The Countrymen’s Club – “Getting back to being you”
At Road Farm Countryways we run a fortnightly Countrymen’s Club for men aged 55+ who have an affinity with farms, gardens and the outdoors through their previous work, leisure activities, or simply through a general love of the countryside. Our group is part of the Countrymen UK Network, an award-winning Lottery funded charity that aims to help men reap the health and wellbeing benefits of working with animals and nature alongside other likeminded people.
The group is open to all, but especially addresses the challenges associated with change and increased isolation, whether due to social circumstances like the loss of a partner, or health demands. It helps meet the needs of lifelong conditions for those who find it difficult to socialise and access the countryside or work activity.
Care Talk magazine (issue 93) features an article explaining the thinking behind the Countrymen’s Club. You can link to it here.
Meeting Details
The Countrymen have input into session content, so it is a varied programme, but it always involves potential time outside in the fresh air – come rain or shine! Example topics of interest we cover include wood turning, sausage making, working animals, brewing and land management. Refreshments and a home-baked cake are provided.
Our friendly meeting is on a Monday from 1.30-3.00pm, twice a month. There is a small weekly charge which we believe is well worth it.
Our new 7 minute video aims to provide additional insights into what Countrymen UK does, and why we do it: Countrymen UK Film Oct 2020