EVENTS & NEWS

If you're new to the AOAC, here's what we recommend:

1. You're welcome to come and meet us at our twice-monthly pub nights, but the best way to really get to know us is to come on one of our activities. 
2. Take a look at our calendar to find your first event, maybe a day walk or a new members weekend.
3. Contact the organiser to book your placen (if the event requires booking).
4. You must be a member before you can attend one of our activities. To join please contact the membership secretary: membership@aoac.co.uk

New Members Frequently Asked Questions

• Who can join?
  Anybody over the age of 18.
  
  
• What does it cost?
  Many events are free; weekends away typically cost under £40 (accommodation only). We don't aim to make a profit on any of our events and you're unlikely to find better value anywhere. Membership costs no more than £25 per year (reduced rates are available, details on the membership form).
  
  
• What kind of people are members?
  We have around 400 members, roughly half male and half female, mostly living in Bristol, Bath or the surrounding areas.
  
  
• How many events does the club have?
  Lots of evening events and one-day weekend events, a two-day trip away most weekends, a week away every few month... take a look at our calendar to see what's coming up.
  
  
• Can I come long by myself?
  Yes - most new members do. If you come to our monthly new member's night you'll meet a group of other first-timers as well as lots of existing members.
  
  
• Is it easy to make friends?
  Yes! Most new members join in order to meet new people, as well as to enjoy outdoor sports. We have a busy programme of social events as well as lots of sporting activities. The size of the club (400+ members) might sound a bit daunting, but most of our activities and trips involve between 10 and 40 people so we recommend that you go on one and get to know a few people at a time.
  
  
• Do I need experience to take part in the activities?
  Not for most of our events. Some of the activities we organise are suitable only for participants with experience.
  
  
• Will I need lots of expensive equipment to participate?
  Some activities need no more than suitable clothing, some require equipment. The AOAC has equipment like kayaks and mountain bikes available for hire at very low rates and we have discounts with various suppliers if you want to buy your own equipment.
  
  
• Who runs / owns the AOAC?
  The AOAC is owned by its members and it is run by its members. Lots of members organise events and there's a committee elected annually to make sure that the club runs smoothly.