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Picture of Crich Stand

Intersting website

www.growingolddisgracefully.org.uk

This all started when a group of women who were attending a course at the Hen House decided to write a book about their lives. This they called Growing Old Disgracefully.

When it was published it created a great deal of interest and people from all over the UK who did not wish to sit at home and grow old gracefully wanted to “join”.

This interest resulted in a Network of women which has grown over the years until it now has members not only in the UK but in Australia, Canada, France, Jersey, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain and Switzerland. It continues to grow and flourish.

Ten years later the same women wrote another book called Disgracefully Yours, making the most of the rest of our lives.

Our Aims:

  • meeting like-minded women and making new friends
  • countering stereotypes of older women
  • sharing laughter and a sense of fun
  • encouraging older women to take a positive attitude to ageing
  • supporting each other
  • extending our horizons
  • to follow the path of self discovery

Groups:

There are many local groups throughout the UK and these are completely autonomous with regard to the programme they wish to pursue.

Most meet regularly – sometimes in each other’s houses, sometimes in meeting halls or restaurants – one group even meets at a golf club – or they may choose to go out together for a visit.

They may hold workshops, do various creative activities, have discussions or just relax and enjoy each other’s company. Each member receives a confidential list of members and a list of group contacts.

If there is no group in a particular area there is some help in setting one up, by way of advice, a small cash grant, a copy of the book Growing Old Disgracefully and there is always the opportunity to ask an experienced member to visit and help.

Solo Members:

  • Do you live in an isolated area?
  • Do you find it difficult to get out to meet people, without help?
  • Are you a new member who does not know any others?
  • There are plenty of opportunities for you.
  • You could ring your nearest contact to find out when and where the group meets and if it might be possible for you to have a lift, if necessary.
  • You could contact other people on the members’ list or try to interest people in becoming members so that you might form a new group.
  • You could attend a residential gathering. If you go alone you will be made welcome and make many new friends.
  • Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it.
  • We have a list of “Home from Home” members who are willing to welcome you into their homes for a short stay.
  • There is a pen friends’ group.
  • There is the Newsletter.

Activities

LAUGHING WALKING DANCING SINGING YOGA SAILING VISITING - Theatres, Art Galleries, Museums, Places of Interest, CRAFTS – of every description TALKING LEARNING WORKSHOPS– these are held on many subject.

Find out more:

Now that you have read all about us, perhaps you would like to know more. An introductory pack is available by e-mailing the address below. This contains even more details and an application for membership. The two books Growing Old Disgracefully and Disgracefully Yours are available at £6.50 each, or you may find them in your library.

Contact the Membership Secretary: info@growingolddisgracefully.org.uk.

100th birthday cigaretteSorry, just had to add this photograph here. Nothing to do with the article above! - Ed.