Local Guide Peter Williams ( @PeteMHW ) loves maps (both the digital and the paper variety) and he loves meeting new friends who are just as passionate about them as he is. Pete lives in the small market town of Clitheroe, which is close to Manchester in the UK.
As a recognized Community Builder, it’s no surprise that he’s one of the organizers of the upcoming multi-day EuroMeetup 2024 in Manchester, together with @AdrianLunsong . Read on to learn more about what it means to be a host and Pete’s advice on doing meet-ups.
What was your first experience with meet-ups?
I always loved maps. When I retired from being a primary school head teacher and needed something to do, I took an interest in Google Maps and searched how to edit an error I found. Through this search, I encountered Local Guides and the Connect website. I was invited to a real-life meet-up with the Manchester group, which was very food and drink based — and I loved it. The rest is history, as they say!
Do you have a favorite meet-up theme?
I really enjoy them all, as long as it brings people together. But I think photo walks that explore the idiosyncrasies of an area from unusual perspectives are my favorite, because I learn a lot about the place and about good photography from other people!
This June, you will be co-hosting the EuroMeetup 2024 in Manchester with Adrian. Can you share a bit about what goes into organizing a multi-day event?
We’ve planned a series of events/visits over three days. Each event will be like a mini meet-up on its own, which is great, and each one is really exciting in its own right but comparatively easy to organize. They reflect either the history of the city, some of its arts and crafts, or the interests of Local Guides like photography or food! But I think the most difficult organization is the in-between bits like start times, meal times, getting between places, accessibility, rest gaps, and so on, ensuring all the elements key together well and will represent Manchester at its best when it all comes together.
One of the things the meet-up will focus on is getting to know and interact with local businesses. How did you pick the businesses to introduce to the attendees?
We tried to pick a range of businesses — some to represent the history or culture, and some to represent the creativity that lies beneath the surface of the busy, bustling, thriving city. So as well as tours of historic buildings and museums, we plan to take people to an artisan craft center and a century-old craft shop in the city’s most historic quarter.
What are you most excited about the EuroMeetup?
Honestly? The chance to meet up with old friends, welcome new friends, and keep the wonderful community going.
Do you have a favorite meet-up you’ve hosted in the past? What about a favorite meet-up you’ve attended?
I have to say I was so proud to get the Manchester group to move out of the city and travel to my own small rural hometown. They got a terrific welcome from a local historian, who gives guided tours, and from the town crier, who turned up in all his regalia to announce the group’s presence in the open marketplace.
In terms of the favorite meet-up I’ve attended, it must be one of the two European ones I’ve been to (Ghent and Munich), where I met so many wonderful people in the community who’ve become friends. But I’m sorry I can’t decide which!
What one piece of advice would you give to someone who’s about to host their first meet-up?
That it doesn’t need to be perfect, so just do the best you can. Everyone is friendly, supportive, and “on your side.” Can I give a second piece of advice? There are members of the community who will help you get started and shepherd you through the process — all in total friendliness — so ask!
Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about yourself?
I’m married to the lovely Anne, who just about tolerates me photographing everything, including meals. I’ve three grown-up children and 2.7 grandchildren (=one on the way). So I reckon I’m probably one of the older Local Guides around!
Have you attended any of Pete’s meet-ups? Do you have a question for him? Tell us in the comments below.
Want to see who else is a Meet-up Champion? Read our previous post here.
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congratulations.
