Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Flip

1 2 3

Original poster

Making friends later in life not sporty

55 replies

Enko · 04/06/2025 20:08

I have found as my children have slowly (almost) flown the nest many of my friends have moved. 2 close friends have sadly died.

Ive realised I would like a bigger friend circle.

I do not want to take up a sport before that gets suggested. (I am not sporty and the times Ive tried this it has been unpleasant)I also do not want to take on a volunteer role. My job is hectic and time consuming and the time I have off I want for myself.

Ive additionally not got a lot of spare cash so I cant afford to go off on courses.

I have tried local book groups and while they are entertaining they have not let to any friendships. (I continue to attened though as it is somewhere to go once a month w other people)

I looked at gofriendly app but noone near me (In SE not the middle of nowhere)

I am not a regular.church goer but do go at times.

Local WI mostly meets during the day and I cant manage that due to work.

Where else can I look.

I miss having a friend (group) to meet for a coffee. Or someone to have a what's app chat with. I like crafting and crochet and knit. Can also embroider but again stuff like that near me is all during the day.

I am mid 50s seems a long time to go before I have daytimes off.

Am I asking too much

Ps I loathe gardening please dont suggest that direction

OP posts:

Original poster

Enko · 05/06/2025 13:31

Jewel1968 · 05/06/2025 09:04

Is there a reason why you are not making friends via work? Does work encourage people to do stuff outside the day to day role? I have made loads of friends (some very close friends) through work.

Outside of work I think it's difficult (I live in London) and am not convinced hobbies lead to friendships. I swim regularly and see the same faces over and over but never do any of us suggest a coffee. I do however notice the water aerobics people having coffees together.

I think whatever activity you do needs to have space to talk.

Sorry I missed this. I am a lone worker and while I have a team I am a part of the closest team member lives 1 hour away and we meet in person max once a month often less.

Team members are nice and friendly but not conducive for friendship when we are all over.

OP posts:

nonamehere · 05/06/2025 13:40

Enko · 05/06/2025 13:28

I hadnt actually but my aunt is an active member of Inner wheel in her country (though active is relative she is in her 80s but in good health). I will admit I thought you got invited to Rotary not somewhere you can just show up.

Show quote history

Everyone is welcome! Search Google or Facebook for Rotary (your town); there will be info about groups local to you, and contact details.

Original poster

Enko · 05/06/2025 14:25

nonamehere · 05/06/2025 13:40

Everyone is welcome! Search Google or Facebook for Rotary (your town); there will be info about groups local to you, and contact details.

Show quote history

Looked up local club and I know this is a typo but it made me laugh.. (I could make that time though)

OP posts:

Boopear · 09/06/2025 11:11

@Enko Saw this today and thought of you. Especially the ‘ex singer’ situation. Not sure if you have ever thought of bell ringing! https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/jun/09/a-new-start-after-60-my-voice-went-and-suddenly-part-of-me-was-missing-then-i-discovered-bellringing

A new start after 60: My voice went and suddenly part of me was missing – then I discovered bellringing

As a lifelong singer and a teacher, Jean Walters was used to making a noise. At 67 she found a new way to do it

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/jun/09/a-new-start-after-60-my-voice-went-and-suddenly-part-of-me-was-missing-then-i-discovered-bellringing

erinaceus · 09/06/2025 11:20

I’m a bellringer (I read the article @Boopear posted this morning).

Bellringing is cheap, social (lots of going to the pub after practice), wide range of people from all backgrounds, fun, you learn a new skill. Would recommend.

Flip

1 2 3