Local Activities Guide - Shifnal and Surrounding Areas
Getting out and seeing people matters. A coffee morning, a friendly club, a game played at a gentle pace: these are the small things that keep people feeling well and connected, particularly as they get older or find themselves on their own more than they would like.
Published: 08/06/2026
Below are some of the regular groups and activities running in and around Shifnal, all worth knowing about, whether for yourself or for someone you care for.
We also know that joining in is not always simple. Sometimes it takes a bit of help to get ready, to get there, or just to have a familiar face go along too. If that is the case for you or a loved one, we are glad to help. Please get in touch.
Regular Groups & Activities
Open Door Coffee Morning
Open Door is a friendly coffee morning at St Andrew's Church, held every Tuesday from 10 am to 12 noon. Pop in for a cup of tea or coffee, a chat and the chance to meet new people. Plenty of the regulars lend a hand with refreshments and setting up, and there is usually a small group of musicians playing, who are always pleased to welcome anyone who fancies joining in.
On the fourth Tuesday of the month there is also a short Communion, with a quiet space to light a candle and remember loved ones.
- Venue: St Andrew's Church, Church Street, Shifnal, TF11 9AB
- Contact: 01952 463 694
Walking Tennis - Shifnal Tennis Club
Walking Tennis is a slower, gentler version of the game, played at a relaxed pace. It suits complete beginners, anyone coming back to tennis after a break, and people recovering from injury or simply wary of the demands of the usual game. It is a nice way to keep moving and enjoy a bit of company at the same time.
The club calls it "game, sip, match", a play on "game, set, match" that tells you all you need to know: the tennis matters less than the people and the cup of tea afterwards. Sessions are free, and all the equipment is provided, so you only need to turn up.
You will find the club next to Shifnal Cricket Club on Priorslee Road, TF11 8DH.
For more information or to give it a go, contact Merill on 07762 615 270.
Wrekin u3a
The u3a brings together people who are no longer working full time to learn, share interests and meet others, all for the enjoyment of it. Wrekin u3a runs a wide range of member led groups covering everything from arts and crafts to history, music and the outdoors.
There are also some easy ways to dip in:
- Monthly talk: fourth Tuesday of the month, 2pm, at Shifnal Village Hall. Visitors welcome, usually around £3 to cover entry and refreshments.
- Coffee morning: second Monday of the month, 10am to 12 noon, at the Park House Hotel, Shifnal.
- New member drop-in: last Monday of the month, also at the Park House Hotel.
More at wrekin.u3asite.uk.
Art Appreciation Group
This is a relaxed, friendly group for anyone who enjoys art, whether you know a lot about it or are simply curious. Meetings cover all sorts, from different painters and styles to discussions that work their way through art history. The group also arranges gallery trips now and then; past outings have included Picasso at Tate Modern and Charles Rennie Mackintosh at the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool.
No expertise needed, just an interest and a willingness to chat.
- Location: The Old Fire Station, Shrewsbury Road, Shifnal, TF11 8AQ
- When: Second Monday of each month, 2pm
Telford Men's Shed
A Men's Shed is a place for men to get together, work on projects, share skills and enjoy each other's company. This one has a proper workshop, an electronics bench, a spot for a cup of tea and a walled garden. Members get stuck into all sorts, from woodwork to community projects, but the real point is the friendship and having somewhere to go.
You are welcome to just turn up on a shed day and see what is going on.
- Venue: Hall Barn, Church Street, Madeley, Telford, TF7 5BT
- Open: Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 10am to 4pm
- More at telfordmensshed.co.uk
Forget Me Not Tea
Forget Me Not is a gathering for people living with dementia and those who care for them, hosted by Sarah Thorpe at St Andrew's Church. It is a warm, easy afternoon of activities, company, and tea and cake, in a setting where everyone is made to feel at home.
It usually runs on the third Thursday of the month at 2pm, though Sarah suggests checking the date with her first.
You can reach Sarah on 01952 463 694 or at sarah.thorpe121@gmail.com. She is always happy to talk things through, whether you want to come along or simply have questions about memory difficulties or dementia.
Dementia Support and Useful Contacts
If you or someone close to you is affected by dementia, there is help to be had alongside friendly gatherings like the Forget Me Not tea:
- Alzheimer's Society Dementia Connect offers advice and a listening ear for people living with dementia and their carers across Telford and Shropshire. Support line: 0333 150 3456.
- Dementia Assessment and Support Service (DASS) provides specialist assessment and ongoing support across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin.
- To arrange a care needs assessment, contact Telford and Wrekin Family Connect on 01952 385 385, or Shropshire First Point of Contact on 0345 678 9044.
If a bit of support would help you or your loved one get to any of these, please get in touch with us.
Shifnal Library Digital Support
If you would like to feel more confident with computers, phones or tablets, Shifnal Library runs one to one sessions to help. Over eight to ten weeks, a member of staff or a volunteer can show you the basics at your own pace: getting online, using email, staying safe, keeping in touch on social media, and sorting out your photos and documents.
To find out more or to book a place, call the library on 01952 461 018.
Shropshire Local Drop-in at Shifnal Library
As well as its digital sessions, Shifnal Library hosts a regular Shropshire Local drop-in, where you can get help with Shropshire Council services and other queries face to face. It runs monthly, in the afternoon. Call the library for the next date.
- Venue: Shifnal Library, Broadway, Shifnal, TF11 8AZ
- Contact: 01952 461 018
Carers Group
Looking after someone can be rewarding, but it can also be tiring and lonely. This group gives carers a chance to sit down with others who understand, share what is going on and pick up useful information and support. It meets on the last Tuesday of every month, 2.30pm to 4.30pm.
For more information, contact Ivy on 01952 750 228 during the day.
- Venue: The Old Fire Station, Shrewsbury Road, Shifnal, TF11 8AQ
How We Can Help You Get There
For some people the hardest part of going to a group is getting there in the first place. A bit of unsteadiness, low confidence after a fall or a loss, or living with dementia can all make a simple coffee morning feel out of reach. That is where we come in.
A carer your loved one already knows can help them get ready, go along with them, stay for the company and see them home again afterwards. We do not work against the clock, so there is no rushing and no clock watching. The time is theirs.
If you would like to talk about how a little support could help someone get out and about again, we would be glad to hear from you.