Defining what is special about NWR is something we have tried to describe since we started in 1960. What is the difference between NWR and the WI or U3A, or any of the online groups such as Meetup groups or Together Friends? Sometimes it is easier to say what we don’t do – get involved with fundraising or engaged in campaigning – than be concise about what we are. However let’s try!
NWR is nationwide. NWR started when a lonely young mum alone in a new part of the country responded to an article in the national press about the rise of new estates for an increasingly mobile generation. She wanted to meet other ‘liberal-minded’ women to talk about topics outside the domestic sphere. The idea snowballed and now NWR exists in 412 local communities throughout the UK and new groups are still being set up. So if you move to a new area or then you will find like minded women and an instant friendship group.
NWR is an established charity. Our sole purpose is to provide facilities for women to meet with other women for stimulating discussions, having fun and for friendship. We welcome any women with a curious and lively mind. We become friends through sharing ideas, thoughts, experiences, listening to others and laughing together.
NWR is informal and local groups are member-led. Members mostly meet in each other’s homes. Groups organise their own programmes and rotate any essential roles. While most meetings are held in the evening, many groups also have daytime book or walking groups or just meet for coffee. While running under the general ethos of NWR, local groups are run by their members.
NWR offers many other opportunities for members to come together with members of other groups. National, regional and area events throughout the country always generate an excited buzz while the annual quiz is hugely popular.
Today, online communities are important too. So NWR membership gives instant access to private forums for exchanging ideas, challenging views, reflecting on our thoughts and learning from each other. All these are opportunities to appreciate the views of others while broadening our horizons and widening our networks. Like other groups, we welcome enquiries and offer three free visits so you can try us out.
Members are informed, offbeat, humorous, curious, observant, serious and really eclectic. We really are ‘women who are interested in everything and will talk about anything’.
One member said, “I think the breadth of topics covered in one evening is a really good example of how NWR differs from other groups. There would not be many places where discussions would have ranged so widely in good company in one evening. Members are informed, offbeat, humorous, curious, observant, serious and really eclectic. We really are ‘women who are interested in everything and will talk about anything’.”