In recent weeks, The Mail on Sunday has teamed up with the charity Age UK to help tackle loneliness by highlighting some of the best places to meet like-minded people.
We’ve highlighted just a few of the myriad groups that cater to all tastes and interests – from drum circles and knitting clubs to life drawing classes and speed dating.
With scientific studies showing that loneliness can be as harmful to your health as smoking or obesity, there’s never been a better time to take the plunge. So here are some more activities to get you going and making new friends, from Viking-inspired get-togethers to literary readings.
Try to live like a Viking – including battles
WHAT IS IT?
Vikings of Middle England is a history group focusing on Anglo-Saxon and Viking cultures. Each week, contestants learn how to make clothes, food and – of course – recreate brutal battles.
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The group meets on Wednesday evenings at the social center in Braunstone, near Leicester. During the summer they put on theatrical reenactments of battles at historic sites such as Rockingham Castle in Northamptonshire.
Softer members can wear the clothes they made, cook, and roam like a Viking.
Regular Alan Ball (34) says: “We try to be as authentic as possible and camp in simple A-frame tents. We eat stews and bread that they would have made.”
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Participation in the sessions costs only €3. Visit vikingsof.me.
Vikings of Middle England is a history group focusing on Anglo-Saxon and Viking cultures. Each week, contestants learn how to make clothes, food and – of course – recreate brutal battles
Follow in the inspiring footsteps of Jane Austin
WHAT IS IT?
Where would Jane go? is a group that visits stately homes that they believe were visited by Jane Austen or the characters in her novels.
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The visits take place approximately once a month. The group were in Lyveden New Bield in Northamptonshire for a production of Pride And Prejudice in front of the ruins of the Elizabethan building and enjoyed cream tea in the library at Castle Howard, York.
Annabelle Blackham (49) from St Neott’s, Cambridgeshire, founded the group in 2015. “I met after coming out of a four-year relationship,” she says. “I loved looking at architecture and I wanted people to do it – and I found like-minded people.”
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Participation is free for the group, only the costs are paid on site. Go to meetup.com/where-would-jane-go-visit-country-houses-and-stately-homes.
Where would Jane go? is a group that visits stately homes that they believe were visited by Jane Austen or the characters in her novels
A world of learning without borders
WHAT IS IT?
Founded in 1781, the Manchester Literary And Philosophical Society hosts lectures and discussions on a wide range of subjects, from science and politics to philosophy and the arts.
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Venues vary within Manchester and upcoming events include a lecture on biodiversity by Oxford Professor Simon Hiscock and geneticist Sir Paul Nurse.
People are encouraged to come early and there will be a Q&A after the talk.
Development leader Rachel Croft says the aim is to have charismatic speakers on thought-provoking topics, adding: “It’s all about thought, but many members have made good friends.”
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For non-members, the reading costs 11 euros each. Members pay £10 per month and can participate in all activities. Visit manlitphil.ac.uk.
Somewhere to reach for the stars
WHAT IS IT?
Brighton Astro is a group for astronomy enthusiasts, from amateur to expert. They meet to discuss space, share knowledge, attend lectures by experts, and then stargaze.
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The group meets on the last Thursday of each month at the Quaker Friends Meeting House in Brighton.
Designer Phil McAllister, who co-founded the group in 2016, says: “We’re not astrophysicists. Our youngest member is 10 and the oldest 102. You don’t need a telescope, use ours and we’ll explain what you can see.”
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Participation in events is free. Donations are welcome but voluntary. Visit Brightonastro.com.
A place to share your big ideas
WHAT IS IT?
Bristol Entrepreneurs and Opportunity Seekers organize corporate events for anyone with an idea to start up or to connect with other types of entrepreneurs.
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The group meets monthly in Bristol. There will be a speaker – usually a local business leader – and time for members to network.
Organizer Ollie Collard (35) says: “People of all ages come. Young people may be better at technology, while older people know other basic skills, such as B. drafting legal contracts.”
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Participation in events is free. Email hello@enterpriseorchard.co.uk.
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
