About us
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: 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=st6irM814UMTo 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, and
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/yL1THf5cbDr6pk3M7Click 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/7XuxdrbcwRodCGya8Very 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.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 it) 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 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, and we are sure you will enjoy it. If afterwards 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 as you like) read here...
https://www.meetup.com/friendlyfaces/events/305407432/87 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 climbs gradually for about half a mile, finishing in a few flights-worth of steps. This first incline alone 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 through 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 our 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 definitely not for the casual strollers.
If anyone would like to know more on the difficulty level of this hike, please drop me a message and I'll be happy to describe.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 visited the Cotswolds before will tell you that it is a special place, this superb route is a perfect introduction to this area of natural beauty, and it 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 of Birmingham is beautiful, and there are several car-parks scattered around the town, however each one is small and therefore often busy. It is recommended that you look for street parking where possible (making sure to check the signs) and failing that, look for a space in the car-parks in the order of priority listed below.
Also worthy of note - 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.Drivers...
If you are a driver, the town of Broadway is x minutes drive away...
Stratford 30; Warwick 42; Leamington 49; Coventry 51; Central Birmingham 60; Rugby 65.
Don't forget to factor in any pickups on the way, and also add half an hour extra upon arrival.
ALWAYS plan your journey and check for traffic on the day!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.
43 attendees
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=st6irM814UMTo 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, and
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/vjEaVpbCLKCJMhyx9Click 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/4JSpR2ZoavrPPNP8AVery 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.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 it) 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 afterwards 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 as you like) read here...
https://www.meetup.com/friendlyfaces/events/305407432/50 attendees
FFW: Burton Dassett Loop from North End (VERY hilly 8-mile hike)
Top Street, Top Street, Malt House Close, Southam, GBPlease read through...
I am super-chuffed to be able to bring this old favourite hiking route back after a 2-year absence, however as with the super-hilly Malverns and Broadway Tower routes that we do, this one is equally hilly and equally tough on your legs. So if you don't like hills or don't consider yourself an advanced hiker - you should certainly stay at home.
There is also uneven terrain underfoot for several sections of the route, so it's very important that you wear some sturdy hiking footwear that protects you from injury. I make no exaggerations or exceptions with this warning, so if you want to attend this event but don't own any proper hiking boots (that cover your ankles) - buy some or stay at home.This amazing hike will take us around a breathtakingly scenic and undulating walking route starting in the village of North End, and moving through the much-loved Burton Dassett and Holly Well, looping back to finish where we started. The dreamy remote and peaceful setting together with the outstanding views and scenery make this a superb route from start to finish.
If you're a keen and able walker/trekker (whether you're a first-timer to the group or not) then this walk is for you. Maybe you've smashed a Friendly Faces hike or two already, or maybe you've heard good things about the ones we've done and you want to get involved in these fantastic social occasions... step up and add this one to your list of accomplishments for 2026.
At this event you'll have a fantastic outdoorsy afternoon out, you'll meet a warm 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.When we're done, right next to the parking spot is the very modern Lost Pug pub where we will grab a well earned sit down, drink, and last chinwag before setting off home.
Note: There are several farmers fields that we pass through along the route containing cattle, so while well-behaved dogs are welcome - it goes without saying that they must be kept on a lead at all times.
Also bear in mind that dogs will need lifting over some (but not all) of the stiles, so large dogs may be a struggle.If you are fit and able, this event is not one you'll want to miss or to hear about from others, so hit that big red 'Attend' button now to be kept informed.
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.Where will we start?...
Use the map link below to find the meet point which is on Top Street, where there is free parking on the roadside. Please be respectful of others when parking, and where possible leave space so that others can park next to you.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 12pm. 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, free from injury, and have experience of covering steep hills (and 8 miles distance) in one go. If you are not all of these things - please remove yourself from the attendees list.
- Dogs ARE allowed ๐ถโ to attend this event, but must be kept on a lead at all times. No exceptions.
- Due to the uneven terrain, you must wear (or if you don't already own - invest in) some good quality ankle-protecting waterproof footwear - for this and the varied subsequent Friendly Faces hikes. Trainers will not protect you from an injury - which could bring an unpopular end to the event for everyone, so please be sensible (and considerate to others) and bring proper footwear.
18 attendees
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