BLOKES at Hare Hill House enjoy cracking Christmas party

Date published: 21 December 2023

The BLOKES at Hare Hill House enjoyed a cracking annual Christmas party on 13 December.

Attendees of the weekly men’s support group wore their best festive clothing as they eagerly tucked into potato or cheese and onion pie.

Entertainment included a comedian and karaoke, with a good time had by all.

BLOKES is a social group for men with a difference, providing a quiet space for men of all ages to socialise without any forced conversation or interactions, or awkward questions.

The group’s aptly named title BLOKES mainly stands for reasons why men can become lonely: Bereavement, Lonely, isolate or On own, unEmployed. The remaining letters are benefits of the sessions: Kindness and Socialising.

The group meets at 1.30pm every Wednesday afternoon at Hare Hill House in Littleborough, where men can attend and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, cakes and biscuits over a game of dominoes, cards or darts.

The group’s founder, Peter Reed, says its success is “what we don’t do”, with “no set agenda, no prying, no formality.”

The first Wednesday of each month also sees the presentation of the coveted ‘golden gnome’ which can be awarded for any reason – with many recipients placing the gnome in a prominent position at home.

BLOKES at Hare Hill House also has a Facebook page for any men interested in attending, or bringing a friend or relative to one of the groups.

After a short break over the New Year, BLOKES will resume from Wednesday 10 January.