What we’re about
Welcome to the Stirling Social Activities Group!
Key Group Rules:
- Over 18 year-olds only
- Please register any guests (+1)
- Please change your status to "Not going" when you realise you can no longer attend an event
- Have fun 😀
We are the largest and most varied fully-inclusive Meetup group in Stirling. To maximise your experience please take time to read and follow all of the following info, to help you understand what the group is about and also to understand what is expected of group members. This includes our acceptable behaviour standards and event attendance and cancellation policy. Membership of this group is conditional on all the following points being observed.
[1] Group Aim 🎯
The aim of the group is to allow adults based in and around the Stirling area to meet new folk and take part in a wide range of enjoyable in-person sociable activities, all within a friendly environment. Whether you are new to Stirling or have been here some time, outgoing or shy, adventurous or relaxed, this group has plenty to offer. You will get a warm welcome at all our events from our team of organisers and event hosts. 😊
If you are a little nervous about joining in, or want to say ‘hello’ before your first event, then drop the Organisers a message (there is an option to do this under ‘About Us’ on the main group page).
Events (past, present and proposed) include leisurely walks, meals and drinks, visits, exploring old town, pub quizzes, picnics and board games nights. Events reflect different people’s interests, and are cost-conscious wherever possible. Group organisers are open to other fun ideas if people have any!
[2] Disclaimers, Expectations and Rules 📃
We are proud to have earned more than 155 5-star reviews by organising events in a safe and structured manner.
By continuing your membership of this group you agree to always act with acceptable behaviour and abide by the group rules, expectations and procedures at all times (as follows in [2] [3] [4]). The organisers’ decision is final on all group matters, including acceptable behaviour.
Membership of the group and attendance at events (members and guests) is strictly for over 18s. Nobody under the age of 18 is permitted to attend any group event in any capacity. All attendees (including members’ guests) are responsible for their own actions and safety at events: group and/or event organisers are not liable for any injury, loss or inconvenience however caused. Having read the event description (which cannot include every possible detail) members and their guests should decide whether or not to attend based on their own abilities.
Acceptable behaviour is expected from group members and their guests, and includes:
(a) Playing your part in maintaining our unique community. This group is a safe space for adults from a variety of backgrounds to connect and have a good time in an inclusive, friendly and positive environment.
(b) Avoiding discussions/debates on politics and other subjects which have potential to divide opinion. The focus of this group is on the activity that has been organised.
(c) Recognising that, although some group members or their guests may be single, this is not a dating group. Please be respectful and considerate of others at all times, both face-to-face and via the Meetup app.
Any unkind, discriminatory or harassing behaviour at any time and in any form/medium will not be tolerated. Concerns should be raised with the event host or Rachel (Group Organiser). Anybody who behaves in an unreasonable manner will be asked to leave the group.
[3] Attendance At Events 🗓
Organisers work hard in their spare time to plan and run events. Wherever possible organisers try to maximise the number of people who can take part in events. Occasionally, due to the nature of an event, there is a need to restrict the number of attendees.
For the enjoyment of those attending, most events have a designated capacity. Every person attending an event (members and guests) needs to be accounted for. Members do this by clicking “Attend” on the event listing, and may add guests (if event allows guests) by selecting “+1”. All members and guests count as attendees on the “Going” list. For fairness and also organisational purposes please do not bring along extra people who are not already accounted for in the event numbers (“Going” list). Again, for fairness, members and/or guests cannot just turn up at an event and hope to take part, or try to amalgamate their own private grouping into a recognised Meetup event. If a member is on the “Waitlist” for an event they should only attend if they are moved to the “Going” list due to a cancellation from another member.
Members are responsible for keeping up-to-date with event arrangements, including checking the event page for any updates. For personal safety and GDPR purposes, group/event communication is via the official Meetup website and the official Meetup app. There is no WhatsApp group or social media pages so please do not ask.
Registered assistance animals are always welcome at our events to support members and/or their guests. Pet animals are not the same as registered assistance animals. Pet animals may only attend events with the prior permission of event organiser(s) and agreement of all other attendees. Some members may not like being in the company of pet animals and their wishes must be respected. Please do not automatically assume that pet animals such as dogs can be present at outdoor events such as trips to the park or a walk. Organisers will do their best to make attendees aware of the likely presence of animals at events, however it is not always possible to guarantee that events which take place in third-party venues will be animal free. Group members should exercise their own judgement in deciding whether or not to attend in such circumstances.
If there is any cost associated with an event (e.g. transport, entrance fee, food, drink, equipment hire) then members and their guests are solely responsible for covering these costs in full as individuals. Some events require members and their guests to book directly with the venue once they have gained a place on the “Going” list, it is the attendees’ responsibility to ensure that all external booking terms & conditions are met. At events involving food and drink there will be no splitting of a combined bill, nor will there be a group tab/rounds/kitty. Please pay for food and drink individually at time of ordering. IOUs will not be offered nor accepted, so please ensure you have the means to cover any costs you incur as part of events.
[4] Non-Attendance At Events 🗓❌
If you sign up to take part in an event it is expected that you will attend. This is a popular group, and events often have a waiting list. Please update your confirmation status to “Not Going” as soon as you know that you are no longer able to attend an event. Changing your status to “Not Going” must be done as soon as possible, and a minimum of 24 hours before the start of an event to allow other members (250+ currently) a reasonable opportunity to take part. It also means that organisers and other attendees do not wait unnecessarily for somebody who is not able to attend.
If a member signs up to attend an event, but does not actually attend, they will be recorded as a no-show. No-shows and very late notice cancellations will be noted and may result in a temporary pause in signing up for further events. Out of courtesy, it is a requirement of group membership that you let event organisers know if you are unable to attend an event (via event chat) and change your status to “Not Going” in plenty time. This is almost always possible beyond genuine, sudden emergencies.
Due to the nature of some events, it is occasionally necessary for members to pay the event organiser in advance and/or book directly with the venue. In the case of non-attendance, no refunds will be given under any circumstances.
Repeated non-attendance, short notice cancellation, failure to respond to communications and/or lack of engagement may result in removal from the group.
[5] Membership Fees 💷
Meetup HQ charges the group approximately £200 per year for access to the Meetup system. Although membership of the group is free, group organisers need to be able to cover this cost without being personally out of pocket. A suggested voluntary donation of £2.50 per member per year to cover hosting costs set by Meetup HQ would be much appreciated.
Donations can be made via https://gofund.me/232e4ad7
Any excess member donations collected above the Meetup HQ hosting fee will be put back into the group through discounted events, or donated to a local charity. Organisers will not make any profit from the group. The organising team welcome any questions about this. Transparency is important so if anyone would like to see the receipts of Meetup HQ charges we would be happy to provide these.
[6] Questions ❓
Any questions? Please contact the group organisers (Rachel, Peter, Greco and Andy).
We look forward to your participation at future events 😊
[Last updated: 25 October 2024]
