How it all started...

Like many people, when I moved to Norwich I needed to increase my social networks  but soon found that people of my age group had few ways of finding others on a similar wavelength on a social / friends basis. Clubbing and hanging around in bars simply did not appeal.

As a result, I started Social Buddies in December 2005 with just one meet, using the meets function of a friends-and-dating website.  The programme soon grew to 8 meets, then 15, and now our more usual 20-25 a month.

Social Buddies has gone through several phases of growth over the years, each time becoming even more fully fledged. At present it is run through two websites: this site as the 'public' part of the site, which anyone can access, and Yahoo groups as the 'members only' part of the site. But this is set to change - so watch out for new developments....!

What makes Social Buddies different?

Social Buddies is probably unique in several respects. What really seems to attract people to join us is

• the unusually wide range of events we offer
• the strong arts and culture strand
• the incredible number of events every month
• and the knowledge that we actively seek to create a sense of consistency and safety around meets.

In one member's words "You do look after us really well, so thank you!"

- you can be sure that:

• details of events have been personally researched
• each month will hold a very broad balance of good quality events from mainstream stuff to art and the arts
• normally at least 15 events a month, more usually 20-25 (fewer in August and December/January)
• you are likely to meet independent-minded, professional and creative people like yourself
• there will be someone at each meet who is committed to helping each person feel welcome and included
• all this, plus we take great pride in finding a good number of interesting events that are free or very low-cost

What kind of people join Social Buddies?

The typical age range of our group is 40's and 50's. Most people in the group are single, some are in relationships. We have a mix of men and women, though typically more women.

We all seem to be friendly and young in outlook, with a fair sprinkling of intelligent, independent-minded people.

Members often tend to be 'people professionals', independent thinkers, and creative types: teachers, social workers, therapists, solicitors, artists, nurses, office and IT workers. But we have a very rich mix of people that seem to gel well, despite very varied backgrounds.

Have a listen to our interview on Radio Norfolk (September 2008), with Jacky plus group members Tim and Debbie.

What kind of meets do we do?

Each month we typically arrange around 15 events, up to as many as 20-25 (fewer in August and December/January as these can be quieter months).

Have a look at the current month's events, or a sample of a typical month's events.

Many of the meets are free or low cost, and we try to organise a wide range of things to do (based around things to stimulate the mind and imagination rather than alcohol and clubbing) so there should be something to interest most people.

Activities cover a very broad spectrum, from films, theatre, meals out, music, exhibitions, street theatre, pub socials, Quiz Nights, walks, art and the arts, salsa, bowling, book club and more. 

What to do next? 

Sounds good? Simply join this group now to start receiving regular details of events.

We hope to see you at some of them soon.

Jacky