Hi
I am new in the area and I too am finding it quite tough to meet folk and make friends.
I joined a group called SPICE which is based in Sheffield. They do all kinds of activities as well as meeting people. There is a really mixture of people who go to these things.
The website is www.spiceuk.com and they have a South Yorkshire branch so you can meet other Sheffielders.
Good luck I am sure that we will get there in the end.
Anne-Marie