Hi All - great & helpful responses - keep 'em coming as am sure there are other people in my position... Much appreciated. Jenny & Peckhampam - thanks for suggestions - one or two cafes/venues not yet explored. Andrew 1011- fair question & made me think, of course I was still working (running an organisation) but we lived in a young people's area (will leave you to guess where) too. Like NorthLondoner says 'gang activity' haha - certainly in North London where I lived years ago that was true esp amongst the rich. Cassius - agree about voluntary work - will look up Southward Volunteer Bureau but don't want to have the same life as before. Sue- love the Goose Gigs idea - will deffo go along & the Singaround too. Agree don't want to hang around with my age only but I do need my peer group too! I have looked at 'What's on' but difficult as an outsider to read between the lines. Just turn up I guess. Thanks to everyone & am sure others have appreciated all your suggestions too.