A note from Andrea
Hello everyone, and welcome to the April 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 ordinary and very human: rebuilding a social life in a simple, everyday way. Nothing formal, nothing demanding - just familiar faces, a regular place, and something to look forward to each week.
A Special MWF Day Out – Would You Like to Come?
I’m putting together a day for all our Cornwall groups to meet in one place. The plan is to gather at The Alverton Hotel in Truro on Thursday 16th July.
The outline for the day:
• 11.00am – Arrive for tea/coffee and a chat
• 11.30am – ‘Hidden Cornwall’ talk, with a short quiz - and a prize!
• 12.45pm – 2 course Lunch from a special menu (drinks not included)
• Afterwards – you can stay at the hotel and chat for as long as you like, or some people might want to have a walk if the weather is kind, into Truro for shopping or sightseeing, down by the river, or to a close-by park.
- Cost around £30 each
Before I can finalise arrangements and costs, I need an idea of numbers. I’ll send an SMS shortly - if you’re interested, please reply asap:
• ME – if you would like to attend
• ME BUS – if you want to come and would use a minibus from East Cornwall (Launceston, Liskeard, Saltash, Wadebridge)
Your replies will help me confirm numbers and decide whether a minibus would be useful for those travelling furthest.
I’d really love to see as many of you as possible for our first all-groups event.
A thought for this month
May is one of those months when social life becomes very visible. Couples out for lunch, families on holiday, events everywhere. For many widowed people, this can stir up a sense of being “out of step” with the world, not because anything is wrong, but because social life changes after loss.
Here are some things to think about:
Your social life doesn’t disappear; it changes.
Being on your own changes the way you connect. You might prefer smaller groups, easier plans, or more predictable routines. That’s not a problem, just a shift.
New friendships in adulthood grow differently. They build through repetition: the same faces, the same place, the same time. That’s why our groups work. They give people the chance to settle in without pressure.
You don’t have to “keep up” with anyone else’s pace. Some people feel ready for new social things quickly. Others take their time. Both are normal.
A social life built on choice, not obligation, can be surprisingly freeing. You get to decide what fits your energy, your week, your life as it is now.
New to the groups?
If you’re thinking about coming along for the first time, you don’t need to worry about “fitting in” or knowing anyone. Most people arrive not knowing a single person and within a few weeks they feel at home.
There’s no pressure, no expectations- just turn up and have a coffee.
Introducing a friend
If you have a widowed friend who might benefit, you’re welcome to bring them along once to see what it’s like. If they enjoy it and want to come again, they can join via the website.
We normally keep meetings for members only so everyone knows the group is widowed‑only, but this “bring a friend” option is there for friends of existing members.
Group news
Launceston: This group would really benefit from a few more members. If you know anyone widowed in that area, do mention it to them. They meet Thursdays at 11am.
Falmouth-Gylly: This new group is doing well, and meetings have been well attended. New members are welcome both to this group and to Falmouth-Harbour.
Truro-East: The weekend group for members who work has closed following organisational issues. Ellie, who was a member of that group, is continuing meetings independently. If you work and would like to meet her new group in Truro, let me know and I will pass on your details to her.
Groups running: Falmouth-Harbour, Falmouth-Gylly, Hayle, Helston, Launceston, Liskeard, Newquay, Saltash, St Austell, Truro-Central, and Wadebridge.
We also have waitlists for groups in Camborne and Pensilva.
Plans for the future
Over the next few months, I’ll be focusing on strengthening existing groups, re-writing the website and preparing for expansion into Devon. Also, excitingly, planning our first ever all-groups day at The Alverton in Truro.
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
I want to say goodbye to one of our members. Derek West (Del) died this week. He will be missed by the Hayle group. If anyone wants to attend his funeral please get in touch with me for arrangements.
Andrea