Bar by John Grisham</p> <p>2019<p/> <p>Troubles by JG Farrell</p> <p>The Sea by John Banville</p> <p>A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway</p> <p>Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman</p> <p>The Essex Serpent by Sarah Perry</p> <p>The Dark Circle by Linda Grant<p/> <p>Munich by Robert Harris<p/> <p>To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee<p/> <p>Birdcage Walk by Helen Dunmore<p/> <p>He Said She Said by Erin Kelly<p/> <p>Fingers in the Sparkle Jar by Chris Packham<p/> <p>Own choice of poetry<p/> <p>2020</p> <p>A Single Thread by Tracy Chevalier<p/> <p>The Cleaner of Chartres by Salley Vickers<p/> <p>Home Fire by Kamila Shamsie<p/> <p>Never Let Me Go by Kasuo Ishiguro<p/> <p>The Daughter of Time by Josephine Tey<p/> <p>Silas Marner by George Eliot<p/> <p>Dissolution by C.J. Sansom<p/> <p>Five Quarters of the Orange by Joanne Harris<p/> <p>2021<p/> <p>The Pigeon Tunnel by John le Carré<p/> <p>The Other Side of You by Salley Vickers<p/> <p>The Man Who Didn't Call by Rosie Walsh<p/> <p>A Man Named Ove by Fridrick Backman<p/> <p>The Running Hare by John Lewis-Stempel<p/> <p>Frankenstein by Mary Shelley<p/> <p>Unsheltered by Barbara Kingsolver<p/> <p>Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell<p/> <p>White Teeth by Zadie Smith<p/> <p>The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes<p/> <p>White Gold by Giles Milton<p/> <p>The Mermaid of Black Conch by Monique Roffey<p/> <p>2022<p/> <p>Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens<p/> <p>The Purple Plain by H.E. Bates<p/> <p>Exit West by Mohsin Hamid<p/> <p>Under the Eagle by Simon Scarrow<p/> <p>The Winter Ghosts by Kate Mosse<p/> <p>The Sunrise by Victoria Hislop<p/> <p>Ice Cold in Alex by Christopher Landon<p/> <p>Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan<p/> <p>Perfume by Patrick Suskind<p/> <p>Enduring Love by Ian McEwan<p/> <p>Right Ho Jeeves by PG Woodhouse<p/> <p>How to Stop Time by Matt Haig<p/> <p>2023<p/> <p>Exciting Times by Naoise Dolan<p/> <p>Educated by Tara Westover<p/> <p>Le Freak: An upside down story of family... by Nile Rodgers<p/> <p>Crow Lake by Mary Lawson<p/> <p>Autumn by Ali Smith<p/> <p>A gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles<p/> <p>Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart<p/> <p>The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida by Shehan Karunatilaka<p/> <p>The Keeper of Stories by Sally Page<p/> <p>Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman<p/> <p>The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje<p/> <p>The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak<p/> <p>Lucy by the Sea by Elizabeth Strout<p/> <p>Bournville by Jonathan Coe<p/> </body> </html>

Book Group 5     

Meets Third Friday of the month
Normally starts 14:30 to 16:00
Details This group reads fiction. It reads widely and in different genres, and always in paperback. Members particularly enjoy contemporary fiction including novels in translation; all contribute suggestions for books. The group often reads fiction that has been long- or short-listed or has won major book awards such as the Booker. Discussions are always lively, with all participating, and different views are welcomed. This group is currently full.

Book Group 6     

Meets Monthly: fourth Friday of the month
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:00
Details This group now meets face to face in homes. At the moment they have no vacancies.

Book Group 7     

Meets 1st Friday of the month 2pm
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:00
Details No spaces for new members at present. This group meets in homes. We read a variety of genres, and members discuss, and choose, which books we will read at the beginning of a year.

Bridge 3     

Meets Fortnightly, 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month
Normally starts 10:00 to 12:00
Details This group is for intermediate to experienced Bridge players. There may be spaces for new members who know the game. If you are interested in joining this group please email the group leader.

Choir     

Meets Choir meets weekly on Mondays
Normally starts 14:15 to 16:00
Details Choir meets during term time only, 2.15-4pm at St Columba's in Moseley. New members are welcome. We ask potential new members to contact us before coming along to a rehearsal. This then allows us to make sure that we have copies of the music ready. We will restart rehearsals after our Easter break on Monday, 8 April 2024

Circle Dancing     

Meets 2nd and 4th Thursdays 2 to 4pm
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:00
Details We will dance in a circle to delightfully varied music, coming from different countries and times. Some steps will be traditional, some modern. The dances can be fun, joyful, simple, energetic or meditative. Dances will be taught and walked through first. Good for mind, body and soul!! No partners needed!

Complementary Therapies     

Meets Monthly, 1st Monday am
Normally starts 11:00 to 12:00
Details This group has a keen interest in Complementary Therapies and occasionally have a speaker. They have run practical sessions such as seated yoga and Tai Chi, as well as discussing nutrition, health and complementary therapies which can help with various medical conditions. They occasionally meet at the Hazelwell Hub.

Creative Writing     

Meets 1st Tuesday pm
Details The group meets face to face, using email to circulate the monthly writing completed by its members in advance of the meeting. There is no expectation of previous experience; simply a desire to improve or even to begin creative writing be that fiction or verse. Meetings typically employ both a short exercise exploring some specific aspect of creative writing and feedback on each others submissions for the month to generate discussion. Topics covered have included: show not tell, points of view, scene setting, using your own experiences and the use of visual triggers, to name but a few of the recurring themes. This group is not about teaching how, it is about helping; to explore the possibilities, to improve your writing and sharing the enjoyment of creative writing for its own sake. AIM: To become a better writer! OBJECTIVES: To gain in confidence in writing To learn to feel OK exploring different styles of writing or subjects or genres: sometimes writing outside one’s comfort zone To encourage one another’s writing with positive criticism so everyone progresses To gain insight into one’s writing strengths and weaknesses House Rules: Respect everyone’s varied skill/experience level Listen to each other fairly: one person speaking at a time Treat as confidential anything which is shared in the group No dissemination outside the group (authors’ copyright) Be aware that extraneous reminiscences can be distracting Stick to the agreed word limit Send writing in advance by email if possible; bring copies Feedback constructively Enjoy! Unfortunately this group is currently full but we would be more than happy to share our experiences with anyone looking to establish another group.

Crown Green Bowling     

Meets Meets weekly on Thursdays
Normally starts 10:00 to 12:00
Details This is a Crown Green bowling group which plays all year round (winter bowling is decided annually). Summer sessions (April to September) are held between 10 am to 12 noon. In winter, sessions are between 11am to 1pm. We will help anybody who is new to the game or who wants to return to playing. There are qualified coaches available at these sessions, which are held at the Woodlands Social and Bowling Club, College Road, Moseley. There will be a website soon, as it is currently being worked on. Other bowling times can be available by arrangement. Come along and give it a go, it's fun! Flat soled shoes are mandatory but all other gear can be provided. There is a small charge for each session.

Digital Photography     

Meets Monthly, 2nd Monday pm
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:00
Details A group learning the art & craft of digital photography by getting out and about with a camera make pictures on a monthly project theme. Encourages development of observation, imagination, composition skills and an understanding of the technology of photography and computer editing. Our monthly outings include a cafe stop for a chat about pictures circulated in the previous month. This group currently has no vacancies

Discussion of Current Issues     

Meets Twice a month, 1st and 3rd Friday am
Normally starts 10:00 to 12:00
Details This is a strictly non-party-political group that explores current issues together in a friendly and pleasant atmosphere. Members volunteer to introduce the topic under discussion which is decided amongst the group. Discussion of Current issues took a break over the summer but resumed their meetings from Friday 15 September. There may be vacancies in this group: please contact the Group Leader if you are interested in finding out more.

French Book Group     

Meets Second Monday of the month
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:00
Details This group meets monthly, and operates like a conventional reading group, though members read and discuss a book written in French. Occasionally, the group might watch French films or a French DVD together, and then discuss what they have seen. Their first book will be Le Jeune Homme by Annie Ernaux. There has been significant interest shown in joining this group, and it is currently full.

French Conversation 1     

Meets Fortnightly, 1st and 3rd Tuesday pm
Normally starts 14:30 to 16:30
Details This group meets in the leader's home

French Improvers Conversation     

Meets Fortnightly 1st and 3rd Tuesdays pm
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:00
Details We usually meet in person, but do very occasionally use Zoom. We meet at Lorne Court at 2pm on the 1st & 3rd Tuesdays of the month. The group is currently full and we have a short waiting list.

French Intermediate 2     

Meets Fortnightly, Monday pm
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:00
Details We are a small, friendly group who meet fortnightly in our own homes to converse in French. We discuss whatever interests us eg our families, holidays, museum or theatre visits or items in the news. There is a range of abilities and levels of confidence among the group, but we help each other and are not afraid to make mistakes! We usually maintain speaking in French for most of the meeting but will change into English when necessary and will look words up on the phone or in the dictionary if we need to. This group is currently open to new members.

Gallery visits 1     

Meets 2nd Wednesday of the month am
Normally starts 10:00 to 12:00
Details A small group exploring mainly 20th century art, photography and sculpture with visits to galleries in the Midlands. Sometimes the group ventures further afield, travelling to exhibitions in London, Manchester and Liverpool. The group always uses public transport. Members view Art and then enjoy discussing it over coffee or lunch. Venues are always decided democratically. This group is currently full.

Gallery Visits 2     

Meets Third week of the month, days to vary
Normally starts 10:30 to 00:00
Details This is a new group (February 2024) Their first outing was to the IKON Gallery int February, and they intend to meet on the third week of the month on various days. This group is now full.

Gardening     

Meets Monthly, 1st Thursday am.
Details The Gardening Group arranges a monthly programme of talks and visits to places of interest to gardeners - some local, others further afield. Our talks are held in Kings Heath or Moseley. Visits in 2023 included Hill Close Gardens (Warwick), Sezincote, Edgbaston Guinea gardens and RHS Wisley. Members travel independently, though lifts can sometimes be arranged. Sharing of knowledge and experience over a cuppa and cake is encouraged! This year's programme includes Batsford Arboretum, Packwood House Garden and a coach trip to Kew. There are spaces for new members, so for more details and a copy of the programme, please contact the Group Leader

German Advanced Conversation     

Meets Fortnightly, the 2nd and 4th Thursday am
Normally starts 10:00 to 12:00
Details The group discuss, in German, topics of interest to the members, and may use texts from ‘Deutsche Welle’, an online German course, or texts from 'Der Spiegel’, a German magazine. Occasionally, members of the group bring their own resources. Most of the group are competent German speakers and can cope with topics/texts beyond A-level. If there is a need or a wish, grammatical exercises can be included. The leader will usually set 'homework' which people are free to complete or not. The group has resumed face to face meetings. It is, unfortunately, full at the current time.

German Next Steps     

Meets 1st and 3rd Thursdays 2.30-4pm
Normally starts 14:00 to 15:30
Details This group's general level of ability is around 'O' level standard. The focus is on speaking German, either having prepared something in advance on a theme, or there might be a general conversation which covers a wide range of topics. At the current time the group is full.

Greener Gardening     

Meets Monthly, last Wednesday of the month
Normally starts 14:00 to 15:30
Details Also meets out and about.This is a group that will focus on hands on organic gardening, with an emphasis on growing fruit and vegetables as well as flowers. It includes sharing experiences and also some visits to gardens and allotments that demonstrate these principles. We will be keen to encourage wildlife in gardens and maintain a healthy balance with the natural environment. We will have occasional speakers with experience of this kind of gardening.

History - General     

Meets Monthly, 3rd Thursday pm
Normally starts 13:30 to 15:30
Details This group meets on the third Thursday of every month at 1.30 pm at the Friends’ Meeting House in Kings Heath. We currently have 23 members, but as we all enjoy time away as well usually about 16 people come to a meeting and we will happily welcome more to the group. We ask members to pay £3.00 per session to cover costs of room hire and refreshments. Each December the group agrees theme/s for the following year. Although we work to a general theme, we try to make each session a ‘stand-alone’ so if someone has missed a session they are not disadvantaged in future sessions. Various members contribute to presenting a topic, but none are obliged to do so; it is entirely voluntary. Some use powerpoint, some read from a script – we’re happy with whatever people feel comfortable with! In 2023 we are looking at Empires. We can't cover them all so members present on one, or an aspect of one which has fired their imagination. We aim to make each session stand alone, so if you miss one there's no problem catching up for the next.

History - Local     

Meets Third Friday of the month
Details Meeting locations as arranged

Italian Conversation 1     

Meets Fortnightly, 1st Monday am and 3rd Tuesday
Normally starts 10:30 to 12:30
Details We meet in the mornings of the first Monday and the third Tuesday of each month, taking it in turns to host in our homes. Group members have varying levels of experience in speaking Italian, some have done more formal learning in the past, others have dipped into Duolingo – what we have in common is an interest In Italy, some having relatives living there, others simply enjoying the scenery, art and food of the country. We may just chat, or we may listen to an audio or watch a programme in Italian. Sessions are relaxing and sociable, allowing us to get to know each other better and develop friendships.

Italian Conversation 2     

Meets Fortnightly, 1st and 3rd Tuesday am
Normally starts 10:00 to 11:30
Details Italian Conversation 2 runs on a shared, democratic basis, which works very well. After covid restrictions were relaxed, the group moved to the Kitchen Garden Cafe, feeling safe in a public space. We regret that this group is currently full, but they would be very willing to help others set up their own group

Jazz Appreciation 1     

Meets Last Monday pm
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:00
Details This group meets monthly, usually at the Leader's home, listening to, and discussing, a wide range of jazz. They also go to gigs and have had speakers from the Jazz Studies Department of Birmingham City University. They have also visited the National Jazz Archive there. This group is currently full.

Jazz Appreciation 2     

Meets First Thursday of the Month
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:00
Details A friendly and informal group hoping to broaden our knowledge of jazz through listening to and discussing music

Lunches     

Meets various, as advised
Details The lunch group is a social activity to which over 60 members are signed up and typically 40 – 45 people join a lunch. We go to various restaurants mainly in Moseley/Kings Heath and the City Centre. In the last year we have been to the College of Food where a three course lunch has cost £16.00 plus drinks and service (we expect costs to rise in the coming year). The food is to a high standard and members have enjoyed these lunches greatly. We aim to go to this venue 3 times each year and also to another restaurant/s at least once a year. Each lunch has to be fully funded by members who have signed up for the event. Some venues require a deposit to be paid in advance, which is done through the group leader, and many charge the full cost of the meal if there is a late cancellation. In these circumstances if a member who has booked a meal is unable to come for any reason, they will have to meet the full cost. If you wish to be informed of future lunches, please contact Carey.

Mah Jong     

Meets TBA
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:00
Details This is a fledgling group at the moment; eight persons have expressed an interest which would be adequate to run two games simultaneously. Initial conversations have suggested that a monthly meeting in participant’s homes is a likely pattern for going forward. If you might be interested in joining please contact the Group Leader.

Painting-Drawing     

Meets Fortnightly, 1st and 3rd Tuesday pm
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:00
Details This group resumed meetings in January 2023. They meet on the first and third Tuesday of the month, from 2pm to 4pm, at the Friends Meeting House in Kings Heath. New members are welcome. If you are interested, come along and see us!

Patchwork -Crafts     

Meets Monthly, last Thursday
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:00
Details This was originally set up as a patchwork group, but is now far more flexible. Members bring their own projects to work on. Some may be interested in sewing, others bring knitting or crochet, or whichever crafts they might be pursuing at the time. This is a friendly and accessible group: come and join us!

Plays and Poetry     

Meets Monthly, 1st Friday afternoon.
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:30
Details Each session is divided into two, with refreshments half way through. In the first hour or so, we discuss a selection of poems or a single long poem; in the second hour we discuss a play. Poetry and plays are chosen from across the centuries: from Wyatt and Donne to Wordsworth and Stevie Smith; from Shakespeare and Chekhov to Beckett and Timberlake Wertenbaker.

Poetry Appreciation     

Meets Monthly, the 2nd Friday am
Normally starts 10:00 to 12:00
Details We share our enjoyment of poetry by taking it in alternate turns to focus on a theme or a poet. These are submitted to me so I can send a list out for research in readiness. On the day we read our poem and the ensuing discussion focusses on personal response rather than academic Lit.Crit. We socialise with a coffee break half way through. To help cover room hire we pay an AVC.

Rowing     

Meets Weekly, Mondays am
Normally starts 10:00 to 12:00
Details This group is for anyone who would like to row for enjoyment, we welcome both newcomers who would like to learn to row, and anyone who has rowed before and would like to restart. The group is based at Birmingham Rowing Club on Edgbaston Reservoir. Members will have to join BRC for insurance purposes.

Science     

Meets Twice a month, 2nd and 4th Thursdays pm
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:00
Details We hold meetings on current issues in science and have some presentations by specialists. Occasionally we study a book or view videos. We are happy to welcome new members!

Scrabble     

Meets Monthly, 2nd and 4th Fridays pm
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:00
Details Since the pandemic we have played Scrabble online. We regret that this group is full

Scrabble, face to face     

Meets Last Thursday of the month
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:00
Details This is a new group, who play Scrabble face to face. A small group at the moment, new members would be very welcome.Please contact the Group Leader for more details.

Socialist Perspectives     

Meets Monthly 2nd and 4th Friday pm
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:00
Details Group members lead discussions on specific topics and on current affairs from a socialist perspective. A limited number of spaces for new members.

Spanish Beginners     

Meets Thursday mornings
Normally starts 10:00 to 11:00
Details This group meets on Thursday mornings, at 10am, in the cafe at Kings Heath Park. There are currently vacancies in this group

Spanish Intermediate     

Meets Fortnightly Tuesdays am
Normally starts 10:00 to 11:30
Details This group met weekly on Zoom through lockdown, but has now returned to fortnightly meetings. They meet on alternate Tuesday mornings from 10-11.30am in Fletchers Bar, just behind the Kitchen Garden Cafe in Kings Heath. This is a cohesive group; several members have relatives or properties in Spain which encourages them to keep learning the language. This group currently has no spaces.

Talk Film     

Meets Wednesdays, weekly in term time.
Normally starts 13:00 to 16:00
Details Our film group meets more or less weekly in term time and in 2024 the group resumed meeting on 10th January. After a break for Easter, there will be eight sessions, starting on Wednesday, 10th April. The group break for half term on 29th May and will finish on 5th June. The group watch a film together and then discuss it, looking at its historical and political context, and we also consider its cinematic quality. We have themes for our terms: previous themes have included Hitchcock films, women directors, comedies and European films. Our themes are decided by Alan, who is a retired university lecturer in film studies. He also provides the DVDs which we watch. Please note the change of venue! There is a small charge for attending these sessions, currently set at £2.

Theatre Trips     

Meets TBC as theatre trips are booked
Details Trips to local theatres to watch a variety of plays, including musicals, are organised. Members of the group can decide which productions they wish to attend. Members are not expected to go on every theatre trip, but once you have confirmed you want to go you will be expected to pay for your ticket. You can however sell your ticket to another member of U3A.

Ukulele for Fun     

Meets 2nd and last Tuesday 10am to12pm
Normally starts 10:00 to 12:00
Details The Ukulele for Fun Group meets twice a month and would welcome new members. If you already play or have an interest in learning the ukulele you may wish to join this group. Many of the group had never played the ukulele before joining us and are now able to play a wide range of songs. It may be possible to borrow a ukulele for the session if you would like to try it. This group is all about having fun, playing and singing together. Please contact the Group Leader if you are interested.

Walking -Nordic Style     

Meets Weekly, Mondays am
Normally starts 10:00 to 11:00
Details The Nordic Walking Group meets on a weekly basis. Its walkers feel that it's a great way to start the week, as it provides an enhanced workout for the upper body as well as legs. A fun social activity which is enjoyed all year round, there are currently a couple of spaces available, though any prospective member MUST attend a proper training course in order to learn how to walk correctly. Poles can be borrowed in the first instance. Contact the Group Leader for more details.

Walking 3 miles     

Meets Twice a month, 2nd and 4th Monday am
Normally starts 10:30 to 12:00
Details Walks are usually circular, starting and ending in our local area, mostly accessible on bus routes. They are gentle walks, without stiles, and on good paths. We end with a coffee/lunch at a cafe or pub. We have about 15 walks which we repeat. Walks are led by several members with the leader organising emails and so on.

Walking 4-5 miles 1     

Meets Monthly, 1st Tuesday am
Normally starts 10:15 to 12:30
Details Walks are all circular, some in the countryside with stiles, with some in parks and green spaces which would be mostly in the winter months. A pub lunch is usual at the end of our walks. At the moment this group is, unfortunately, full.

Walking 4-5 miles 2     

Meets Monthly, 2nd Monday am
Normally starts 10:15 to 00:00
Details Our walks are within an hour of Kings Heath and take place in both rural and urban settings. Whilst we try to avoid too many stiles we do come across a few when walking in the countryside. All group members are expected to organise at least one and more likely two walks each year and we partner up for this. This is a really friendly group which meets occasionally to socialise.

Walking 5-7 miles     

Meets Weekly on Tuesdays
Normally starts 10:15 to 00:00
Details This group walks weekly on Tuesdays, meeting at the starting point at 10am for a 10.15 start. There is no obligation to lead a walk though most people do so! We hope that everyone who feels able to will do this. There is no fixed distance limit to travel to the start of a walk and, although it is usually less, an hour's travel time would be the maximum. Car sharing is encouraged. During the walk, the group will have a stop for a drink and snack. If you are interested in joining this group, more information is available to anyone who contacts the Group Leader, Julia Frances. There are currently two vacancies in this group.

Walking 8-10 miles     

Meets 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month 10am
Normally starts 10:00 to 00:00
Details We meet in a variety of places, largely North Worcestershire, Warwickshire Broadway & surrounding areas, but sometimes further afield. We cover a variety of terrain including public footpaths, disused railway lines, canal & river paths etc. We walk over hills and on the flat. If you are a keen walker over this distance, please come and join us. We encourage car sharing and are a friendly group. Although we have our maximum number at present please make contact to have a chat.

Would-be Writers     

Meets 3rd Wednesday of the month
Normally starts 10:30 to 12:30
Details A group for would-be writers in any genre, with or without experience. The aim of the group is for members to offer encouragement and, if requested, positive criticism, to work brought to meetings by members. This group has recommenced face to face meetings, after the covid epidemic, at The Shires on the Wake Green Road, which is a great venue!