Calls for more men to join widowers club
A group which provides comfort, support and friendship for those who have lost a loved one is looking for more male members.
The Drayton branch of Facing It Together (FIT), based at Drayton Village Hall, is one of three groups in Norfolk which caters for widows and widowers, regardless of age.
The widow and widowers club was the brainchild of Norfolk author June Sutton who lost her husband about 15 years ago.
At the time, she looked around and found that there were many men and women in her position. She thought that if there was somewhere to enable them to get together and talk about their experiences, they would be able to make new friends and help each other cope with their loss.
Over the years, membership has grown from 30 to more than 80 but the group is struggling to attract men.
George Mann, 83, chairman of FIT, who lost his wife Rita eight years ago, said: 'Our club is short of males, as we only have about six or seven against 60 to 65 females, I think males are very shy in coming to mixed clubs but we would make them most welcome.
'The club gives widows and widowers a chance to chat with other people who are in the same boat, to mingle, have a cup of tea, have a good natter and go on breaks with them.'
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The Facing it Together club, which also has branches in Eaton, Drayton and Aylsham, meets Thursday afternoons twice monthly from 2pm to 4pm.
The Drayton branch is the biggest of all three and has a range of entertainment and speakers at their meetings, ranging from beekeepers to charity representatives, historians to a wing commander.
They also organise outings, including a meal, and host a party in December and January.
For more information, contact chairman George Mann on 01603 408978.
Are you trying to boost membership numbers at your community group? Call reporter Kate Scotter on 01603 772326 or email kate.scotter@archant.co.uk
