A note from AndreaHello everyone, welcome to the March 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. It’s been lovely to see the groups settling in and friendships starting to form. That was always the aim- simply giving widowed people a place to meet others, rebuild social lives and feel part of things again. A Moment from the GroupsOne member told me recently that the best part of the meeting is simply “sitting down and seeing familiar faces each week.” That sense of recognition and welcome is exactly what these groups are meant to provide. No responsibilities, no demands, just simply meeting friends for a coffee, a chat, and hopefully some laughter. Introducing a FriendIf you have a widowed friend who you think might enjoy the group, you are welcome to bring them along one week to see what it’s like. If they enjoy it and would like to come back regularly, just give them the website details so they can join. We normally keep meetings for members only, so this little “bring a friend” option is really just for friends of existing members. New GroupsWe are considering new groups in Penryn (Jubilee Wharf) and Camborne (Dolcoath Rd). Both will be mid-week mornings and the venues are close to parking and buses. Let me know if you are interested as I need 8 members minimum to start each group. You can email (address at the end of the newsletter) or text me your name, and which group you are interested in, to 07572-415001. How the Groups WorkAs the groups are becoming more established, and people get to know each other, members are starting to suggest ideas, organise outings and thinking about ways to improve "their" groups. This is a really positive sign that friendships are forming and people are comfortable with each other. At the same time mwf works best through being reliable and consistent. Certain things need to stay the same: 1. Weekly meetings stay at the same place and time.
The regular coffee meeting is the anchor of each group. Keeping it in the same venue at the same time each week means that everyone, including new members or those who attend occasionally, always knows where to go. Any alterations to meetings must come from mwf not from members. 2. Other activities are very welcome.
If members organise walks, cinema trips, lunches or anything else, that’s wonderful. Just keep these as extra activities alongside the regular meeting, rather than instead of it. 3. Please keep replying to the weekly reminder text message.
The replies tell me whether there are enough people planning to attend. That way I can confirm the meeting (or occasionally cancel if numbers are too low) and keep both members and venues informed. If you don't get a reminder then let me know, so I can check I have the correct mobile number for you. 4. Members organise their own contact between meetings.
mwf looks after the network and the meetings themselves, but we don’t pass messages between members, or from a member to their group. If you’d like to stay in touch with people between meetings, simply swap phone numbers when you see each other. The regular coffee meeting is organised centrally and the members provide the chat, company and social life.Meeting Numbers and CancellationsA member recently asked why meetings are cancelled unless four people say they are coming, and suggested that three might be enough. The reason is simply to make the meetings more reliable. When numbers drop to three or fewer, things can become a bit fragile. If one person is unwell and maybe one is delayed, someone could easily end up sitting alone, and I really want to avoid that happening. A slightly higher number gives the meeting more stability and makes it worthwhile for everyone who travels in. So across all groups, if fewer than four people say they are coming, the meeting will be cancelled. Group NewsThe following groups are now running: Falmouth, Hayle, Helston, Launceston, Liskeard, Newquay, Penzance, Saltash, St Austell, Truro-Central, Truro-East (for younger and working members) and Wadebridge. The Penzance and Helston groups are still quite small and would really welcome a few more members. If you know anyone widowed in those areas, please do mention it to them. Both groups meet on Tuesdays at 11am. Visiting Other GroupsYou are welcome to visit another group if you fancy a change of scenery or simply want to meet some new people. Just email me and let me know which group you’d like to visit and when, and I’ll send you the venue details. We’re trying this out as a trial until the end of April, and if it works well it will become a permanent option. Stay connectedVisit our website: my widowed friends Find us on Facebook: my widowed friends Email Andrea: andrea@mywidowedfriends.co.uk And finallyIt’s been really encouraging to see some of the groups growing quite large now, a good attendance gives a lovely buzz in those meetings. If your group is still small, don’t worry. These things take time, and the warmer spring weather often encourages more people to come along. Thank you to everyone who turns up each week and makes the tables welcoming places to sit down and chat. Andrea | 