Members arrange a wide variety of social events for the MAD Walkers (non-members are welcome too!) If you'd like to host an event, contact the Socials Coordinator at

Regular pub socials are held on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month from 8.30pm at the Knott Bar, Deansgate.

NOVEMBER

Friday 21st: Didsbury Beer Festival

Organiser: Chris Morris

Description: This is the first ever beer festival in Didsbury. Held at St Catherine's Social Club on School Lane, its just a stone's throw away from the heart of Didsbury Village on Wilmslow Road. Plenty of opportunity therefore for food beforehand and having that 'last cheeky one' in one of the village pubs.

Booking: Just turn up!

Cost: £4 on the door

Meet: 7.30pm at the Fletcher Moss pub, 1 William Street (off the main drag - Wilmslow Road). One or two in there then we'll go round the corner to the festival site.

Sunday 30th: St Andrews Day whisky tasting

Organiser: Tom Card

Description: Celebrating the day of the patron saint of Scotland at the Briton’s Protection, home of arguably the largest collection of Scotch Whiskys in Manchester. For those who aren’t so keen on Whisky, the beer’s pretty good too!

Booking: Just turn up!

Meet: 7.30pm in the Briton's Protection

DECEMBER

Wednesday 3rd: A Taste of Honey - Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester

Organiser: Michelle Crabbe

Description: Come along and see the classic “A Taste of Honey” at the Royal Exchange on Wednesday 3 December. The play starts at 7.30pm and lasts 2 hours 50 mins. We can go to the Knott bar afterwards for a drink. For more details on the play please see the Royal Exchange website.

Booking: Please e-mail the organiser to book a place: michelle-crabbe@hotmail.co.uk before Thursday 20 November 2008. Sorry but no bookings can be accepted after this date.

Meet: To be confirmed ...

Cost: £15 per person

Saturday 6th: Our MAD Christmassy Day Out: Chester

Organisers: Peter Trimbel

Description: Chester - a beautiful city at the best of times but even more so when its all lit up Christmassy-style. We'll get the train over mid-morning (not too early so you can all have a bit of a lie-in on a Saturday!) and will go on a walk around the city walls. After that? You could go on a historical tour of the city (ampitheatre, Roman Gardens etc.), shop for those must-get stocking fillers in Chester's hectic-but-picturesque shopping streets, visit some of the city's heritage pubs, relax on the banks or the River Dee or grab a mulled wine and a bratwurst at the continental Christmas market.

Booking: Just turn up on the day!

Meet: By the destinations board at Piccadilly station for 11.00am. We will catch the 11.16am train to Chester, arriving at 12.19pm

Return services: To be confirmed. Looks like an hourly service after 6pm

Tuesday 9th: Manchester Magician’s Christmas Party

Organiser: Max Townsend

Description: Mad Walkers are invited to a festive party at the World Irish Heritage Centre organised by the Order of the Magi who are one of the most distinguished magic societies in the world. Highlights will include:

• Comedy from Venn Tracey (yes – that Venn Tracey)
• Music from Folk Band “Me and Our Kid”
• Specialist Magic from Ian Ball
• Games, Prizes & Other Fun Stuff
• Magic from Club Members

Booking: Please e-mail the organiser to book a place: max.townsend@stockport.gov.uk before 21 November 2008.

Meet: The Irish World Heritage Centre (WIHC) is on Queens Road in Cheetham Hill just off the junction with Cheetham Hill Road . If coming from the City Centre just look out for the huge Retail Park on your right hand side and in particular the Halford’s Superstore; the WIHC is behind Halfords. Walking from Victoria Station would take about 25 mins or there are bus services from near Victoria Station that go up Cheetham Hill Road (135 & 89). There is also ample car parking at the WIHC.

Cost: £5 per person (no – that’s not a misprint!)

Extra: There is a Hot Pot Supper included in the ticket price. There is also a bar at the WIHC serving the best Guinness in Manchester!

Wednesday 10th: Manchester Christmas Markets

Organiser: Michelle Crabbe

Description: A visit to the festive markets in the centre of Manchester. We'll start off the evening in the North Pole Bar (the marquee bar in front of Urbis) then work our way through the markets at Exchange Square, St Annes Square, Brazenose Street then up to the main markets in Albert Square.

Booking: Just turn up!

Meet: 7pm at The North Pole Bar. We'll set off at 7.45pm

Sunday 14th: The Annual MAD Walkers Santa Social Walk

Organisers: Gavin and Mary (santawalk@madwalkers.org.uk)

Description: This year's act of festive silliness is another short 5 mile walk to work up an appetite for a traditional Christmas 3-course lunch up on the edge of the Rossendale hills, north of Manchester. Be sure to wear something festive!

Booking: At the New Members' Night on Wednesday 5th November at 20:30, bring cash/cheques made out to 'MAD Walkers' along with your RA membership card. The food options are to be chosen then. After that, email us for a postal method.

Cost: £15. (N.B. the bus will cost £6, paid for by you)

Meet: City centre location(TBA) about 10:00.

Return services: The aim is to take the 16:10 bus service, but there's a further service an hour later. NB the bus stop is a 15-minute walk from the pub along a pavement.

Extra: The Santa walk is now full. Please email the organisers if you wish to be put on the reserve list.

Saturday 20th: Christmas meal at Ning restaurant

Organiser: Alastair Lyons(info@madwalkers.org.uk)

Description: Come to Ning restaurant on Oldham Street (next to the Frog & Bucket comedy club) for a Christmas meal with a difference. Ning is a Malay and Thai restaurant. Vegetarians are well catered for and there are some very good reviews on their website.

There will be 20 places in total and the restaurant are offering a special £19.95 Christmas set menu.

Booking: Please email the organiser at info@madwalkers.org.uk to make a booking. A deposit of £5 per person will be required to secure a booking. Menu choices will be taken nearer the time.

Meet: Restaurant sit down time will be 8.45pm however we will meet for drinks in The North Pole bar at 7pm. The North Pole is the marquee bar located outside Urbis.