Social Walk & Drinks πΆπ»π³π»π
Details
Important information: β οΈ
- Please confirm your attendance. An early RSVP helps make the event run smoothly for the organisers.
- A link to the WhatsApp group for this event will appear in the comments in the week it takes place.
- This event is weather dependent.
- Arriving late will lead to members having to catch the rest of us up.
- The total distance walked for this event will be roughly 4 miles.
- No seats are reserved at The Chester Arms or Isis Farmhouse.
- Guests must be aged 18 or over.
- If you require reasonable adjustments, please inform the event organiser in advance.
What to expect: π€
Join us for a walk towards the east side of Oxford. We will begin at the main entrance of Christ Church Meadow, before making our way towards Iffley Road.
Our first stop will be The Chester Arms, where weβll pause for drinks. After enjoying some refreshments, weβll continue our journey by walking up to Donnington Bridge and stopping at Isis Farmhouse for an hour. Following our second stop, we begin to walk along the river Thames back to the city centre. The event will conclude at the Holly Bush, bringing our outing to a close, with members having the option to stay out longer if they wish.
The walks and conversations don't have to end when the event does. If you find yourself wanting to arrange follow-up gatherings, outings, or themed meetups, our WhatsApp community is the place to do it. It is the go-to spot for members to propose new ideas and stay in touch between events. You can join the community by clicking here.
The plan: πͺπ»
- 2 PM - We'll meet at the main entrance to Christ Church Meadows.
- 2:10 PM - we'll begin our walk through Christ Church, cutting through to High Street and Iffley Road, where we will stop at The Chester Arms.
- 2:45 PM - We will spend roughly an hour at the Chester Arms.
- 3:45 PM - We will begin walking towards Donnington Bridge.
- 4:15 PM - We will stop at Isis Farmhouse for an hour.
- 5:15 PM - We will walk back along the river towards St Aldates.
- 6 PM - The event will come to a close, with members having the option to stay for drinks at the Holly Bush.
All times are a rough guidance of this event.
Q&A π
Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions relating to this event:
What makes the Oxford Social Circle unique to other social events? β
We believe in quality over quantity! Unlike groups that operate as businesses, our community is built on a social model rather than a profit-driven one. We arenβt interested in making grand, exaggerated claims about being the "biggest or best" in Oxford just to inflate our numbers; instead, our genuine goal is to help residents across Oxfordshire build authentic social lives through our dedicated WhatsApp community. While we maintain firmer boundaries than other groups, these are intentionally designed to prioritise safety and transparency. By requiring recognisable profile photos and insisting on accurate RSVP updates, we actively discourage "troublesome" individuals and significantly decrease the frustration of an inaccurate number of attendeesβbecause at the end of the day, no one wants to show up to an event expecting 80 people only to find 20 attending!
I'm new and feel anxious. Is this group not right for me? π°
Attending for the first time is pushing you out of your comfort zone, so it is normal to feel anxious on your first occasion. We always have a mixture of new and old faces. Regulars are very welcoming and it takes only 2-4 events for most members to feel settled in. My advice is to give it a shot and reflect afterwards if the event is right for you.
Why is it important member's RSVP (and not gatecrash)? β
Keeping your RSVP status up to date is about being a respectful member of the community. "No-showing" or showing up unannounced creates several issues:
- Venue Limits: We risk overcrowding a venue, which can lead to safety hazards or members being turned away at the door.
- Financial Impact: Some venues can charge us booking fees or require minimum spends based on our expected numbers. If people donβt show up, the event organiser may face unnecessary costs.
- Setting Expectations: Accurate numbers help other members know what kind of atmosphere to expect (e.g., a quiet get together vs. a large party).
- Basic Courtesy: It is simply polite. Think of it this way: how would you feel if you arranged to meet friends, and they didn't show up without letting you know?
How will I find you? π§
To find us on the day, simply check the events comments section for a description of where we are located and what the organiser is wearing. In addition, we will also post a link to a WhatsApp group in the comments the day before the event. If you are late, or cannot find us, it is highly recommended that you join this, as we will be sharing a live location tracker there to show you exactly where we are at all times. Please note that once the event kicks off, weβll only be answering questions through that WhatsApp group.
Will I require hiking equipment? π₯Ύ
This is going to be a 4 mile walk, along a concrete path, so there is no need to prepare yourself for an intense hike.
Can I bring my pet dog with me? πΆ
You're welcome to bring your dog on the walk! We just ask that you take full responsibility for them and any issues that might arise.
Can I just meet you at The Chester Arms or Isis Farmhouse? π»
Yes, you can! We aim to arrive at the Chester Arms at 2:45 PM, and the Isis Farmhouse at 3:45 PM.
Do I have to return with you to the city centre? ποΈ
If leaving the event early is more convenient for you, you are welcome to leave when you see fit.
We live in Britain, surely it's going to rain? β
If this turns out to be the case, an alternative plan will be posted, likely being socialising in a nearby pub.
Where will I be able to park? π
Whilst it's not impossible to find parking in Oxford, the limited availability, as well as costs, can make parking incredibly challenging. Therefore, we encourage members to use the most convenient public transport available.
Can I bring additional people with me? ββπ©πΏβπ€βπ¨πΌ
Yes you can, providing they are aged 18 or over. You are also responsible for any potential problematic behaviours from guests you bring with you. Please put them as +1 when you check-in so we can try and find us enough space.
Is this a dating event? ββπ©ββ€βπ¨
Whilst we recognise and accept that relationships do form in social settings, we ask members to be mindful that this is not an event specifically for dating. Therefore, if your only reason for attending is to find your soulmate, this event will not be the right event for you.
I've joined the WhatsApp Community, but I haven't been approved to join any of the groups! When will you accept these?
Whilst anyone is welcome to join the WhatsApp community, for safety and privacy reasons, the groups are restricted to members who have attended at least one event with the Oxford Social Circle. If your WhatsApp profile does not contain your name and/or recognisable image of yourself, you will need to confirm to the lead organiser, Kevin, for your request to be approved.
Why must all members have a recognisable profile photo in the Oxford Social Circle? π€³π»
In the past, we have found that problematic incidents have all involved accounts with fake profiles or no photos.
To keep the Oxford Social Circle a safe space for everyone, we require all members to maintain a clear, recognisable photo of themselves at all times.
We understand that some members may have concerns due to their profession or personal experiences. While we empathise with these situations, we cannot make exceptions. Our responsibility is to ensure the collective safety of the entire group by maintaining a transparent community.
If I sustain an injury during the event, will the organisers provide compensation? π€
Because we operate as a community-led group rather than a commercial business, we are unable to provide compensation or insurance coverage for personal injuries. By joining us, members have agreed to take full responsibility for their own health and safety.
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