Northamptonshire woman's 'heartwarming' over-50s singles group celebrates first anniversary

Debbie Osborne started the singles club in March last year and will be celebrating its one-year anniversary with a party on March 20.

The over-50s singles group founded by Debbie has been going from strength to strength and now has around 450 members.

They have regular events including quizzes, walking groups and a party every month to give singles the opportunity to meet other people looking for love or who are simply keen to make new friends and become part of the growing community of like-minded people.

For many, it’s been a means to combat loneliness and become part of the budding community.

Debbie said: “I’ve learned a lot and I feel proud. If I gave it up, what would those people do? I feel sad just thinking about it.

“I can’t give up. Something inside me tells me to keep going. I’ve put a lot of time and effort into it."

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, Debbie has organised another event on February 13 at the Windmill Club, hoping to give local people the opportunity to find love.

The idea for the group came after Debbie, who is from London, lost her first husband to a brain tumour.

For her, the group has given her a means to build a community and helped forge something new for a group of people who may have believed that love was out of the question, with members of the over-50 singles group spanning from early-50s to some in their 80s.

Debbie added: "I have to have something to do, there’s only so much you can do when you’re retired.

“I can’t believe it’s been a year and how much it’s growing. I’ve not had the chance to find a boyfriend myself. It’s only been a year but it’s really progressing.

“It’s so heartwarming. I’m forming a community.”

The anniversary party on March 20 is free entry to new members, beginning at 7.30pm, with a black and white dress code.