Harborne & Edgbaston

Strollers

Strollers are currently (March 2024) closed for new members. We often need to limit the numbers on a walk for a variety of reasons, and members have on some occasions been 'turned away' or put on a waiting list. This situation will be considered on an ongoing basis and a note will be put on the web-site as soon as we are open.

Coordinator:Dave Hidson
Email:Strollers

Our walks normally take place weekly on Wednesdays from September until the end of July (except for the first Wednesday of the month, when there is a General Meeting, and at Christmas and Easter there is usually a short break).

We have some very pleasant outings using our senior citizens Centro passes (those who can!) on buses and trains, and we always endeavour to use public transport. Although our walks can be anywhere between 2 and 4 miles (usually at least 3) the pace is fairly gentle and the conditions easy enabling people of all abilities to join us. We often see historical, botanical or architectural landmarks along the way.

On the walks, usually at or towards the end, where possible we stop at a suitable venue for a drink, toilet stop, and perhaps lunch or refreshments and there is plenty of opportunity to get to know each other. Members find the walks help them to maintain a good level of fitness and the social interaction is an important and enjoyable part of the activity.

We are lucky to have some enthusiastic walkers who help with investigating new walks and leading or backing up walks which spreads the load. The walks are chosen and voted for at our democratic Planning Meetings held thrice yearly; we aim to have a mix of local walks and some further afield; some old favourites and some new walks. Walks are normally limited to about 15 strollers; the Walk Leader has the final say.

There is a log book maintained by Fiona Lewis, our ‘Archivist’ – this is where we keep descriptions and photographs of each walk prepared by that week's leader. The current folder is normally available for people to see at the Planning Meetings.

'Informal’ walks (outside the aegis of u3a) are often arranged, for example during August. Such walks are often a good opportunity to trial possible new walks to see if they may suitable for inclusion in the official programme.

In normal times, the coordinator and many of the walkers usually attend General Meetings and are available to talk to anyone interested.

This seems to be a very popular group and whilst numbers vary, there are currently around 36 on the membership list; many of them walk at different times, but we are happy for people to only walk occasionally. We normally try and arrange an ‘e-mail buddy’ if anybody joins who is not on line. We are a very friendly group and new Strollers are all made welcome.

Click on a picture below to see it full-size with more details.

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Literary 1 Literary 3
Local History Lunch Group
Play Reading/Theatre visists Science
Strollers USA History Politics & Culture