On this page you can find information about hobbies, including:
Are you deaf or hard of hearing and want to go to the cinema?
(If yes, the following may assist you. If no, proceed to the next question)
This website allows you to find local cinemas showing subtitled and audio described films.
Would you like to join a social group and make new friends?
(If yes, the following may assist you. If no, proceed to the next question)
This links to a list of Day Centres in Essex and contains contact details for each.
This document contains details of social groups in the Brentwood area.
This is a place for mature single people to meet up and enjoy a chat, or take part in an activity, such as a board game or indoor bowls.
Here you can find details of all the W.I's in Essex. If you wish to attend a meeting or find out more about a particular group contact the WI Federation Centre (based in Hatfield Peverel) on: 01245 382233.
Would you like to be a part of a reading group in your local area?
(If yes, the following may assist you. If no, proceed to the next question)
This site gives you information on how to start up your own bookgroup.
Are you interested in gardening?
(If yes, the following may assist you. If no, proceed to the next question)
This page gives you advice on growing your own fruit and vegetables and also tells you what's in season.
This website gives ideas on growing your own food in your garden or allotment.
Would you like to learn about local history?
(If yes, the following may assist you. If no, proceed to the next question)
They collect and preserve the written, oral and visual heritage of Essex. You can use the collections to research your family history, house history, community history and local geography.
Essex County Council maintains a record of all listed buildings and archaeological sites, and provides specialist advice. If you wish to find out more about there are educational courses, publications, exhibitions and visits available.
On this site you can add photos to a global map to give people around the world a view into the history of a place. You can also add your story to a photo and search other locations and their photos.
This website provides information on Essex's past, the monuments within it and has a detailed history of each of the towns within Essex.
There are collections of local studies resources at most Essex libraries. These include many books about local towns and villages and aspects of the wider county. Lager libraries may also have local newspapers on microfilm, maps, census returns and illustrations relating to the local area.
This is a private library in Maldon with a collection of over 8,000 books acquired by Dr Thomas Plume. This library is a good source of local history and the books still reside on their original shelves. Although items cannot be borrowed, they can still be viewed with the libraries opening hours.
Would you like to learn a new skill?
(If yes, the following may assist you. If no, proceed to the next question)
They provide courses for adult learners which run at weekends, evenings and weekends.
This is an organisation for people no longer in full-time employment providing educational, creative and leisure opportunities in a friendly environment.
They provide courses at a high level, such as degrees, where you can learn at your own pace and fit it around your lifestyle.
WEA (Workers' Educational Association)
This is the UK's largest voluntary sector provider of adult learning. They have wide range of part time courses available locally, which are all searchable through their directory.
Are you disabled and want to try out a new sport or find a club to join locally?
(If yes, the following may assist you)
This website gives updates on what is going on in the world of disabled sport and how you can get involved in a sport.
This website gives disabled people support in sport by providing them with a 'buddy.'
This club aims to make fishing available to all.
This page contains details of clubs in Essex that have a disability section.
This is an unincorporated association which provides a dance group for children and young people with Down Syndrome and their siblings in Essex.
They currently have a men's team and a 6-a-side team and are developing a youth and women's team.
They are looking to set up an Essex based team at Riverside Ice and Leisure Centre, providing you with a fun way to meet new people.
Here those who are disabled can take part in riding, carriage driving and vaulting activities.
They are a powerlifting club which began in early 2007. The club is aimed at anyone who wishes to participate in powerlifting irrespective of age or ability.
This is a swimming club which offers a wide range of water based activities for people with disabilities.
They help those with a disability enjoy a relaxed swim in warm surrounding that live in or around the Southend area.
This is the 'Water Assisted Disabled Exercise And Rehabilitation Scheme' which aims to offer you the opportunity to maintain or improve muscle strength, joint flexibility and general fitness levels.