![Forging new FRIENDSHIPS](https://cdn.magzter.com/1395487445/1693912677/articles/1qfEalpCp1694007953678/FORGING-NEW-FRIENDSHIPS.jpg)
'For the first time, I'm able to focus on myself'
Kate Kaur, 61, is retired and lives with her daughter, Suki, in Nottingham.
I've spent my whole life working or caring. I owned a fish and chip for 35 years and was a single mum to my two children, Suki, now 39, and Satvir, 41. Then, in 2012, my mum Gurmej moved in with me. She was in her 70s and frail, and I wanted her close by.
When I decided to close my shop during lockdown, it was for Mum's safety. I spent all of my time looking after her, who by that point was blind and disabled. So when she passed away in June 2022, aged 84, I was lost, completely adrift. I'd imagined when I retired and my time was finally my own, I'd find loads of things to do, but the grief was too all-consuming. I barely left the house.
Then, after three months, I saw an advert online for Oddfellows. Intrigued, I called up and spoke to Karen, the secretary for my district. She explained that September was their Friendship Month, and they had a walk booked in the Attenborough Nature Reserve.
Without thinking, I found myself agreeing to go along.
And I was so glad I did, because as soon as I arrived, Karen made a beeline for me, gave me a huge hug and made me feel instantly welcome. She wasn't the only one.
As we started walking, one person fell into step alongside me, making easy conversation, asking me about myself. And when they drifted off, someone else would replace them. They were all so friendly, that in the pub afterwards, I got out my purse and paid my membership to join straight away.
この記事は Woman's Weekly の September 12, 2023 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、8,500 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は Woman's Weekly の September 12, 2023 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、8,500 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
![Love is a BANANA SPLIT](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5908/1714247/v8Jko9-U81716966078034/LOVE-IS-A-BANANA-SPLIT.jpg)
Love is a BANANA SPLIT
Did Mum's new boyfriend know the way to a woman's heart?
!['I still remember poems I learnt at school'](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5908/1714247/4tIQgYSUm1716965843287/I-STILL-REMEMBER-POEMS-I-LEARNT-AT-SCHOOL.jpg)
'I still remember poems I learnt at school'
THIS WEEK'S COLUMNIST Actor and Jane Asher
![CHERRY GARDEN Street](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5908/1714247/z5LJZDsXM1716965102641/CHERRY-GARDEN-STREET.jpg)
CHERRY GARDEN Street
It was a place of magical childhood memories- but was it home?
![JERSEY shores](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5908/1714247/82IazIsR31716964744632/JERSEY-SHORES.jpg)
JERSEY shores
Beautiful beaches and a mash-up of British and French culture make this island a delightful destination
![Lovely lighter DINNERS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5908/1714247/RI5E_Tbg61716964384407/LOVELY-LIGHTER-DINNERS.jpg)
Lovely lighter DINNERS
Whip up a healthy and nutritious meal
![Looking after our WORLD](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5908/1714247/Csp0Px6Ea1716963848299/LOOKING-AFTER-OUR-WORLD.jpg)
Looking after our WORLD
Two women talk about their efforts to help better the environment
![Summer SURPRISES](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5908/1714247/5NtAM1htp1716963319887/SUMMER-SURPRISES.jpg)
Summer SURPRISES
For a weekend treat, try these classic bakes with a twist
![200 years of heroism](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5908/1714247/_3oP5YONS1716962922319/200-YEARS-OF-HEROISM.jpg)
200 years of heroism
The RNLI celebrates its bicentennial of saving people from the sea
![Cut your risk of HEART DISEASE!](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5908/1714247/TJLNYTh5o1716960966082/CUT-YOUR-RISK-OF-HEART-DISEASE.jpg)
Cut your risk of HEART DISEASE!
Some things can increase your chances, including menopause and diabetes. Here's what you need to know – and what you can do
!['I want Bob Dylan to join the cobbles'](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5908/1714247/p3Y6DfR-41716960615152/I-WANT-BOB-DYLAN-TO-JOIN-THE-COBBLES.jpg)
'I want Bob Dylan to join the cobbles'
Dame Maureen Lipman on ageing, her dream co-star in Corrie and overcoming tragedy