Newsletter 5

A Note from Andrea

Hi, welcome to the fifth newsletter. I’m Andrea, founder of mwf. I write these monthly newsletters to share what’s happening across our growing community. I hope you have nearly recovered from the effects of storm Goretti, it was a bad one.

Member news

We started advertising mwf at the end of September, just under 4 months ago. In that time we have gained nearly 160 members. Some groups are still small, but most are growing steadily, and in time will be the vibrant, busy groups that we are aiming for.

 These groups are open:

·       Truro, Bude, St Austell, Helston, Falmouth, Newquay, Launceston, Liskeard, and Penzance.

These groups started this month:

·       Saltash, Wadebridge and the monthly Truro group for younger members.

Other groups:

·       The Hayle group is nearly ready to restart.

·       The Bodmin and Camborne groups still need a few more members.

Handbag/Pocket Cards

 Some members have asked for small business cards they can keep in their bags/pockets, to give to other widowed people who might like to join mwf. If you would like a few, just email me and I'll pop some in the post.

Improving how meetings run

Sometimes people can’t make meetings, especially in Winter, because of weather, illness and other commitments. I want to find a way to make sure no one ever turns up to an empty table, so I’m working on some changes to help give members more certainty about meetings. I am running a trial for some groups using SMS (text messages) and then will decide the best way forward depending on how useful members find it. I will contact you if I don’t have a mobile number for you, as these will be essential for the trial to work.

I’m also working on making it possible for you to attend meetings across Cornwall, not just for your own group. More details will be shared later this year.

Monitoring Numbers

 I have asked someone from each group to let me know the numbers that come to meetings. They will send me the total attendance number, so that I know if low numbers are an issue. No-one will be taking a register or chasing anyone to come! Their only role will be to send me the attendance figure each week.

Winter Group Pauses

During January and February, some mwf coffee groups may be paused if attendance drops very low due to winter weather, illness, or travel difficulties. Paused groups will restart in spring, when conditions are better and attendance is more reliable. Members of any paused group will be contacted directly with clear information. This approach helps protect the friendly, welcoming atmosphere that mwf groups depend on. 

Venues

I regularly get comments about the venues we use. It’s understandable that every member has their own ideas of what is a good venue for them, but your individual preference might not be ideal for the whole group. If you would like to know how venues are chosen there is an explanation on the website here mwf venue choice 

If you want to suggest a new venue for your group, please read this information first, and then get in touch with me.

Any Problems?

If there are any problems in your group please let me know. I will keep all comments completely confidential. Sometimes there can be personality clashes or maybe the group dynamic is wrong in some way. If you let me know, then I can help. Don’t keep quiet, just drop me an email, because if you are unhappy then someone else probably is too. Groups with happy members are the aim!  

Stay Connected

Visit our website: my widowed friends

Find us on Facebook: my widowed friends

Email Andrea: andrea@mywidowedfriends.co.uk

And Finally

I send you my best wishes for health and happiness in 2026.

Some extra sunshine would be nice too.

Andrea