Dumfries women's social group soars to more than 250 members

Founder Diane McGowan is looking to recruit even more members to the group, which aims to keep women active and free from isolation

A women’s social group which started with just four people sipping coffees has soared to more than 250 members.

Now Dumfries Get Together founder Diane McGowan is looking to recruit even more numbers to boost their network.

The group aims to keep women active and free from isolation with events every week, many of which are free to members.

Diane told how the importance of socialising and keeping fit has risen since the Covid pandemic and is urging more women to sign up.

She said: “We have been running for more than 14 years now.

“I started the group in 2010 with our first coffee morning at Kings café and there were four people came along, including myself.

“We now have more than 250 members and all our members are active. They come to at least one event a year, or as many events as they like.

“We have more than 30 events a week and many are free to our fully paid up members. Our annual membership is just £20 a year which is used to pay for our website, premises and other things.”

They meet regularly at Crichton Trust and have invited speakers to the group.

And there are trips and holidays enjoyed by the members including the recent group adventure in Portpatrick.

Diane, from Dumfries, added: “I think the best way to describe Dumfries Get Together is that we are a diverse, welcoming community of women who enjoy coming together, making new friendships, having great fun and learning new things.

“We are our own little community and everyone is welcome.”

Diane is urging people to come along this Sunday to their latest event and said: “Our next big event is at the Masonic Club on Sunday from 2pm until 6pm, It’s £5 at the door. Jayde and Jenna from FitSteps will be entertaining us for the afternoon.”

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