Text Box: The Rutland Optimists Text Box: Information Text Box: The Rutland Optimists is a social activities and friendship group for people on their own who are looking for a lively social life and an opportunity to meet other singles in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The group is for singles aged over 40 who are unattached, be they single, separated, divorced or widowed. The group is centred geographically on Rutland and most events are within easy travelling distance of Oakham. The group has been running for over ten years. During this time it has evolved to reflect the changing needs of singles. However, the core ethos of the group still remains one of friendship and mutual support. Many long term friendships have been formed through the group and some members have met new partners. Events take place every weekend and details are set out in a monthly diary and newsletter given to all members. A regular monthly fixture is the ‘Club Night’ on the last Monday of every month at the Wheatsheaf Inn, Northgate, in Oakham. Events vary each month, but typically they can include meals out, parties, pub live music nights, pub darts and skittles nights: also theatre, cinema and concert trips, bowling evenings as well as Sunday walks followed by a pub lunch.