The Shenanigan Society, a vibrant and joyful women’s social group founded by local community-builder Jo Wareham, is celebrating extraordinary growth and impact just nine months after launching.
What began as a simple idea to bring women together has now blossomed into 172 members across four active groups:
- Olney Afternoon
- Emberton Afternoon
- Newport Pagnell Evening
- Emberton Evening
With demand continuing to rise, plans are already underway to open a new Olney Evening group, promising a creative twist on traditional meetings and even more opportunities for connection and fun.
Alongside its rapid growth, The Shenanigan Society has made an impressive contribution to local charities, raising and donating:
- £144 for Willen Hospice
- £744 for MK ACT
- Over £850 for ALS Pals
- £425+ (and counting) for Harry’s Rainbow
Members are also actively collecting ring pulls for The Purple Community Fund, and this Christmas alone, hundreds of gifts were donated to children supported by MK ACT.
Each Shenanigan Society group holds a regular monthly meeting, always complete with homemade cake lovingly baked by Jo herself. Beyond meetings, the Society has grown into a bustling hub of activities, including:
- A book club
- Daytime and evening sewing groups
- A foodie group
- A gardening group affiliated with the RHS
- A games group
- And plenty of social shenanigans: lunches, brunches, meals out, theatre trips, music gigs and spontaneous get-togethers
The heart of The Shenanigan Society lies in its impact on people’s lives. Members regularly share messages of thanks, describing how the group has helped them:
- Find new friends
- Rebuild confidence after losing loved ones
- Rediscover joy and purpose
- Navigate retirement with excitement rather than anxiety
Women who once felt isolated are now out and about, laughing, learning new skills, and forming lasting friendships.
“It’s simply wonderful to know I’ve helped make so many people happy,” says Jo. “And along the way, I’ve found some forever friends myself.”
With laughter, cake, kindness, and community at its core, The Shenanigan Society is proving that friendship really can change lives—one shenanigan at a time.
