u3a Core meetings allow all members to meet together as a single group, develop friendships, catch up on news, exchange ideas, and feel valued as part of a local community.
Our Core meetings take place on the second Monday of each month. We meet at at 13:45 for a prompt start at 14:00 in the Bentley Heath Community Centre, finishing by 16:00 at the latest.
The meeting starts with a welcome from our Chair, followed by the main topic of the meeting; a talk by a guest speaker on a topic chosen to be of interest to our membership. Over the years we have had a very wide range of talks and presentations, exemplified by some of the reports of ‘Recent meetings’ below. On some occasions, particularly in December, we have a more social party instead. We always break for refreshments partway through the afternoon, and this provides an opportunity for meeting other members.
Potential new members are always encouraged to come along for a ‘taster core meeting' and we have a good reputation for making them feel very welcome.
Note: The views and opinions expressed by guest speakers are their own and should not be taken as representing the views or position of South Solihull u3a.
Forthcoming meetings
Recent meetings
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Unknown Iran
Javad Hashemi At our October Core meeting we were delighted to welcome Dr. Javad Hashemi-Tafreshi to talk about ‘Unknown Iran’. Dr. Hashemi began with a quick history of the different invasions and changes in rulers that led to seven capital cities in Iran. He then advised us to sit back in our seats and enjoy a photographic tour of these 7 cities, as if we were in a luxury coach. We began in Tehran and progressed to Nishapur, Mashad, Isfahan, Persepolis, Hamedan, and finally, Tabriz. We saw the mountain behind Tehran, the Persian art from Isfahan, saffron gathering, pomegranates, wine from Armenia and saw the people and their customs. We went on to follow the story up to 1979, the Iranian Revolution when the Islamic Republic came into being. Then we discussed education and women's culture in Iran, among other questions. It was a very enlightening talk.
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The Inner Circle
Speakers: David & Pam Humphries
This month, we were taken on a virtual tour of the Birmingham No.8 bus route, which weaves its way around the inner suburbs of the City. Taking alternate sections of the route, David and Pam described the streets and landmarks of the tour, illustrated with photographs from the past decades and beyond to the present day.
We travelled with them from Saltley through Bordesley, Small Heath, Sparkbrook, Balsall Heath, Five Ways, Jewellery Quarter, Lozells, Ashted, and back to Saltley, recounting the history of people and places along the way - a wonderful hour of nostalgia for anyone who knows the area.
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Summer Quiz and Party
It was an exceptionally hot afternoon for our Summer Quiz. We had 11 tables with around 55 people puzzling over Pam’s Quiz questions and grappling with Terry’s teasers (a different kind of problem solving). Best of all were the scones and cream and strawberry jam! There was time to chat in a happy friendly atmosphere and the winners went home with chocolate bars.
Thanks to all the members who helped to put this together, and in particular to Pam Latham and Terry Powderhill.
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Get That Rhythm; the History of Jazz Piano
Speaker: Roger Browne
This was a musical hour of fun and rhythm. Roger Browne, accomplished musician and raconteur, talked about his life in music with many interesting and amusing anecdotes. He enhanced and illustrated his talk by playing some familiar tunes in a variety of jazz styles, took questions, and finished with a recital of some classics.
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Tales of an Auctioneer
Speaker: Steven Bruce
Steven has had a successful career as a Fine Art Auctioneer and Valuer for several well-known auction houses, as well as running his own sale-room and Fine Art Valuation Services.His illustrated talk included many amusing anecdotes of his time as an auctioneer and valuer and in ‘The Trade’. He exhibited some of his own objects for the audience to guess. It concluded with the Roadshow format, where he valued objects bought by members.
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Annual General Meeting
Following the usual business of our Annual General Meeting, we heard a talk entitled Be Kind to Yourself by Adrian Johnson, who has run a very successful fitness group for this u3a.
Adrian spent over 30 years with West Midlands Police where he completed a Physical Trainers Course and worked for 5 years at the Training Centre in Edgbaston. He is also a qualified Group Exercise Trainer. Adrian has a strong interest in ‘Safe Exercise for Seniors’ and covered these topics: New Dietary Advice; Breathe, drink, eat and exercise; Correct Attitude and psychology; Current advice about the amount of exercise for individuals; Using habits to help this come true.