friends needed

Betty I'm in Worcestershire, where are you?

im in essex

I am a fairly new Gransnetter too so I hope we both find some pleasure out of Gransnet. Have you ever given any thought to volunteering at a charity shop or maybe in a hospital? You can offer as much time as suits you but it does sometimes put a perspective on your own life and it is nice to help others. Do you live in a town or country?

I'm on The Wirral bit of a drive to Essex sorry !!! but nothing stopping me from chatting in fact it is my favourite passtime

I am an Essex girl Betty but now live in Norfolk...what part of Essex do you live in have been here for four years now,but go back to Essex regularly as I have friends and close family there..are you anywhere near Basildonxx

Hi i live nr colchester as ive said i do work but its just i dont meet many people where i work and as i have nio children i dont meet other women !!!

It sounds such a cliche, but I love my Book Club friends. We do actually discuss the book (for a bit) before getting stuck into the wine/chat/moan/laugh. I also like our local Retirement Education Centre (Bedford) which is a bit like U3A where I do Art History and Literature - again meeting people I feel easy with. It's not all women but as expected there is a bit of a preponderance of ladies (!) and often the oldest are the wittiest and most entertaining. You sound as if you really want to get out more - have a look for U3A type activities/Adult Ed/activity groups like walking clubs if that would appeal. It is so much easier to chat to people when you are doing something else. Sometimes friendships arise out of it, but if not, no loss. Good luck.

hi Bettyboo, how I sympathise with you, it is not so easy to make friends as the years roll by, and of course the not so many pennies to spend or pounds does not help. You obviously appear to have the right attitude in needing friends, meeting for a light beverage is certainly a start in the right direction, recognising the need. Since the loss of my husband, it's the only way, 'cos what is the alternative !!!! when the family grow and make their own way in life, (sometimes living abroad) the empty nest is also not so good. Do you have hobbies ? I note with interest AlisonMa's comments, very interesting and helpful. I too live in Surrey/Hampshire, but then I am a chatterbox and also love to meet new people and yes AlisonMa is perfectly right when she states that having whatever it takes to LISTEN more that talk of yourself is a great big asset, so best of luck for the future and continue to keep in touch with Gransnet, the contacts have been a great help to me, makes one feel that we are not alone with our probs.

hi everyone i am looking for new friendships i am in the north west

Hi coloredrainbow Whereabouts in the North West are you? I live near Manchester.

Hi colouredrainbow there are quite a few of us here in the northwest and we meet up every now and again for lunch and a good chat, so look out for the next one and feel free to join us.

Hi bettybo I am new too. I think if you are looking to find a friend to chat with, maybe you could go to an evening class in a subject that you enjoy, that way you might meet like minded people and thats always a good place to start.

Hi AlisonMA, Malvern is my hometown. I used to be able see the Malvern Hills from my bedroom window. We're in Scotland now though.

Just wanted to say Hi.....i have never wrote anything on here so here goes......I also feel i need a good chat with a friend to off load some of the things that life throws at me. I no longer work and miss the everyday chit chat that us females have lol. so this could be the next best thing ! I have been reading your posts and sounds like just the place i could make new virtual friends x

Hi citygranny - the more the merrier. Look forward to chatting with you and the other new Gransnetters.

Welcome all newbies, I am still relatively new myself.

Just to say... our local Council organise a walk every Wednesday morning. Nothing too strenuous.... about an hour.
Usually around 50 or 60 turn up, often folk on their own. They aren't on their own for long. People chat to everyone and a conversation gets going. Before you know it the walk is nearly over and you've met someone new. There is a Council rep that organises it, and a couple of volunteers in high viz, especially at the rear to ensure that noone is left trailing behind on their own.

Tea and coffee is organised in a local church hall or cafe. The walk is free and the tea/coffee cheap and is optional.
Lovely tea and a home made scone in the church halls.

This isn't much good if you are working but may be an option for some.

I like the idea of going for a walk and just saying hello as you meet people along the way.

Also, events will be starting in the local church halls/community halls such as indoor short mat bowls. Not too strenuous and a great way of meeting folks. And actually playing bowls brings conversation in itself. Starting with..... I've never done this before.....

What about U3A. I don't know what age some of the younger members are but I have a friend who goes to the Colchester one. She loves it.
I made enquiries about our Southend branch. After the phone call and knowing of the decrepid old hall where they met I didn't bother.

Surely they don't always meet in the decrepit old hall.
In my area, there are regular U3A meetings, usually with a speaker of some kind, in the library, but there are also many small groups for people with various interests e.g. art, scrabble, crafts, photography, walking etc.
These small groups take place in numerous different places, as appropriate for the activity involved.

Luckily our U3A here in Cheshire doesn't meet in a decrepit building. We have monthly meetings (with a speaker) in the local civic hall. Interest groups meet once or twice a month and theatre visits are organised in conjunction with the local PTA.