Text contributed by Johnny; pics provided by Simon, Christina and Johnny.
So it’s one full year that I’ve been a member of the Ipswich Outdoor Group and what a journey so far!
Where do I start? When I joined the IOG I wasn’t in a good place but I was already a keen walker and cyclist and was looking to find groups with similar interests to me. The IOG came recommended and I decided to read up on the group and see what it was all about.
It was clear from the description of activities that this group was going to be right up my street. So there I was on Meetup on a Sunday night in November looking at what the next event would be and by coincidence there was an event the very next day called the IOG monthly social meeting, aimed at people who were thinking of joining the group or wanting to find out more.
Monday night came and I was very nervous (although those that know me now may find this hard to believe!) but excited at the same time!
The first person I met at the bar was David and he could not have been more welcoming so I was now quite relaxed about what was to come.
Upstairs I went and met Glen (chairman), Christina (members’ representative) and Pete (vice chair at the time), and I instantly realised this was going to be a special group of people.
I believe I signed up that night or the next day. I had the next week off work already booked and decided to do literally every event that the group had that week – this confirmed my opinion that this group was for me! I was very full on back then and still am.
I’ve made some dear friends since I joined the group and believe they’ll be friends for life!
For anyone who’s thinking of joining this group, I guess I’m trying to say that you absolutely cannot go wrong by trying it out – you’ll participate in fun activities and meet a really great group of like-minded people. I, for one, can honestly say this group has changed my life for the better.
[Ed.: You’ve changed our lives for the better too, Johnny! Your boundless energy, enthusiasm, sense of adventure and positive attitude add so much to the group and it’s awesome (!) that you joined us.]