I joined my town's quilting group in 1998. A small group of 20 who had been established about 10 years by the time i joined. I was happy to join in and be useful and so became club secretary after 3 months.......think I was the only one with a computer back then !
However, I found thst despite most members being very nice the original founders were elitist, horrificly snobbish and downright vicious if anyone suggested any change whatsoever inc new ideas for new members etc.
I lasted 4 years before I decided the internet would be a better quilting group.
I did go back a few years ago for one evening but nothing had changed.
I have visited other town's groups and they have been lovely and welcoming!