Joining a social club in retirement can bring immense social and mental benefits, particularly for those transitioning from a busy work life to a quieter daily routine. Clubs like the Christchurch Guild of Weavers and Spinners offer a welcoming environment where retirees can meet others, develop new skills, and enjoy a shared passion. The guild, which has been part of the community for over 55 years, demonstrates how social clubs can create a sense of belonging and positively influence lives.
A Community for Creatives
Eleanor Patterson, the secretary of the Christchurch Guild of Weavers and Spinners, highlights the club’s rich history. “The guild began more than 55 years ago and took up residence in the Arts Centre,” she says. Several influential women were behind its foundation. “Some of the founding members were Mary Bartlett, Anne Field (Anne published many books about weaving and spinning and was a teacher of both disciplines), and Pauline Pease. Doreen Fraser was a great teacher and experienced weaver; Meg Anderson is our Patron and one of the founding members and is 103 years old.”
The goals of the guild were clear from the beginning. “The object of the guild is to foster interest in, encourage, advance, develop and promote the crafts of weaving, spinning, dyeing and allied crafts,” Eleanor explains. But beyond the crafts themselves, the guild aimed to create a community. “To bring together people who practise the arts of hand-spinning, weaving, dyeing and allied crafts for their mutual benefit, and for the advancement of these crafts by teaching, discussion, and exhibition of work.”
For retirees, finding a place where they can connect with others while enjoying shared interests can significantly improve their quality of life. The Christchurch Guild of Weavers and Spinners currently has a membership of 130 people. The club’s inclusivity and openness to new members make it a great choice for retirees looking for community and learning opportunities.
The guild is structured as an incorporated society, meaning it operates with its own constitution and is managed by a committee. Eleanor shares that the committee meets monthly and makes key decisions regarding the guild’s operations. This structure allows the guild to function efficiently while members focus on practising their craft and enjoying the social aspects of the group.
Weaving and spinning are at the heart of the guild’s activities, with members working on table looms, floor looms, and even drop spindles and spinning wheels. Some projects are collaborative, allowing members to weave individual pieces on a shared loom. “The weaving group regularly participate in group projects where the loom is set up for a particular weave, and participants can weave their own piece – when everyone is finished, the weaving is cut off the loom, and each person can take their own portion,” says Eleanor.
How Social Clubs Improve Loneliness and Mental Health
One of the most significant aspects of joining a social club is the social interaction it provides. Loneliness can be a challenge for many retirees, but Eleanor is proud of how the guild supports connection. “We meet several times a week at the Guild,” she explains. “These sessions allow people to relax and enjoy the company of like-minded people. Many Guild members have forged firm friendships both within and outside of the Guild, and members are very caring of one another.”
Beyond the crafts, the guild offers retirees a mental health boost by providing structure and a sense of purpose. Joining a regular group and building friendships can make retirement feel less isolating. Eleanor recalls a touching story of a new member’s experience: “One of our
new members came along for the first time and was heard to say, ‘I’ve found my tribe.’” For many retirees, finding a place where they belong can be a transformative experience.
The guild also hosts workshops and classes for both members and the public, allowing people to learn new skills or enhance their existing ones. “The most popular classes are for beginner spinning and beginner weaving, and we gain new members after people have done these classes,” Eleanor explains. The guild’s rooms at the Tannery in Christchurch are equipped with floor looms, table looms, and other essential tools, making it easy for members to participate and continue honing their craft.
Eleanor notes, “No specific plans for expansion at this point as we are limited by the size of our rooms, but we welcome new members and are always open to new ideas.” This openness makes it a welcoming space for people looking to engage with others while pursuing new interests.
For retirees seeking social interaction, mental stimulation, and a sense of belonging, joining a club can be incredibly fulfilling. Social clubs can be a welcoming place to forge lasting friendships and feel part of something bigger.
