Anyone part of a “thing”?

[CindersAgain]

I dunno quite what I mean.

Youngest child competes at chess and I love the competitions. The sense of community. It’s just lovely.

I was also at a car event thing with middle child at the weekend and that was cool too.

What sorts of things are like this that I could do? I’m not good enough at sport to compete. I just want to be part of a “thing”.

How about a fitness class that has a strong community, like yoga. Or paddle boarding or kayaking if you're near water. Outdoor swimming?

I'm in the church choir, a crafting group and a community gardening group.

Thanks! I have been thinking about wild swimming for a while but never thought about the community side of it. Interesting.

I’d also think about whether I’m brave enough for a choir.

My thing is a community choir, I live for Tuesday nights! And sometimes we go for a drink afterwards

Follow a football team with your kids
go to yoga
join a book group
classic car club (admittedly niche)

Dance class. We perform every year? Go out for drinks, meals and group chat.

I am obsessed with things. I love being part of them, although I am not brilliant at being the most committed me ever if any thing.

What you describe has really important political connotations too, OP. There’s a concept called ‘Associational Democracy’ and it’s about how we all have better lives if we meet up to do a ‘thing’. The idea is we will do the thing and discuss how we can make the roads better or help someone who is unwell or just generally air issues.

Parkrun is very good to get involved in, either as a volunteer or taking part

I used to do a lot of choral singing - the camaraderie was great and I made a lot of friends. Go for it!

Anything you can think of , there is an active Facebook group community around it ! With lots of meet ups

Yeah, I’m struggling to think of the thing though!

I know what you mean. I've not had a thing for years and have no interests. I want to be interested in something!

Another vote for parkrun! We have people who only volunteer and others who just walk rather than run. You definitely don’t have to be sporty and the kids can go too.

I want a 'thing' too!

Horses are my 'thing'. On a livery yard so people, all with the same interest. I am also a uni student and have a mature student thing going on, and a creative writing thing.

Yes. Rebel legion and the 501st legion - I build / sew/ create screen accurate Star Wars costumes, then go volunteer with these groups in various locations, to raise funds for charities, or support worthy causes in other ways (sometimes it’s not about fundraising - like visiting children’s hospitals or being in parades and such.)

it’s wonderful. And yes, it’s a bunch of adults in their 30’s 40’s, 50’s and even up to 80’s, dressing up in Star Wars costumes.
it’s changed my life in so many ways - I certainly never have trouble making friends anymore!

I do pagan activities, festivals and so on. I know everyone in my local area in the scene which isn't that difficult in Glastonbury.
I also have a couple of work friends I go out with hiking.
And crochet classes but I fear I will never learn to crochet because I am rubbish at it.
I'm also part of the adult dollshouse community and meet up with everyone at dollshouse festivals and local groups, dollshouse making is a big "thing" now all ages and sexes and I know most of the people on the facebook miniatures sites as I have now met up with them.
Facebook is a good place to start.

Whatever takes your interest! A reinactment group, gardening group, yarn bombing, local brass band, local environment group, birdwatching, book club, pta at school, sports (wild swimming, archery, yoga, tennis, whatever) a group looking after the local park.

I go on quilt retreats once or twice a year, usually about 20 people most of whom are returners that I have met before but always a few new people too. They are all lovely and it's an immensely relaxing few days away from real life. There is a FB group for alumni set up by the shop that runs the retreats and classes. We post up what we are working on, not just quilts but toys, clothing and other crafty things, and everyone is so supportive, positive and helpful.

I need a thing! Trouble is I'm no good at anything that involves skill or fitness...

There's probably quite a community in wild swimming as you'll get to know others who do it regularly.

I'm in a casual synchronised swimming group. We have a weekly session to practice a routine to and we perform a few times a year when the pool has event days. We also have a few social events or go on trips to visit heritage/outdoor swimming pools.

It's a really mixed group and everyone just does what they are comfortable with and we have a laugh along the way. Some can barely swim and just do it as a variant of aqua aerobics, others have done proper synchro when younger so can float around with their heads under the water and legs up in the air.

I would love a thing too OP! I'm just not talented at anything. My talent is my social skills, my ability to fit in anywhere and make everyone feel comfortable, but without a 'thing' these situations don't arise. I am thinking of starting a book club though...

Litter picking: https://www.cleanupuk.org.uk/find-your-local-group/

Guide dog raising: https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/how-you-can-help/volunteering-for-guide-dogs/volunteer-role-descriptions/puppy-raiser

Volunteer firefighter (and loads of other ideas on the same site): https://www.voluntaryworker.co.uk/volunteer-with-your-local-fire-service.html

I’ve done in the past:
Book Club
Garden Club
Village Hall Committee
Tennis
Choir
Amateur Dramatics
Body Pump
Jewelery Making group
Walking group

Which has made me realise how much recent changes in my life have reduced me. I only do one of those things now, I must get back to life!

My thing is outdoor swimming. If you’re interested, look for a local Bluetit swimming group, they’re always really welcoming. You could also consider a book club if you like reading. Walking group. One of my friends does bell ringing.