EMMA DUNN has a chat with a member of Swindon’s IVC

WALKING, meals out and theatre trips are just some of the activities members of Swindon IVC can get involved in.

Members of the social activity club, who are aged from 25 to 65, can take part in as many or as few activities of their choice as they want The club’s 60 members are also welcome to arrange their own activities for members if they want to.

Sam Cattell, who has been a member for two years, said: “All the events are put on by members and people have different ideas of what they want to do. It can be anything that one person wants to do and you just invite fellow members along too.”

Activities are published in a monthly programme and include walking, cycling, parties, pub, cinema, theatre and comedy trips, meals, live music, weekends away, barbecues, ice skating and ten pin bowling. Weekly events include badminton club, tennis, and the Wednesday club night, usually in Old Town.

A Book Club also meets approximately every six weeks.

“The whole point is you can go to whatever you want. I don’t go on the walks but I like tennis,” said Sam.

“Sometimes people put impromptu events on the website and other events are planned well in advance.”

Swindon IVC is a part of the national Association of Inter-Varsity Clubs, which comprises 46 individual clubs.

The Swindon branch was founded in October 1980 by a member of Cheltenham IVC who moved to Swindon. Both singles and couples are welcome.

Sam said: “I joined shortly after moving to Swindon.

“People’s circumstances for joining are always different but the main reason is people moving to Swindon and wanting to meet new people.

“We also have people who have lived in Swindon for a while and want something a bit different.

“Most of all, we like to meet people, make friends and do the things we enjoy in good company.”

 Membership is £36 a year, which is reduced to £25 if you arrange three events or more.

For more information or to become a member visit www.swindonivc.org.uk.