Outdoor activities groups near New Milton, F2

Welcome to CAFE! The Coast and Forest Events group(C.A.F.E.)

This Meetup group is aimed at people who live in or around the southern, coastal part of the New Forest – hence the name. We aim to help each other perk up our social lives, by making the most of the excellent leisure facilities and venues we have here locally, right on our doorsteps! If you are “Mid-Life" (!), and maybe find yourself unexpectedly single, there are times when you probably feel like going out to see a film or play or to a comedy night, for a meal, for a walk, for a drink, or even just for a coffee. There's lots to do, but it's not so much fun on your own! This could be the group for you.

Post up here an event or activity you'd really like to go to, and find out if anyone else would like to go along too! We offer friendship and, mostly-inexpensive, local social activities (pub quizzes, meals, walks, live music, a drink at a country pub on a Sunday evening) - while also keeping an eye out for bigger local events, as well as those in Bournemouth, Southampton and beyond for when we feel like making the extra effort!

People of any age and location are welcome, but please bear in mind that most events may take place within an area roughly Lyndhurst to Lymington, Christchurch to Calshot, or close by, and that activities will be focused on the "mid-life" age range. While most members are single, the group is open to sociable singles and non singles alike, (and especially to those who want to actively contribute events to the group!) So, if you want to meet new people, please join!   Please note of course that you are responsible for your own safety and wellbeing while participating in CAFE activities.

CAFE Meetup is exists solely to help its members have Fun! The organisers give their time voluntarily, and reserve the right to exclude from membership anyone they believe intends to use the group for purposes other than …. Fun! Group running costs (website, admin etc) have mostly been covered by occasional small profits on events in the past, but an annual fee of £5 is now payable by new and existing members.   This can be paid online by clicking on the button on the HomePage.   If you are unable to use the online payment system for any reason (and please note that you do NOT have to have a Paypal account yourself to do this) please contact the Organiser, David Hughes for alternative methods of payment.

One last point, profiles on the CAFE site are only visible to other CAFE members. The organisers have now agreed that we would like all members to identify themselves on their profiles with a first name AND a surname (or an initial of it, if you want to keep your surname private) and a clear facial photograph. This is for a variety of reasons to do with the need to be able to accurately and easily identify members booking (and sometimes paying) for public or private events organised within the group.

A first name only, is not acceptable. Please make sure that your profile meets these minimum standards before applying to join the group.

We hope to meet you soon at a CAFE event.

David, Julie, Jill and the other CAFE organisers.

Helpful Information Points

1). How to change the name on your Meetup profile.

Life Drawing has long been considered the best way to learn to draw and can be an enjoyable and therapeutic experience for anyone regardless of experience.

Trish is skilled at teaching the subject to people from absolute beginners to students on BA/masters courses and professional artists, bringing the extra insight of her time spent learning with and teaching life drawing to animators.

Whilst the whole subject of drawing is taken seriously, tutored sessions are lively and engaging, introducing a variety of techniques and ideas which are delivered with humour. Individuality and independence are encouraged, and activities are adjusted to the ability of the artist, whether beginner or experienced.
The intention is to provide the type of sessions we would like to attend - with the flexibility of pay-as-you-go, a variety of venues and models and varied activities. Do look at the comments on the website from people who have attended sessions!

The aim is not so much to get a finished drawing as to explore different techniques, increase confidence, encourage personal style. Newcomers are surprised how fast they progress. Some more experienced artists may opt to work untutored some or all of the time (do say if you prefer this) but most enjoy joining in. There are warm ups followed by a range of activities both traditional and new to inspire, and a longer pose where one to one help is available.

Most venues have a café or some way of making drinks during the break.

There is a regular newsletter with dates and a weekly text for those who find it helpful (you can request this via the contact page on the website).

All Day Life Drawing Workshops 2019:

10-4 at Parkstone Baptist Church, £40 including £10 deposit. Pre-book only. Guidance available if required. See website for further information.

We have a facebook page which you are welcome to follow: 

Join if you're interested in fungi and conservation: for beginners and experts alike. Families welcome. The aim is to educate people about the world of mushrooms and mycology and we'll run regular fungi education walks throughout the year, especially in the autumn.

We have a permit from Forestry Englands to pick a small amount of mushrooms (for identification purposes). Forestry England does have a Fungi Code for the general public, asking people not to pick or disturb fungi. The Code can be found at this address: https://www.forestryengland.uk/fungi-the-new-forest

Forays usually start around 11:00 and last a couple of hours. We generally end up in a pub for lunch. Suitable outdoor clothing and apparel is required. All ages and abilities catered for. <br> A small fee is is asked for to cover the costs of the group.