SOCIAL GROUPS

HOUNSLOW AGE CONCERN Monday Friday Kiran's Kitchen open daily cooking fresh meals 12noon onwards. Wednesdays: Mamta Social Group 1pm-3pm. Thursday Tai-Chi has moved to Fridays 1.15pm 2.15pm. Thursdays Fun and Fitness in retirement Group 1pm-3pm.

THE HOUNSLOW ACTIVE PLUS GROUP offers to brighten your social life with a wide range of activities such as club nights, meals out, day trips, clubbing and comedy nights, quizzes, bowling, live bands, theatre trips, weekend breaks, karaoke and more.

Find out more at the White Bear pub on Kingsley Road, Hounslow, near Hounslow East tube station on any Tuesday from 9.15pm. Visit www.hounslow18plus.org.uk or leave your details on 07010 714 686.

TWICKENHAM CLUB FOR THE BLIND Alan Butler president. A social club for anyone who is partially sighted or blind welcomes new members. Contact the Sensory Needs team at Elmfield House, Teddington. 020 8891 7971. Meetings are held twice a month on a Thursday.

The Oddfellows youth club for over 50s has introducded afternoon meetings. Gatherings are held once a month at Oddfellows Hall, Parkshot, Richmond and are open to existing members, particularly those who may have recently joined but not yet attended an event, and newcomers alike. Derek Cleveland is district secretary 8940-7556.

New families Are you a new family to the Richmond and Twickenham area? This group aims to provide help, support, friendship and social activitiest such as social Bridge, progressive dinners, barbecues, pot luck parties, baby sitting swaps, theatre trips and visits to places of local interest, picnics, cycling trips - anything that members want to help organise. Talk to Kathy Fitchett on 8288 0153.

Richmond Social Group Do you want to make new friends in the Richmond area? Do you have an evening free during the week when you'd like to get together with others to talk about travel, philosophy, or whatever interests you, or to go to the cinema? Would you like to go bike riding or walking with a group on occasional Saturdays? Or do you just want to meet new people to sit and chat with over a cup of coffee or a pint? The Richmond Social Group is a small friendly group of people, most of whom are in their 20s/30s and live in or around the Richmond upon Thames area. They meet usually in a pub or for dinner in Richmond on the second Wednesday of every month and members also suggest other meetings and activities to take place in between monthly meetings. If you like the sound of it check out www.neighbors.meetup.com/17 and go along.

Richmond branch, International Friendship League Members meet on Mondays 7.30pm, in the headquarters of Richmond Council for Voluntary Service, first floor, 1 Princes Street. 8894 0664. No meeting: Easter.

Richmond Afternoon Forum Members meet 2.45pm Tuesdays, October-April, in the Raleigh Road United Reformed Church Hall. Olive Wootten 8878 9996.

Just Good Friends a social group for unattached, 45+. A monthly programme includes parties, rambles, dining out and lots of opportunities to meet new friends. Monday evenings in The Waiting Rooms, Isleworth (formerly The Chequers) from 8.30pm 8898 0893/4754, 8741 7796 for more details or just go along.

The Instant London Social Life (LTRC) is for single and married people to socialise and make the most of events in and around the London area. Many events are held in the Times circulation area. Find out more from 07004 587 200, email info@ltrc.co.uk

OutWest Outwest is a social group which supports the lesbian and gay communities in west London. They hold regular meeting, social events and other activities. They also assist/support members in dealing with local issues, local authorities and social services etc. Information from Chris or Les on 8892 5061 or email CHRIS.BOUCHER69@HOTMAIL.COM or visit www.outwest.org.uk/
Teddington Group, a small friendly social group for single people between 45 and 60. Activities include meals, theatres and walks. Telephone Lynne 8755 2841 or David 8977 7649 for further details.

Senior Singles New group for the over 50s. If you need new friends, please text or ring Eloise on 07958 171194. Helpers needed. Membership £10 to cover expenses.

Thursday Club Husbands, daughters and friends are welcome at the Thursday Club. Members meet fortnightly, come rain or shine at 8pm in the church hall of St Augustine's, Hospital Bridge Road, Whitton to hear speakers and socialise. Visitors and prospective new members can find out more from secretary Betty Hopkins 8898 9269.

Disabled Drivers' Association Thames Valley Group of the Disabled Drivers' Association. David Loftus 8898 5509 or 07778 401 942. From September 24,2005, The Thames Valley Group will meet for a social gathering on the last Saturday of every month at the Whitton Day Centre, 111a Kneller Road, Whitton, Twickenham, Middlesex.

Anyone with a mobility difficulty, whether they are a driver or passenger, is welcome to go along for refreshments, a chat and occasional entertainment.

For further information please contact the secretary; Mrs Jane Lawrence, 17 Calder Court, Britannia Road, Surbiton, Surrey KT5 8TS.

Mingles Unattached Over 30s Dance 'n' Rendezvous Club Mondays at the Winning Post Hotel Function Suite (A316) Whitton. 8.30pm-12 midnight. The Ship at Weybridge on Sundays. Gents collar and tie. Free membership with this paper 01737 350 272.

Arts Link A lively arts group for Richmond and surrounding areas with a monthly programme of twenty or so events. Save on ticket prices. Also a book group, a writers circle and an artists group. 8288 0037 or email artslink@blueyonder.co.uk for programme and more info.

The Surrey Dining Club Membership 0870 410 4444, or email: gen@thesurreydiningclub.co.uk

Dolphin Island, arts based social club for the 20s to 50s, meets regularly in Richmond and many other places. www.dolphinisland.btinternet.co.uk. More details from Jeremy on 8412 7050, daytime best.

The Avenue Club The Avenue Club, St Luke's in the Avenue, Kew. Lisa or Roxy 8948 8807.

Mums group Barnes. Amanda 8878 0259 for details.

The Friendship Group (Association of Retired and Persons Over 50 (ARPO50)) meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 2pm at the Holy Trinity Church, Sheen Park, Richmond. Activities include swimming, dancing, lunches, rambles, theatre visits, boat trips, summer coach outings and guest speakers. Find out more from Pamela 8894 2694 or Margaret 01784 243 605.

RAF Police Association formed in 1984 for serving and retired members of the RAF Police and associated branches and trades to meet, with the aim of fostering good fellowship and advancing the spirit of comradeship formed during service with the RAF Police. Secretary David Wardell, 40 South Western Crescent, Parkstone, Poole, Dorset. BH14 8RR. dave.wardell@ntlworld.com Dance party for the unattached every Friday at the American Golf Club, upstairs in the barn, Charlton Lane, Shepperton. All ages welcome. 9pm-2am. £5 ladies, £7 men, smart casual dress. 01276 489495.

Richmond upon Thames Rotaract Club meets first and third Mondays of the month at The Fox pub, Church Street, Twickenham. Alison 0870 740 7277, website www. rotaract.org/richmonduponthames, email: richmonduponthames@rotaract.org by post to The Rotaract Club of Richmond upon Thames, PO Box 555, Richmond. TW10 6WB, or call at The Fox. For anyone aged 18-29 who enjoys making friends and good social life, while lending their skills to help others. Clubs are non political and non religious.

Retired people in Teddington A new social club aims to bring together local retired people in Teddington. Residents of the retirement housing at 19 Kingston Lane, which is run by Richmond Housing Partnership, welcome visitors on the first Tuesday of every month, 2pm-4pm. There are different activities on offer every month, including refreshments, live entertainment, bingo, raffles and games. All for £1 per session. There may also be the opportunity to go on outings. Kerrie Steward will be running the social club. Call Kerrie on 8255 2313.

Richmond Retired Teachers' Fellowship meets in St Mary's Church Hall, Church Street, Twickenham. Four or five of the meetings on second Tuesdays are held indoors in each year.

The Chiswick and Kew Jewish Group meets once a month, with social and communal, as well as religious aims in mind. Judy Weleminsky 8876 5087. The CKJG is a progressive Jewish religious and social group which welcomes all Jews in west London, including mixed couples. Judy on 8876 5087, judywele@aol.com.

Richmond & Twickenham Gingerbread for lone parent families meets weekly in the borough of Richmond upon Thames for friendship, support and advice. Crche and social events throughout the year. Telephone/ fax 8569 7878 after 4pm or 8715 0026. www.gingerbread.org.uk South London Gays (SLG) friendly social group with wide range of activities. Phone Terry 8674 5191 or Kevin 8672 5268 or write PO Box 243, London SW19 1XW. Formerly The Kingston and Richmond Area Gay Society (KRAGS).

Club West for lively unattached late 30s to early 60s meet in Richmond, Ealing, Chiswick and Hammersmith for pub lunches, quizzes, coffee mornings etc. Mike Tyzack 8992 6134 (24 hour).

Royal Air Forces Association, Twickenham Branch Airscrew Club Ex-RAF personnel welcome to 142a Argyle Avenue, Whitton, any Monday or Friday, 8pm-11pm or telephone Leonard Lees-Whitehead, public relations officer, on 8897 8097.

Royal Marines, past and serving, are welcomed at RMA Hanworth. 8979 2014, 8948 1945.

Thursday Club fortnightly meetings for whole family in the Church Hall at St Augustine's, Hospital Bridge Road. 8pm, refreshments. Secretary Betty Hopkins 8898 9269.

Richmond 18 Plus Thursdays 8.30pm at the Crown pub, opposite Crown Road, Richmond Road, Twickenham. Everyone aged 18-30. Wez 8577 3359.

Hounslow Plus Group offers 18-35 year-olds the chance to make new friends and take part in activities. Visit the White Bear, Kingsley Road, Hounslow, on any Tuesday from 9.30pm.

Just Good Friends a social group for unattached, 45+. A monthly programme includes parties, rambles, dining out and lots of opportunities to meet new friends. Monday evenings in The Waiting Rooms, Isleworth (formerly The Chequers) from 8.30pm 8898 0893/4754, 8741 7796 for more details or just go along.

The West London (formerly Isleworth) Branch of the Royal Engineers Association is celebrating its 20th aniversary this year. The association has been looking after the welfare of ex-Sappers in West London since 1984 including resident members in the Royal Star & Garter Home If you are an ex-Sapper you are welcome to meetings. They take place at the Royal British Legion Club in Old Deer Car Park Richmond on the second Tuesday of the month (except August) at 8pm.

The REA cares for all ranks and prides itself on keeping a friendly and approachable branch and living up to the motto Service not Self'. Once a Sapper always a Sapper.

Cranford Good Neighbours' Scheme includes a lunch club, Little Angels, bingo and Shoparaound. Membership is £5 a year which includes a welcome pack, a newsletter, updates on events and helps the scheme help people in and around Cranford. Find out more from 8759 0278, 0774 8046 873.

Chiswick Working Mothers Group is an offshoot of the Chiswick branch of the National Childbirth Trust. The group meets one evening a month, usually at someone's house, and will involve informative meetings, sometimes a speaker as well as fun outings like bowling and social evenings. The programme for the year will include serious topics like emergency first aid, child safety, financial planning, childcare options and education issues. 8994 5374 for further information.

Hounslow 18 + meets every Tuesday at the White Bear, Kingsley Road, East Hounslow. Lisa 01923 827 084 or 07010 736 674.

OutWest For more information, please contact Chris on 07834 483 866 or visit www.OutWest .org.uk Outwest is a social group which supports the lesbian and gay communities in west London. They hold regular meeting, social events and other activities. They also assist/support members in dealing with local issues, local authorities and social services etc.

Royal British Legion Heston branch of the Royal British Legion is based at 79 New Heston Road, Heston TW5 0LG. Call 8570 4713 for details.

Royal Naval Association, Hanworth Park Road, Hanworth. Brenda White 8570 7702.

Richmond & Twickenham Gingerbread the organisation for lone parent families meets weekly in the borough of Richmond upon Thames for friendship, support and advice. There is a creche and there are social events throughout the year. Details telephone fax 8569 7878 after 4pm or 8715 0026.

The Chiswick and Kew Jewish Group meets once a month, with social and communal, as well as religious aims in mind. Judy Weleminsky 8876 5087. The CKJG is a progressive Jewish religious and social group which welcomes all Jews in west London, including mixed couple. Other events are planned. For more information, please contact Judy on 8876 5087, judywele@aol.com.

Club West for lively unattached late 30s to early 60s meet in Richmond, Ealing, Chiswick and Hammersmith for pub lunches, quizzes, coffee mornings etc. Mike Tyzack 8992 6134 (24 hour).

Age Concern Brentford meets in Alexandra House, Albany Road, Brentford. There's weekly keep fit and chairmobility Mondays and Fridays 10.15am; bingo on Tuesdays and Thursdays 1.45pm. Interesting talks, slide programmes etc, a bring and buy stall and raffles. Light refreshments. Glenys Harding secretary, 8560 5711.

Age Concern Chiswick meets in the club at Oxford Road North. There is a friendly game of bingo every Monday and Thursday and snooker on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The library, which includes large print books and jigsaws, is free to members. Telephone 8742 7007 or 8994 1747 or call at the club on a Monday and Thursday for more information. New members always welcome. Societies and clubs seeking meeting rooms are also invited to contact the club. There are two halls for hire.

Age Concern Hounslow runs a weekly Friday Club, 1.45pm-3.30pm, with beetle drives, talks, films, dancing etc. Transport is available within two miles. 8560 0828.

Royal Marines, past and serving at welcomed at RMA, Hanworth. 8979 2014, 8948 1945.

Mother & Toddler Group Make friends at the group which meets each Wednesday, 1.15pm-3.15pm at the Hogarth Youth & Community Centre, Duke Road, Chiswick. £1 per session. Details 847 1999.

A drop-in group for pregnant women, their family and friends, meets on Wednesdays at 10.30am in the Hanworth Youth Centre, Hounslow Road, Hanworth near Oriel School. Chance to chat with health visitors, midwives and staff from the National Childbirth Trust.

The First Wednesday Group meets 2pm-4pm on the first Wednesday of each month in the Heston Community Centre, Vicarage Farm Road. Talks and demonstrations etc. Eileen Small 8577 2961.

The Over 50s club meets Thursdays 10am-12 noon at the Southville Centre, Southville Road, off Bedfont Lane, Bedfont. 8890 5768. Activities include arts and crafts, keep fit and history of Feltham.

Dance party for the unattached every Friday at the American Golf Club, upstairs in the barn, Charlton Lane, Shepperton. All ages welcome. 9pm-2am. £5 ladies, £7 men, smart casual dress. 01276 489495.