Seeking new local friends.

[Buzzytruk]

Hi everyone , I need a few ideas for finding friends . It's been Just over five years since I lost my lovely husband in a road accident. Here in South Lincolnshire it's not easy to make friends when you are a local , let alone me a foreigner from the West midlands even though Its been 50 years since we moved to this area.

My chest is a little worse but main problem is walking long distances . So I have invested in a

Light weight folding scooter and a hoist fitted into my car s boot.

Would love to find a pal for cruise holidays . Coach travel at a push. Not keen on rail travel for

several reasons.

Have tried one group , which turned out to be a dead loss . In disgust I walked out.

I do have all my marbles in place and am fairly active, Was hoping to look at the pages of

,,who lives near me ,,

but it would appear they are no longer available.

My husband was a home bird , although we did cruise a lot. He loved being at home just us two...

I need some help and ideas please ..... Remembering these days a girl has to be careful.

Trusting all my pals are well and enjoying the festive holiday.

Take care

Jo.☺️

Ps. .. Happy New Year to everyone.......

[HungryHufflepuff]

finding new friends is hard! I hope you’ll be able to meet some new friends. Have you tried going to things in your local area like coffee mornings, lunch clubs or knit and natter or any free events if there are any like crafts, photography or anything else you’re interested in ? It can be an opportunity to meet people in similar circumstances or with similar interests. I hope you get to meet people. 🤗

[sassy59]

Hi Jo, lovely to hear from you and hoping you’ve had a good day. It’s really hard to make friends these days as you say. Do you have a community centre nearby which runs group activities? What about a WI group? I’m not a very sociable person so don’t really know what to advise.

Hoping you find some friends soon and best wishes for the coming year.

Love Carole xxxxx ❤️

[CDPO16]

Hi Jo, sadly I live in Lancashire otherwise I'd love to get together. Making friends is hard, I wish you luck in your quest xx

[Ergendl]

Wishing you all the best as you seek new friends. Do you have an interest? Might there be a group locally or online. For instance, I write fiction and poetry, and attend two writers groups nearby plus an online one. Have you thought of joining a local singing for lung health group or choir? Groups like the Rock Choir and the Funky Choir are great - and the singing would also be good for your lung health.

Wishing you all the best for 2024 - hoping it will be the year you make lots of new friends xx

[Pippydo]

whereabouts in Lincs are you? I’m in Nottinghamshire so not so very far!

[Blackbird8]

Hi Jo how lovley to hear your managing well .. Has it really been 5 years must be nearly 7 years since we met up at Carlos ice cream parlour before your cruise 🛳...

If your on Facebook you could try and reach out to local community pages for a group to suit you ...

Great to know your still getting out and about even on your new bike 🏍 I hope you have L plates a helmet and leathers 😂😂

From one biker chic to another ride safe and my pipes are much louder than yours ...

Finding new friends is difficult but I'm sure with wonderful personality you will have no trouble at all ... love to you and yours Angie & Andy 💙💙💙💙

[peege]

Hi, I can commiserate. I moved from Wimbledon back to Cheltenham nearly 9 years ago. It's very difficult to make new acquaintances as an older person. As I'm hoping to sell up & move east to Ely next year I plan to join anything going at the Cathedral, a bowls club and a croquet club. Luckily I still have a bit of energy and mobility however I shall frequent coffee places I like the look of, art societies. There's a very nice pub just near me here where there's a knitting group who meet every week, it's always been my intention to just turn up with some needles & wool! I joined a balance class a few months ago, it's marvellous as is the tutor. Some sit for the exercises or use the back of a chair for support, lots of good breathing is involved.

Good luck with 'getting out there'. P

Edit: book clubs!

[katieoxo60]

Its not easy to find groups now since the lockdown. Plus many are assorted needs. However I believe most Age UK have varied groups. Some churches have groups for widows & people who live alone. I am a widow who used to run a widows group of around 80 prior to lockdown, now I have other pastimes a little less energetic. Councils often have an on line directory of groups in your area under adult social care. Hope this helps, we have a theatre where people can learn to act from all age groups for a small fee.

[Alberta56]

I've found it easier to meet likeminded people through joining volunteer groups. At least we have something in common to talk about- I'm no good at chit chat. Unfortunately most of these friends are far away. The only local group still active is the Friends of our local windmill. I can stay downstairs if I can't manage the stairs and tell visitors to mind their heads. (Very useful that.) I hope you find a way of connecting to people. Round here Crossroads charity might be able to help. I think they're a national group. Good luck.

[PaulineHM]

Hello Buzzytruk,

Love the suggestions already offered. It can be tricky can’t it when our mobility or energy levels are compromised.

I moved house recently and have joined U3A locally. There are lovely and depending on what you enjoy, local interesting groups you can join.

Exercise classes are also possibility- designed for those of us who are less mobile can help to feel part of the world still.

Have you asked your local social prescribing team if they have a group you can join ?

I am sure there will be something local which will suit you.

Let us know how you get on won’t you ?

Go well,

Pauline

[MoyB]

Wow! There are so many great suggestions already for you to think about.

When I retired I realised I knew hardly anyone who lived in my local area so I joined the WI. I was made very welcome and have made some lovely friends through it. There are many different WI groups and all will have their own vibe, so if you visit one and don't like it, don't be put off. Try one or two until you feel comfortable with a group. Some are predominantly older people and some have mixed age groups whilst some are really full of women with really youthful enthusiasm and up to date ideas. I don't know how many groups there will be in your particular neck of the woods but you can find them online and take it from there if you're interested.

Another group I joined this year was an art group that meets at the Community Library once a week. It's a lovely relaxed group and I enjoy it immensely. I started painting shortly after retirement when I joined the U3A but had a long break from it and am now loving it again.

I have joined several Facebook groups in my local area as that's where I find out what's going on. I have been astonished to find out that there are many more groups running than I ever thought! If you post on a local site, people will probably rush to tell you about the groups that they go to and you can pick and choose at will.

When we first moved to Eastbourne we found it very 'clicky'. Everyone seemed to know everyone else and it was hard to get a foot in the door at first. However, once the children started playgroup, that all changed. Now, I'm guessing you're past the playgroup stage, but even so, I think that joining ANY group would be a starting point as you often find that some people are 'groupies' and go to a different one every day. Listen to what they say and pick out what sounds like something you'd enjoy.

I know what it feels like to be an 'outsider' although we've lived here for 50+ years too! Remember, you don't have to stick with a club if you don't like it, but it's worth going a few times before you make your mind up.

All the best,

xx Moy

[Buzzytruk]

Dear pals , thank you so much for your suggestions and ideas , it's given me a lot to think about. It will take me a bit of time but I will get back to you with an update .The end of Feb sees me at an eye clinic for the first time ...... (Cataracts )

How long between surgery is anyone's guess , ...

I will try and I promise to be back in touch ........

Wishing you all a very happy New Year .

Take care of yourselves

Love

Jo.......xxx