Fun Retirement Activities

Traditional folk dancing at Halsway Manor, West Somerset, Exmoor Wednesday evenings

2008-01-16T09:29:00.000Z

Tonight, Wednesday 16th January 2008, I will take my wife along to join in with the traditional folk dancing at Halsway Manor, West Somerset, Exmoor.

I have to confess that I'd rather play folk music than dance to it but my wife seems to enjoy the exercise and the people there are incredibly friendly and welcoming so I think it is good to keep it up.

Halsway Manor is a wonderful place to feel tradition and history and its events and entertainments are readily accessible from all the local towns in West Somerset (Minehead, Williton, Watchet, Carhampton, Nether Stowey, Winsford, Timberscombe, Dunster, Alcombe, Porlock, Bossington, Allerford, St Audreys, Stogumber, Crowcombe, Bishops Lydeard, Dulverton, Washford, Roadwater, Luxborough,)

Singles or couples are welcome and you don't need to be an expert to go along and join in. Dances are held most Wednesdays (but check with Halsway Manor in case of changes before travelling to avoid disappointment), often there are live bands and there is a small charge in the region of £2 - £3 which shouldn't break the bank :-)

Bye for now

Rob

Active Retirement Fun, Projects and Activities - Sunsets and Watching the Sun Go Down

2007-08-25T09:57:00.000+01:00

If you are a dreamy, creative sort, or even if you are not, watching sunsets is a fun retirement activity you definitely mustn't miss.

The great thing about sunsets is that they take such a long time and they get you out of the house (and possibly into your camper van - home from home).

My favourite place to watch the sunset is on the top of North Hill, Minehead, looking out over Porlock Bay on the edge of Exmoor and the Bristol Channel. If you are in the West Somerset, UK, then it's a great place to spend, possibly a couple of hours in the evening.

The other great place I've discovered to watch the sunset is at one of the beaches in St. Ives, Cornwall.

When I was there, lots of people shared this wonderful experience and many were chatting too so it was a great social occasion.

Personally, I like to retreat into my own private world of visual sensation as I watch the reds, pinks, mauve's and whitey blue streaks slowly spread across the horizon.

Here's a tip. Don't leave too soon. The best event is often yet to come after the sun has gone over the horizon and darkness steals in over the countryside.

The after burst when the sunlight can only reach you by reflecting off the clouds is often the best bit and the darkness that follows over the quiet countryside can be totally idyllic.

Finding somewhere to watch the sunset can take some research but there is probably somewhere near you if you look hard enough - and, hey, the looking and researching is fun too.

However, don’t forget that looking directly at the sun can damage the eyes. So take care and just look at the clouds and reflected light.

Once you have found a great location, why not share it on your blog (or even as a comment on this one).

The great thing about the Internet is that people (even those not retired) looking in your area for sun setting locations will be able to find your information just by typing in your location name.

Who knows, before long, there may be a community of you meeting every day with conversation, new friendships, romance ... dating .... Ooh I'm getting all hot and bothered ... Must remember I'm all married ...

So, there's today's retirement tip! Watch the sun go down and enjoy those sunsets.

Bye for now

Rob

Rob Hopcott - online author and folk musician. More articles and stories available free from news.hopcott.net

Get an old camper for your your retirement visits to folk festivals

2007-08-14T14:08:00.000+01:00

Having a camper van is an ideal way not to let geography get in the way of having a good time at the folk festivals during your retirement.

Just phone up the festival organisers to book a place, pack in a few things to tide you over a few days and off you go.

Folk music festival camp sites are great communities and often have lots of impromptu music sessions after the main ones.

Best of all, folkies are a bit more on the scruffy side than most. Even if you have a really old campervan, you will probably see others there with an older one.

So no need to break the bank to have the freedom to enjoy your past time.

Here's a picture of mine. It's an old 'L' registration Ford Transit. It has a loo (well you know about old men), small cooker and a short length double bed amidships (I lie diagonally).

The one thing it lacks is a fridge for ... Well I'll leave that up to you.

See you at the festival camp sites :-)

Bye for now

Rob

Free Folk Festivals are ideal fun retirement activities

2007-08-14T12:29:00.000+01:00

Free Folk Festivals are ideal fun retirement activities. Typically at many of the events, all you have to buy is a drink at the bar and then you can settle back and enjoy the singing and playing of many talented folk music musicians and folk music singers.

But the best thing about Folk Music Festivals for those retired, soon to be retired or just thinking about it is that most folkies are very welcoming, eager to chat and are also a bit on the wrinkly side so you'll feel really at home.

Most folk music sessions have an organiser and new faces will often receive a warm handshake and an introduction to surrounding friends. Single ladies find this feature particularly welcome.

Besides a love for traditional music, there has long been a tradition of friendliness amongst folk music devotees and the folk music community should soon provide you with a wonderful new splendid activity to while away the happy hours of your retirement.

And, if you can rattle something, bang something or even sing or play a musical instrument you will be made even more welcome. Joining in is the name of the game and you will always be encouraged.

So, if you are in the Bideford area of England's fine West Country, this week (beginning 13th Aug 2007), why not pop along to the Bideford Folk Music Festival where much is free, especially camaraderie, and see how it goes.

And when the festivals are over, there are always the regular folk music sessions in your local pub where you will receive an equally fine welcome.

Retirement can be a very lonely life. Perhaps you are single again after a long relationship. Perhaps you have recently given up employment and are feeling that you miss the camaraderie of work. Perhaps many methods of dating seem unnatural because they don't focus on real communities and shared activities. Perhaps you just want to meet more people and have more interesting friends.

Well, there are lots of people in your age group who love music, love song and love having a good time. Many are in established relationships but many are single too. The more folk music festivals and folk music sessions you go to, the more friends you will make. Perhaps, soon, you will bump into that somebody who is special and with whom you will share your new favorite fun retirement activity and who will love you.

Like all communities, the folk music community is always what you make it. The more you are involved, the better it will reward you. Folk music festivals need stewards with all sorts of skills. Perhaps they need yours. It's a great way to meet people.

If you like caravanning or camping then folk music festivals are ideal because there is almost always a folk festival camp site where you can book accommodation. Again, it's an ideal way to meet people.

Perhaps you have always wanted to learn and play and instrument. Well this is your opportunity. Folk music is all about joining in and that means players and singers of all levels.

Hope to see you around.

Bye for now

Rob

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2007-01-04T18:59:00.000Z

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