Members have set up a number of diverse interest groups in different locations and all are totally FREE to join. You can go to every meeting (and many do) or dip in and out when you have the time.
Joining a group is easy. Just log onto the INCO website. Click into GROUPS and see what’s on offer. If you want to receive more information, just tick the JOIN box. It’s easy. You’ll only receive emails about groups you’re a member of and you can opt out at any time. Read below for more information on some of the groups in your area.
The Art Appreciation Group |
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The art appreciation group is perfect for members who like to paint, using whichever medium they prefer, but are not professional artists. It is very much for people who love art as a hobby and believe art should be fun. Whilst members can share information and ideas informally over coffee, the group isn’t an art class and no painting is done at the meeting. Links to books and videos are often shared to give members new ideas. Any member can set an optional challenge for the following month which is then completed at home. Members then bring in their completed artwork for a good natured ‘show and tell’ with positive feedback from other group members being encouraged. For the last two years, the art group and crafting group have joined together to bring some of their work to a very well received exhibition, firstly in Neapoli and more recently in Agios Nikolaos. The art group meet on the last Friday of each month in Neapoli. The location changes from summer to winter and is currently held at The Oasis café at 11am. New members are always welcome. Message the group for more information. |
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INCO Book Club |
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Formed by member, Chris White, in November 2024, the INCO Book Club is somewhere to discuss books and authors, and get recommendations on new reads. Members don’t have to read the same book, just be book lovers and go along to discuss a book they have just read or are currently reading. Is it entertaining and thrilling, or is it edging back towards the bookshelf unfinished? Each meeting has a general discussion subject for next time so that members get more recommendations. The book club meets monthly, currently in Agios Nikolaos, at the Kouzina cafe near to the Marina Car Park Thursday or Saturday. Details are posted on the INCO website and members also receive a confirmation email. For further information please contact Chris White via the group or on 6970 845262. |
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The Creative Craft Group |
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The friendly and fun creative crafting group was set up for members who already undertake craft activities and also with a view to attracting members who are interested in starting a new craft. Judging from the varied and fantastic craft display as seen in the recent art and crafting exhibitions, they have been very successful in their aim. It is a very diverse group who meet socially over a coffee, sharing their crafting passions and members often demonstrate their skills by bringing examples of work for the appreciation and enjoyment of the rest of the group. In addition to the monthly social, the group often arranges a practical hands-on Craft for Fun session each month, exploring a craft activity agreed on by the group. These sessions are usually on a Wednesday morning in Agios Nikolaos. The creative crafting group meet every second Friday of the month in Agios Nikolaos. The location is confirmed before each meeting. |
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The Gardening Club |
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The Gardening Club consists of a group of like-minded people who like to get together every month and talk about the joys and pitfalls of gardening in Crete. Whether members have an olive grove, a garden or just a couple of pots on a balcony, there is something for all types of gardeners. There is a large range of gardening knowledge in the group and there is always someone at the meetings who is able to answer any gardening questions and help out with solving any horticultural problems that may arise. The Club also enjoys the occasional free gardening quiz at the regular meetings. These are great fun and help us to expand our gardening knowledge. Sometimes, members give short talks on a diverse range of topics and anyone is welcome to join in. Feel free to come along at 11 am on the first Sunday of every month to Stavrakakis Taverna in Exo Lakonia. New members are always welcome so if you are interested, join us on INCO Groups |
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The Knit & Knatter Group |
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The group is made up of a sociable mix of members who have varied skills which include knitting and crocheting and, as the name implies, chatting! If anyone wants to learn to follow a pattern, or learn to crochet, this is the group for you. The group also has access to many patterns and ideas. The group currently operates a weekly drop-in session every Friday from 11am – 1pm at Café Onar in Neapoli, so members can stay for as much or as little time as they wish. New members always welcome. |
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Mosaic & Jewellery Making Group |
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The group is for members who are interested in learning the art of making mosaics or to make jewellery. Each group is run on separate days and for beginners or improvers. All materials are provided and the current charge (January 2025) is 5 euros including coffee. Classes are on Wednesday and Saturday mornings. For confirmation of which class is held and when, Athina can be contacted on the INCO group page, on +30 6944 154770 or email The group meetings are held in the house of Athina Hadziantoniou in Xirocampos, which is near Pratsinakis Bathrooms just after the EKO Petrol station on the Elounda road, travelling from the traffic lights at Agios Nikolaos. |
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The Performing Arts Group |
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This is a new group, recently started by Tricia Barrett. Although the name suggests appearing in the spotlight, and is for people who might want to act or sing in one of the plays currently held on file but is also for members who prefer to stay in the background, assisting in painting scenery, making refreshments, selling tickets or sewing costumes. The idea is to put on occasional plays, maybe a panto but so members can dip in and out, time permitting. Tricia also hopes to help bring people together who might just want to sing for fun but not necessarily in a public performance. So, for anyone with musical knowledge, who likes the idea of singing anything from rock to choral, she will assist you in setting up a ‘choir’ in your area of Lassithi. If you want more information or have an idea that you wish to discuss, Tricia can be contacted on this group or messaged on |
Snap & Chat |
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A small local photographic club for beginners, keen amateurs and all interested photographers looking to share their skills and knowledge with like-minded people. The emphasis is on becoming a better photographer, whether members choose to use a compact camera, a DSLR or mobile phone. The club tries to organise a few photoshoots per year and a genre or topic is usually chosen for group meetings. At Snap and Chat, it’s the members and the pictures that count, so prospective members are encouraged to dust off their camera and join this friendly and supportive group The club meets fortnightly in Agios Nikolaos however, as the location can change, members are asked to contact the organiser, Paul, for more information on |
The Walking Group |
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The walking group includes people who like to stroll, those who can walk a bit further and hikers who like to stride out over more taxing terrain. The walks often end with a meal at a convenient taverna when non walking partners can join up. Information about each walk is entered on the group page of the INCO website and then emailed to group members to notify them about the date, start time and meeting place, with a description of the paths and length of the walk. People then choose whether or not to join in. Dogs are welcome unless the walk leader specifically says otherwise. The organiser, Yvonne Payne will coordinate a winter/spring programme and hopes to build on autumn's success when four different people led a range of strolls, walks and hikes. That said, anyone can organise a walk at any time. For more information, to volunteer to lead a walk or ask for help in advertising a walk via the INCO website, please contact Yvonne via |
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Bereavement Support Group |
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Whilst not a regular monthly meeting, the group meets as and when required to offer support to those who need it. The course consists of seven, two hour sessions for between 8-10 participants and comprises of a mix of video presentations followed by small group discussions/ reflection time. Participants are given a guest manual which is personal to their own unique situation and for them to complete after each meeting. The format of the Bereavement Journey Course is highly structured to ensure consistency of delivery and the inaugural course which commenced in May 2024, received very positive feedback from those who attended. For more information, please contact INCO Wellbeing and Pastoral Officer, Mike Dornan, who is happy to discuss the course in more detail. Mike can be contacted on:- Mobile number 6987 335828 or email |
