Hello

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!

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

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?

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.

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

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!

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.

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!

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

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

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.

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

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

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

Hello all! Thank you to everyone for their warm welcome. I 've only had a very quick read around the site when I registered last night , but to be honest it was so late , I had to give in to sleep! I, too, am learning how and where to find everything! It looks so packed with so much interest , it's going to take a while, I can see! lol! (but b nice , I'm sure). Please bear with me folks if it's a while before you see a reply from me - thank you again for your warm welcome and to the other newbie - hello from me too!
Looking forward to getting back on here later this evening ... hoping to check out my local page too by then.
Oops! See what I mean ! I had meant to give a little about myself at the start of this post!! I live in Wales , I have 3 gorgeous grandsons aged 4, 3 and 2 months - love them all to bits. It 's really nice to have somewhere to look forward to reading / chatting - for me ! Until later then ! Take care all

Just a note to say Hello because I too have taken the plunge to join today. I have moved from Gloucestershire to Cornwall for peace and quiet and found this site so helpful and friendly. Looking forward to meet ups, chat and laughter. Thanks for a great way to use the modern technology!

Welcome from me too! I only joined Gransnet recently and wondered where to find fellow newbies.

Welcome newbies from me too. I hope you get as much pleasure from this site as I do.

The tabs at the top of the forums page are useful. I usually look at the threads that "I'm On" first then dip into the "Active" ones, which are those with the latest comments. If you want a particular subject use the search box and start a new conversation if you find nothing.

Welcome Jamsidedown and Buzynanna!

Hi everyone, thanks for all the warm welcomes and advice and information. I can see I am going to have to ration myself, otherwise I will never get my nose off my ipad!

Buzynanna it's good to have a fellow newbie! Hope to "meet" up with everyone on some of the various threads, which I never knew about - soops kitchen for example! What's that about? And does anyone have any advice on how do find threads?

Thank you.

Jammy

Hello newbies and welcome. Hope you have checked out your local Gransnet pages too.

I have to ration my time on GN otherwise I'd never see the light of day. There's always something interesting to join in with and no need to get dressed!

Welcome to the newcomers from me.
It is a very addictive site as others have warned!!!! I know because I have been here from the very early days.
to you both.

Hello jamsidedown and a big welcome to gnet from me in Northumberland. I joined earlier this year and have found these lovely people very wise and very funny.I've never visited Hampshire. The nearest I've been is Gloucestershire.

Welcome from me too. Enjoy!