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?

I guess people can be brought together by so many different things - refugeehood, bereavement, parole, living in an area lacking obvious links to all the good stuff available up the road, shyness ...

Back to backs highly recommended
Trip to the hippodrome or rep theatre if there is something worth seeing.
Severn Valley railway a short train ride away
Sightseeing in centenary square and St Phillip's cathedral

Would you think of incorporating a trip to the Bull Ring? The markets are in full swing on Fridays and Saturdays, including the indoor market and the rag market. Cafes there or nearby and there's even a coffee shop in St.martins church. Maybe tie it into a cinema trip?

And check out the matinee theatre performances, too.

Btw, and you need to fact check this, I think there are scooters free or for hire, not sure which, to help peeps get around.

To be fair I don't think the OP was making any assumptions about the age group at all - just trying to give as clear a picture as possible.

I run short residential business training courses for foreign executives who are here for between 1 and 2 weeks. Generally our participants are aged between about 38 and 65 - middle to senior management. I would also welcome suggestions for activities - but not in Birmingham.

Obviously no toddler groups, kids things, or afternoon tea dances for the over 80s.

I am 50 + by the way and agree about the whole "over 50's" stuff - hate it - but in this case I think OP was just clarifying - especially as this tends to be a parenting website

It would help if we knew though, if it is "sight seeing" type things for - as in your example - 'foreign executives who are here for a couple of weeks' or things that can be the start of a longer term interest or hobby. They are very different questions.

...and also because of possible mobility issues with the client group? Those back to back houses, if they're true to type, must have really steep stairs?

But Jacana your (last two) posts just take us straight back to the perception of age stereotyping. The OP has said "nice things to do for people who are not particularly needy..." Without further information I'd find it pretty insulting if that led to an assumption that people in my own age group would have mobility issues.

People of 45 to 65 are not enfeebled. They do not, as a group, require mobility scooters or single level tourist venues. And the only occasions on which I would consider matinee performances would be if I were taking a small child to the theatre.

As the OP has mentioned funding I'd imagine it is more likely to be a question of limited financial resources. (In which case matinees may well be cheaper to block book.)

Botanic Gardens should be fairly inclusive.

Although I am 44 and no way do I consider myself in the same age group as 65 year olds! Maybe because I have a 3 year old. For a day out around Brum I'd rather go mountain biking at Cannock Chase.

Come on OP - come and answer the questions, so we can help you with some pertinent suggestions

Swing/Lindy dancing? Swing Dance addict here

Check this out, based in Birmingham. Classes & lots of events
www.jazzjiveswing.com/

I think the OP is getting some unfair stick here tbh. She's finding activities for a group and trying to get people to think of relevant ideas without outing herself by giving too much info.

Library of Birmingham - the roof garden and Shakespeare room are worth a look.

Theatres - My favourite is The Crescent.

Midland Arts Centre, just outside the city.

The Electric Cinema (yes it's cinema, but the venue is great).