Hello

Hello Moonlightwalks , what a lovely place you have moved to ! Hope you soon settle in . flowers

Hello Jamsidedown. I moved to Hampshire 12 months ago to be near my family. Whereabouts are you?

Hi supermum48, there's a coincidence! I am in Petersfield - and you?

I am in Hartley Wintney near Fleet. I have been to Petersfield. It's a nice place. I remember we went into Wetherspoons for coffee and it was brilliant value and pleasant surroundings! It's only 20 something miles from us, but seems to take a long time because the roads aren't fast roads. Have you made any new friends there? I have joined u3a and considering WI to get to know some people locally. Great to be near the family, but I do miss the closeness of long standing friends.

Hello to you new people, and welcome. I hope you enjoy GN as much as I do.

Hello to everyone who has recently joined, or decided to jump in and post something. It's great to see new 'faces'.

Super mum, you sound just like me! I have joined a Pilates class, so met a few people there and also the local wildlife group which is very friendly. We have had a building project on so it's been heads down for the past few months, but I have looked at U3A although I think there is a waiting list! As you say, it is missing longstanding friends and those close connections. It's lovely to be near the family but it's a trade off isn't it? I made a lot of friends when working but now I am retired it's not so easy. Up to me yo make the effort I guess, which it am not very good at!

I know Jamsidedown. Sometimes I feel as though I am pushing myself unnaturally to establish a connection with somebody, when they are not that interested. Other times I get tired of constantly having to make the effort, and ring one of my old friends instead!
DH is fine as long as he can go to the pub and chat about football to any random person that comes in, but I think women want more than that.

Hi supermum, yes I agree with you. Even though we do have friends in Hampshire/Surrey, they have moved on with their own lives and it's not so simple to ring and say let's go for a coffee or whatever is it? By the way, I meant to say that Hartley Wintney is lovely. When we lived in the Midlands I used to frequently drive through to get to the motorway!

What particular bits of U3A are you interested in - is there a wide range of groups? I always shed off a bit from the WI, but that's my prejudice I think - if it was like the Dawn French Jam and Jerusalem then it could be fun!

Bother automatic spellchecker, that should read "shied" away grr

Welcome to Cornwall moonlightwalks I hope you enjoy your new home. Which end of the county are you? We are in the east, close to the Devon border.

Hi Jamsidedown. There are several different groups - the actual number and variety depends on the size and interests of the group. I have joined Fleet u3a as it is bigger than Hartley Wintney u3a and potentially has more groups that interest me. I am giving Scrabble and International Folk Dancing a go initially, but I can join other groups throughout the year if I want as long as there is room in the group.
If you are passing through Hartley Wintney again, perhaps we could meet for a coffee?

The same applies to any other Gransnetters who happen to be passing through Hartley Wintney.

Hi supermum, yes, coffee sounds good, and likewise if you are passing this way.

Your Fleet U3A group sounds a lot more active than the Petersfield one. The next one would be Liphook which is about 15-20 minute drive away. I do need to apply myself otherwise I will not bother and turn into a right grump!