to ask if anyone with knowledge of Birmingham knows of activities that would appeal to over 45 year olds?

[CreativeRain]

I've been asked to organise some activities - can be anything - as part of my new role working for a community group that arranges and partly funds nice things to do for people aged 45 to 65. The people, men and women, aren't particularly needy - just need to get out and about more.

Can be daytime or evening activities/events/whatever.

I've asked the group themselves and they've struggled to come up with ideas other than pub and cinema.

Any ideas?

[MadeInChorley]

Check out what's on at the Moseley Arts Centre. There's usually comedy nights. Also the Folk Festival. And there are walking tours of the city - you don't have to be a tourist to do them and you learn lots.

[OneFlewOverTheDodosNest]

Try the Back to Backs - that's pretty fascinating for an afternoon's visit (plus good local pubs).

There are some wonderful canalside walks around Birmingham as well (complete with the obligatory pub stops)

[WeirdCatLady]

Back to backs
Birmingham hipporome theatre
Black Country museum
West Midlands safari park
Thinktank
Birmingham museum and art gallery
Midlands arts centre
Bowling
Ice skating
Canal barge trip
Sea life centre
Tolkein trail

[WeirdCatLady]

Ironbridge
Jewellery quarter
Trip to garden centre
Botanical gardens

Have a look on birmingham.gov.uk for events and activities

[CreativeRain]

Thanks for all your ideas.

[sconequeen]

AIBU as a 50 year old (though not in Birmingham) to object to someone thinking that I need special activities identified for me just because I am aged over 45? I didn't turn into a different person on my 45th birthday - I like the same kind of things I did when I was younger and my hobbies/activities are defined not by my age but by the things I am interested in and like doing. And my 79 year old mother feels the same way!

Sorry for the rant - I am sure this is a great project but I just HATE all the "special activities for over-50s" stuff I see cropping up everywhere implying that we need to be treated differently from younger people. I still feel young and am not ready for my zimmer frame quite yet. Good luck with putting a programme together, however, and hope you get a good response!

[Behindthepaintedgarden]

I find the 45 thing a bit strange as well. 45 year olds are surely mainly mobile and fit and able to organise their own social lives or find clubs and groups to join according to their interests?

[lifelorn]

I am over 60 and have quite a few hobbies etc organised visits with like minded people would be interesting: museum talks, horticultural garden visits, theatre trips. Yes I could do those things alone but widening opportunities would help to stop people becoming insular.

[LurkingHusband]

Black Sabbath trail ?

[CreativeRain]

scone and behind I take your point - was just looking for some inspiration and thought describing the group I work with, without giving too much away to out me, would be helpful. We're not for instance a parent and toddler group.

[auntynorm]

Friday evening rush hour blues (but is actually a wide range of music) free at the symphony hall; check bmag out for exhibitions and special events such as a night at the museum; mac always has stuff on. Could consider linking up with the u3a they organised lots of activities that they may welcome extra etc

[taxi4ballet]

The Royal Academy of Dance runs workshops for adults in Birmingham, including for people with little/no experience.

[Brummiegirl15]

Look at //www.visitbirmingham.com

But I echo previous posters. So much to do in my fab city!!!

[ilovemargaretatwood8931]

I went on a wonderful barge day trip on the canal in Birmingham, brilliant for all ages. There's loads to do activity wise round the canals, have a look at this webpage- canalrivertrust.org.uk/see-and-do

Good luck! Birmingham's great!

[UptheChimney]

AIBU as a 50 year old (though not in Birmingham) to object to someone thinking that I need special activities identified for me just because I am aged over 45?

Snap!

In fact I probably know more about how to get out & about, and things to do in quite a few towns all over the world than a 30 year old.

Sheesh, what an ageist set of assumptions in the OP.

[Royalsighness]

Cocktails at the prince of wales in Moseley

[Mocheenee]

Black Sabbath trail ....hee hee love it !!

[ilovesooty]

what an ageist set of assumptions in the OP

To be fair to her she just described the remit of the group - I doubt she decided it.

My cousin was best man at Black Sabbath's drummer's wedding.

[Jacana]

Sunday 22nd we're all going to the Arcadian Centre to watch the Chinese New Year stuff going on, starts 11.30am I think. Any good?

[ZeroFunDame]

I also want to rail against the terrible picture painted of "over 45s". But - although you say your group are "not particularly needy" - if they live in or close to Birmingham and genuinely have such limited knowledge of its infinite resources I guess they must need some help.

I'll suggest the things I usually suggest for Birmingham entertainment:

The Barber Institute (a short drive/bus out of the city.) Always seems to have talks and events happening as well as being a major, spectacular art gallery.

The Ikon Gallery in the city centre - totally contemporary and fun.

The Birmingham Contemporary Music Group is close by. Just the best (small orchestral) musical experiences you could hope to experience.

Mooch around Selfridges. Mooch around Harvey Nichols. No requirement to buy anything.

Take a look at the new Library (and tell me what it's like.)

I'm pretty sure there's also at least one theatre showing primarily new work (rather than just tired sparkly stuff). You could probably organise reduced, group tickets.

You could even get them to sign up to writing courses.

Or block book a genealogist.

Or start a photography project ...

I hope you can help your group find some new interests. I know I have infinitely more interests and entertainment resources than I did 20 years ago.

[MagnetsOnItsTail]

How about hillwalking? Clent, Waseley and Lickey Hills are all fairly close to Birmingham and aren't too taxing.

[MabelSideswipe]

As a tourist in Birmingham... Oh yes I know how to live. I enjoyed the jewellery Quarter, the botanical garden and the art gallery....and the shops.

[BackforGood]

The Magical World of Harry Potter, 19 February, 11am, Studio Theatre, Library of Birmingham, £3 adults, £1 children and £5 for 5 people

Have you ever wanted to step into the magical world of the Harry Potter books? Join the ‘Professor of Potter’ and his plucky assistant as they bring to life the characters, creatures, spells and adventures from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

For more information, please visit www.libraryofbirmingham.com/event/Events/harrypotter-feb2015 or call 303 6685.


International Mother Language Day, 21 February, 11am-3pm, Room 101, Library of Birmingham, £3.50

Birmingham is home to more than 100 languages. Celebrating this diversity, the Library of Birmingham brings together poets of all ages to explore this wonderful theme. Join in an exciting day of cultural learning and sharing. Suitable for anyone 16 plus.

For more information, please visit www.libraryofbirmingham.com/event/Events/internationalmotherlanguageday-2015 or call 303 6691.



Chinese New Year, 22 February, 11.30am-5.30pm (stage from 12.20pm), Arcadian Centre, Hurst Street, free

Birmingham's Chinese community welcomes in the Year of the Sheep. The Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee, in partnership with the council, is producing an afternoon of Chinese music, dance, stalls and children’s rides. The day begins with the traditional lion dance and firecrackers – getting the proceedings started off with a bang!

For more information, please visit www.cnybirmingham.org.uk/ or call 303 3008.


A Cartoon History of Here, 24 February, 7pm-8.30pm, Studio Theatre, Library of Birmingham, from £10

Comedy, cartoonery and poetry! Take part in a unique live-action cartoon created by the audience with Yorkshire poet, broadcaster and comedian Ian McMillan and Cartoonist of the Year Tony Husband. A fast-flowing adventure: reflecting upon local stories and legends.

For more information, please visit www.libraryofbirmingham.com/event/Events/cartoonhistory or call 0121 303 6661.


Cycle Forum, 25 February, 5.30pm-6.30pm (marketplace); 6.30pm-8pm (general update session), Birmingham Midland Institute

The Cycle Forum will be updating cyclists, and those interested in cycling, with upcoming plans and will be generally discussing cycling in the city.

If you’re interested in attending, please email [email protected]


Next Joseph Chamberlain Lecture – Financing the Future? Devolution or bust? by Professor Tony Travers, 5 March, 1.30pm (for 2pm start) till 4pm, The Mac

This session will look at the future for local government with (and without) devolution – and how local authorities will need to change and develop to embrace devolved powers and responsibilities. How will local government be run, both politically and administratively? What will the changes be – and how will they impact businesses and citizens alike?

As in previous lectures, there will be an opportunity for staff to participate, comment and develop the themes which Professor Travers highlights.

To book, please email [email protected]

j

[BackforGood]

There really are so many thousands of things.

I too am a bit about this group of people, just grouped by age, but not needy, yet needing someone to find stuff for them to do.