Finding Free Fun Activities

Problems
I want to learning languages, learn to sing, go to social events. First problem, is where to find an activity. It's not hard to find things to do. But most of them cost money.

Answers
You can earn enough to do everything you want.
1 Or search around and pick the cheapest activity.
2 Or search for a free activity.
3 Or start a self-help workshop group where you can get free accommodation for meetings.
4 Or find an online teaching source, then start a group in your home, watching and learning together, or learning and then teaching others.

 1 When I lived in the USA I was isolated. Later, as an expat in Singapore, I discovered groups attached to the clubs, such as The American Club, The British Club, also the Japanese, French, German, Swiss and other groups. If you joined the club you could go to activities such as courses, most of which charged fees. In Singapore cheaper classes for languages, music, art, yoga, tai chi, are held at Community Clubs (whcih used to be called Community Centres.).

Another source of information is Meetup.

If you are near a large public building such as a church, synagogue or mosque, they may display notices of events, some of which are cheap or free because the venue is provided free to help the members or attract outsiders as a community service or to get new members.

For example, in St Lawrence's church in Edgware, I saw a sign for a singing group.

If no group exists yet, you might consider starting one. First steps are to ask around friends, acquaintances, and people in reception or administration in public buildings.

Free First Time
Many courses offer you a free first lesson. Find out the cost of joining because if you like it, you may decide to join. Take business cards or write your name and phone number of email on a few pieces of paper. Then if you find a friend you can stay in touch.

Free Museums
London's free activities include the Guildhall (check opening times and days on their Website) in the city, mentioned in a previous post. Tourist Boards will tell you about free museums, or free days at museums. In some cities such as Caridff in Wales, major museums run by the local council or government are free.

Toastmasters International
Toastmasters International has many clubs and events which are free for guest who simply observe other trainee speaker, although some events incur fees. It depends on their policy and the cost of the venue.

Toastmasters Worldwide
Toastmasters International began in 1924 in California. It is now in 141 countries with 16,400 clubs and more than 352,000 members. I have been to more than 50 clubs in Singapore, as well as several clubs in the UK, several in China, one in Thailand and one in the Czech Republic. If you want to start a club, attend the nearest one and find a couple of other people who are interested in starting a club in your area. The organisation gives free starter packs and all sorts of help for starting a club.

Useful Websites
https://www.toastmasters.org/find-a-club
https://www.meetup.com

Author
Angela Lansbury, travel writer, photographer, author and speaker.
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