2009 - building a community spirit

[John50]

I live on a very quiet community with about a 10 to 15% occupancy at the best.

Of the people resident here, most are retired, a surprising amount on their own now - including myself - and all are really struggling.

Many have no transport.

I have been pottering in my little garden for a couple of days and several neighbours have stopped to chat - two in tears and wanting to 'go home' - even though they have no homes other than here to 'go home' to.

Reduced pensions - down to under 700 euros a month for one couple, bad economic news which is frightening many, including myself, the unusually cool and greyer weather and yes, loneliness have crept in to make many people's lives a misery. Some have no TV following the Telmicro fiasco and cannot afford to buy in another supplier or system.

I intend to do something about this next week. I have books, videos, music, board games and a tea pot. I am going to set up a little 'club'. Company, fellowship and a cup of tea go a long way I think. We can meet in each others homes to help out with those who have no transport or don't want to spend out on travel with fuel. Oh, how I wish we had a little church hall or something but we can make do.

How it will go, I know not but what I should really appreciate and invite are any suggestions for little group activities suitable for ladies and gentlemen, on the whole retired and who just want a bit of happiness and companionship.

Does anyone else have any experience of setting up little groups like this please and/or any suggestions ?

We are from a wide variety of backgrounds, but all here together.

Thank you in advance.

[bob@goodman9741.fsnet.co.]

Hi John, you`ve already started, people just need to know that they`re not alone and that there is people like you who care,call it a fellowship meeting orsomething that is common to all.The main and most important thing is that there are paople like yourself that care, get some 10 by 10 flyers printed you can even do this on your own computer , place them on lamposts near commercial areas etc . BRAVO JOHN..

[cheekyu]

good for you John I wish you well

[yllig]

I believe a member on the "other" forum is doing the same thing - KC1 - if you look him or her up in the members list. Dont know where based though. I think it is stated as orihuela costa.

[rspltd]

Community

Well done John50. It must be very worrying for you. Unfortunately when some of the major reasons for moving to Spain have gone (I assume so anyway) such as the cheapness and the weather, it is then that people miss the other things that they had such as neighbours, community togetherness and family which makes the situation even harder.
You mentioned a church hall and of course with that goes a church. Notwithstanding so many people who declare they are not believers these days (how can they be so certain?), our church was a lot fuller this Christmas than in previous years and it's surprising how many people are coming back to the church family. Perhaps you also have no leanings that way but if you were able to contact someone who did they would be easily able to help you get something going as that is what they do!

[Crummy]

It depends on the numbers you get. Talking of the "old times" which is of course the 50's for many is good, or what it was like when you first came to Spain?. It's surprising how many experiences people have.. nominate one who can tell of their life experiences, it's surprising how others will join in.. Maybe you could have a guest speaker? Maybe join a "Cash and Carry" and pool your money to buy in bulk?

Good for you to start this scheme, but be careful it doesn't all fall on your shoulders.. share the tasks and more will enjoy it.

[John50]

Thank you all this far. Today, I have spoken to another and am even more convinced that this is going to be a positive move for mutual support during this coming year which according to the bleak media does not bode well for many of us.

I am meeting with our Community's President and I am after a big tea pot oddly enough. Mine is the standard two or three cup one.

Thanks for your remarks as well 'Crummy' and I do agree. This little group must share its responsibilities to succeed. I very much like the pooled 'cash and carry' idea. I thought about making a small charge, perhaps 20 cents for book and video 'hire' and using that as a source to fund the tea and biscuits but yours is a far more exciting idea.

I continue to welcome any comments and suggestions and hopefully this thread will continue to exist as a 'resource' for others considering similar groups.

[Crummy]

Even when times are bad, helping others makes YOU feel good.. how about adopting a charity?.. raising a few euros for those worse off than yourself always makes you feel good too. There is always someone worse off than yourself.. Keeping the body together is necessary, but giving is good for the soul...

spread a little sunshine ...

[nikkiseal]

community help

Hi John

Well done. That sounds great. Best of luck with your project, I really hope it goes well.

We always enjoy playing cards or scrabble. Needs a little brainpower which means that games are always different and interesting and you could set up leaderboards

A great card game for people to play socially time and again (it gets very competitive) is canasta. There is also a more complicated version called samba canasta which would could maybe advance to when ready

rules can be downloaded from the internet if you are unfamiliar with them

all best wishes

Nikki

[mel]

Good wishes John

Sounds like a good idea. I'm sure with your ideas you'll get support. Remember also that gentle (GENTLE) exercise is good for the body and the spirit - no, I'm not suggesting aerobics on the beach - but if you have a fair mixed group, I'm sure some folks will remember the old dances we all used to do when we were younger - things like the St Bernard's Waltz, Mayfair Quickstep and the standard quicksteps, Foxtrots and Waltzes, and the Square Tango.

Myself and Mrs Mel enjoy all types of dancing, Ballroom, Latin and Sequence, and it does keep you young and moving. If you can get a meeting place with the room, there's an idea for you. Anyone for the Lambeth Walk or the Hokey Cokey? We'd come and help out, but still have lots to do here in the UK, only manage out to Torry maybe two months each year.

[Duderoo]

Good on you John, top man.