National Women's Register starts a Colchester group, with a first meeting on 16 November at Stanway Garden Centre's restaurant. What members do and how to join.

A new branch of National Women’s Register (NWR), the membership charity that works against social isolation in older women, holds its first Colchester meeting on 16 November in the restaurant at Stanway Garden Centre.

The charity says it is starting the group “in response to demand”. It invites local women to come along to “connect, take part in meaningful discussions and form lasting friendships”, and pitches it at anyone who wants to widen their social circle and try something different.

What happens at an NWR group

NWR’s Colchester group page says meetings usually open with an informal ice-breaker topic, with time at the start and end to talk in smaller groups. “There is no obligation to contribute, just come along and be part of a friendly group,” the page says.

The charity lists what members get:

  • Conversation: discussions ranging “from current events to personal passions”.
  • Shared activities: monthly national activities, including a monthly quiz and a feature called “Curiosity Corner”.
  • Social events: outings, speaker events and more beyond the regular meetings.
  • Online activities: gentle exercise classes, online discussion groups, monthly quiz nights, virtual coffee mornings, expert speakers, short courses and book clubs.
  • Offers: discounts from selected partners.

The group page says the Colchester branch plans to meet fortnightly in a public venue, and hopes to add walks, outings, a regular quiz and a book group for those interested.

Claire Kendrick, chief executive of NWR, said: “We are so excited to be launching an NWR group in Colchester. This group is a fantastic way for women to meet new friends and participate in vibrant, thoughtful discussions. It’s all about growing a welcoming, supportive space for women to express themselves and share their views.”

What it means for you

Women who would like to try a free trial session, or to join, are asked to fill in the contact form on NWR’s Colchester group page, and the charity will send full meeting details, including the start time, which it has not yet published.

Membership costs £37 a year, NWR says, and covers a local group, the charity’s online activities and events, and offers from partner brands. You can join online and use the online benefits straight away.

Anyone who would like to help run the Colchester group can email newgroups@nwr.org.uk, the charity says.

NWR has groups across the UK and an online community, and its discussions cover topics from current affairs and the arts to travel and lifestyle, the charity says. It is a registered charity, number 295198, based in Buntingford, Hertfordshire.