When: 3rd Thursday of the month from June at 10am Monthly Planning Meetings

Venue: varies

Activities: Monthly at different times

Have you ever wanted to do something but haven't yet because you're not sure about it, or would prefer to do it with someone else? If so, this is the group for you! Our aim is to have fun whilst challenging ourselves and/or doing something we've sometimes never done before.

When we started in the Autumn of 2018 we made a list of our ideas which we continue update monthly (see the link to the right called Suggested Activities), everything and anything is considered so bring your ideas! We've agreed that if two people want to do it then it can go ahead.

There's no obligation to take part and of course there will be times when you're unable to, but we aim to do something each month; this will obviously depend on the time the activity is available and is in addition to our monthly Planning/Get Together meetings on the 1st Friday of the month.

To make it equitable we each choose a proposed activity to research and bring back to the group; there is the expectation that you'll research and plan something once you've been to a couple of meetings etc. An email/WhatsApp message is then circulated to everyone that includes alternative dates with a cut-off date usually for expression of interest. The most popular date is then chosen from those offered. Planning and booking is done well ahead of the activity and you will need to pay any up-front costs by the agreed date to be included on the final booking. An important rule is that if you commit to an activity then you must pay.

We started off in 2018 by some of us trying Nordic Walking and Litter Picking along the Canal together with the Riverboat Trust. We went Roller Skating (click the link to see one of us) and with the help of another u3a member we each made a Christmas table decoration in December (see photos). So as you can see it's not all high octane. We try to balance our activities. We tend to do more indoor activities in the winter.

Some of the things we've done: Over 50s Dance group at Curve, trampolining at Boost in the city centre, Indoor Bowling, Willow Weaving in Knighton Park, Roman Walk around Leicester, canoeing on the river Soar, tennis coaching. We've been to Stratford on Avon that included boating on the river followed by lunch. We visited Hackspace in Leicester to find out how to upcycle and restore broken items with their help. A big challenge for some of us was the Climbing Wall at Parklands (see photo & video!) and we've now always had a Bring & Share Xmas lunch in December combined with a craft activity that's included making wreaths with fabric & making/decorating a Christmas tree for a local festival.

We've had lunch out at Taste restaurant and trying the 50+ activity session at Aylestone Leisure Centre where we played Badminton and did some walks during lockdown.

Since getting back together again after Covid we've managed to pick wild fruit, followed a self guided walks around Coventry, and last year had a few days' break on the south coast where amongst other things such as walking the Downs & cliffs two of us did the Brighton Zip Wire along the beach. We made Mosaics & tie dyed tee shirts both with the guidance of other u3a members. Last Autumn 3 of us climbed (almost to the top but too windy) Mount Snowdon; we've made Xmas table decorations, cards & trees x 2 for a local Xmas Tree Festival.

Some of us have learned Pickleball, crotcheting, paddleboarding and petanque (joined another u3a group). We've experienced a gong bath, played 10 pin bowling, played on a drum kit recently and been cycling.

Recently we’ve been ice-skating at Christmas, tried different dance styles, and challenged ourselves with an online Games evening combined with a Thai take-away meal. Planned at the moment is wild swimming, axe throwing, raft building, abseiling and a walk in the Peak District. For a less demanding day we’re off to Loughborough to visit the Bell Foundry and museum.

Last year another HHciB group was set up too: How Hard can it Be 2 so you have a choice!

Links

• Previous Summer & Winter Planners
• Suggested Activities August 2018 onwards
• Wall Video
• Wall Video 2
• Guidelines