A note from AndreaHi, welcome to the February newsletter. I’m Andrea, founder of mwf. I write these monthly newsletters to share what’s happening across our growing community. Group news • These groups are open: Falmouth, Helston, Launceston, Liskeard, Newquay, Penzance, Saltash, St Austell, Truro-Central, Truro-East (for younger and working members) and Wadebridge, • Hayle group has its first meeting in the new venue today • Bude group isn't meeting in February + starts again on 5th March After a quiet January, there has been a noticeable increase in new people signing up this month. This is a promising start to the year. Text message meeting remindersThe SMS (text message) trial went well and has now been rolled out to all groups. This will make sure that no one ever turns up to an empty table, especially in Winter. Most people are now replying to the meeting reminders. Can I just ask that you don't send messages on this system, apart from Y or N. Its designed as an automated system and other messages won't be accepted- this means I don't get them! If you need to get in touch with me then just email or send a text to the contact number 07572-415001. I check this number regularly. Visiting Other GroupsWith the meeting reminder system working well, I'm going to trial giving people chance to visit other groups as well as their own. Email me if you want to try a visit to another group- tell me which group you want to visit and when, then I will send you the venue details. This trial will be for the next 2 months, and if it works well, then I will make it permanent. VenuesI get a lot of comments about venues. All of them are considered, but not all will lead to a change. Please do let me know if you have an issue with a venue, especially if you have a suggestion for a better alternative that is: central, large enough, welcoming, accessible, can cope in peak periods and relaxed. 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 connectedVisit our website: my widowed friends Find us on Facebook: my widowed friends Email Andrea: andrea@mywidowedfriends.co.uk And finallyI hope all the members are enjoying their meetings- it takes a bit of determination to attend when the weather has been so bad and transport disrupted. Well done to those turning out regularly! Andrea | 