Welcome to Olton and District u3a, which was formed in 2016 to offer learning, leisure and social activities for retired and semi-retired people of Olton and the surrounding areas. We are part of a world-wide organisation which began in France in 1972 and there are now more than 1000 groups in the UK, with more than a dozen in Solihull.
Olton and District u3a currently has more than 300 members and we offer over 30 different activities. These are self-help groups, each led by an enthusiastic member, and they provide an excellent way of following new interests and making new friends - and we also have a lot of fun!
If you are interested in joining us or want to know what events are scheduled for the coming month, just click on the links above to read more.
Core Meetings
Our monthly Core Meetings are held in the communal room of Olton Friary Church Hall. We meet on the second Tuesday of the month from 1.30 pm to 3.30 pm.
The meetings usually include a guest speaker, the latest news from our committee and a chat from the leader of one of our interest groups. We always have time to socialise with a cup of tea or coffee and a biscuit (please bring your own cup). We have had speakers covering a wide variety of interesting, and sometimes surprising, topics.
Please see the Events page for details of parking at the Friary.
You can read about the history of Olton Friary here.
Interest Groups
At Olton and District u3a we have more than 30 Interest Groups that cover a range of interests. Use the Groups link above to show the current list of groups.
Most of our groups meet monthly, but there are others that meet weekly or fortnightly, and some that meet occasionally, e.g. Theatre and Cinema. You can join as many groups as you like.
Each group is responsible for covering its own costs. Most group meetings are free, but those that meet in a hired venue will make a small charge to cover the hire costs and any other additional expenses.
Trips and Outings
Our Trips and Outings group organises regular coach trips. They take place up to four times a year to a variety of locations. You can see a list of some of the interesting and varied places that we have visited on the Trips and Outings group page. We require at least 30 members to sign up for a trip to be viable. Popular trips are often over-subscribed, so it's wise to book early if you are planning to go.
Some of the other groups also organise trips and outings, sometimes by coach, but often using self-drive or car sharing when we are visiting a location in the Solihull area.