Building Community, Changing Lives: The Story of 'Let’s Meet' and 'Love to Sing'

At LoveManilva.com, we are always on the lookout for inspiring community stories—those that remind us of the power of connection and the kindness of people who turn personal challenges into opportunities to help others. One such story is that of the ‘Let’s Meet’ group, a grassroots initiative that has blossomed into a lifeline for many in our community.

It all began in November 2016 with a simple question: what do people do at weekends in the winter? For one resident, the loss of her husband had left weekends feeling empty, so she decided to create a space where others could come together, talk, and share a laugh. A Sunday afternoon meet-up group was born, centred around a fun quiz designed to spark conversations and friendships. Despite initial setbacks in finding a venue, Mirror Mirror stepped in to offer their space, and on 27th November, the first ‘Let’s Meet’ gathering welcomed 12 attendees. One of them was a man named Steve.



As word spread, the group grew. It became more than just a quiz night; it became a network of support for newcomers and long-time residents alike. A place where people could feel at home, where friendships were forged, and where no one had to feel alone. When Debbie, a member from Wales, proposed the idea of forming a community choir, another chapter of this beautiful journey began. With the help of Shirley, a talented music teacher and choir master, the ‘Love to Sing’ choir was formed. Today, it is an international choir of 60 members, performing concerts to raise funds for local causes—a testament to the strength of community spirit in Manilva.

Images © Monahans