Yesterday - all my troubles seemed so far away.

The Chitter Chatter Club met in the serene conservatory of the Canford Hotel yesterday. For the first time, we gathered around a lovely round table, a change that had been suggested before but often overlooked in other venues. What a delightful difference it made for the sense of community among us! Our discussions flowed from the dreary summer weather—an oxymoron in itself—to the destruction of moth nests, and even to the fascinating topic of Lichtenstein, a country that could fit snugly between Bournemouth’s two piers. We shared sadness as one of our guests shared a mishap from the previous week, all while Mike and Malcolm exchanged their witty jabs. It was a joyful experience, and I found myself trying to hold back, knowing that my contributions often lead to me feeling a bit foolish as the leader and an open-minded former care worker.

What truly amazed me yesterday was how little I contributed to the conversation, yet I walked away with so much knowledge. Each word sparked memories of laughter and gratitude, like the time I recklessly altered a beautiful garden in an attempt to leave my mark, or the stunning picture in my bedroom that I always thought was decoupage, only to learn it was crafted from butterfly wings. (It’s now in the bin.) Discovering more about Lichtenstein has ignited a new curiosity in me, one that feels more adventurous than the Red Arrows’ heart-shaped display in the sky. I also realised I wasn’t the only one who found the Bournemouth Air Show less than thrilling.

It struck me how each of us has created our unique worlds, and how our varied perspectives can lift us out of loneliness. Loneliness becomes a million miles away when you are engrossed and learning new things.

 So, if you’re considering joining us but prefer to listen rather than speak, this is the perfect group for you. Listening can be just as enriching. Perhaps that’s why we have one mouth and two ears—because listening is twice as difficult.