I meant to update! I have had some successes, some failures. I have met most of these people through Meetups and FB groups.
Failures first: I started a book club, but it has never got off the ground, and I now plan to shut it down. People think they want to read, but never actually turn up. I will join an already thriving club instead.
I am still mostly the person who always does the calling and organising. Maybe I should make my peace with it. It's rare that other people think of calling me, though there are the occasional exceptions. The ones who do are usually visiting London, so are long distance friends.
Successes: I am in a lot of great Meetups ranging from theatre groups to walkijg groups, and I enjoy them. I do find though that it is hard to get to know people if you only meet them once a month, and in a large group. They remain acquaintances, not friends.
The local contact I mentioned in the first post has developed into a friend of sorts, though we don't meet that often as she has 3 DC and a Dh who works away.
I have made a friend 25 years younger than me! We have a shared interest. We went away on a day trip together and got along well, so now plan to do more. Age is not really relevant for me.
In 2024, I want to meet people one-to-one rather than in groups, so hoping to zero in on some of the people in my groups. I am also hoping to persuade Dh that we need some couple friends. He is an introvert, and doesn't like socialising much.