This is particularly true of women. Most of the women I know have a network of girlfriends, but I have discovered that it doesn't seem to work in the same way for men who, unless they belong to something like a Masonic lodge, don't usually have a similar network of men friends.

But recently in north Manchester somebody decided it was time to change all that, which is why every second Friday morning a whole bunch of Jewish gentlemen descend on Heathlands' retirement village and enjoy coffee and biscuits, camaraderie and a lively discussion on whatever is the chosen topic of the day. And, apparently, a great time is had by all.

They charge £3 for the refreshments and the use of the room and since they started in November last year they have already raised more than £740, all of which goes to Heathlands.

So whose idea was it to get this going? Step forward Julian Goldberg.

He explains: "I spent 20 years in Israel where I had an art gallery and framing company. But when I retired six years ago I decided to come back to Manchester to be near my children.

"People were so friendly here and made me feel so welcome that I wanted to do something to reciprocate. I discovered that there was a similar sort of men's discussion group in the Leeds Jewish community and I thought it would be a good idea to try and get one going in Manchester, too.

"It has been so successful that we can't take any more members at the moment because the room wouldn't be big enough.''

They recently had a coach outing to Temple Newsam, near Leeds, and allowed the distaff side to join them. We were blessed with lovely weather and had a thoroughly enjoyable time. If and when they have another outing, I intend to join them again.

Although their Friday morning discussions are on the serious side they also have a lot of fun. The thought occurred to me that their absence also meant that their wives could get on with the Shabbat cooking uninterrupted!

I feel sure that there are other Jewish communities around the country whose menfolk would also enjoy a fortnightly bout of fun and camaraderie.

So I thought I'd tell you about the success of Manchester's group in case you would like to follow suit and set up something similar.

Make couch potatoes go away

WHEN I was in Beijing last year they were busily building their Bird's Nest stadium, and also lots of flats for the athletes.

Our guide wondered who would be able to afford those flats once the Games were over and the flats vacated.

I am moved to wonder how long that state-of-the-art stadium will remain profitable because it must cost a fortune to maintain, just as our own Millennium Dome did before it.

I know you can't compare the two buildings. The Bird's Nest had a specific purpose, whereas the Dome was just shoved up to commemorate the Millennium, but I was reminded of this when there was a discussion on the radio as to what we should call our own Olympic stadium when it is built for the 2012 games. Somebody suggested the White Elephant.

I have to confess that, not being a sports fan, I didn't put aside any time to watch the Olympics.

But I am very glad that they happened because they gave a lot of pleasure to a lot of people and were a source of great pride to the medal winners. And if the legacy of the Games turns out to be a renewed interest in sports participation - as opposed to just viewing - then maybe this generation of youngsters will end up slimmer and fitter than they are now.

Anything that persuades them to switch off their computer games and get out and get active has my vote.

It is ironic that only days after the Games ended there was a story in the papers that we should all start being more responsible for our own health and promote our well-being by eating healthier meals and exercising more.

That sounds like good advice because obesity levels have risen beyond belief.

Once upon a time all schools had regular gym lessons and outdoor sports periods, too. Today, too many playing fields have been sold off to developers and, sadly, it is no longer safe for boys to kick a ball around in the street.

Is it safe for any child to play out in the street today?

I ask this because somebody told me that twice recently he had driven through an Orthodox neighbourhood and on both occasions he was horrified to see little girls as young as four or five playing near the kerb - completely unsupervised. There was no parent around and no older siblings either.

I know that it is difficult for busy mums with large families to keep an eye on every child, but I couldn't help thinking that, if those little girls had been mine, I wouldn't have allowed them out of the garden, and even then I would have wanted to keep them in sight at all times.

We can't take for granted any child's safety. How often do we read in the press stories about some man trying to persuade a child to get into his car.

And have we already forgotten the abduction of little Madeleine McCann?

It would be nice if all mums could be sure that it would never happen to their child. The horrible truth is that today nobody can.

Jerry moved me to tears

THE BBC has really done us proud with their two series of Who Do You Think You Are?

It has already featured several Jewish or partly Jewish celebrities and has given viewers an insight into what their families suffered under the Nazis. But for me the programme on Jerry Springer was the best of all.

I fail to see how anybody watching it could remain antisemitic once they had seen film clips of what the Jewish people endured during the Holocaust.

I was moved to tears and I am sure that anyone who had a heart would have shared my feelings.

I was praying that Holocaust denier David Irving was watching, too. He should hang his head in shame.

E-MAIL: ldonn@jewishtelegraph.com