About Old Tossers
The story of how a group of mates, a bag of flat stones, and a questionable name became one of the UK's most beloved over-60s communities.
Why “Old Tossers”?
Let's clear this up straight away: we're called Old Tossers because we toss pebbles. That's it. Pebble skimming. Stone tossing. The ancient art of making a flat rock dance across water.
The name was coined by our founder Derek during a particularly successful afternoon of stone skimming on Scarborough beach. “We're just a bunch of old tossers, aren't we?” he laughed. And so it stuck.
Yes, we know what it sounds like. That's half the fun.
Our Mission
Fun First
Life's too short to be serious. We believe laughter, friendship, and a bit of healthy competition keep the spirit young.
Community
No one should feel lonely after 60. Old Tossers connects like-minded people who love the outdoors, nostalgia, and a good cuppa.
Active Ageing
Getting outside, breathing fresh air, and tossing stones is surprisingly good exercise. Body and soul, we say.
Featured on UK Television
In 2022, Old Tossers caught the attention of UK television producers. Our Scarborough meetup was filmed for a daytime show, and overnight we went from a small local club to a national talking point.
The segment showed our members competing, laughing, and thoroughly enjoying themselves. Viewers loved it. Membership enquiries poured in from across the country, and Old Tossers became a nationwide community.
Our Journey
The First Skip
A group of mates in Scarborough start skimming stones competitively. The idea for a club is born over fish and chips.
Old Tossers Founded
The club is officially formed with 12 founding members. The name causes much amusement — and a few raised eyebrows.
UK TV Debut
Old Tossers featured on daytime television. Membership jumps from 50 to 500 overnight.
National Meetups
First national meetup tour covering Brighton, Whitby, and Cornwall. Over 200 attendees.
Going Online
OldTossers.com launches, bringing the community together digitally. Monthly challenges begin.
Charity Partner
Partnered with Age UK to promote active ageing through outdoor activities.
2,800+ Members
Nearly 3,000 members across the UK, with meetups in over 40 locations.
Meet the Team
Derek Thompson
Founder & Chief Tosser
Former PE teacher from Scarborough. Has been skimming stones since 1965.
Margaret Wilkinson
Community Director
Retired librarian who brings order to our chaotic meetups.
Bernard "Boz" Bosworth
Events Coordinator
Ex-events manager who now plans the finest pebble-skimming meetups in Britain.
Susan Clarke
Digital Editor
Former journalist who keeps our website and stories running smoothly.
Content & Advertising Compliance
Old Tossers is a wholesome, family-friendly community focused on pebble skimming and outdoor activities for the over-60s. Our name refers exclusively to the act of tossing pebbles across water. This website contains zero sexual content and is fully compliant with Google Ads policies. All content is appropriate for all audiences.