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​South Solihull U3A​

What is U3A?

The U3A exists to provide a framework in which retired and semi-retired people from all backgrounds can get involved in helping to create, join and run different learning-based activities. These improve our knowledge and skills, enhance our physical and mental well-being and keep us socially connected.
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Who are we?

South Solihull U3A are a lively and friendly group of 170 members, who meet in Bentley Heath Community Centre, Widney Road, Bentley Heath, Solihull, B93 9BQ every second Monday of the month (see Diary). Free parking is available on site and in the adjacent car park. We host a range of interesting speakers and offer a wide range of topics and activities managed by members as group coordinators (see Interest Groups). 

We are always open to new members - for further information please click  contact us

WE ARE NOT MEETING AT ALL AT THE MOMENT - WE WILL ANNOUNCE RECOMMENCEMENT HERE - MEANWHILE KEEP YOURSELF SAFE

Coronavirus is affecting us- if you have cancellations or news to announce let me know and I'll post it here - click here to send me an email

General Meetings at Bentley Heath Community Centre are cancelled for April, May and June
Philosophy - All future meetings are cancelled for the time being
Family History Group  Meeting planned for 23rd March cancelled
Local History Group - visit to the Sanctuary Church at Wotten Wawen in April - cancelled
Local History Group - May 13th Visit to Arbury Hall - cancelled
Lobal History Group - May 26th - Visit to Maxstoke Castle - cancelled
Walking Group - All forthcoming walk are cancelled

Film Group  - April Meeting - decision pending

Jazz Group - April Meeting - decision pending
Art Appreciation - The British Legion in Knowle is shut - so no April 1st meeting - also cancelled are St Chad’s Cathedral in May; The Oratory in June; and RBSA Gallery in July
Armchair Theatre - March Meeting cancelled but please watch out here for any news on our 28th April meeting
Go out for a walk but avoid being closer than 2 metres (6foot) from another person
Bake some biscuits
Set up a bird feeder, create a diary of what arrives  and when - some birds are quite choosy as to their meal times
Set aside a time to read a book
Phone a friend you haven't spoken to in ages
Write to someone you haven't written to for years
Form a research Group. Send me <johneveson.cix.co.uk> details of what you would like to do and I'll publish details for you. The internet has millions of pages of stuff to look at
Prepare a 5 minute speech on a subject dear to your heart to be presented when SSU3A resumes its meetings
**Contact Richard Batchelor if you would like to join a MOOC -Philosophy session
Read the manual for that camera, Ipad, iPhone, microwave that you always intended to do
Learn more about Word, Excel, or even Weebly and become an editor for our website
Learn a language -Try Duolingo ​https://www.duolingo.com/
**Some Open University short courses are available at (https://www.open.edu/openlearn/free-courses/full-catalogue 
**Sign up for the U3A National newsletter by clicking this link
** I have also received this Link from Mary Ing
https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/covid19-novel-coronavirus?utm_campaign=fl_march_2020&utm_medium=futurelearn_organic_email&utm_source=newsletter_segment&utm_term=200320_TAR_HP_0090_COVID&utm_content=copy
​NB** The virus can be spread on Filling Station - petrol pump nozzles - wear proper gloves or wrap nozzle in tissue, fill, dispose of the tissue AND after - WASH YOUR HANDS WELL

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Recent Additions to the "Things to do" list

Date added
Value
link
Detail
26th March
Member contribution from Pam Hunter
https://solihull.spydus.co.uk/
Free access for the duration to Ancestry.co.uk - you will need your current library card:
if your pin has been forgotten
email libraries@solihull.gov.uk

Some Exercise websites - links

 ** an Exercise page https://www.fitnessblender.com/videos/at-home-cardio-workout-with-no-equipment-why-we-dislike-gym-cardio-equipment

Qi Qong
** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzD4svzG9js
​** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c44pAYUZHx8
YOGA
** https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene 

​Please Note:  SSU3A accept no liability for information on these sites nor for any injury sustained by following any exercise

 NB If there are 2 stars at the beginning of an entry above this has come from a SSU3A member.
Please send me any ideas you might have to help ensure an active mind and body in these trying times and I'll publish them <click here>
Call back here as more ideas are coming in ---- thank you to all contributors  ----  keep ideas rolling in

Some words from Pope Francis
“Tonight before falling asleep, think about when we will return to the street.
When we hug again, when all the shopping together will seem like a party.
Let's think about when the coffees will return to the bar, the small talk, the photos close to each other.
We think about when it will be all a memory but normality will seem an unexpected and beautiful gift.
We will love everything that has so far seemed futile to us.
Every second will be precious.
Swims at the sea, the sun until late, sunsets, toasts, laughter.
We will go back to laughing together.
Strength and courage".

A Shared Learning Project

Middlefield Hospital 1866 - 1914 (also known as Midland Counties Idiot Asylum in its early years)

South Solihull and Dorridge U3A Social History Group was formed in 2018 to carry out local research as a shared learning project. We chose to look at the early history of Middlefield hospital, including the lives of some of the founders, staff and patients. Our booklet ' Middlefield 1866-1914' has now been published and will be available in Knowle and Solihull libraries and at Warwick Record's Office. There will also be a limited number of copies available to borrow from our Family and Local History groups. Owing to copyright reasons a commercial publication is not currently envisaged. The Group  gave a ​short talk to SSU3A Local History Group 1 in December 2019.  An expanded version of this is available here

A NEW SSU3A GROUP IS UP AND RUNNING (AND LISTENING)

​The Jazz Group would welcome a new member or two, We have had four meetings to date - so if you are interested in forming the group and formulating its format and future please contact: John Eveson

"ARMCHAIR THEATRE GROUP 2"

We are  a recently formed group and meet on the last Tuesday of the month at 14:00.  There are 9 members at present, but not all members are available each month. 
If you are interested in joining us then please contact Helen Woodcock

Please read this​

Interest has been expressed in:
​ Italian. Poetry and Current Affairs.
If you're interested, in forming a group, including any of the above please contact Kris Clark ​

An updated U3A WEBSITE

www.u3a.org.uk

The U3A National Website has been revamped.  Click the link to the left to log in.  All previous logins to the MEMBERS AREA have been deleted so if you have not recently logged in  you'll need to login again by pressing the button: CREATE ACCOUNT