Unique Clubs and Societies for Seniors in the Wokingham Area
If your loved one is looking for a different kind of hobby to enjoy, then the Wokingham area has plenty to offer.
For seniors in and around the picturesque town of Wokingham, the local club and society scene presents a wonderful opportunity to engage with like-minded individuals and embark on exciting journeys of discovery. Taking part in hobbies and socialising with others is a great way to keep the brain active and stave off feelings of loneliness.
Here we’ve gathered a list of a few of the clubs and societies operating in the area that are focused on some more unusual or less common activities and interests.
Berkshire Bonsai Society
For those with a penchant for the art of bonsai, the Berkshire Bonsai Society is an absolute gem. Here, members can learn various techniques of cultivating and styling miniature trees, appreciate the beauty of these living artworks, and share their knowledge and experiences with fellow enthusiasts.
Whether your loved one is a seasoned bonsai aficionado or just starting their bonsai journey, this small and friendly club provides an enriching and supportive environment. The club offers various activities at their events, and the website has some great hints and tips from current members.
The Berkshire Bonsai Society meet on the second Wednesday of each month at 7:30pm in Barkham Village Hall. The first visit is free, and anyone interested is welcome to attend a meeting or even bring along their own small trees for some free advice!
The Silvers’ Workshop
If your loved one has a passion for tinkering, repairing, or creating, The Silvers’ Workshop is the perfect place to indulge their interests. This club offers older men (sorry ladies!) a platform to learn various DIY skills, from woodworking and metalworking to electronics and home repairs.
The camaraderie and shared knowledge within the group make it an excellent opportunity to pick up new skills and tackle exciting projects while making lasting friendships. Projects can be personal or for the community; previous ones have varied from making cigar box guitars to repairing electric scooters!
There is an annual fee, but those interested are welcome to attend for a couple of taster sessions first. A little further out than the other places on this list, The Silvers’ Workshop can be found in Reading, just up the road from Reading West Station, and is open weekdays 10am-2pm (except Tuesdays).
Wokingham Horticultural Society
Green thumbs unite! The Wokingham Horticultural Society is a haven for gardening enthusiasts. Whether your loved one has a sprawling garden or just a modest balcony, this society provides a wealth of knowledge on plant cultivation, landscaping, and floral arrangement.
The group offers regular craft meetings, as well as arranging activities and days out, allowing your loved one to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature and gain valuable insights from experienced gardeners in the community. They hold seasonal shows open to members of all levels of experience throughout the year, and even have their own trade store offering a range of tools, seeds, composts and more.
The craft group meetings are held every Wednesday at 2pm, at their Ormonde Road Store in Wokingham, which itself is open for purchases Wednesday and Sunday mornings (and offers a click-and-collect service).
Wokingham Photography Club
Although the club doesn’t offer formal photography tuition, it does provide plenty of opportunities and activities for members to learn from each other, as well as workshops, guest speakers, and informal tutorials provided by other members.
The club meets on the first 4 Thursdays of the month, from mid-September to early June, at The Cornerstone community hall in Wokingham, and prospective members are welcome to visit to see if it is the right fit for them.
Wokingham & District Philatelic Society
Stamp collecting is an age-old hobby that continues to captivate people worldwide. The Wokingham & District Philatelic Society caters to the interests of stamp enthusiasts, offering a welcoming environment for members to share their collections, exchange stamps, and delve into the rich history behind these small, yet captivating artifacts.
Regular meetings feature a talk from a guest speaker or a display by members, with tea and coffee provided. Friendly competitions, auctions, and thematic exhibitions contribute to the camaraderie and knowledge-sharing within the society, which is open to both novice and advanced collectors alike.
The Wokingham & District Philatelic Society meets at 7.30pm on Tuesday evenings twice a month, at The Bradbury Community Centre in the heart of Wokingham, and new members are welcome to pop along with no obligation to join.
Wokingham u3a
The University of the Third Age (u3a) is a unique organization that encourages seniors to engage in lifelong learning. With over 2000 members, the Wokingham u3a offers more than 180 activity and interest groups, from history, science, and arts, to more unusual topics such as wine appreciation, mahjong, and amateur radio!
Members can participate in regular meetings, attend lectures and workshops, and even lead their own interest groups. There is also a social side, with coffee mornings, outings, quizzes, and more. This vibrant community fosters a sense of active engagement and lifelong curiosity that can be shared with new friends.
Meeting times and locations vary across the different activities, so it is worth checking the Wokingham u3a website for more details on individual groups. Whatever your loved one’s interests, there is bound to be something that fits their needs!
Wokingham provides a thriving and unique club scene for seniors, catering to diverse interests and passions. Whether your loved one is interested in cultivating bonsai, exploring photography, or learning about a new subject, there is a club or society in Wokingham that is perfect for them.
These distinctive clubs not only provide a platform for them to pursue current or new hobbies, but also offer an opportunity for them to connect with like-minded individuals, foster new friendships, and create lasting memories, allowing their retirement years to be filled with joy, learning, and shared experiences.
If you’re interested in hearing more about home care in Wokingham or the surrounding area for yourself or a loved one, you can contact us online or give us a call on 01276 903106.
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