Arts & Crafts
Sevenoaks
Fortnightly, Saturday mornings; indoors in winter, outdoors in summer
Founded in 1901, this welcoming art club brings together beginners, keen amateurs and professional artists for demonstrations, workshops and social events. Members meet indoors over the winter and paint outdoors in summer.
Running
Sevenoaks
Tuesdays 6.15pm and 7pm club runs, Thursdays 6.30pm track intervals, Sundays 9am track session
A friendly club for runners of every pace, with Steady and Speedy groups on club runs around Knole Park and the town, plus track sessions. Members can race in local leagues or just enjoy training with good company.
Photography
Sevenoaks
Mondays 8pm, September to May (usually 1st, 2nd and 4th Mondays)
A sociable photography club for all abilities, with talks by visiting photographers, friendly competitions and member-led evenings. Any camera is welcome, phones included, and you can come to a few meetings before deciding whether to join.
Games & Hobbies
Sevenoaks
Mondays 7.30pm
A sociable chess club where players of all ages enjoy friendly games and a chat, with quieter tables for anyone wanting longer, focused matches. Newcomers can simply turn up and introduce themselves; a basic grasp of the rules is expected.
Music & Choirs
Sevenoaks
Tuesday evenings 8pm to 10pm
A friendly choir of around a hundred voices singing the great classical choral works with orchestra and professional soloists. New members in all voice parts are welcomed at the start of each term.
Walking & Rambling
Sevenoaks
Regular Sunday and Wednesday walks, plus occasional Thursday walks
The local Ramblers group runs a busy programme of countryside walks across Kent, Surrey and Sussex, from leisurely strolls to longer hilly days. There is no booking; just turn up at the start point shortly before the walk sets off.
Languages & Learning
Sevenoaks
Monthly meetings on Wednesday afternoons, plus many interest groups through the week
A large, friendly learning community for people who are no longer in full-time work, with interest groups covering everything from painting and science to theatre trips and circle dancing. Monthly open meetings with guest speakers are a good way to make new friends.
Languages & Learning
Gravesend
Second Tuesday of the month, except August and December
A society for anyone curious about the arts, hosting monthly illustrated lectures by expert speakers on art, design and history. It is a relaxed way to learn something new and meet like-minded people.
Volunteering
Dover
Monthly Repair Café plus regular gardening and clear-up sessions
A volunteer-run community group behind the monthly Dover Repair Café and the wildflower green corridor on Bridge Street. It is a hands-on way to cut waste, help local wildlife and meet like-minded neighbours.
Games & Hobbies
Tunbridge Wells
Mondays from 7.30pm
A welcoming chess club for complete beginners and seasoned players alike, running a club championship, quickplay events and Kent League matches. Boards and clocks are provided, and you can try a taster session before joining.
Walking & Rambling
Tunbridge Wells
Walks on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays
Walking the High Weald and the Kent and Sussex countryside since 1931, with sub-groups offering walks from 3 miles up to 14 miles. Newcomers can try two walks before signing up, and the club suggests starting with a shorter one.
Volunteering
Tunbridge Wells
Monthly morning sessions; see website for dates
A monthly volunteer-run repair cafe where skilled helpers fix household electricals, clothes, jewellery, toys and more, and sharpen knives and garden tools for free. It is a great place to volunteer, pick up repair skills and keep things out of landfill.