Losing a spouse is profound; grief intertwines with memories and loneliness can echo, yet as the Richmond-based ‘Elysium Widow and Widowers Group’ has shown, resilience can grow and a widowed life can be reshaped.
The group has been operating for almost 30 years and provides support, understanding, and friendships through shared experiences.
Group organiser Margaret Thompson was widowed around 25 years ago.
“After moving to Stoke from Blenheim, I discovered the group in the paper and have been going ever since,” she says.
Five years ago, Margaret assumed the organising duties and expanded the group’s gatherings to weekly coffee chats and bi-monthly evening meals.
She believes regular meetings offer the opportunity to get to know people better and adds that “it’s good to get people out and about”.
Virginia Gray, a member for two decades, has been instrumental in maintaining the group’s continuity through her dedicated organizational efforts.
“The group size varies from one to fifteen attendees. It’s a wonderful environment to forge friendships and enjoy companionship,” she says.
“The group has grown to anywhere from one to 15 people at each get-together, it’s a great place to make friendships and be with other people.”
To accommodate varying attendance, the group reserves additional seating for both weekly coffee chats and lunches.
Margaret encourages newcomers.
“You can join us at the last minute; there will always be a seat for you.”
For those interested in connecting or more information, Margaret welcomes inquiries and conversations at 027 2600 748.
