How to make friends as a shy, anxious, socially awkward 45 year old?

[SomethingWitty44]

Hi all,
Well as the title suggests, how do I meet new people who will hopefully become great friends? Friends who'll want to put the world to rights over a bottle of wine, who'll fancy a spa day or a weekend away or just answering the phone when I call?
At the mo it's the husband- bless him - grown up but living at home DS & DD.
I've set up a volunteering position to gain confidence but what would you guys suggest?

Are you religious at all? Going to church (or the equivalent for your faith) can be a good way to meet new people. Also something like Bridge if you can play that? Also volunteering - a friend of mine made lots of friends volunteering at a local homeless drop
In because the volunteers were all working in the kitchen together so they inevitably ended up talking. Is there a local citizens project? Also something like an evening class - French or painting? There might be an adults beginners dance class or an amateur dramatics society - if you don’t like performing they might have backstage roles? Productions are a good way to get to know people and there’s usually a celebration afterwards, so that helps to make the jump from shared interest to socialising outside of that interest (that’s the but I find difficult).