NWR – all age groups covered...

Find yourself and what makes You tick

‘Lively informal meetings and varied discussion with other women, new friends.’

That’s only some of what NWR offers…young or retired, married or single, single mothers or working mothers National Women’s Register is the organisation for women everywhere. On any night of the week, in homes up and down the country you’ll find a buzz of conversation. For thousands of women it might be the only time they get to be themselves instead of mothers, carers and workers and they relish their Space to be You.

There are over 430 NWR groups all over the country and they all have their own distinct personalities. Meetings are held once, twice or even three times a month usually in members’ homes but sometimes in halls. The subjects for discussion are wide open. Here members have a chance to have their say on the wide variety of topics, to make new friends and keep in contact with old ones.

Groups vary in size from 10 to nearly 50; the age range varies from late 20’s - to mid 80’s. Check the website www.nwr.org.uk for groups in your area and their activities or ring the Office on 0845 4500287 to find your local group. Then go to a meeting, for free and see what they are offering. You can have three meetings before you are invited to join and pay the annual subs – currently only £16 per year.

For example, over the coming weeks, one group will be discussing Thailand, alternative funerals, sexual harassment and political groups. But there are light-hearted meetings too: the history of Women’s Underwear for example, and discussions on the latest Booker or Orange prize winners, the Hay Festival and Chelsea Flower Show as well as some speakers, outings and a variety of social events.

‘We all get together twice a year to plan the programme,' explains the Local Organiser of one group. 'We might pick some topical issues for us all to research and discuss, or one member may volunteer to talk about a particular topic or experience’.

Pam said: ‘With meetings in members' homes, it seemed so much friendlier than going to an organisation in a local hall. Meetings are so much more relaxed when you are welcomed into someone’s personal space and we all take turns to play host.’

No matter what role you're currently in, one thing’s certain - at the end of an NWR discussion, everyone is still friends; their minds are buzzing and already looking forward to the next meeting - whatever it may be!