Sandwell University of the Third Age (SU3A), hold monthly meetings the second Monday of each month. The group provide educational, social and creative activities for the older community of Sandwell. These informative and friendly meetings provide a great way to meet new people and share interests through the groups’ specialist meetings and light refreshments are provided. We have several interest groups all run by members, and details are given below. We also organise regular trips to the theatre and outings to places of interest.

Sandwell University of the Third Age are always looking for new members from across the Sandwell borough. If you would like to join or require further information, please visit www.u3asites.org.uk/sandwell or contact Mike Matthews on 0121 357 9018.

Forthcoming sessions include:

ART - Leader June Davies 0121 530 4823

Meetings held on the second Thursday of each month at The Public 10am-12noon

This is a small group which has been running since April 2008 and has covered various art forms including plate painting, calligraphy, mixed medium and acrylics.

HISTORY AND THE ENVIRONMENT – Leader Tony Fowler 0121 358 1938

Meetings held on the fourth Tuesday of each month at West Bromwich Central Library 2-4pm

Activities of the group are locally based. The old towns and villages of what is now known as Sandwell Borough have a fascinating history awaiting exploration by our members. Topics are chosen at the request of members and their willingness to lead or participate based on their own experiences and interests.

ITALIAN – Leader Norman Priest 0121 588 7716

News In Brief, which can be accessed via the Links page.

Classes have been running since 2007 studying past, present and perfect tense, past imperfect tense and also future tense as well as other points of grammar. Students have translated from modern Italian magazines using everyday Italian and also from Italian literature.

LATIN – Leader Sue Clothier 0121 588 4164

Meetings held on the last Monday of each month at Kenrick Park Community Centre 10-12noon

The group gives you a chance to learn from scratch or refresh what you learnt at school, either in small groups or working at a pace to suits you. We follow The Cambridge Classics course and provide all the books you need. Graded tests to gain University of Cambridge certificates can also be taken.

LITERATURE – Leader Sue Clothier 0121 588 4164

Meetings held on the second Tuesday of each month at West Bromwich Central Library 2-4pm

The group cover a wide range of subjects. Each member tries to read one book to share with the rest of the group, or do some research on the author, and there is no advance programme.

MUSIC APPRECIATION – Leader Phil Page 0121 682 5249

Meetings held on the third Monday of each month at The Public 2-4pm

Members listen to a range and the programme usually has a theme such as music used in films or a musical journey through Europe. There is often a nostalgic edge to the pieces played reflecting the members' memories of music. Between each piece there is a commentary with information about the artist or composer, or simply the background to the composition.

OUTINGS – Leader Ann Wyle 0121 553 0183

Outings are organised on a regular basis and are open to all members.

PLAY READING – Leader Pat Perry 0121 558 1857

Meetings held on the fourth Thursday of each month at The Public 2-4pm

The group tries to read through a script at least twice during a meeting, and everyone gets a chance to play a role, sometimes even taking an alternative character. Then time is taken to discuss the merits of the play and any underlying message. Play reading does help to improve self-confidence.

TAI CHI – Leader Ivan Wyle 0121 553 0183

From 12 July meetings are held every two weeks on Tuesdays 2-4pm

Taken at a very steady pace these exercises seek to aid relaxation and mobility.

THEATRE VISITS – Leader Peggy Desorgher 0121 357 5093

Theatre trips are organised on a regular basis and are open to all members.