Sunday Social– Fortnightly 1pm-3pm at Ashby Bowl
Thursday Social– Weekly 6:30pm at Ashby Bowl
Ashby Bowl, 170 Grange Ln S, Scunthorpe DN16 3BJ, UK
Q&A
SUNDAY SOCIAL– FORTNIGHTLY (MAIN)
Sunday social is the busier and more lively social. The age range of this social is from ages 20 to the 60+ community. Sometimes we play bingo or quiz and other weeks we just sit back, chat and laugh. It’s a really good vibe and atmosphere and a great place to meet friends and enjoy a conversation face to face. We usually sit in the main bar area but sometimes in the back room past the bar. This social is more popular for ages 30+. We have a mix of non binary, gay, lesbian and transgender community as well as friends, family and partners who attend.
THURSDAY SOCIAL– WEEKLY (QUIETER)
Thursday is a much quieter social, it may well be worth visiting on a Thursday to familiarise with the surroundings if you are anxious. You wont meet the full group but you will meet some of the regular attendees. Thursday social is a much smaller group, with usually around 6 people attending and meeting for a quiet drink and a chat. This social is lead by some of our friendly social group regulars and they will do their best to make you feel welcome. The pride team are not usually present on a Thursday. This social at the moment is more popular with the over 40’s.
WHERE IS SOCIAL & WHAT’S IT LIKE?
Social is now being held at Ashby Bowl in Scunthorpe.. It’s relaxed and there’s no need to bowl but the venue will be offering our group a discount in future to anyone who does want to after the social, we have the back room with a pool table. If you walk directly into the front doors and take an immediate left into the bar. Parking is free, secure and off road.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ATTEND?
It varies, but we average around 15-25 people with new faces every now and then. To date we’ve had around 100 different members of the LGBTQ+ Community through the doors. We have a lot of regular social attendees.
WHAT AGES ATTEND?
This varies. Some weeks it can be the 50’s and above with a higher turn out. Most popular age group 35 years plus but we do often have people in the 20-30’s bracket.
WHO ATTENDS?
We have a mix of people and identities, we have quite a large MtoF transgender community. But we have people from across the spectrum of the LGBTQ+community. A lot of members are shy and anxious but once you find your commonalities with a person or within the group you’ll feel more at ease.
I’M NOT PART OF THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY, CAN I STILL ATTEND?
The venue is open to the public but most Sunday’s the group have it to themselves anyway. Straight allies (family and friends) are welcome. Support from any members of the local and wider community is welcomed.
CAN UNDER 18’S ATTEND?
Children age 16 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. It’s a safe space and family friendly but please bare in mind the group is based in a bar area. It is recommended under 18s attend the monthly Rainbow Youth instead.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM SOCIAL?
You can certainly expect warm, welcoming and friendly people. It’s a safe space to make new friends, chat, socialise or just relax. We have a quiz or bingo now and then but open to ideas if you want to help out and host a special or themed Sunday. We are also looking into new activities.
IS THERE FOOD?
Ashby Bowl has a great menu with a variety of options.
UNSURE OR WORRIED ABOUT ATTENDING…
If you are struggling and you find social situations difficult please get in touch and we will try to support you with attending, but our members are all very supportive and some will come over and chat and introduce themselves to put you at ease.
You may have had negative experiences with members of the local LGBTQ+ community in the past, my answer to this, it’s the past and you can move through it, quite a few of our members have moved back to Scunthorpe after many years away and some are brand new to Scunthorpe looking for friends. Enter the doors with positive vibes and hope. Break your preconceptions of what you think it will be like and come with an open mind.
Build new bridges, form connections, support those who need it and get support back.
This social has no judgement on who you are or how you identify. We all mix together and have a good chat. It’s informal, we don’t all sit in a circle and it’s not in a support group format, sit where you like, with who you like!
Please note: we are all volunteers and we cannot provide professional mental health support but we can advise you on where to find help, there are also links available here.
WHEN DID SOCIAL SUNDAY LAUNCH?
Social Sunday at The Black Door launched on 21st August 2022.
Social Rules
We ask that you be kind, respectful and considerate of others. If you cause issues or project hate, you may be kindly asked to vacate the premises. Positive Vibes only! Bullying, Harassment and Grievance policy
Be kind and courteous:
We are all in this together to create a welcoming, non-judgemental and safe environment. Let’s treat everyone with respect. Healthy debates are natural, but kindness is required.
No hate speech or bullying:
Make sure that everyone feels safe. Bullying of any kind isn’t allowed, and degrading comments about things such as race, religion, culture, sexual orientation, gender or identity will not be tolerated.
Social media & Online:
If you choose to add or follow fellow social members online always treat them with respect. Harassment will not be tolerated.
Please do NOT disclose anything too personal with people you have just met. Respect the venue and the general public that may also be in the venue.
Our Volunteers: Please refrain from personally messaging or adding our pride volunteers. If you require support please email or contact the pride or Scunthorpe LGBTQ+ page. Please treat our volunteers with respect, none of us get paid to run pride, events or socials, we do it for the community.
View our Safe Guarding Policy Here
We advise under 18’s attend the Rainbow Youth group monthly session as this is specifically for them. No youth activities take place at our Sunday or Thursday Social and it is held in a bar setting.
Attendance numbers:
Averaging 20-25 people fortnightly
YOUTH GROUP
20:21 VISUAL ARTS CENTRE
LAST WEDS OF THE MONTH
