to wonder what on earth people in their 50s can do in Birmingham

[lilleyflowers]

I'm in my 50s and live near Birmingham, and I'm newly single. I've no desire to dash off into a new relationship, but I need some help in getting my social life and leisure time sorted. I don't really have any friends to do things with and everything seems geared towards younger people >

I work, but feel in need of a few interests/ways to meet new people - prepared to have a go at anything.

Thoughts?

An evening class maybe? A running group? Erm...

What sort of things are you into?

A choir? Book group? Talks at the art galleries if ou enjoy that stuff? Try and find via internet a group in your area that organises soical events. Most cities have them.

Join a rambling/ walking club?

Good luck.

Quite a few things going on at the Barber Institute of Fine Arts, at the university.

Failed to link but google Spice Birmingham. Suitable for all age groups. My mate is in the Manchester one and she has a fab social life.

SledYuleCated

I don't actually have any hobbies - was always busy with DCs interests when they were younger. But prepared to have a go anything, preferably things where I'd come into contact with other people.

Edgbaston has a debating society, I'm sure other suburbs will too. That would be a very easy way to get talking to people. You could also volunteer for the next Birmingham Book Festival, the organisers were lovely when I did it as a student (years back) and you do get to meet lots of people!

How about voluntary stuff? The Scouts and Guides are going pretty strong in Birmingham at the moment.

The Barber could be worth a look, they do all sorts of classes and events that get a regular crowd and lots of newcomers. Also the Pen museum do calligraphy groups that I seem to remember being very reasonably priced.

There are community choirs on the north and south sides of Birmingham.

Barber Institute as others have said.

There's always stuff on at the MAC - courses, entertainment.

BMAG.

There are loads of concerts through the Symphony Hall, including some hour long inexpensive chamber concerts in the day time.

You could volunteer to listen to children reading in school.

I know you said you don't have any hobbies but what are you interested in?

You could use this as an opportunity to completely reinvent yourself. What do you want to do?

Which side of Birmingham are you on?

50s or not, I'd probably get into a bit of culture - theatre, galleries, exhibitions, etc., even if it was on my own at the start. I find that one thing tends to lead on to another thing - e.g. you go one place, pick up a flyer about something else, see a notice about a group looking for members, and take itfrom there. But it does depend what you're into.

Hi

I think tis site is very good. Free to browse/join. Cheap to advertise for others to join your group.
Give it a whirl

www.meetup.com

:)

I would definitely join a book club. You don't need any particular skills or talents to take part and they usually end up being a social thing as much as a reading group.

How about an allotment? B'ham has stacks. Register with BMAG to get invites to the new exhibition previews (early eve wine & conflab). ICON gallery have similar. Fri 'commuter' jazz (free) at symphony hall. Pubs - the plough in harborne with a mate - older clientele but really nice place. Wildlife Trust?

What fabulous ideas. to you all.

Many of the suggestions you've made are for places I've heard of, but never knew anything about. I'm now googling all your suggestions and thinking perhaps this single life won't be too bad after all

By the way I'm over the south side.

Any others ideas gratefully received.

Ooh, also Winterbourne House have various things going on. And the University has various things happening that are open to the public.

Bridge
Book Club
WI
National women's Register
Theatre group - friends of
Drama society
Evening classes
Join a political party
Friends of your local hospital
Volunteer for oxfam shop, etc
Get a dog and walk it
Gardening - horticultural society
Volunteer for crisis
Check out the boards at year local library

The south side of Birmingham has loads of stuff going on!

Selly Oak Hospice cry out for volunteers. Oxfam book shop in Harborne, High Street. Foodbank in Sparkhill/Balsall Heath.

There is a walking club in Shirley and also a cycling club through the summer months.

Help a greyhound. RGT Perry Barr branch - lovely people, gorgeous hounds, always volunteers needed.

Ooh I love the Oxfam bookshop in Harborne!

Get a what's on mag for brum- look at spice too for all sorts of social events. Be brave,try anything!good luck!!

Greyhounds! I'd love a greyhound, but dd2 chose a whippety collie instead. But rescue dog owners of all breeds are great and a major source of local gossip.

Many (many) moons ago I joined spice in Birmingham had a great time people of all ages.

Don't know what it's like now... but it would be worth a shot.