Edgware and District Reform Synagogue has launched a social group for those who work during the day but are on their own in the evenings and at weekends.

Called Just Friends, it plans to hold monthly meetings and encourage members — the majority between the ages of 45 and 70 — to arrange companionship for activities such as cinema or theatre visits, eating out, or holidays.

The idea took shape after EDRS circulated an interests register to the membership last November. A number of the respondents expressed an interest in a singles group which met in the evenings.

Organiser Lynda Warren said the first meetings had been well supported. “We want to be a group of like-minded people with a sense of belonging,” she said.”It is hoped that word will spread and more people will join.” There was no requirement to be an EDRS member.