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Are You New (or Relatively New) to the Area?Posted: Monday, November 2nd, 2009  Many Vancouver Island seniors are retirees who have moved here from other parts of the country (and the world). Lucky for us, the area is rich in groups that cater to Newcomers. Most of these organizations accept members who have lived in the area three years or less, but others are even more flexible. Some are exclusively for women, some are for men and some welcome both. It’s easy to join and in addition to monthly dinners or lunches, these organizations support a staggering range of smaller groups centered around different interests and activities. This is a great way to develop friendships and to meet others who share your interests and to dabble in new pursuits. It’s also a great resource to learn about your new home and what it has to offer. Camaraderie abounds, and there are plenty of opportunities to learn from others some of the finer points of adapting to your new home, such as: where to go for the best fish ‘n’chips, how to find a good dog-sitter, a good hairdresser, drycleaner, handyman, the best pastries in town... If you’d like to become more involved in your community and meet people of all ages and backgrounds with common interests, check out some of Vancouver Island’s Newcomer organizations. There are even groups of ‘graduates,’ members of Newcomer clubs who have been here long enough to not be considered ‘new,’ who continue in organized activities together. Some of the interests and activities of the smaller groups within Newcomer clubs: Gallery Tours • Book Clubs • Pub Nights (for singles or couples) • Walking and Hiking (all levels) • Golf • Gardening • Birding • Wine Making • Group Dog Walking • Bridge • Tea and Coffee Gatherings • Investment Groups • Poker • Russian Billiards • Needle Art • French-Speaking Club • Art Group • Wine Tasting • Heritage Exploration • Dining Out (for singles or couples) • Dining In (for singles or couples) • Pub Lunches (for singles or couples) • Board Games • Public Affairs Discussion • Snooker • Tennis • Mah Jong • Snow Sports • Dominoes • Couples Tapas Party • Ladies Potluck • Ladies Sunday Brunch • Van Isle Foodies • Blues Lovers • Cultural Events • Movie Club • Travel • Writer’s Group • Mind/Body Connections • Chatty Bridge • Cycling … and even Bowling, if you’re lucky enough to live in Parksville Newcomers Clubs in the Victoria area: Victoria Women’s Newcomers Club The Victoria Men’s Newcomer Club Victoria Evening Newcomers Club Peninsula Newcomers: Contact Virginia Watson-Rouslin at 250- 656-5692 (e-mail: virginiarouslin@shaw.ca), or Linda Charbonneau at 250-655-0022 (e-mail: lbcharbonneau@shaw.ca) …and beyond Campbell River Women’s Newcomer Club Parksville Newcomers’ and Alumni Club Ladysmith Newcomers Club: Contact 250-245-7723 Qualicum Beach Newcomers’ Club Here's a British Columbia directory of newcomers’ organizations. And don’t forget - the Welcome Wagon in your area is another great source of support and information to newcomers! This article has been viewed 854 times. Comments |  
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I'm legally separated, in the process of divorcing. Even though I've lived in Victoria most of my life, I'm newly "single". Would any of these organizations welcome me? Are there any groups in Victoria for "singles" 50+ years old? Or some people that would like to get together some timea socially?
Posted by: Kristina | December 10th, 2009
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