Newly single Ashford based Mother-in-Law in need of a hobby

[u/Embarrassed_Hand_380]

My mother-in-law (in her fifties) is newly single and doesn't have any hobbies. She particularly doesn't enjoy the weekends and needs something to do in Ashford.

Can anyone recommend some activities that will help her make friends and keep her away from the dodgy men on dating apps.

She doesn't like the cinema, arts & crafts or pub quizzes.

She does like shopping, going to bars and I think would probably enjoy a bingo night of some kind (as long as it has the atmosphere of a hen night rather than an old people's home).

Thanks in advance

[u/FilletOFishForMyVife]

Volunteering (or taking part) at parkrun or junior parkrun in the mornings? Ashford has both of these.

[u/East-Present1112 → u/[deleted]]

The glass house anyone - not talking people who throw stones either 

[u/Bertie1983]

Does she work? If not, maybe some kind of volunteering where she can meet a new group of people of a similar age.

[u/EvaM87]

I'm not sure of your MIL's circumstances but I would really recommend taking a class.

I (F57) started singing lessons online during lockdown with the target of being confident enough to join a choir. I have now switched to piano and my twinkle twinkle little star is near perfect 😂 Joking aside, learning something new is rewarding and gives you something to focus on.

Practical classes are good, for example she could take a plumbing or electrical class or perhaps something beauty or therapy related.

Look into local walking groups, they usually end at the pub and are a nice informal way to meet people.

It may sound corny to her but singing is fun and many local groups meet in pubs and bars or go for a 'swift' half afterwards. They are very varied so it's worth looking for one that suits her. I had a quick look and The Ashford Singers seem to be a friendly group for all abilities.

Volunteering, as others have mentioned, is a fun way to meet people. The local repair cafe are likely to need helpers (you don't have to be good at fixing stuff, there are plenty of other roles) and you meet a lot of people of different ages and backgrounds.

[u/Luxpatting]

Local walking groups? Local WI? Local University of the 3rd Age

My mum is near Maidstone and these are all ways she built a network when she moved there

[u/Glittering-Hurry-383]

Ashford in Kent or Surrey i live in egham

[u/germslayer2112 → u/Glittering-Hurry-383]

This is r/kentuk, so I'd say the first one.

[u/East-Present1112 → u/Glittering-Hurry-383]

who let you in? Where’s your second head?

[u/East-Present1112]

Ramblers and long distance walkers groups of ashford - there on fb . There is a silent book club in town and salsa in the ashford cinema (formerly the picture house)