Hobbies page
'get off yer butt and do something'

"Retirement"
One time you're getting up every day to go to work. Then suddenly you're retired, maybe unwillingly, with loads of time on your hands. The change of circumstance can be unsettling, not only to yourself but also to your family. The days stretch out unendingly before you- nothing to do and all day to do it in; that's when you need a hobby (or hobbies).

"What is a hobby?"
My broad definition of a hobby is something that is done to pass time in a profitable manner. It may well be profitable in the monetary sense or it may give a sense of achievement. If you're lucky it may give both.

"Charities"
Charities such as Age Concern are always short of volunteers and you are sure to be welcomed. Forget the image of well-meaning people doddering about; modern charities are run on sound business lines and can be fun. It'll get you out, part of a team, looking forward to the challenge. I speak from experience as one who was beginning to lose confidence.

Charities are a life-saver, not only for the people they help but also for the helpers. If you have any skills, and who hasn't?, they can be put to work. If you can do office work; answer the telephone, work a copier, do some filing, you'll be invaluable. Car owners are always in demand to ferry people about or if you can do simple repairs you'll be in great demand. What's more, you'll be part of a team. If you think that working for a charity might be for you, don't jump in with both feet straight away but treat it as looking for a job. Visit local charities that interest you, chat with the people there and find out as much as you can, then go for it.

"Institutions"
Similarly to charities, many institutions such as hospices, hospitals and schools are always short of willing hands. You may have come into contact with one or more of these personally or through a family member or friend. In general hospices and hospitals need volunteers to help with distribution of food and reading matter, arrange flowers and generally help with the social side of things. This allows nurses more time to concentrate on using their medical skills. Despite what you may think, hospices are usually places full of joy and hope.

If you have grandchildren, why not lend a hand at their school?. There's always need for people to lend a hand in a multitude of ways; manning a stall at the school fair, for example or even helping to organise it. Many schools have dispensed with the old PTA in favour of a "Friends of..." which allows people other than just parents to join. Helping to make scenery for a play is also a fun thing.

"Don't be fright"
Do you remember this catchphrase? It's from a half-remembered radio show of around the war years, but it expresses what I'm trying to say. You may feel diffident about taking on the responsibility of voluntary work as is outlined above, but go for it and you'll never regret it. You'll mostly meet some very nice people but also a few that are boring, self-opinionated or downright rude; that's all part of life's rich tapestry. If the worst comes to the worst you can always leave and try something else, but for the most part, once you become part of a team, you won't want to.

"Take a course at your local college"
What in? Anything that takes your fancy; most colleges have concessions on fees for older people. Unless you have a special interest why not try something off-beat such as self-assertion or painting on silk. It's all good fun, you get out and you meet people.

"Visit your local leisure centre"
There you can get a swim, have a workout in the gym, play badminton or bowls. Most leisure centres run courses in several sports where you will meet like-minded people, with maybe a coffee or as drink afterwards.

"Support your local societies"
All localities have a wealth of societies and clubs offering all manner of skills. There are operatic and drama societies, brass band, dance band, jazz, organ, dancing schools, model trains, art, photographic etc.etc. Many of these societies need financial help. Although the members pay subscriptions this is not always sufficient to cover costs. Also, having worked hard to achieve good results they need to display their talents. Even if you don't want to join a club yourself, please support these people. I know you'll enjoy their offerings.

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