A note from Andrea
Hello everyone, and welcome to the August newsletter. I’m Andrea, founder of my widowed friends, and I send these updates each month to share what’s happening across our growing community.
Our groups are built around something very simple: rebuilding a social life by having a cuppa with friends. It’s easy, informal, and something to look forward to each week.
This month I’ve been quieter than normal, because I’ve been deep in behind-the-scenes work, getting mwf’s systems ready for the next stage of growth. So, this issue of the newsletter is a little different: a word on why your Y or N replies matter so much, a peek at what’s been keeping me busy and some upcoming changes, plus some news about our next Cornwall-wide event.
Why Replying Y or N Matters
Every group meeting relies on a simple text system: two days before each meeting, you get an SMS asking for a Y or N. If enough members reply Y, the meeting goes ahead. If not enough do, it’s cancelled — because nobody should turn up to find an empty table.
It only works if enough people reply. A quick Y or N takes a few seconds, but it’s what keeps every group running smoothly and protects the whole point of mwf: a reliable place to meet, week after week. So, if you get a reminder text, please do take the moment to reply, it genuinely makes a difference.
Behind the Scenes at mwf
Away from the newsletter, I’ve been busy strengthening the systems that run mwf - the membership records, communications, and the tools I use to keep everything organised. It’s not the most exciting thing to write about, but it matters: it’s what will let mwf welcome new groups in new parts of the country, while keeping things running smoothly for existing members.
There’s more to come on this in future newsletters, once things are further along. For now, thank you for your patience this month with a shorter newsletter, and slower answers to queries. Normal service will resume very soon!
A Couple of Changes You’ll Notice Soon
• You’ll shortly start to see Molly answering questions from members and enquirers. Molly is a computer program not a person and so can be available any time of day or night, 365 days a year, to answer questions quickly and easily. I will send out a message when Molly starts work, explaining more. Molly works under my oversight and supervision and will handle all queries.
• I’m also simplifying the text system. Starting shortly most members will get just one message each week— the attendance reminder two days before your meeting — and all you need to do is reply Y if you can go, or N if you can’t or you’re not sure. You’ll only hear from mwf a second time that week if the meeting ends up being cancelled. Fewer texts, same reliable system.
Still thinking about joining?
If you’re on the mailing list and haven’t yet decided whether you want to join, then feel free to contact me for any extra details you need. The quickest way is to email me (address at the end of this message). I’m happy to answer any questions you have.
Remember that if you join, go to a couple of meetings within the first month, and then decide you don’t like it, you can have a full refund.
If there isn’t a group in your area, then send me your name and post code. I keep a waiting list, and I will email you when we start a group near you.
mwf Christmas Meal – Save the Date
I’m delighted to announce the mwf Christmas Meal, will be at 1pm on Thursday 17 December at The Masons Arms in Bodmin. The Summer Lunch was in Truro, and it seemed fair to shift the location further to the East this time around.
The menu offers a lovely choice of festive dishes, including turkey with all the trimmings, a festive burger, a mushroom and chestnut wellington, and a nut roast, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options throughout. Two courses are £24.50, or three courses for £29.50.
Bookings open on 15th October - keep an eye out for the full menu and booking details nearer the time. I'd love to see lots of members there, for a festive get-together with groups from across Cornwall.
Stay connected
Visit our website: http://www.mywidowedfriends.co.uk/
Find us on Facebook: my widowed friends
Email Andrea: andrea@mywidowedfriends.co.uk
And finally
If you’re not a member yet and are thinking this might be the group for you, but you aren’t sure…. why not give it a try? … it could make a real difference, to meet some people who understand and have a good chat each week.
Andrea