What weโre about
If you're aged between 25 and 50 and looking to meet more people / make new friends, then why not take a bold (but easy) step towards doing something about it, and attend one of the many social events with members of the super-sociable group, the Friendly Faces of Warwickshire.
We enjoy a variety of scheduled events in Leamington, Warwick, Stratford and the surrounding area, where new and regular members meet as a group to network as part of sociable / enjoyable activities. The events to choose from usually take place at the weekend, and can include countryside walks and hikes, gathering in bars, coffee shops or restaurants, going to indoor / outdoor cinemas, pool halls, festivals, tribute bands, stage showsโฆ the list goes on.
To get involved simply browse the events page and then click the 'Attend' button on the events you like the look of.
At each of these events, youโll meet the members - potential new friends from all walks of life and just like you in wanting to improve their social lives. They will make you feel very welcome as another valued contributor to what makes our events into special occasions to remember for all involved. It's normal to feel a little bit of apprehension about your first meeting, which is something we all have to go through. After you've broken the ice for the first time, youโll wonder what all the fuss was about and be eager to put your name down to attend another!
If you keep attending, you'll recognise people you met at past events and start to grow commonalities and friendships with the people you connect well with.
Attending a FFW event by yourself is perfectly fine and it's what many people do. The attendees at each event are never the same.. each one consists of a combination of first-timers, seasoned members and everything in between, so there will be other new like-minded attendees just like you, whatever your situation.
The reality is, we're all like you and looking for opportunities to be sociable. We genuinely hope that you decide to get involved. When you do, we will look forward to meeting you.
Months from now youโll look back on this moment that you took action with a smile, and be really glad you did!
You are always free to leave an event early should you decide at any stage that you want to / need to leave for whatever reason. You will not be judged.
Whatever you do, don't assume that you know how an event will be - just rock up for one and see what you think. Many members have done so and since said they were glad they did.
So ask yourself out loud: "What have I got to lose?"
And then hit that join button. ๐
Here's a sneak preview of the current events schedule that's waiting for you to choose from when you join:
- Sunday Nov 2nd : Chesterton Windmill / Harbury (7-mile hike) ๐ถโโ๏ธ
- Saturday Nov 15th : Leamington Saturday night out๐น
- Sunday Nov 23rd : Malvern Hills - along the hilltops (6-mile hike) ๐ถโโ๏ธ
- Saturday Nov 29th : Soul House DJ-night at the Micro Pug ๐ต
- Friday Dec 5th : Warwick Monthly Social night out๐น
- Saturday Dec 13th : Soul House DJ-night at Ronnies in Warwick ๐ต
- Sunday Dec 14th : Leamington Parks, to Warwick and back (7-mile hike) ๐ถโโ๏ธ
- Friday Dec 19th : 200th Event! 'Christmas Jumpers on Show' night out in Leamington๐น
- Friday Dec 26th : Boxing Day walk through the parks (2.5-mile walk) ๐ถโโ๏ธ
- Sunday Dec 28th : Christmas Week Hike - Edgehill (7-mile hike) ๐ถโโ๏ธ
- Wednesday Dec 31st : New Years Eve Party / Social in Leamington ๐๐ฅ
- Sunday Jan 4th : Cotswolds (6-mile hike) ๐ถโโ๏ธ
- Sunday Jan 11th : Burton Dasset Loop (8-mile hike) ๐ถโโ๏ธ
- Sunday Jan 25th : Broadgate Park (6-mile hike) ๐ถโโ๏ธ
More events are being scheduled all the time, so join now to be kept informed.
Upcoming events
10
FFW: Warwick Monthly Social
The Globe, Theate Street CV34 4DP, Warwick, GBWhat better way to nail those new years resolutions to get out of the house and meet more people... whether you're a first-timer or a regular, get your name down to join this mixed casual group-tour around downtown Warwick on a relaxed Friday evening, and we'll descend together upon its most popular bars one at a time, staying long enough for a drink or two before we all move on to the next one.
What is a Friendly Faces Monthly Social?...
Either read on for a written explanation of the format of this event, or watch this YouTube video that I put together in 2023 when we first started doing them...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=st6irM814UM
To the untrained eye this event looks like a pub-crawl, but rather than being about getting drunk (as pub-crawls are) this monthly meetup event instead focuses on the social aspects : getting out there and meeting new people, mingling, and expanding your social circle.
Don't waste your energy trying to find someone you know to come with you - coming alone is perfectly normal and is what 99.9% of attendees do.
The changing of venues helps encourage the mingling upon us, and typically by the end of the evening - each attendee will...
(1) have met most (if not all) of the other attendees present,
(2) feel pretty chuffed about having chatted with a group of nice friendly people and made some cool new connections,
(3) feel like they fit right in,
(4) be checking the diary to see if they can make another event!
If you're driving, or (like me) alcohol isn't your thing, then do as I and any other non-drinkers do, and instead sip on a glass of cordial, coke, or zero beer. There is no pressure to buy drinks. If you decide to skip the bar and just enjoy the social occasion, you certainly wont be judged.
Big Win #1...
Unlike the usual sit-down or stand-still-all-night meetups, this style of event will keep mixing us up as a group every time we change venue, and the mingling will happen automatically as we go with the flow.
Big Win #2...
As a big group of people it will be great fun and a guaranteed laugh watching the bewildered faces of the non-meetup people in the bars as we all walk in the door together and fill the place, and then after an hour or so of meetup chatter - all leave together and empty it again!
Venues...
As you may know there are several cool bars in central Warwick so we wont have to walk far between venues. We'll visit around 3 or 4 venues throughout the evening, and stay close to the Market Square in the town centre.
I'll keep our location-changes communicated as the evening progresses so you can join at any point along the route, but lateness is not recommended. Obviously if you're on time at the start you'll be present for introductions, and you'll get much more out of the evening.
So to start we'll meet in the very laid back "The Globe" pub at 7:30pm and let the socialising commence.
Meet-point here... https://maps.app.goo.gl/vjEaVpbCLKCJMhyx9
Click the 'Attend' button now so you don't forget.
Take advantage of the free parking in the Cape Road car park which is free from 6pm on Friday.
Car park here... https://maps.app.goo.gl/4JSpR2ZoavrPPNP8A
Very Important Note...
A polite reminder that Friendly Faces events are for meeting new people, networking and expanding social circles. This means positive energy only.
The following 5 rules apply, as a way of safeguarding the group and its members from a few things. By attending this and any subsequent events, you agree to abide by them.
1. Friendly Faces events are not dating / singles events. Anyone engaging in persistent or unwelcomed attention towards others (either at an event or afterwards) may be removed from the group.
2. Having respect for others is non-negotiable. Anyone who is disrespectful to others (whether this is directed at members of the group or outsiders) may be removed from the group.
3. Drinking alcohol is normal (and optional) at these events, however our primary focus is on socialising, not on drinking to excess. Anyone being or becoming excessively drunk (or exhibiting drunken behaviour) may be removed from the group.
4. We are all Friendly Faces group ambassadors at the places we visit. Anyone misusing/abusing a venue/location (or the staff or property within) may be removed from the group.
5. Our encouragement of others to attend more Friendly Faces events benefits us all. However anyone harvesting/sharing phone numbers to promote products, events, or other social groups may be removed from the group.
I feel very proud that members of the Friendly Faces group are known for being so warm and welcoming to each other (and the expectations of first-timers are often exceeded) so good times and happy vibes naturally flow at our events.
With these rules in place and acknowledged we shouldn't need to refer back to them, but we have them and can use them if needed.
With that out of the way - lets do what we do so well, and enjoy these super-sociable group experiences and meeting new people.
If we haven't met you before we are all looking forward to meeting you, and if we have met you before - we're looking forward to seeing you again!
Finally...
Attendees new to the group are always welcome to check out their first event for free as a 'first-timer' to see how we do things, and we are sure you will enjoy it. If you decide its not for you then that's not a problem and we wish you all the best. However if you want to come back for more - to find out how to become a paid-subscription Friendly Faces group member (so that you can attend as many events as you like) read here...
https://www.meetup.com/friendlyfaces/events/305407432/50 attendees
FFW: Bradgate Park - hilly 7.5-mile hike. (Includes pub stop for a quick drink)
Groby Pool Car Park, Newtown Linford Lane, Leicester, GBWhether you're new to Friendly Faces or you're a seasoned regular, click the Attend button now and take full advantage of this tried and tested hike which will get you (1) out of the house, (2) exercising, and (3) meeting friendly, like-minded people with ease.
What are the details for this hike?
This is our third Friendly Faces outing to Bradgate Park - a super countryside hike, and the first visit was very much enjoyed by all who attended. However, before I say anything more about this route - be warned that this is not a flat route!. If you do not like hills, then this event is not for you.
Near the middle of the route, there is a long slow incline lasting about half a mile (that's it in the picture) heading up towards Old John Tower which sits on the top.
This hill is particularly challenging and will leave you huffing and puffing by the time you reach the top and very keen for a sit down. (the top is where we will sit down and stop for snacks)
This hill is sure to take a lot out of anyone who is not a fit and able regular walker, so please consider this before clicking the attend button, because running out of steam and giving up half way is not an option.
As a point of reference - if you have conquered the Malvern Hills recently without issue (specifically the initial incline starting at the 99 steps) then you should be ok with this one as well.
If anyone would like more detail on the specifics of the difficulty level of this hike, please drop me a message and I'll be happy to discuss.
So thats the big warning out of the way, now where was I... ah yes.. back to the details....
If you're still reading, you can be sure of a stunning day out exploring the finest countryside that this country has to offer. Amazing scenery, picturesque views, fresh air in your lungs... nature at its finest.
An incredible outdoorsy place to visit and no mistake.
So parking up in the Groby Pool car park and setting off at bang on 1pm, we'll walk out towards the other-worldly Bradgate Park, which is full of wild animals including an enclosed deer park, swans, and ducks, and complete a big loop along the well-trodden paths taking us all the way round the edge.
Note: The deer park is separated from the public by a wide running stream, if our luck is in on the day, the animals will come right up to the edge on their side to observe the humans, meaning you can add some stunning photos of them to your collection.
A mile or so before the end, we will call in at a nice countryside pub just outside the park to grab a drink and a quick sit down, and then finish off the last bit before arriving back at the carpark and calling it a day.
For our first visit a few people dropped in at another nearby pub to grab a Sunday roast before home, but this is purely optional.
Need a lift?...
If you aren't a driver and would like a lift to and from the starting point, leave a message here on the event page (as soon as you sign up) asking if anyone is kind enough to offer. Do that now, because leaving that question until the last few days before the event is too late.
Don't forget to offer a few pounds to your driver towards petrol money.
Other things to note...
- Unfortunately dogs are not allowed ๐ถโ to attend this event due to there being lots of wild animals and livestock all along the route.
- At this event you'll have a fantastic outdoorsy afternoon out, you'll meet a like-minded group of super-social Friendly Faces (including first-timers as always) and you'll be amazed at how easy it is to make new acquaintances / connections along the way.
- Compared to other hiking routes in the huge Friendly Faces library of routes, the terrain for this one is among the most challenging, and can be quite muddy in places. Trainers will simply not suffice for this route.
I do my best to warn people and to save them from wrecking/soaking inappropriate footwear. and despite insisting in the event description of every Friendly Faces walk that each attendee brings ankle-protecting walking boots, there are always a few who either ignore it or dont read it and arrive in trainers. Dont let that be you!
We'll hopefully see you returning for many more of the Friendly Faces hikes scheduled for the year ahead, so if you don't own proper walking boots then buying a pair will be a great investment. If you do not currently own any - a quick trip to your local Mountain Warehouse or Trespass store will quickly remedy that.
Feel free to drop me a message if you have any questions.
If not - click the big red "Attend" button now to be kept in the loop, and so you dont forget.
EVENT SUMMARY / IMPORTANT POINTS
- To find out how to become a full Friendly Faces group member, read here... https://www.meetup.com/friendlyfaces/events/305407432/
- This event starts at 12:00. Do not be late. Make sure you arrive early enough to get parked, and be ready at the start point for this time or we may leave without you.
- To attend this hiking event you must be physically active, in good health, and free from injury. If you are not all of these things - please remove yourself from the attendees list.
- Dogs are NOT allowed ๐ถโ to attend this event.
- Hard-wearing trainers will not suffice for this route, bring (or invest in) some good quality ankle-protecting waterproof footwear. This is an essential requirement for attending this hike.
54 attendees
FFW: Leamington Monthly Social
The White Horse, Clarendon Avenue, Leamington Spa, GBWhat better way to nail those new years resolutions to get out of the house and meet more people... whether you're a first-timer or a regular, get your name down to join this mixed casual group-tour around downtown Leamington on a relaxed Friday evening, and we'll descend together upon its most popular bars one at a time, staying long enough for a drink or two before we all move on to the next one.
What is a Friendly Faces Monthly Social?...
Either read on for a written explanation of the format of this event, or watch this YouTube video that I put together in 2023 when we first started doing them...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=st6irM814UM
To the untrained eye this event looks like a pub-crawl, but rather than being about getting drunk (as pub-crawls are) this monthly meetup event instead focuses on the social aspects : getting out and meeting new people, mingling, and expanding your social circle.
Don't waste your energy trying to find someone you know to come with you - coming alone is perfectly normal and is what 99.9% of attendees do, and by sticking with a friend - you wont meet anyone new.
The changing of venues helps encourage the mingling upon us, and typically by the end of the evening - each attendee will...
(1) have met most (if not all) of the other attendees present,
(2) feel pretty chuffed about having chatted with a group of nice friendly people and made some cool new connections,
(3) feel like they fit right in,
(4) be checking the diary to see if they can make another event!
If you're driving, or (like me) alcohol isn't your thing, then do as I and other non-drinkers do, and instead sip on a glass of cordial, coke, or zero beer. There is no pressure to buy drinks. If you decide to skip the bar and just enjoy the social occasion, you certainly wont be judged.
Big Win #1
Unlike the usual sit-down or stand-still-all-night meetups, this style of event will keep mixing us up as a group every time we change venue, and the mingling will happen automatically as we go with the flow.
Big Win #2
As a big group of people it will be great fun and a guaranteed laugh watching the bewildered faces of the non-meetup people in the bars as we all walk in the door together and fill the place, and then after an hour or so of meetup chatter - all leave together and empty it again!
Venues...
As you may know there are several cool bars in central Leamington so we wont have to walk far between venues. We'll visit around 3 or 4 venues throughout the evening, and stay close to the Parade in the town centre.
I'll keep our location-changes communicated as the evening progresses so you can join at any point along the route, but lateness is not recommended. Obviously if you're on time at the start you'll be present for introductions, and you'll get much more out of the evening.
So to start we'll gather at the very laid back "White Horse" pub at 7:30pm and let the socialising commence.
The White Horse : https://maps.app.goo.gl/yL1THf5cbDr6pk3M7
Click the 'Attend' button now so you don't forget.
There are plenty of parking options around the town including roadside parking along Beauchamp Avenue near the top of the Parade, and St Peter's Multi-Storey carpark at the bottom.
Beauchamp Avenue : https://maps.app.goo.gl/6jEPLhwP5DPtqkXy8
St Peters Multistorey : https://maps.app.goo.gl/7XuxdrbcwRodCGya8
Very Important Note...
A polite reminder that Friendly Faces events are for meeting new people, networking and expanding social circles. This means positive energy only.
The following 5 rules apply, as a way of safeguarding members from a few things. By attending this and any subsequent events, you agree to abide by them.
- Friendly Faces events are not dating / singles events. Anyone engaging in persistent or unwelcomed attention towards others (either at an event or afterwards) may be removed from the group.
- Having respect for others is non-negotiable. Anyone who is disrespectful to others (whether this is directed at members of the group or outsiders) may be removed from the group.
- Drinking alcohol is normal (and optional) at these events, however our primary focus is on socialising, not on drinking to excess. Anyone being or becoming excessively drunk (or exhibiting drunken behaviour) may be removed from the group.
- We are all Friendly Faces group ambassadors at the places we visit. Anyone misusing/abusing a venue/location (or the staff or property within it) may be removed from the group.
- Our encouragement of others to attend more Friendly Faces events benefits us all. However anyone harvesting/sharing phone numbers to promote products, events, or other social groups may be removed from the group.
I feel very privileged that members of the Friendly Faces group are known for being so warm and welcoming to each other (and the expectations of first-timers are often exceeded) so good times and happy vibes naturally flow at our events.
With these rules in place and acknowledged we shouldn't need to refer back to them, but we have them and can use them if needed.
With that out of the way - lets do what we do so well, and enjoy these super-sociable group experiences and meeting new people.
If we haven't met you before we are all looking forward to meeting you, and if we have met you before - we're looking forward to seeing you again!
Finally...
Attendees new to the group are always welcome to check out their first event for free as a 'first-timer' to see how we do things, but to find out how to become a paid-subscription Friendly Faces group member so that you can attend as many as you like, read here...
https://www.meetup.com/friendlyfaces/events/305407432/14 attendees
FFW: Cotswolds / Broadway Tower Loop (VERY hilly 7-mile hike)
Broadway War Memorial, High Street, Broadway, GBThis event is the rescheduled, much-loved, Broadway Tower hike in the Cotswolds. Please read this event description in full, as there are some important details to know.
Be warned that there is good news and bad news about this event.
The bad news first : This route is in the top three most challenging hiking routes undertaken by the Friendly Faces.
As usual this route has been tested beforehand, and throughout the route there are three VERY tough ascents - the first of which lasts for about half a mile and is sure to beat anyone who is not a fit and able regular hill-walker. Please consider this before clicking the attend button. Running out of energy and giving up half way around this route is not an option, and having to keep stopping for long breaks will not make you popular with the other attendees.
As a point of reference - if you have conquered other very challenging / undulating 7/8-mile hikes with the Friendly Faces (such as the Malvern Hills or Burton Dassett routes) without any problems - then you should be ok with this one as well, but please be warned that this hike is not for the Sunday strollers.
If anyone would like more detail on the specifics of the difficulty level of this hike, please drop me a message and I'll be happy to discuss.
The good news : This route is in the top 3 most scenic hiking routes undertaken by the Friendly Faces..
Make no mistake, the reward for battling up those tough hills is an abundance of quite incredible scenery. Anyone who has walked in the Cotswolds countryside before will tell you that its a special place, this superb route is a perfect introduction and has to be seen to be believed.
If you are a regular walker, you can be sure of a stunning day out exploring some of the finest countryside that this country has to offer.. Amazing scenery, picturesque views, fresh air in your lungs, the sound of birds singing and cattle in the distance... nature at its finest.
An incredible outdoorsy place that will leave you in need of a good sit down and rest at the end, and you'll feel a warm satisfied glow at having seen it and conquered it.
The town of Broadway directly south from Birmingham is beautiful, and there are several carparks scattered around the town, however each one is small and therefore often busy. It is recommended that you visit them in the order listed below. Also, the meet point is a 20-minute walk away from all of the car parks, so you are strongly advised to plan to arrive in town at least half an hour early so that you've got time to find a parking space and walk to the meet point. Its not nice to make the group wait because you didn't plan your journey. If you don't make it to the starting point for midday we'll have no choice but to start without you.
Need a lift?...
If you aren't a driver and would like a lift to and from the starting point, leave a message here on the event page (as soon as you sign up) asking if anyone is kind enough to offer. Do that now, because leaving that question until the last few days before the event is too late.
Don't forget to offer a few pounds to your driver towards petrol money.
Other things to note...
- Unfortunately dogs are not allowed ๐ถโ to attend this event due to there being lots of wild animals and livestock all along the route.
- At this event you'll have a fantastic outdoorsy afternoon out, you'll meet a like-minded group of super-social Friendly Faces (including first-timers as always) and you'll be amazed at how easy it is to make new acquaintances / connections along the way.
- Trainers will not suffice for this route. I always advise in the event descriptions that you invest in good, purpose-made, ankle-protecting footwear, and there are always a few who either ignore it or don't read it and arrive in trainers. Don't let that be you.
- This is one of several hiking events that you are welcomed and encouraged to join as we all keep fit and active, and soak up the amazing English countryside.
Feel free to drop me a message if you have any questions.
If not - click the big red "Attend" button now to be kept in the loop, and so you don't forget.
If you're a fan of good quality challenging hikes, then trust me when I say that this will be a truly amazing day out that you will not forget.
EVENT SUMMARY / IMPORTANT POINTS
- To find out how to become a full Friendly Faces group member, read here... https://www.meetup.com/friendlyfaces/events/305407432/
- This event starts at 12:00. Do not be late. Make sure you arrive early enough to get parked, and be ready at the start point for this time or we may leave without you.
- To attend this hiking event you must be physically active, in good health, and free from injury. If you are not all of these things - please remove yourself from the attendees list.
- Dogs are NOT allowed ๐ถโ to attend this event.
- Trainers (or walking shoes that do not cover your ankles) will not suffice for this route, so please bring (or invest in) some good quality ankle-protecting waterproof footwear. This is an essential requirement for attending this hike.
28 attendees
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205
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