However well expats integrate with the natives of their adopted country, it is always comforting to know that there are societies, associations and clubs closeby whose members share the same language, interests and cultures as their own.

The Costa del Sol boasts many Societies between Sotogrande and Malaga, which cater for British and Irish ex-pats on a social and informative level.

The Benalmadena Royal Air Force Association enjoys a growing membership, and is made up of ex-RAF members and their families and friends. Social events are held in different venues around the coast, and members and non-members are welcome to attend. For further information call Stephen Mullis on 952 422708.

The British Association of Marbella was founded in 1987 as a social club for International residents in the town, and members meet at a restaurant or café in Marbella every Wednesday. Excursions , trips and card games are also arranged through the club. For more information contact Mary MacKechnie on 952 825191.

The Calahonda Lions Club raises money in the local community to donate to charities in the area. The club allows members and volunteers to integrate with the Spanish communities and to help raise funds and sponsorships. For more information call 646 817390 or look on the website: www.calahondalions.org

The Costa del Sol Flower Arranging Club meets on Mondays every alternate month (giving members a chance to practice what they learn in between time). For more information contact Jean Roberts on 952 453068.

The Friends of the Theatre Association was originally formed to help raise funds for the Salon Varietés Theatre in Fuengirola in 1987, but has continued until this day as a social club, organising monthly lunches, trips and numerous social activities in and around Fuengirola. For more information you can visit their desk at the Salon Varietés Theatre forecourt on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11.30am-1.30pm. For more information call Gina Foster on 952 448410.

The International Friends Club is based in Fuengirola, and was founded in 2002 as a social club for Europeans and Americans between the ages of 25 and 35 who live on the Costa del Sol. Social evenings are held on the first Saturday of every month. For more information check out the website: international_friends@hotmail.com

The Out of Africa Club was formed in 1990 as a social club for people who have lived and/or worked in Africa, so that they can meet socially with other members who have a love for the continent, plus share a common past. For more information call Trisha Goddard on 952 494540.
The British Society International Club, Benalmadena was established in 1967, and offers a varied programme of social events including dinner dances, sports, tennis, petanca, art classes, golf and ten pin bowling, to name but a few. Boasting its own clubhouse, the club is open on Wednesday and Friday between 10.30am and 2.30pm, and on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at various times. For more information call 952448105 or look on the website: britsoc@hotmail.com

The Costa del Sol Irish Association is based in Torremolinos and meets on the 17th of each month outside the Pensionista Hall in Mesquita Square at 2.30pm. An informal social evening is also held every Monday night at the Irish Affair by the beach. For more information call 952 375482.

The Marbella Bridge Club meets daily at 3.45pm at their premises opposite the Marbella Club Hotel. For more information call 952 820669 or 952 774821.

The English Speaking Club of Malaga was founded in 1972, and welcomes English speakers of all nationalities to a weekly meeting between 6pm and 8pm in Malaga city. For more information contact Ann on 952 222 144.