What's Next? For Women

01/11/2026

Overthinking. Thoughts racing. So much going around in my head.

Early on this weekend, I knew I needed to get out of my head for a while.

Do you ever feel like this? What works for you?

What did I do?

🌊 Yesterday, we started cold and wet (warm enough in our wetsuits after a few waves) in the sea at Goodrington, supporting young people taking part in a Wave Project session led by Reach Outdoors.

As volunteer surf mentors, we were there to encourage and support them, while enjoying some bodyboarding in the waves ourselves. Perfect conditions in the water despite the absence of the sunshine.

📷 And today, before visiting family in hospital, we parked at the Passage House Inn, Newton Abbot, and headed off for a walk along the River Teign, camera in hand, good conversation with my husband, enjoying the sunshine and fresh air, before a hot drink inside.

Two very different days. Both time spent outdoors in nature, being present.

The things that were going around in my head haven't disappeared, but ai gave myself some space from them for a while.

A change of scenery, good conversation, a bit of physical activity, taking ourselves out of our comfort zone, or just doing something different, can be enough to create the break we need.

💛 What do you do when you need to get out of your own head?

31/10/2026

Went to the cinema tonight to see Wicker.

Such fun! What a man!

Great acting, script and very funny.

Anyone else seen it? What did you think?

30/10/2026

🧵🪡 Any fans of The Great British Sewing Bee in our group?

If you watch it, which of the three challenges do you enjoy the most watching?

✂️ Pattern Challenge – where they follow a pattern to create something from scratch.

♻️ Transformation Challenge – where they take something old, like a man's shirt, tent, or duvet, and turn it into something completely different.

👗 Made-to-Measure Challenge – where they create an outfit designed to fit a particular person.

My favourite is the Transformation Challenge. I love seeing things upcycled and marvelling at what people come up with, giving something a new lease of life rather than throwing it away.

Of course there's a reason I'm asking! 😉

We're hoping to organise an upcycling event for What's Next? For Women in the future. No need to be an expert with a sewing machine as these and a welcoming space will all be provided.

Before we create this, can you say which challenge you enjoyed watching the most?

And - have you ever had a go at upcycling clothes yourself? 💛

Inspired by a post I shared a few weeks ago about wanting to upcycle my Mum's beautiful green taffeta wedding dress (photo below). 👗

30/10/2026

Did you spend time with Suzi Kitley from Swim Aquatics this year? At our What's Next? For Women (WNFW) Beach Day in the summer, or outside of this?!

I'm personally hoping to learn to sea swim more confidently, and enjoy exploring our wonderful coastline with Suzi (building on the dipping and little swims I have been doing) and friends, next year.

We may also do another WNFW session with Suzi if she's happy to lead this again for free (normally paid for training)... give this post a like if you might be interested. 👍

Till then if you sea swim already, maybe see you sometime in the water.

And don't forget there are other swim groups in the bay you could join, like Healthscape and monthly friendly dips from the steps by Cantina Goodrington every full moon. Next 24 November but follow their page for confirmation. Search 'full moon swimmers' to find and follow this page.

Till then...

Just keep swimmin' ~ Dory 🐟

29/10/2026

🐾 Love animals? Love exploring new places? How about combining the two?

Have you heard of TrustedHousesitters?

It's a way to visit somewhere new while looking after someone's home and pets. Or have someone look after yours while you go away.

With the 20th anniversary of The Holiday, starring Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz, coming up, perhaps it's time for your own little adventure! No guarantees of romance though!

And you don't have to travel far. Imagine spending a few days somewhere different, enjoying walks, local cafés, activities, meeting new people or simply having a change of scenery.

Or perhaps you've always fancied spending a few weeks somewhere completely different, without the usual accommodation costs?

This could open up opportunities you hadn't even considered.

Have a look and see what's possible:

https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/

Where would you love to go? Or have you already tried house-sitting? We'd love to hear about your adventures.

Discover unique homestays around the world, in exchange for caring for adorable pets

28/10/2026

I'm a step-grand/mum... You too?

I'm curious to know whether we have many other step-grand/mums like me in our group?

I'm not having any particular issues, but I know it's not always plain sailing for everyone. And things can change.

If you're a step-grand/mum, do you ever think it might be good to meet others who understand?

Maybe to celebrate your wins, however small.

Share your frustrations and some of the complexities you might be facing.

Or perhaps you're a good listener, happy to share what's worked for you, including how you've learnt to choose your battles.

What's shared in the room, stays in the room. 💛

I'm wondering whether we might get together on Saturday 6 March next year, the day before Mothering Sunday. Perhaps combine a good chat with a little pampering?

Would you be interested?

😀 Give this post a like if you would. It would be lovely to see whether there's enough interest to make something happen.

And if you're part of a blended family in another way, you'd be welcome too. 😊

Card and flowers made from pipe cleaners given to me by one of my step-daughters. ❤️

27/10/2026

🎄 Who fancies getting a bit creative for Christmas?

Remember The Still House, the lovely venue by Paignton Harbour where we nearly held our What's Next? For Women Summer Social?

Well, Sharon Musker is hosting a:

Christmas Wreath Making Evening
Friday 27 November
Starting 6.30pm.

For £25, including all materials, you can make your own Christmas wreath, enjoy a lovely evening and perhaps meet some new people along the way. Food and drink will also be available.

I won't be there myself, but there's nothing stopping you from going!

I know Sharon will make everyone feel very welcome, whether you come along on your own or with a friend. That's what we're all about at What's Next? For Women.

Places are limited, with a £10 deposit to secure yours.

📞 Contact Sharon on 07949 005832 to book.

What a lovely way to get into the Christmas spirit! 🎄💛

26/10/2026

How safe are we when sharing our personal information in public?

Twice recently I've been asked to say my home address out loud. Once when collecting a prescription and once when checking in at a hospital reception before an appointment.

Both times there were strangers close enough to hear.

I quietly asked if I could share my details without saying them out loud. Both times the staff were absolutely fine with this.

Of course, asking us to confirm our personal details is allowed, and it's important. It helps make sure, for example, that we don't collect the wrong prescription or that our medical records aren't confused with someone else's.

But we don't necessarily have to say those details out loud. We can ask to write them down, or offer to show something like our driving licence instead.

With recent concerns being raised about women's safety when staying in hotels, including Travelodges, I think this is something worth discussing.

Let me tell you why I'm particularly conscious of this.

About 30 years ago, I chatted to a man while walking to the station. I wasn't flirting, just being friendly, but I mentioned my first name and where I worked.

The next day, flowers arrived for me at work. A colleague thought it was lovely. I felt uneasy.

The following day, I heard a deep voice in our reception say, "Hello Annagail."

It was him. Despite the building requiring key-card access, the receptionist had let him in.

I told him I wasn't interested.

Later, I saw him as a passenger in a van. He called me over and, foolishly, I approached to tell him again that I wasn't interested.

Thankfully, I never saw him again.

All this happened before Google and social media. Imagine how easily someone could find you today with just a few personal details.

A few things I've learned:

🟣 Be careful what personal information you share, particularly when others can overhear.

🟣 Don't be afraid to ask to write down your details or share them privately.

🟣 Don't assume that someone being allowed into a building means they've been properly checked.

🟣 Never approach a car or van when someone you don't know or trust calls you over. I did, and I wouldn't do it again.

🟣 Trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel right, you don't have to be polite.

What would you add?

I'm also wondering what pharmacies, hospitals, hotels and other organisations could do differently to protect our privacy without making life difficult for staff.

Have you ever felt uncomfortable being asked to share personal information where strangers could hear?

I'd really like to hear your thoughts and experiences. We can learn much from each other. 💛



Phoenix Rising New Beginnings CIO

25/10/2026

🏃‍♂️ I am no runner. Don't be fooled by my photo below taken 17 years ago.

At my best, I run, walk, run, repeat. I haven't run for many months, partly because I don't like running in hot weather. What a summer we had!

I am happiest when I've finished a run. I will never tell you it's addictive, or "you'll love it!".

What I can say is that some love it. It is good exercise, great for the heart and can be a fun thing to do with others.

My husband is a runner. And today with the promise of enjoying a bagel from the bagel shop for breakfast, I joined him at the start and finish of an easy 5km along Brixham Harbour, and met his fellow CoastersRunClub (find them on Insta, free of charge, come when you want to). Friendly bunch, with different abilities.

And... I got talking with Gabby, their founder to find out more. I won't run but offered to be their back marker at their events. Not running, more fast walking and chatting. That's more me.

Gabby told me she has been thinking of creating a 3km women's running group, for all abilities, on a weekday evening, running together safely, perhaps with a few glow sticks. 🌟

I wonder if What's Next? For Women might like to help Gabby shape this new group?

So if you've read this and are thinking I'd be happy to give it a go (once, at least) can I ask you to ❤️ love this post, so I can let her know.

And when... early December, mid-January, March??