Local Clubs/Societies/Groups
Most people who move abroad worry about finding friends in their new home country and wonder if they will keep themselves occupied, especially if they are retired. It is quite natural to go through a period of readjustment and even wondering whether you have done the right thing leaving the people you know behind. Of course, nowadays there are numerous ways in which to keep in touch with family and friends on a regular basis, but also making an effort to form a social circle for yourself in Spain will pay dividends and your life will be a full and happy one.
As there are a large number of British expats on the Iberian Peninsula, you will find a wealth of expat social clubs and societies and there is bound to one or more that suit you and your interests. If you look on the internet you will find clubs and societies in your chosen area, so why not contact them before you leave Britain?
U3A International
This is an association for people over 50 and retired or semi-retired and who speak English. The members organise and run numerous activities, both for leisure and to gain knowledge. You may already have a U3A association in the town where you live in the UK. There are currently five U3A associations in Spain, in Calpe, Denia, Javea, Oliva and on the Costa Brava. Actually, I have been a member of the latter since 2009 and have found it to be a wonderful way to make friends and to learn about the region I live in, engage in sports and discover new things.
We have about 30 different groups with activities ranging from cycling for pleasure to family history, coastal appreciation to local interest and wine appreciation to art. I pay an annual subscription of €14 and then a little bit in addition for some of the events which involve visiting somewhere with an entry fee or when we have a menú del día in a local restaurant afterwards. (This is a very important part of the social aspect of the U3A). We have 400 members on the Costa Brava, of all nationalities but all of whom speak English. The U3A encourages us to keep our minds and bodies active in an enjoyable and interesting manner. Members comprise both those who live permanently in Spain and those who are here part time.
The British Ladies Association, Madrid
This association is very active and engages in raising funds for charities in the capital City. They organise all sorts of fundraising events and also arrange visits to local places of interest. They meet on the last Tuesday of each month from September to June and friends, husbands and partners are also welcome.
British Society of Catalunya
Originally founded in Barcelona, the Society now has a second branch in the Empordà area of the Costa Brava, based around L’Escala. The aims are to help newcomers, enhance community relations between the British and locals, to provide communication for British people and to be involved in charity fundraising for local and other worthy causes. The Society welcomes both fulltime and part-time residents and membership is €15 a year.
Royal British Legion
There are branches throughout Spain, for example in Mijas, Estepona, Nerja, Alicante and Costa Brava. The Legion is there to give support and welfare help and holds events to raise funds. Anyone of any nationality is welcome to join and you do not have to have been in the armed forces.
You will find locally based clubs for music, art, dance, Anglo-Spanish activities and sports. The majority organise social events, card schools, visits to places of interest and some have book exchange clubs or engage in amateur dramatics.
Joining one or more society or association is undoubtedly the best way to settle into your new life in Spain and there is so much choice that couples will find common and separate interests in the process of making friends. For single people, it is really important to get out and about and expat clubs are there for you. If you can, try to get involved in activities with the local community as well as expats…there is a wonderful world out there and all people of all nationalities have something to bring to others.
Source – Spain Buying Guides